After more than 80 years away from what is arguably America's original motorcycle sport, Indian Motorcycle is climbing hills again - specifically AMA Pro Hillclimb Race Series hills.
Indian once dominated hill climbing and entered the 2020 series' new Twins class armed with a modified Indian FTR750 hill climber, piloted by the company's newest factory rider and 10-time AMA Pro Hillclimb Champion John "Flying" Koester. Regarded as one of the sport's top riders, Koester was the first U.S. racer to win all three National AMA Pro Hillclimb titles in a single season.
"It's an honor to represent Indian Motorcycle as it makes its dramatic return to Hillclimb Racing on the same machine that changed the game for flat track racing over the past four years," said Koester. "We're excited to unleash the FTR750 on the hill, with our minds firmly fixed on the ultimate goal of capturing a championship."
Koester, along with his father and crew chief Gordy Koester, spearheaded the dramatic transformation of the FTR750 from a flat track race bike to a full-fledged hill shredder. Modifications include an extended swingarm, knobby tires, redesigned rear tail and an upgraded Rekluse clutch to account for the increased clutch use demanded by Hillclimb Racing. The team also worked with S&S to design an exhaust system specific to Koester and his riding position.
"When we created the new Twins class, our intention was to attract leading OEMs like Indian Motorcycle to return to this uniquely challenging and exciting form of racing, and we couldn't be more excited to now welcome Indian Motorcycle back to the hill for the first time in more than 80 years," said Rob Redmann, Director of AMA Pro Hillclimb. "There is nothing like Hillclimb Racing - fast, quick and exciting. We believe brands such as Indian Motorcycle will dramatically impact our ability to draw more fans and help grow this incredible sport."