Project Interceptor 650 Office Commute Review: Custom Bike Challenges

Can a fully done up custom motorcycle - tuned for performance - be ridden as a daily motorcycle in peak traffic hours? Lets find out.
If you'd like to see me commuting on other motorcycles in a similar format, you can check this playlist out: • Royal Enfield Intercep...
Let me know in the comments below what you think of the Project Interceptor 650.
Cheers

[@SrinivasGanesh]

This is absolutely fantastic! Six years since this bike was launched, still we are getting to learn new things about this. All thanks to you sensei! You are and will always be my inspiration when it comes to learning about motorcycles! You are the core reason I started YouTubing!

[@Johndoe-b3m]

And I have follow both of you guys a lot like a lot! Keep it coming guys

[@vinaychinthla314]

Your channel is underrated bro

[@abhinavbhatt]

It's okay, bro :)

[@ujjawalkumar8481]

Cuz there are few people in the world to recognise quality

[@sagnik8432]

I sound mean but I almost don't want this channel to blow up 🤣 The content is perfect just the way it is rn. A small group of dedicated followers, precise and informative pointers and unbiased opinions. Just perfect 👌

[@Amory98]

I think that's good. It's just the good real enthusiasts here. So the crowd's real, if you know what I mean.

[@Amory98]

​@@sagnik8432exactly!

[@ST-ww1vu]

I really like your commentary, it's clean crisp. It's like a podcast sometimes.

[@abhinavbhatt]

Thank you.

[@ujjawalkumar8481]

Man u are real enthusiast , doing tastefull mods to bikes that mass can buy and enjoy . Those bikes with which people can really have fun on indian roads.❤❤❤

[@treessmusic]

Loved this series! It brought back the moto enthusiast in me. Will start the CB350RS project soon ;)

[@Kevin-xb4zv]

Your channel is awesome abhinav I'm regular viewer you have class thats why only specific people got connected to you❤

[@kusamdurgaprasadreddy]

Yeah he needs more views

[@abhinavbhatt]

Thanks

[@nikhil23911]

yes, completely agree.

[@akashnag3879]

Thoroughly loving these commute videos. keep them coming.

[@abhinavbhatt]

Thanks

[@xibits2012]

I don't have a bike, but watching your videos makes me think I'm missing on some major fun!!

[@ShashankMishra-z9c]

Re speed twin 650! This is so brilliant and unique! Kudos to you and the team who made this possible

[@maxbelho]

Looks like a triumph Speed twin 1200…. Sweet

[@professionaloverthinker-x]

These office commute videos has been blessing for us, What a machine.

[@muttineni03]

It sounds like those old muscle cars too. i bought Interceptor for daily commute to office and some touring and its lot of fun, even though its completely stock.

[@the_dey007]

I was looking for this type of interceptor for a while. You won't belive i have made one concept in my mind but sadly i don't have resources to give birth of one like you did , when i see my imagination becoming reality i love it. Thanks Abhinav, lots of love ❤❤❤

[@sailorrider9802]

I subscribed to your channel like 3 years back when you uploaded one Highway ride on interceptor...one long video where you expressed everything about interceptor... One point I have just realised while you were talking about KTM.. You owned KTM 390 adv for a very short period of time if I m not mistaken... Keep the experimental approach alive..that's why we love you..❤

[@ErinViegas]

Love what you've done with this bike. Gives it much more character!

[@deltaiv9738]

Am not RE fan but with USD forks, it has got character.. and looks nearly Speed 1200...

[@martin100biker]

What a great job on your bike... it sounds fantastic! Looks like great Fun to Ride !😊

[@pankajkthakur8042]

I have never seen any interceptor hitting 110 kmph in second gear. This build is just amazing

[@arpxth]

That's because the front wheel is downsized so there is significant speedo error

[@sainiverse]

Its too loud. Kudos to you for rocking this exhaust without cops noticing

[@luhaarunk3085]

Hi Abhinav. For the fork oil, don't go by the oil weight. 10w of Motul will have different viscosity than 10w of silkolene vs. 10w of KYB, Liqui Moly, Castrol etc. Check the cSt (centistokes) and select an oil based on the cSt of the oil. That will be better way to guage the best fork oil for the front suspension. Start with checking the stock Dominar fork's oil cSt (one mentioned by Bajaj, not the usual crap the service centre puts in). Compare it with the cSt of oils you have already experimented with. That will help you arrive at good results quicker. Lastly, from personal experience, 100% synthetic oils last much longer. P.S. You've already owned higher cc bikes before, so I guess you already know all this. 👍

[@abhinavbhatt]

Cool. Will keep this in mind.

[@luhaarunk3085]

​@@abhinavbhatt Forgot to add another thing. Just to get an idea of how much viscosity varies across manufacturers, you can get a list of viscosity of lots of oil by simply googling "fork oil viscosity chart" and "comparative fork oil weight".

