quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
The Kawasaki looks a little too 80s UJM, so I'd get the Indian.

I'm with bigdeal on this one, I'd go with the Kawi because it does look so 80s UJM. Not a fan of the styling of the Indian.

https://www.motorcycle.com/sho...ph-scrambler-1200-xc

Some observations about the FTR in this article.
( even though different model)

I asked him what he liked about the Kawasaki. Keep in mind this guy has owned probably 60+ motorcycles and he is always buying and selling as he has zero nostalgia or connection to any bike for very long. Right now he loves his Kawasaki but he never keeps a bike longer than two years.

He said it’s a pretty cool standard that is comfy to ride. He loves the retro looks the most and that’s what sold him on the Kawasaki. The bike gets a lot of comments and attention as people tend to think it’s an old/classic bike. This is my friend who works on BMW bikes and loves anything old or retro styled. As far as performance he doesn’t have any complaints but said the bike definitely would benefit from an ECU reflash and a bit of suspension work. I’m surprised he didn’t get the Kawi green version.




Someone mentioned a Triumph Triple earlier so I probably should mention that Triumph just a few days ago released a new standard bike with a triple that has a similar retro vibe going with its styling.

Triumph Trident triple

I vote for the Kawasaki. Indian just doesn't "look" right and even though the front tire on the Kawi looks a little small it's still better proportioned. Right now I'm waiting for an F850GS I ordered to get here- but before that I had a Bonneville and am almost second guessing myself that I did not consider the Triumph Scrambler 1200.

Just have to say that the fastest I’ve ever driven a vehicle was one of those Kawasaki’s back in the 70’s. Damn flew past 170 mph and I didn’t look after that...

Kawasaki by miles!

Of those two I like the Indian, however I think you really need to take a good long test ride on both.

This past year I traded in a really nice Harley Sportster Custom for a Ducati Diavel. A good friend of mine, who currently owns about 10 bikes, kept telling me to ride his Diavel. At first I didn't like the looks of it, and thought it wasn't a bike I would ever be interested in.
I ended up taking him up on his offer one night and was amazed by the performance and comfort. A few months later I rode it for a couple of hours on all kinds of different roads and when we got back I was in love with it.
I started looking hard for one after that and eventually found a 2016 Diavel that was just about like new.
My point is to really try hard to figure out how you think you want to ride and then go actually saddle up and ride bikes that interest you. You may be surprised.

....And if a Ducati Diavel isn't on your radar, it should be. They are absolutely amazing.

Wow! That's Kawasexy right there.
Don't forget Yamaha's retro naked bike while you're shopping.

Both bikes are nice as are the Yamaha and the Triumph. I really like the Indian FTR.

Kawi definitely has the retro edge, and the Indian is very sharp looking,the Indian has was purpose built to not be a typical big company cruiser.

We have 4 indian dealers here, and about a dozen Kawi dealers, see who'll let you take one out for more than a ride around the block...

The Indian kinda looks like a Yamaha VMax (My grail bike).

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
I asked him what he liked about the Kawasaki.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

quote:

Someone mentioned a Triumph Triple earlier so I probably should mention that Triumph just a few days ago released a new standard bike with a triple that has a similar retro vibe going with its styling.

That bike is cool, but I just don't see any retro aspect(s) of it. Just looks like another version of a naked bike.

Both are great bikes. I did some extensive shopping and research late last year and early this year in preparation for a naked (or light sport touring) bike replacement for my FJR1300, and looked at both of the bikes you mention among a large handful of other models (ended up getting a '20 BMW R1250R).

While I don't believe you can make a wrong choice with either and without getting into the weeds with spec/tech/component differences, for me I see it as the choice between power and aesthetics -- the FTR will spank the Kawi in power and torque, but the Kawasaki harkens that UJM nostalgia you mention much better and will likely be a more comfortable all-around bike, one with a comfortable character that's thrilling enough to satisfy but won't tempt you to do things at speeds you shouldn't do after a 10-year hiatus from riding.

Not to muddy your selection even further, but if nostalgia is as important to you as performance, have you considered the BMW RT9 or the Triumph Speed Twin?

quote:

Originally posted by ASKSmith:
The Kawasaki.

Indian has lost it’s “heritage”, as it has been scuttled and restarted numerous times. Doesn’t Polaris own them now? You are basically just paying for a name, that has lost it’s legacy. Just my opinion, but why pay that much for a bike when the other will do just the same. And will have better dealer support.

I think Polaris has done an excellent job resurrecting the Indian brand, staying true to the old Indian classic styling while at the same time integrating modern electronics to make the bikes safer to ride. Indian motorcycles aren't cheap but they are competitively priced with the competition so while your not getting an original Indian you are getting a great rendition of the original thats a good quality well built motorcycle.

loving that Kawasaki

reminds me of a Suzuki I had back in the mid-80s

------------------------------

That kawasaki is sweeeeeet!

Then again, either would be great fun!

Indians FTR doesn’t really look that more retro than the new Triumph Trident. They both have circle headlights and sort of retro looking gastanks but the Kawasaki is much more successful at pulling off the retro look.

I think an exhaust change would drastically improve the FTR’s looks.

I’ll give you a reason why NOT to buy either of those bikes. Dirt. Neither one of them would be good off pavement. Short suspension travel on both will seriously degrade how much fun you can have out in the woods. I’ve never ridden in Florida swamps so.... maybe one of these might just suit you better.

Kawi every time. Amazing looking bike, and is apparently a fantastic bike. A guy in my neighborhood has one and he's a bike junkie. He says it's his favorite bike ever.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Indians FTR doesn’t really look that more retro than the new Triumph Trident. They both have circle headlights and sort of retro looking gastanks but the Kawasaki is much more successful at pulling off the retro look.

I think an exhaust change would drastically improve the FTR’s looks.

I swear, the gauges of the Kawi are a huge draw for me, though I'd bet they would not be for many here.