Even if you are not into motorcycle racing, the terms run-what-ya-brung and Super Hooligan probably still ring some bells. That's because the bikes and riding styles they are meant to represent have long spilled over into the civilian world.
Run-what-ya-brung is a term used in very wide circles but born at the Santa Pod Raceway in Northamptonshire in the UK, where riders and drivers are often invited to drive and ride the vehicles they bring to the track during public test days. Super Hooligan, on the other hand, means in some sense taking a motorcycle not initially intended for racing and getting it ready for racing on dirt tracks.
Now imagine pairing the two concepts together. In fact, you don't have to imagine it, as that's exactly what Indian Motorcycle and Roland Sands Design (RSD) did this week: enter the Indian FTR x RSD Super Hooligan limited edition bike.
Starting out from a stock FTR R Carbon model, the two companies set out to create a ride that is all about the "bar-banging spirit of unbridled, fearless freedom" of run-what-ya-brung racing. And at first glance, the duo managed to do exactly that.
The custom motorcycle that will be produced in a limited series is a treat to look at. Wherever one turns there are references to racing: Super Hooligan race graphics on the black metallic bodywork, Indian's no. 1 championship logo on the front and side number plates, and even race team sponsors' logos on the rear seat cowl.
All of that wraps around a frame that shines beautifully in red, and is offset by matching wheels sporting gold accents.
But the bike is more than a simple collection of stickers and fancy paints. RSD went nuts in giving the model a proper list of mechanical goodies, and installed aftermarket elements wherever possible.
The suspension system of the bike is now a combination of a fully adjustable, inverted Ohlins forks at the front and a piggyback shock at the rear. Stopping power is handled by means of Brembo brakes, and an Akrapovic muffler and heat shield can be spotted in their respective positions on the motorcycle.
On top of it all, the bike is packed to the teeth with Gilles Tooling components: the rear-sets, oil cap, radiator cap, and bar-end weights.
As said, this project is not just some one-off build the world will forget all about in a week or so. The Indian FTR x RSD Super Hooligan is a production motorcycle, even if just 300 of them will be made available globally (half of that number is meant for North America alone).
Indian did not say how much one of these beauties will cost, or when they will become available, but those interested in getting their hands on one are urged to "contact their authorized Indian Motorcycle dealer as soon as possible" and make a reservation.
Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies. Full profile
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