[@nigelfisher6896]

I'm new to your channel. Great reviews. Your passion for bikes and riding is addictive. Well done 😊

[@abhinavbhatt]

Thanks

[@wasymcs]

looks slick!!

[@abhinavbhatt]

Thanks

[@ronishane]

i was smiling throughout the video just seeing your excitment especially when started riding n opened the throttle on straight 😊😅😊😊 sound , the pull is just 😘😘😘😘😘.... what a machine 🤘😍😍😍

[@VivekXmusic]

wow abhinav you must be like bill gates what dedication and passion to your craft respect man

[@thenidhinpr]

Would love to see a walkaround of your current garage, with all bikes lined up.

[@arpxth]

Beautiful motorcycle, the Husqvarna turn signals would lovely

[@Samuellalduhzela]

I'm hoping to one day RE releasing a long stroke twin with 270° crank or even a v-twin perhaps, but the only one successful long-stroke manufacturer is Harley-Davidson

[@RoshanMachayya]

I've got similar plans for my SM650, but I plan to keep the visuals as they are. Love the Celestial Blue.

[@runkevin]

Bro saving the bike community.

[@gunegaar97]

Likewise you, i use my inty for my daily office commute, every stretch gives me the feel which i need very first in morning 🚀

[@16000revs]

Love the commute reviews, daily commute style! I remember your old Xpulse review which I used to watch after I had booked mine during COVID and it faced delays in delivery. If you could do a commute review for a Himalayan, I can repeat the same cycle now, years down the line 😂

[@abhinavbhatt]

I actually have. Just did it some two videos ago.

[@16000revs]

Hahaha, I just saw. Man is two steps ahead!

[@iamarjun55]

Perfect office commuter alongside the Street Triple 😂

[@PremSingh-ku5gh]

Back in 2019-20 when your project interceptor video came, I was competing my graduation and planned to the 650 once i’m earning. Got the interceptor in 2022 after getting placed. Still running stock, but alas, you’ve enticed me once again 😂 And riding this without ABS, man you got some balls I would say. Not my cup of tea.

[@parth9313]

One of the best things I did on my Canyon Red was get the Eazi Grips Tank pads for the bike. The transperant ones. Was sceptical at first but looks very subtle and nice. Most importantantly transforms the ride!!!

[@abhinavbhatt]

Cool.

[@pranavsana]

Love the build! Will you do a top speed run like you did a few years back?

[@abhinavbhatt]

Naah. I don't like riding like that at all anymore.

[@pranavsana]

I'm young, I'm full of that thrill to speed man. Even inside the city. I feel like it's gonna hit me back one day. How do you control the urges to speed, especially on a powerful motorcycle like this one?

[@diaryofawanderingboot4058]

Simple hospital visits with progressively higher bills will sort you out. It's the only way 😅

[@esadali3324]

I really miss those AliExpress days. I wish it starts shipping again in India

[@RaviThakur-po8oh]

You gainer a subscriber buddy

[@abhinavbhatt]

Thanks

[@adityanair6406]

Also make a similar comute video on the street triple . All the reviews I watched on yt said they dont heat much you said the opposite 👀

[@abhinavbhatt]

Okay.

[@NeeravMota]

Great video. have been really taking points from you while working on my i650. Those front mudguards are soo sexy. Btw please have you bike washed prior to you shooting your videos.

[@ROCKSTAGT]

Great build and awesome video! What rims are you running on? How can I get my hands on them? How much did they cost you?

[@abhinavbhatt]

Thanks. These are generic aluminium rims imported from Taiwan. I think they cost me close to 40k back then.

[@tejasjagtap7549]

​@@abhinavbhatt are these rims / tyres tubeless?? How can one have a spoke tubeless tyre

[@bpgrmds]

I got inspired by your interceptor project videos back then and bought one. mine is stock, no mods. even I ride 30 km to work every day , go through same emotions. you know the feeling

[@anuven4]

Abhinav I really wonder what norm stopped the company to churn out the spec you have there, anyway you are blessed to have some personally approachable garage. Lost my mechanic by cardiac arrest n now sky Is empty for me. Anyway great work ❤

[@abhinavbhatt]

Thank you. And very sorry to hear about your mechanic.

[@shadow_realm47]

When I told my friend last year that you could put dominar USD on the interceptor to make it more stable at high speeds he didn't believe me :P I had to find old videos of yours when you used to do interceptor content or when the Interceptor with the silver tank would appear in the background

[@abhinavg3514]

Bike looks good, but I'd personally color the Female end of front fork black

[@nadikmayapthomi789]

I really liked the dash, cockpit view is just ❤ the fork colour didn’t appeal much to me maybe cause of chrome colour I guess you can run alloy wheels as they are available from the showroom itself but hey hey hey I will also take a risk and go with the looks with the interceptor 650 😊

[@abhinavbhatt]

Forks are silver, not chrome :)

[@satvindersuden]

that hahahaha..... oh yes we feel tht too !! Cheers from Chandigarh 🥂🥂

[@pranavsuresh8925]

very tastefully modified

[@abhinavbhatt]

Thanks

[@nikhil23911]

wow, bike is very sweet.

