You should periodically inspect the rear shock preload on your Indian Motorcycle FTR. To ensure the most comfortable ride and proper ground clearance, adjust the preload.
1. Identify the combined weight of rider, passenger and cargo.
2. Determine the shock preload by measuring the amount of exposed thread on the shock body behind the jam nut. See the table below for measurement based on weight.
3. Adjust the preload as needed to achieve the dimension specified in the table below.
| PRELOAD | |||
| Combined Weight of Rider, Passenger and Cargo | FTR Rally, Model Year 2019 FTR/ FTR S | Model Year 2022+ FTR/FTR S/FTR Sport | FTR R Carbon |
| 125 lbs (57 kg) | 0 mm | 0 mm | 19 mm |
| 150 lbs (68 kg) | 2 mm | 2 mm | 21 mm |
| 175 lbs (79 kg) | 5 mm | 5 mm | 23.5 mm |
| 200 lbs (91 kg) | 8 mm | 8 mm | 26 mm |
| 225 lbs (102 kg) | 10 mm | 10 mm | 28 mm |
| 250 lbs (113 kg) | 13 mm | 13 mm | 31 mm |
| 275 lbs (125 kg) | 15 mm | 16 mm | 32 mm |
| 300 lbs (136 kg) | 17 mm | 18 mm | 34 mm |
| 325 lbs (147 kg) | 20 mm | 21 mm | 37 mm |
| 350 lbs (159 kg) | 22 mm | 23 mm | 39 mm |
| 375 lbs (170 kg) | 25 mm | 26 mm | 39.5 mm |
| 400 lbs (181 kg) | 27 mm | 28 mm | 39.5 mm |
| 425 lbs (196 kg) | 30 mm | 30 mm | 39.5 mm |
To adjust the preload:
1. Place the motorcycle in an upright position with the front wheel clamped in a wheel vise.
2. Using a shock spanner wrench (part number 2884176), loosen the lock nut (1) by turning it counterclockwise (as viewed from the top of the shock).
3. Spray a light lubricant on the adjuster nut where it contacts the spring.
4. Adjust the shock preload by rotating the adjuster nut clockwise (as viewed from the top of the shock) to increase preload (firm) or counter-clockwise to decrease preload (softer).
5. Recheck the preload measurement after adjusting.
6. Tighten the lock nut securely against the adjuster nut.
Rear Shock Adjustment Guide
Make sure the rear shock preload is correctly set before changing the compression and rebound settings detailed below. Note that turning the adjusters fully clockwise will result in a "full-in" position. Turning adjusters fully counter-clockwise will result in a "full-out" position.
FTR Rally and model year 2019 FTR 1200 models feature a preload and rebound adjustments on the rear shock but no fork adjustments.
FTR 1200 S, FTR R Carbon and model year 2022 and newer FTR 1200 models feature a fully adjustable fork and rear suspension components.
| Rear Shock Factory Settings | ||||
| FTR Rally and Model Year 2019 FTR | Model Year 2019 FTR S | Model Year 2022+ FTR, FTR S and FTR Sport | FTR R Carbon | |
| Shock rebound, upper end of shock | 15 clicks out (from full-in, 24 clicks total) | 15 clicks out (from full-in, 24 clicks total) | 17 clicks out (from full-in, 24 clicks total) | 14 clicks out (from full-in, 40 clicks total) |
| Shock compression, reservoir end of shock | N/A | 1.5 turns (out from full-in) | 1.5 turns out (from full-in, 3 turns total) | 15 clicks out (from full-in, 22 clicks total) |
| Shock spring ends installed length | 180 mm (range 185-155 mm) | 180 mm (range 155-185 mm) | 174 mm (range 179-149 mm) | 168 mm (range 180-152 mm) |
FTR, FTR Rally, FTR S, and FTR Sport Rebound Settings
| Model Year 2022+ FTR / FTR RALLY / FTR S / FTR SPORT REBOUND SETTINGS | ||
| RIDING TYPE | SHOCK REBOUND | SHOCK COMPRESSION |
| Low Speed Riding (Urban) | 19 clicks out | 2.5 turns out |
| General Riding (Town/Highway) | 15 clicks out | 1.5 turns out |
| Model Year 2019 and Older FTR / FTR RALLY / FTR S REBOUND SETTINGS | |
| Riding Type | Shock Rebound |
| Low speed riding (urban) | 19 clicks out (from full-in) |
| General riding (town/highway) | 15 clicks out (from full-in) |
| General riding (2-up) | 5 clicks out (from full-in) |
| Aggressive riding (track) | 5 clicks out (from full-in) |
FTR, FTR S, FTR Rally, FTR Sport Compression Damping Settings
| Riding Type | Shock Compression |
| Low speed riding (urban) | 2.5 turns (out from full-in) |
| General riding (town/highway) | 1.5 turns (out from full-in) |
| General riding (2-up) | 1 turn (out from full-in) |
| Aggressive riding (track) | 0.75 turns (out from full-in) |
FTR R Carbon Rebound Settings
| Riding Type | Shock Compression | Shock Rebound |
| Low speed riding (urban) | 20 clicks out | 17 clicks out |
| General riding (town/highway) | 15 clicks out | 14 clicks out |
| General riding (2-up) | 13 clicks out | 12 clicks out |
| Aggressive riding (track) | 12 clicks out | 14 clicks out |
FTR R Carbon Compression Damping Settings
Swing Arm/Rear Axle Inspection
1. Sit in the operator's seat and slowly bounce the rear suspension a few times. Make sure the suspension moves freely without binding. Listen for abnormal noises.
