Polaris's first non-cruiser bike since acquiring Indian
11 years to make a naked
Polaris bought Indian in 2011. From 2011-2018 they only made cruisers (Chief, Scout, Vintage) and tourers (Roadmaster, Chieftain). The 2019 FTR was the first non-cruiser — and remained Polaris's only non-cruiser for years (until the Sport Chief and Pursuit). It marked the brand's first attempt at courting non-traditional Indian buyers.
Based on FTR750 flat-track race bike
Direct competition heritage
The Indian FTR750 dominated American Flat Track racing 2017-onwards — winning championships with Jared Mees and Briar Bauman. The road-going FTR borrows engine architecture, chassis philosophy, and 'flat-track stance' styling. The race bike makes ~110bhp from 750cc; the road bike scales up to 1203cc and 120bhp.
Original 19/18in wheels → 17in (2022)
Sport-bike wheels for sport-bike handling
First-gen 2019-2021 FTR had 19in front / 18in rear cast wheels with dual-purpose tyres — flat-track inspired but compromised handling and tyre choice. 2022 update switched to 17in/17in cast aluminium wheels with proper sport rubber (Metzeler Sportec M9 RR). MCN said it 'transformed the bike from a curiosity into a real road weapon.'
V-twin character without cruiser ergonomics
1203cc liquid-cooled, 60° V
Most 1200cc V-twins in the cruiser/sport segment are air-cooled or air-and-oil-cooled (Harley Sportster, Indian Scout). The FTR runs liquid-cooling on a 60° V-twin with DOHC 4-valve heads — modern roadster architecture, not cruiser carryover. Higher rev ceiling (8,300rpm), more peak power, tighter torque curve.
£14,995 — premium positioning
Vs Yamaha MT-09 £9,810
FTR at £14,995 sits at premium pricing for its segment. Yamaha MT-09 (£9,810), Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS (£15,895), KTM 1390 Super Duke R (£15,799), Ducati Streetfighter V2 (£11,995). The FTR doesn't compete on power-per-pound — it competes on style, USA-American heritage, and unique character.
Sport, R Carbon, and base tiers
3 versions on UK sale
Base FTR (£12,495) — basic suspension, no IMU. FTR Sport (£14,995) — IMU electronics, 4in TFT, chin fairing. FTR R Carbon (£17,495) — Öhlins suspension, carbon bodywork, Akrapovič exhaust standard. Three price tiers covering £12,495 to £17,495 for essentially the same engine/chassis.
