There are only two FTR Loeb Indian bikes, devised and designed by the French shop Tank Machine.
One of them actually belongs to Sébastien Loeb himself; the other has gone to the lucky winner of a contest organised last spring by Indian Motorcycle.
So what’s the connection between Indian Motorcycle’s FTR family and Sébastien Loeb? Well for one thing, both are real champions and made for racing!
Ever since their debuts in AMA flat track racing in the US in 2016, FTR 750 racers have won every national championship in an incredible series of victories. Much the same can be said of Sébastien Loeb, nine times world rally champion and also the holder of multiple titles in other categories and sports. Loeb had humble beginnings though, starting out on a moped. He could have become a professional motorcycle racer had he not ended up in the world of motor sport, and his career has never weakened his passion for two-wheelers with plenty of character. So when Indian Motorcycle launched its FTR 1200 programme (inspired by its track racer) Sébastien inevitably fell for its charm – and its fiery temperament. As someone close to the brand, he went on to become one of Indian Motorcycles’ official ambassadors in February 2022.
Although Clément Molina’s career has been very different, he too has a particular fondness for the bikes produced by America’s leading manufacturer.
Located in the Paris region, his Tank Machine shop specialises in modding Scouts, FTR 1200s and other Indian models. Not only has Clément developed a range of dedicated bolt-on parts; he also regularly chops stock bikes. The FTR Loebs are one result of this. The first is on display in the champion’s trophy room (when he’s not burning up the rubber on it).
The second was put up as a prize in an international draw organised over a period of three months by Indian Motorcycle and spanning a score of countries. Contestants simply had to visit a dealership to test ride an FTR 1200 and enter their names in a prize draw. Out of the 9,000 participants, the lucky winner was a Frenchman: Martin W. from Toulouse took possession of his prestigious prize during the Wheels and Waves festival in Biarritz last June. This FTR Loeb is distinguished by its carbon fibre cladding, partly painted blue and decorated with Loeb logos designed especially for the occasion. The figure 9 is a nod to the number of world championships won by Sébastien; a range of different machined and pared-down parts add a decidedly racing touch to the machine. Other mods that really make this FTR 1200 stand out include the solid rear wheel and reworked upholstery featuring red top-stitching.
We talked to Martin, the lucky winner of this FTR Loeb.
So you tried out the FTR, took part in the draw, and won! Congratulations! How old are you?
I’m 30 – a great age at which to be driving this type of bike.
Have you been riding long?
I’ve had my licence since 2015, but I haven’t had my own bike lately, so this couldn’t have come at a better time. What’s more, I really like the roadster style, and the FTR Loeb definitely ticks all the boxes for me; it’s a miracle!
How did you hear about the prize draw?
One of my mates at work mentioned it to me; I wasn’t really very familiar with Indian bikes other than the big Chiefs. I said to myself ‘why not go for a test ride’, especially since I wanted to get myself a new bike in time for the summer.
What was the test ride like?
It felt great. I found the FTR to be flexible, agile, with plenty of acceleration obviously, and it handles really well on smaller roads.
Was the Sébastien Loeb name an important aspect for you?
He’s an icon in rallying and motor sport, someone I’ve enjoyed following throughout his career. I’ve also worked in the world of motorsport as a race mechanic, so having the same bike as Sébastien Loeb really means something to me.
Will you be riding back from Wheels and Waves or trailering your bike?
I’ll be riding from Biarritz to Toulouse, and definitely making the most of this maiden trip!
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