Dirt Track Legend Reborn: The Most Stunning Indian FTR Customs for the Street

A big surprise to the motorcycle lovers when Indian Motorcycle launched its powerful FTR 1200 in the year 2019 was a major surprise. People had been screaming about getting a street version of its legendary racing Scout Racer, FTR750. This was eventually fulfilled with the introduction of the FTR 1200, which was powered by a 120-horsepower V-twin, a trellis frame, and a radical look. This bike was a good alternative to the European naked bikes which offered a strong presence in the American market and soon gained popularity among bikers.

Custom bike builders however with time realized that some areas could be improved. The bicycle was slightly overweight, most of the components were plastic and almost hides the trellis frame of the bike. This encouraged the custom builders across the globe to re-design the bike according to their fashion. They attempted to strip off non-essential features and show the actual racing machine concealed therein.

Arctos Collection’s Lightweight and Elegant Design

The Swiss team of Arctos Collection created a completely different take on the FTR 1200. Team designer Ulfert Janssen and mechanic Stefan Furrer felt the bike’s original design was a bit heavy and bulky. So they decided to make it lighter and more attractive.

They used a hand-crafted aluminum tank cover, giving the bike a slimmer and more stylish front end. They also integrated the dashboard into the new tank cover. The bulky rear section was removed and replaced with a lightweight fuel tank and subframe from Roland Sands Design. This balanced the bike’s weight and gave it a sportier stance.

To improve performance, a Hyperpro rear shock, Kineo wire-spoke wheels, and Michelin Anakee Wild tires were installed. With a pearl white frame and midnight blue color scheme, the bike looks stunning.

Workhorse Speed ​​Shop’s “Black Swan” Superbike

Famous Belgian custom builder Brice Hennebert transformed the FTR 1200 into a high-tech superbike called the “Black Swan.” The bike’s most distinctive feature is its 3D-scanned, one-piece carbon fiber body kit, which combines the fairing, tank, and tail as a single unit and weighs only approximately 1.8 kilograms.

The bike also features motorized “eyelid” slides that open above the headlight—a design inspired by classic sports cars. Inside, the bike features a custom aluminum fuel cell, a CNC-machined swingarm, and a titanium exhaust from Akrapovič. Combined with Öhlins suspension, Rotobox carbon wheels, and a Beringer braking system, this FTR 1200 becomes a highly technologically advanced custom machine.

Blixt & Dunder’s Racing-Focused Flat Tracker

Swedish builder Jonathan Falkman designed the FTR 1200 for track racing rather than road racing. He stripped the bike down to almost 50 kilograms. The swingarm was shortened by 7 centimeters for sharper cornering.

The bike was fitted with a Yamaha R6 front fork, a custom top yoke, and a Saddlemen Tracker seat. The ABS, oil cooler, and several electronic components were removed to keep the weight down. With 19-inch spoke wheels and Dunlop DT3 tires, this bike becomes a true flat-track racing machine.

Pikes Peak Tracker by Freeride Motos

Freeride Motos of France designed the FTR 1200 inspired by the spirit of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb race. Many high-performance parts were reused in this project. The bike features a front end from a KTM 1290 Super Duke R and a rear wheel from a KTM 790 Duke.

For the bodywork, a new fiberglass-carbon monocoque was created by molding the tail section of a 1996 Honda RS 250. This, along with a custom exhaust, an Öhlins rear shock, and a distinctive LED number plate, give this bike a unique identity.

Retro-Style FTR AMA by Workhorse Speed ​​Shop

Brice Hennebert’s second stunning custom bike is the “FTR AMA,” inspired by the Martini Racing livery of the 1980s AMA superbike and the Lancia Delta rally car. The bike features twin-shock suspension instead of a monoshock, and a custom swingarm lengthened by 40mm.

3D-printed and carbon-fiber reinforced body panels, turbo-fan-style wheels, and a Martini-inspired paint job give the bike a retro yet extremely powerful look.

Conclusion

The Indian FTR 1200 proved the immense potential a good base bike can offer in the custom world. Builders around the world have made it lighter, faster, and more attractive in their own way. Looking at these custom models, it’s clear that the FTR 1200 isn’t just a street bike, but a platform that embodies both racing spirit and creative engineering.

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