Indian FTR modified into Flat Tracker by Arctos-Collection

Custom conversion of an  Indian FTR 1200S into a pure Flat Tracker by Arctos-Collection (Gannet Design & Fuhrer Moto).

A reduced bike with cool design elements on a modern FTR base, this Indian Motorcycle was transformed into a timeless and purist tracker. Fully exposed trellis frame and finest artisan works of handcrafted tank cover and front light plate out of metal and many custom parts give this custom build a pure tracker look.

Also check - Rhapsody in Blue by Gannet Design

Here is the complete story - 

For our latest project we jumped on an Indian FTR for a private client in Switzerland.

We thought it would be cool to have a flat track theme on the bike and the brand Indian Motorcycles has a strong DNA in flat track racing.

Together with the client we decided that it would be great to fully expose the beautiful trellis frame of the FTR which in original is partly covered by the plastic "tank covers" which are housing the airbox.

Ulfert: "We immediately became aware why Indian designers decided to partially cover the frame as everything is asymmetrical on that tubular frame, specially with the mono rear suspension. But we decided to take on the challenge and expose the beautiful trellis frame in full. It gave us a lot of headache, but it was totally worth it and the result with the exposed frame painted in pearl white is stunning."

The initial design sketches and renderings were first translated into a clay model to find the form in 3D in preparation of the metal work. The team of artisans then worked their magic and formed and tinkered the actual parts out of metal. The speedometer screen got integrated into the tank cover and made it inlay and flush, so handlebar design is more pure and racing, without the gadgets.

To substitute the original plastic tank under the seat, the bike got streamlined and equipped with an aluminium flat track racing tank and tail section from Roland Sands.

Stefan: "Our goal was to integrate all the technical requirements and adjustments without affecting the concept. That was a real challenge because of incredible tight space issues for all the components and we had to replace many parts in other locations on the bike and reroute the cables and electronics.

It was important to us that we solve and adapt the individual components in such a way that there is a coherent overall picture to get a very sleek and technically perfect racer."

Additional cool details like the Jetprime's all-black racing control buttons and footpegs from Gilles give reference to the machine's successful racing DNA.

The small tail light as well as the two small high tech headlights are from Highsider Germany which shine brightly the way in the dark.

The technically machined Synto Evo brake/clutch levers and brake fluid reservoir, as well as number plate holder are from ABM Fahrzeugtechnik and are equipped to match the color scheme of the bike.

The golden and black spoke wheels are from Kineo and are fitted with Michelin Anakee Wild knobby tires to give that fine snotty appearance.

The exhaust system is a special titanium version made by Zard and gives the amazing blue tint. The slip-on is a SC-Project exhaust and gives a round note to the two cylinder engine.

The saddle is a special custom upholstery by Zwahlen NIZ.

The paint is a rare mixture of “scrubbed” and high gloss shine in deep midnight blue with golden details. The trellis frame is painted pearl white to make it stand out and show its special beauty and gives amazing reflections in the sunlight.

The Team: ARCTOS-Collection

This motorcycle was designed and built in collaboration between car/motorcycle designer Ulfert Janssen - Gannet Design and former MotoGP race mechanic Stefan Fuhrer - Fuhrer Moto and his team of artisans and mechanics.

The close teamwork between Ulfert and Stefan always results in astonishing custom works with amazing quality.

ARCTOS-Collection is the umbrella brand of Gannet Design and Fuhrer Moto, based in Emmental, Switzerland.