American motorcycle manufacturer Indian has finally unveiled the production version of its FTR1200 and FTR1200S models, a year after showcasing a prototype based around their Scout motor.

Inspired by their hugely successful flat track racers, the FTR1200 moves Indian away from its traditional cruiser base and creates a challenger to the likes of the Ducati Monster 1200, BMW R nineT and Triumph’s soon to be announced Scrambler 1200.

The new 1203cc V-twin will be good for around 120bhp and comes wrapped in a steel trellis chassis, with high end components like radially mounted Brembo brakes and decent 43mm upside down forks. The standard bike’s suspenders lack adjustability, while the S version has full preload, compression and rebound damping adjustment. Other upgrades on the S include an 11cm touchscreen LCD dashboard with Bluetooth connectivity and more sophisticated electronics that include cornering ABS, traction control and wheelie control. All versions have three rider modes: sport, rain and standard.

The new Indian certainly attracted a crowd upon its launch at this week’s INTERMOT show in Cologne, Germany, and marks a real departure for the Polaris-owned brand. It’s a new bike from the ground up, with chain (rather than belt) final drive and event has tyres developed especially for it, with Dunlop creating a special dirt track style tread for the otherwise road orientated rubber.

The standard model, which will come only in black, is priced at £11,899, while the S (which comes in two-tone options) comes in at £12,999. Both will be on sale in the first half of 2019, but you’ll be able to see them sooner at next month’s Motorcycle Live show at the Birmingham NEC.