Indian FTR 1200 S vs BMW R Nine T Scrambler: Competition Check

The Indian FTR 1200 S was recently launched in India and goes head on against the BMW R Nine T Scrambler. So here’s our on-paper comparison of the two bikes-

Design

Indian Motorcycles decided to step away from the crowd at the drawing board and came up with a flat-tracker inspired styling for the FTR 1200 S. The design of the seat, twin exhaust outlets and short rear section add to its appeal. While it gets upright handlebars, the long tank and rear set foot pegs offer a slightly aggressive riding posture. 

The R Nine T Scrambler is based on the standard R Nine T. However, it gets a retro touch in the form of the round mirrors, fork gaiters, conventionally-lit headlamp and the brown seat. To flaunt its scrambler side, the bike gets high-mounted, twin-outlet exhausts. 

Engine

The R Nine T Scrambler uses a 1170cc, boxer-twin engine that puts out 110bhp and 116Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox and shaft drive.

Meanwhile the Indian FTR 1200 benefits from a slightly bigger 1203cc, V-twin engine that produces 120bhp and 115Nm of torque. This unit is mated to a six-speed transmission and slipper clutch with final chain drive.

Features

The FTR 1200 S sports full-LED lighting which includes an LED-headlamp. On the other hand, the R Nine T Scrambler only gets LED turn indicators and tail lamp and makes do with a conventional headlamp. 

A Bluetooth-enabled 4.3-inch LCD display adorns the FTR 1200 while the BMW takes a more minimalistic approach with its unit. It gets a single-pod analogue-digital instrument cluster that displays speed, odometer, two trip meters, and engine temperature. Bizarrely, the R Nine T Scrambler does not get a tachometer. 

The electronics package on the R Nine T is simple too, with a ABS as standard and an optional traction control system. In comparison, the Indian is a stark contrast and is packed with three riding modes; Sport, Standard and Rain, wheelie control, lean-sensitive stability control and traction control. 

Cycle Parts

The Indian FTR 1200 rides on alloy wheels; 19-inch front and an 18-inch rear tyre with dual-sport rubber with a pattern that mimics ones on a flat-track bike. The BMW uses 17-inch wheels on both ends with dual-sport tyres with an option to replace the alloy wheels with spoke rims. 

Suspension duties on the Indian are taken care of by 43mm, inverted forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. Meanwhile the BMW uses telescopic front forks and a monoshock for the rear. Braking is done by a similar setup of twin 320mm front discs and a 265mm rear disc sourced from Brembo.

Pricing

The Indian FTR 1200 S costs Rs 14.99 lakhs. And at Rs 15.55 lakhs, the BMW R Nine T Scrambler is priced at Rs 50,000 over the Indian. Given that it is comparatively less powerful and offers fewer features than the Indian, the BMW doesn’t feature high on the value-for-money charts.  

All prices ex-showroom, Delhi.