2023 Indian FTR Sport First Look

Indian Motorcycle has announced its updated lineup for 2023, including several smaller updates across existing models, new paint schemes, a new and exclusive Challenger Elite model, and the all-new FTR Sport. The FTR Sport continues Indian’s efforts to bring the flat-track-racing-inspired V-twin to street customers with sporty bodywork and updated liveries.

Several updates hit Thunderstroke and PowerPlus models, but Indian’s Scout and Scout Sixty lines remain unchanged for 2023. All Thunderstroke and PowerPlus models, meaning all heavyweight cruiser, bagger, and full-dresser models, receive a new slipper clutch that Indian claims will increase overall feel, provide a smoother downshifting experience, and decrease clutch fatigue with lighter pull and a larger friction zone. Roadmaster, Pursuit, Chieftain, Challenger, and Springfield models will all receive a new LED headlight with a wider spread to increase visibility. Buttons for the heated and cooled seat now include haptic responses for riders wearing gloves, and Indian’s Premium Package for Pursuit models now includes lower fairing storage.

As with previous Elite models, the newest Elite built on the Challenger platform will be given Indian’s finest finishes, applied by hand in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and limited to 150 units worldwide. This year’s livery will include Sapphire Blue Smoke paint with Black Smoke and Titanium Metallic Smoke detailing. The 2023 Indian Challenger Elite will arrive with an MSRP of $35,999.

The FTR Sport has also broken cover for the first time, replacing Indian’s FTR S. The new FTR Sport takes the model’s design language and adds a sporty twist with a chin fairing, seat cowl, number plate, and new three-color livery. Pricing is listed below, but the FTR Sport will sit below FTR R Carbon models and above FTR Rally and FTR base models.

FTR Sport and FTR Rally models will now come equipped with the 4-inch round touchscreen display we’ve previously enjoyed on certain Chief models. These models will come standard with three ride modes, Rain, Sport, and Standard, as well as lean-sensitive traction control and ABS. As in previous years, the FTR R Carbon sets itself apart with Öhlins suspension, but all FTR models now get a new sportier muffler.

Like Indian’s heavyweight line, all four models of FTR have received an all-new clutch designed to improve feel and performance. Speedometers have been moved up to improve visibility, but engine and chassis remain unchanged across all models.

The base-model FTR has previously been simple matte black with some red detail, and felt almost intentionally bland. This update for 2023 breathes some serious new life into the most affordable FTR, which is now available in a gloss black with neon green accents or a gloss gray with bright orange/red accents, gaining a lot of visual appeal.

FTR models will start at $13,499. FTR Rally MSRP is $14,499. FTR Sport MSRP is $15,749 in Black Metallic, and the FTR R Carbon starts at $17,249.

We will be heading out to test these new models soon, so stay tuned for our First Ride Review on the new Challenger Elite and FTR Sport models.