In 2019, to help promote its newly-revived Scout model, Indian Motorcycle called on Brice Hennebert of renowned Belgian customs outfit Workhorse Speedshop to turn a Bobber-spec Scout into a nitro-fed, fully-faired drag racer — a project born out of more than 700 hours of labor. And after following up the first build with a carbide-studded tire-equipped ice racing version, Workhorse Speedshop has now unveiled its latest factory-commissioned Indian build with a 1980s AMA superbike-themed FTR 1200.
Taking inspiration from vintage AMA SBK racers while also sporting influence from Bol d’Or 750 endurance bikes and Lancia’s legendary Delta HF Integrale, the project has been treated to an all-new tank cover with a dual-filler endurance-style cap, and a matching bespoke, cowl-equipped tail section that feeds into the build’s side-covers. Interestingly the FTR’s actual fuel cell has been split into two parts, with one sitting under the new tank cover and the other hidden in the tail. The front of the donor has also been bestowed with a 3D-printed, AMA Superbike-style front number board with a pair of integrated PIAA race lights.
The FTR’s already sharp performance has also been upgraded, receiving 43mm USD Öhlins forks slotted in custom Bol d’Or 750cc replica triples, and a new tubular aluminum swing-arm design paired with a set of Öhlins piggyback shocks. The liquid-cooled 1,203cc V-Twin at the heart of the donor has also been treated to a custom, stainless steel pie-cut exhaust culminating in a pair of modified S&S Cycle Grand National slip-ons. Other highlights on the Indian include redesigned, 3D-printed intakes, DNA performance air filters, a Setrab oil cooler, new bars and levers, bespoke JoNich Wheels with custom aero-style covers, Beringer brakes, and a one-off livery inspired by the Martini Racing scheme used on Lancia’s Group B racers.
Now complete, the build marks Workhorse Speedshop’s first FTR-based project, though the Belgian outfit is currently working on a second FTR one-off — dubbed the “Black Swan” — that was designed and created using clay modeling and is expected to debut in the coming weeks.
