• Welcome to the Indian FTR 1200 Forums. Member registration disables ads and allows you to post and share. Register Here.

Well it’s official- the FTR has been discontinued

Such a shame, and IMO a mistake by Polaris. There are only two Indian bikes that appeal to me, the FTR and the Scout Bobber, I'm lucky to have both. However they have spoiled the looks of the new Scout Bobber with the 2024/5 model, and discontinuing the FTR means that I'd be very unlikely to buy another new Indian Motorcycle. If they don't replace the FTR with a similar model then as far as I'm concerned Indian will just be a one trick pony, only producing uninspiring unattractive fat lardy looking cruisers/baggers ☹️
 
Yeah my original intention was to wait a few years before buying an FTR but as soon as I heard that they were discontinuing it I got lucky and got a good deal on an FTR Sport. I was considering the Scout 101 but the cruiser seating doesn't do well for me.
 
I hate to say it but Harley has more guts than Indian. Sad, I expected more. Hopefully when/if motorcycling recovers we see something new.
 
Peterson said:
well ... I'm definitely not sure. About spares: I don't think they'll become a problem.
Click to expand...

General spares I don't expect to be a problem for quite some time, but from previous experience when bikes/parts are discontinued dealers in the UK very often heavily discount accessories and some parts. I've already benefitted from this with Akrapovic silencers purchased at a fraction of RRP, also rearsets, carbon covers, etc.
 
I for one will be keeping our FTR. I can't think of a bike that for the money would be as much fun. The reasons for buying it hasn't changed.
My experience with great niche vehicles is they hold their value well. I wish I had my 1994 Supra Twin Turbo, 2013 FJ Cruiser Trail Edition or my 2000 Honda S2000. All discontinued due to low sales numbers. And each one of them is worth multiple times what they sold for new.
The FTR will continue to be a niche bike but a clean well kept example will slowly grow in value IMHO.
 
Last edited:
MilwDave said:
I for one will be keeping our FTR. I can't think of a bike that for the money would be as much fun. The reasons for buying it hasn't changed.
My experience with great niche vehicles is they hold their value well. I wish I had my 1994 Supra Twin Turbo, v2013 FJ Cruiser Trail Edition or my 2000 Honda S2000. All discontinued due to low sales numbers. And each one of them is worth multiple times what they sold for new.
The FTR will continue to be a niche bike but a clean well kept example will slowly grow in value IMHO.
Click to expand...
thx, good arguments (y)
 
Well, let’s face it, it died because not enough people bought it. Period. Reality is it was too expensive and unknown to take on the established when you could buy a Speed Triple( for example) with +60 more hp for the same money.
How many times have I had people ask me what it is and whose engine it is?? Great bike, poor market penetration?
 
I'm hoping IMC got more out of this episode than "See, sporty bikes don't sell. We need more 900lb. Road Couches!".
 
Makes me sad for sure. Makes both my bikes discontinued (other being a Ducati Desert Sled). I definitely think their marketing could have been better. But last year I saw a fair few FTR's in the wild so I believe their popularity was growing. Just not enough apparently.
 
It's likely the financial realities of making a roughly $15,000 motorcycle in the good old US of A means that you need to likely build 20,000 or more units annually to make it work. The margins just aren't there in the sport naked or whatever category you wish to slot the FTR. Harley backed out of this segment when it panned the Bronx. Despite the (minor in my opinion) quirks, the bike is a highly spec'd, well built and really good looking machine. Step back and look at the inspiration and evolution of the FTR along with the flat track and hooligan tie ins and you really have to wonder how they ever thought this was going to make money. Brand awareness for sure but at what price? Even if the platform had been developed to support more models, like a sport bike with clip ons and an ADV version, it's doubtful it would have ever achieved profitable numbers. The FTR was always the odd man out in the Indian line-up, requiring too many unique sub-assemblies at insufficient volume to achieve profitability.
 
L2RKE said:
Well, we are now in a more exclusive club now then 😉
My Local dealer is selling accessories at heavily discounted prices.
Click to expand...
haha, wish this would be also with my Duc. But you are right, and concerning spare parts: I still do get all I need for my 998 - IF she needs anything at all. This thing runs like the famous VW Beetle. And - up to now - also my FTR does. (If you "overlook" the fake Öhlins ... sigh)
 
L2RKE said:
Well, we are now in a more exclusive club now then 😉
My Local dealer is selling accessories at heavily discounted prices.
Click to expand...
I think that spare service parts will continue to be available. But accessories will likely be discounted by Indian and then disappear.
So if there is something you’ve wanted to pick up in the accessories department, I would do it soon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top