Indian FTR Discontinued: The End of a Flat-Track Legend

Indian Motorcycles has officially announced the end of production for the FTR, closing the chapter on one of the most unique and thrilling motorcycles in recent years. Inspired by the brand’s dominance in flat track racing, the FTR set out to shake up the naked bike scene with an unapologetically American approach. Now, with its discontinuation, I look back at what made this bike special and why Indian is pulling the plug.

A Look Back at the Indian FTR

Launched in 2019, the Indian FTR (Flat Track Racer) was a road-going homage to the championship-winning FTR750, a bike that dominated the American Flat Track series. Unlike anything else from an American manufacturer at the time, the FTR combined a high-revving 1,203cc V-twin with sharp handling and aggressive styling, giving it a distinct edge over traditional cruisers and tourers.

With 120 horsepower and 87 lb-ft of torque, the FTR packed serious punch. Its trellis frame, premium suspension, and Brembo brakes made it a compelling alternative to European naked bikes. Over the years, Indian refined the model, tweaking ergonomics and suspension settings to make it more street-friendly while retaining its signature raw appeal. Special editions like the FTR R Carbon and FTR Championship Edition added even more desirability to the lineup, featuring carbon fiber elements, exclusive paint schemes, and top-tier performance upgrades.

The bike also went through significant refinements to improve handling and accessibility. Early models featured 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, designed to mimic its flat track roots, but later versions adopted 17-inch wheels for sharper handling and more compatibility with premium street-focused tires. Indian also revised the fuel mapping and ride modes, ensuring the bike could be as thrilling or as tame as the rider desired.

Why Is Indian Dropping the FTR?

Indian hasn’t given a detailed explanation for discontinuing the FTR, but there are a few likely reasons:

• Market Competition – While the FTR had a loyal fanbase, it was up against heavy hitters like the Ducati Monster, KTM 1290 Super Duke R, and Triumph Speed Triple. These brands have deep roots in the naked bike segment, making it difficult for Indian to gain long-term market dominance.

• Strategic Shift – Indian, owned by Polaris, may be refocusing on its bread-and-butter cruiser and touring models, which dominate their sales. The demand for bikes like the Challenger and Chief lineup continues to rise, making them a more lucrative focus.

• Regulatory Hurdles – Emissions and compliance updates can be costly, and refreshing the FTR to meet evolving standards may not have made financial sense. With Euro 5+ and other regulations tightening globally, keeping the FTR in production may not have been viable without major redesigns.

• Limited Market Appeal – The FTR was an exciting concept but always occupied a niche. Riders who love flat track racing aesthetics adored it, but mainstream motorcyclists often leaned toward more conventional streetfighters or adventure bikes.

The FTR’s Lasting Legacy

Although its production is coming to an end, the FTR has left its mark. It proved that an American brand could step outside the cruiser mold and build something that could rival the best performance bikes from Europe and Japan. Its flat-track-inspired design and thrilling performance made it a standout choice for riders looking for something different.

The FTR also helped Indian shake its purely cruiser-centric image. By building a high-performance, non-cruiser model, Indian attracted a new demographic of riders who may not have previously considered the brand. This shift in perception could pave the way for future performance-oriented models under the Indian name.

Could I see another FTR-style model in the future? Only time will tell. Motorcycle history has shown that great bikes often return in new forms, so Indian might have something up its sleeve. With the growing popularity of high-performance streetfighters and adventure bikes, Indian could reimagine the FTR concept into something even more versatile.

Now’s the Time to Buy

If you’ve been eyeing an FTR, this is your last chance to grab one before they become rare finds on the used market. With its unique styling, exhilarating performance, and the prestige of being a discontinued legend, the FTR is bound to be a sought-after bike for years to come. Limited-run models like the FTR R Carbon and FTR Championship Edition are especially likely to appreciate in value, making them solid collector’s choices.

For riders who crave a blend of American muscle, flat-track heritage, and streetfighter attitude, the FTR remains one of the most compelling options out there—until they’re all gone from dealerships.