Indian FTR Success effect Harley?

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FJRgeezer

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With the apparent success of the FTR in the states and Europe, actually everywhere but here, for some reason, do we think that this may force Harley to react in some significant way? Or are they likely to just keep status quo and slowly release just the 3 new models they teased us with a few months ago? I really have no evidence to support my impressions but just what I have seen on the Internet would suggest Indian is selling a bunch of FTRs vs the large cruisers they traditionally sold. Might have been Harley customers if a comparable model was available. Thoughts?
 
Indian (Polaris) is still selling only a fraction of what the Motor Corp does - but they're making them pay attention.
Check out what the FTR750 is doing in American Flat Track.
 
^ That was my thought as well. The numbers that the competitors move is almost inconsequential. Hopefully though, HD brass can see that consumers are no longer all blindly buying HD and they need to ensure that future products are competitive in the market as branding alone will not support them forever.
 
Apex Cycle on the 401 at Cambridge is now an Indian dealer. They are getting a lot of attention. And their next door neighbour is Harley Davidson.
 
React in a significant way? In my opinion no. If Harley is watching Indian, which I'm sure they are, it's what they are doing with the touring bikes. That's Harley's bread and butter. From hanging around Harley forums and fb groups it doesn't seem like the Harley guys are really leaving to go to Indian bikes. Some are though. As a guy that rides a Road Glide I'm watching the new Indian's from a distance...in particular I want to see the new Challenger.

I have no idea on FTR sales numbers but I'll take your word for it that so far it's a success. To me that bike is a niche product with a small customer base, I would want to see how second and third year sales are before calling it a complete success. I can see it selling strong at the very beginning and then tapering off pretty good. I personally really like the FTR.

I like both brands. I'm not crazy about Indian styling for the most part but I do hope they push Harley to develop more. I'd like to see all the new Indian's and new Harley models have success.
 
that FTR is a great looking bike
just can't see what it's good for as a street bike though

and it's pricey
 
Looks more of a competition to the Ducati Scambler .

But we will see when the HD street fighter comes out .
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