2019 Indian FTR 1200 S vs BMW R Nine T Scrambler

2019 Indian FTR 1200 S vs BMW R Nine T Scrambler

It’s no secret that high-performance motorcycles have been the de rigueur choice of the enthusiasts off late. However, it’s these retro bikes that catch the fancy of a mainstream buyer. After all, it’s the legacy and heritage of these bikes that exude a healthy statement in the modern era. Intrigued by this, some of these mainstream manufacturers combined the aspects of high-performance motorcycles with retro visage. As a result, retro-modern motorcycles were born.

Now, a scrambler is a motorcycle that’s good for racing over bad roads, mainly dirt and gravel. The motorcycles you see here are intended to look like Scramblers. So much so, that one of them even flaunts the Scrambler insignia in its moniker. However, as we previously discussed in our Indian FTR 1200 S review, these motorcycles are barely as functional as a Scrambler. And this signifies why these are modern-retro motorcycles rather than Scramblers. Here’s how the BMW R Nine T Scrambler compares with the Indian.

Indian Motorcycles claims the FTR 1200 S to be a flat track-inspired naked motorcycle. Sure, it does have the traits of a typical Scrambler, but it doesn’t pretend to be one. On the flip side, BMW intends the R Nine T Scrambler is – according to the maker – an authentic Scrambler. Nevertheless, both these bikes sport retro touches to catch the fancy of a buyer. The round headlamp, dual upswept exhaust, slander fuel tank, and massive disc brakes are present on either of these bikes. However, the Indian ups the ante with a full-LED headlamp, golden USD forks, and a long stance.

The Indian is built around a 1,203cc V-Twin motor that is capable of churning out 120bhp and 115Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Beemer is powered by a 1,170 twin-cylinder boxer engine that puts out 107bhp and 116Nm of torque. While both these bikes seem incredibly torquey on paper, only a fair side-by-side comparison will reveal which one of them outperforms the other. Since these bikes accelerate like a rocket, both of them are loaded to the brim with life-saving electronics.

Cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, and multiple rider modes are standard in these bikes.

Starting at Rs. 15.4 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the BMW is measly affordable than the Indian FTR 1200 S. The BMW does offer more torque, better brand value, a more Scrambler-centric design, and the Heritage associated with BMW Scrambler. However, it’s the Indian that trumps the BMW with its modern design features. To read more on the BMW, and our extensive Indian FTR 1200 S review, be sure to tune in to autoX.