Indian Motorcycles has partnered with SUPER73 to create an electrifying ebike known as the Indian eFTR Hooligan. I had the opportunity to test ride this impressive bike both on and off the road, and I must say, it lives up to its name. While it is a suitable option for urban streets, it truly outperforms on rugged terrains. What’s even better is that it serves as a gateway to the world of motorcycles without the need for a separate license.
Let’s talk about its noteworthy features. The eFTR Hooligan boasts a striking motorcycle-like design that embodies the iconic Indian Motorcycles aesthetic. Out of the box, assembly is required for the handlebars, headlight, and battery. Once put together, this ebike is a head-turner. It features a flat banana-style seat, BMX-inspired handlebars, and a battery that resembles a fuel tank. Additionally, it is equipped with knobby tires and a simple tube frame, enhancing its overall appeal.
However, there is a downside to its simplistic design – the lack of adjustability. Whether you’re tall or short, finding a comfortable riding position can be a challenge due to the fixed handlebars, pedals, and seat. As a 6 ft 3 in (1.9 m) rider, I found myself hunching over and shifting back as far as possible on the seat. Pedaling may also cause your knees to rise significantly. Nonetheless, once you get going, these minor discomforts become less noticeable. Those with mobility issues, however, may find this to be a deal breaker.
The controls on the Indian Hooligan are user-friendly. The left-hand side features the rear brake handle and a digital control panel for most of the bike’s functions. On the right-hand side, you’ll find a thumb throttle and the front wheel brake handle. The braking system is semi-assisted through motor regeneration, and activating the brakes will temporarily disable electric propulsion. This means performing burnouts becomes quite challenging.
In terms of electric capabilities, the Hooligan can function as a fully electric ride for approximately 13 miles (21 km) with its 960-Wh battery. It can reach speeds between 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h) depending on factors such as rider weight and incline. Moreover, it offers four pedal-assist modes that can increase speed and extend range. The left-hand digital display allows you to cycle through these modes using the up and down buttons. Once changed, the assist number (0-4) is shown briefly and then alternates with your current speed. Additionally, holding down the button on the right activates or deactivates the headlamp. Notably, the tail light functions as a brake light at all times.
The pedal assist modes are as follows:
– Level 0: No assistance; pedaling is the sole source of propulsion. Ideal for flat terrain and short distances.
– Levels 1-4: Gradually increases assistance with higher levels. These modes amplify the rider’s pedaling effort, similar to gears on a traditional bicycle. The higher the level, the more assistance and speed you’ll experience per crank turn. By utilizing these modes, the battery range can exceed 50 miles (80 km) per charge, depending on various factors.
It’s essential to note that pedal assist ceases when the bike reaches a speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). This requirement is due to legal regulations, as exceeding 30 mph in the United States classifies the bike as a motor vehicle, subject to licensing. However, most jurisdictions consider it a bicycle as long as it remains below that speed.
On the right side of the handlebars, you’ll find a thumb throttle. It operates similarly to a motorcycle or scooter throttle, where the amount of pressure applied corresponds to the motor power. This feature is independent of the pedal assist modes and allows for quick bursts of acceleration or steady cruising. It’s particularly useful for conquering steep hills, navigating obstacles, and off-road adventures. The Hooligan is powered by a 1.2-kW motor, providing impressive performance.
Having ridden the Hooligan ebike for a couple of weeks, I discovered that adjusting the pedal assist using the left-hand controller, much like shifting gears on a regular bicycle, was the easiest method. When venturing off-road, Level 4 provided the maximum speed through pedaling, while the throttle allowed for controlled bursts of acceleration, similar to techniques used on dirt bikes and ATVs. The BMX-inspired design of the Indian eFTR Hooligan makes it incredibly intuitive for those who grew up during the dirt bike and mountain bike era. Standing on the pedals during rough patches (due to the absence of suspension) and using a combination of pedaling and throttle to execute rear-wheel skids feels natural. While it may be too heavy for wheelies and bunny hops, the robust tires effortlessly handle curbs and rocks.
Adapting to the Hooligan ebike was a breeze, although I recommend wearing a half-helmet for safety. Regular bicycle helmets may feel insufficient and lack the cool factor that complements this bike. The battery comes with a 120-A, 3-A charger that fully charges it in under seven hours. Alternatively, you can opt for a 5-A charger that significantly reduces charging time.
The Indian eFTR Hooligan 1.2 is available for $3,599 (excluding delivery).
For more information, visit the official product page here: Indian Motorcycles eFTR Hooligan 1.2
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