2. Elevate and support the motorcycle with the rear tire slightly off the floor. Warning: Make sure the motorcycle is stable when elevated. Injury may occur if the motorcycle tips or falls.
3. Grasp the rear wheel and attempt to move the wheel side to side. If there is movement at the front of the swing arm or in the axle area, see your Indian Motorcycle Dealer for service.
4. With the transmission in neutral, slowly rotate the rear wheel. If the wheel does not rotate smoothly, see your dealer for service.
Front Fork/Suspension Inspection
1. Place the motorcycle on the sidestand and inspect the front forks. If fork oil is present on the outer tube (1), do not ride the motorcycle. See your dealer for service before operating. If fork oil is present around the fork seals (2) or inner tubes (3), replace the fork seals.
2. Clean the fork tubes to remove bugs, tar or buildup that may cause seal wear or leakage. Inspect the outer surfaces of the inner fork tubes for scratches or damage from foreign objects.
3. Straddle the motorcycle and bring it to the fully upright position. Apply the front brake and push downward (hard) on the handlebars several times. The front suspension should operate smoothly and quietly.
4. Fork oil condition and level affect front suspension performance and internal component wear. Replace fork oil at the recommended intervals. Special tools are required to perform this procedure. See the Indian Motorcycle Service Manual or an authorized dealer.
Front Fork Adjustment Guide
FTR Rally and model year 2019 FTR models feature preload and rebound adjustments on the rear shock but have no fork adjustments.
FTR S and model year 2022 and newer FTR models feature fully adjustable fork and rear suspension components.
Note that turning the adjusters fully clockwise will result in a "full-in" position. Turning adjusters fully counter-clockwise will result in a "full-out" position.
Front fork factory settings:
| FTR Rally, Model Year 2019 FTR | Model Year 2019 FTR 1200 S | Model Year 2022+ FTR, FTR S, FTR Sport | FTR R Carbon | |
| Fork rebound, right side screw slot | NA | 7 clicks (out from full-in, 20-click range total) | 10 clicks (out from full-in, 20-click range total) | 16 clicks (out from full-in, 28 click range total) |
| Fork compression, left-side screw slot (20-click range) | NA | 10 clicks (out from full-in, 20-click range total) | 10 clicks (out from full-in, 20-click range total) | 18 clicks (out from full-in, 28-click range total) |
| Fork preload, 19 mm hex | NA | 5 turns (in from full-out, 10-turn range total) | 3 turns (in from full-out, 10-turn range total) | 9 turns (in from full-out, 10-turn range total) |
FTR 1200 S, 2022+ FTR 1200 and FTR Sport recommended damping settings:
| Riding Type | Compression (Left-Hand Fork) | Rebound (Right-Hand Fork) |
| Low speed riding (urban) | 17 clicks (out from full-in) | 14 clicks (out from full-in) |
| General riding (town/highway) | 10 clicks (out from full-in) | 7 clicks (out from full-in) |
| General riding (2-up) | 10 clicks (out from full-in) | 5 clicks (out from full-in) |
| Aggressive riding (track) | 5 clicks (out from full-in) | 4 clicks (out from full-in) |
Adjustments can be made to the fork to increase or decrease the preload for a personal rider preference. It's important to make sure both forks are adjusted evenly.
FTR R Carbon recommended damping settings:
| Riding Type | Compression (Left-Hand Fork) | Rebound (Right-Hand Fork) |
| Low speed riding (urban) | 22 clicks out | 18 clicks out |
| General riding (town/highway) | 18 clicks out | 16 clicks out |
| General riding (2-up) | 15 clicks out | 14 clicks out |
| Aggressive riding (track) | 14 clicks out | 19 clicks out |
FTR R Carbon recommended pre-load settings:
Adjustments can be made to the fork to increase or decrease pre-load for a personal rider preference. Make sure both forks are adjusted evenly.
For more information, see your authorized Indian Motorcycle Dealer. Find a dealer near you through the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.
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