We’ve made no secret of our love for the Indian Motorcycles’ FTR over the years. The versatile bike remains one of the best contemporary rides on the market, courtesy of its unique ability to straddle two segments, however, Indian’s new limited-edition collaboration with American motocross brand 100% has elevated the FTR to a whole new tier. The limited-edition FTR x 100% R Carbon is a proper knee trembler, complete with a Blue Candy carbon fibre finish that is oh-so sweet.
While it certainly won’t be for everyone, the new limited-edition model carries the unique colour scheme through most of the core elements, including the tank, headlight nacelle, seat cowl and front fender. The latest Indian effort’s paint job is also peppered with white powder-coated frame pops, while gloss finishes and red accents add a menacing touch to the styling.
From a design perspective, the major highlights include blacked-out Öhlins front forks and rear shock spring, Titanium Akrapovič exhaust and carbon fibre components — engine covers, chain guard and exhaust heat shield. You also get Gilles Tooling parts, including bar-end weights, oil cap, and radiator cap.
Under the hood, Indian claims ‘nothing is standard’ about the FTR x 100% R Carbon. Boasting a 120-horsepower, liquid-cooled V-twin engine, the new limited-edition release pumps out 87 ft-lb of torque. While that’s far from an explosive turn, the new range isn’t exactly catered to the performance market. In a sense, the 2024 lineup is all about the experience.
Priced at USD$18,999, the FTR x 100% R Carbon is a limited-edition motorcycle with only 400 being made and owners even get a complimentary pair of Indian Motorcycle x 100% sunglasses. The custom paint job and the blacked-out look certainly match with the FTR but it’s not the only update on offer; Indian has also tweaked the rest of the model line-up.
The 2024 Indian Challenger Elite for example is a classic American bagger and now it gets a Charcoal Candy paint scheme plus a PowerBand Audio system including four 100-watt speakers, two fairing speakers and two saddlebag speakers, along with a new, custom seat. The additions clearly indicate that Indian is gunning for the long-haul market, making every adaptation necessary to ensure the highway traveller can stay on the road and off their feet as long as possible. Even the onboard technology is focused towards comfort.
Indian has adorned the 2024 Challenger Elite with an electronically adjustable rear suspension preload from Fox, alongside Smart Lean Technology for a smoother ride. Throw in the passenger Headdress Floorboards, heated grips, saddlebag lights and saddlebag closeouts, and start to get the feeling this bike is closer to a cruise ship than a speedboat, but hey, who’s complaining? Only 375 of these majestic 122bhp V-Twin machines are being made at USD$38,499 each.
“It’s amazing to think how far we’ve come in developing and expanding our lineup of motorcycles, delivering a wide range of new models and trim offerings in a variety of styles to meet the diverse tastes and needs of our global riding community,” Mike Dougherty, president of Indian Motorcycle said.
“Riders are choosing Indian Motorcycle. We’re growing share and growing retail volume all over the world. We’ve received incredible rider feedback and continue to refine, enhance, and fine-tune our lineup and accessories based off this feedback.”
Lastly, Indian has brought in a new PowerBand audio system on its baggers and touring models with 100-watt speakers and comes with LED accent lighting for a custom look. The automaker claims that each of these audio kits has fifty per cent more bass compared to previous PowerBand Audio systems and comes factory-installed for some of the Indian baggers/touring motorcycles. These models include the Indian Pursuit Dark Horse priced at USD$35,999 and the Roadmaster Dark Horse with a price tag starting at USD$32,999.
The full 2024 Indian Motorcycles line-up is available will begin shipping this month to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada, with Australia to follow shortly after. You can check out more on the new lineup at the official Indian Motorcycles website.