[@abhinavbhatt]

Thanks

[@subhadipdey6464]

Please change the front headlight mounting it looks a little busy compared to the rest of the bike overall neat looks.

[@abhinavbhatt]

I like it man.

[@vishakr7194]

17 inches is very practical I wish RE makes 17 by default also usds which will come in scram/bear 650

[@prishashandilya7925]

Very nice video abhinav . I would like to see your triumph bikes next time, u can ride them on weekends when there is less chances of traffic. Last time i had asked for suggestion for light weight bike which i need for cross country tours, i rode triumph speed4oo and i thought of holding the bike purchasing plan till i get some new option of scrambler from RE in 450 or yezdi/jawa650 which may be lighter under 200kg range And may have seat height of 800mm or less . Yesterday night i was talking with my school friend who offered me his intceptor650 as he doesnt need that bike anymore and it stay only in parking, he has clocked 7k kms on odo, he has an extra tank with minor dent (can be painted and used as swappable option) , stock tyres (2019mfg) which has cracks and would need immediate change probably , it has wiring issues as rats has messed with wire. He might come down to probably 1.8lakh for his 2019 model, we both had went to buy his bike and it was my suggestion to go for int650 against his choice for some silver red wierd 350 class high priced version which left price difference of around 65k . I rode the bike for few week in march and it had wobble issue while braking around 100-120 , so i rode it cautiously. At 27:15 min in video i saw a bike infront of u with same 5550 number plate and this int650 has same number too. Lol i am getting subliminal signs from ur video. I will mostly use for night rides in delhi when there are very less cops and maybe get it max louder 😂 .

[@abhinavbhatt]

Hi. Yeah, I plan to do similar videos on my Triumphs now.

[@prishashandilya7925]

​@@abhinavbhatt Yes do upload soon after ride. How many bikes do you have in total? Do u still have ur project r15 too ?

[@abhinavbhatt]

@@prishashandilya7925 I have 6 bikes including the R15. But it is in Bangalore currently. Someone was trying to finish the project for me, but he has stopped returning my calls!

[@prishashandilya7925]

@@abhinavbhatt hope someday he wakes up and send back ur bike. Does it happen with u too that u dont start bike for months and it battery goes down or smtimes rats bites the wiring and make them stuck for month . One more question, is 1.8-2lakh inr is cheat deal of for 2019 int650 stock with 7k odo ?

[@Frederickkk88]

Brilliant build so far!!! Looks much like triumph, it would be perfect if it's clean😂💦

[@abhinavbhatt]

I hate cleaning bikes. I just ride them and let the cleaning guy do the rest. With the monsoon, finding it very difficult to keep them clean for more than a day.

[@Frederickkk88]

@@abhinavbhatt yess exactly, and even tha brake pads run out too fast on monsoon, using expensive brake pads like ceramic brake pads, or other high quality pads is not too ideal during monsoon

[@tripgaming3874]

Hi Abhinav absolutely love your work. I am planning on getting powerrage short type exhausts for my GT , are they good? I need some exhaust which are small and sound less loud

[@abhinavbhatt]

I have no idea about this exhaust.

[@gunegaar97]

Btw that dominar usd forks looks sick, what about the expense of doing same?

[@devak7500]

I own a 2023 interceptor it's got DNA air filter + AEW 101's and a Stage 1 ECU remap, if mine is already pretty quick i can imagine how it'll feel after doing all the mods you've done so far! Really impressive and it goes to show how easily customizable the 650 twins are. Quick question, will i notice any difference going from a 130 section to a 150 section rear ? My CEAT tires will need replacing soon enough so im thinking whether to switch to 150 section or stick to 130

[@abhinavbhatt]

For a stockish bike, okay to stick to a 130 rear.

[@devak7500]

@@abhinavbhatt Got it thanks 👍

[@bhagats1ngh]

Sorry to hear your office moved so far away.

[@BrattyBiker]

What do you prefer, this or the Gold Star 650 ?

[@NareshLZote]

Sir where's your r15 project??

[@KevinLopez-ju1rc]

get it detailed bro! this commute review series 🔥

[@abhinavbhatt]

No money left for detailing.

[@Mo-it7rd]

Brother, love your interceptor. But one question. How do you handle the police with all the customisation? Tyre change, usd forks, custom exhaust etc.

[@abhinavbhatt]

Thankfully I haven't run into any cop trouble so far. Mods are anyway so subtle that cops don't notice. And in the city I don't ride fast so the exhaust doesn't make a lot of noise.

[@Mo-it7rd]

@@abhinavbhatt Oh. That's good to know. Always felt that the interceptor needed usd forks cos it's such a muscular bike that the telescopic forks didn't seem to complete the look. And I'm around 5.6ft but with a short inseam so always wished the seat was also slightly lower. Adding those 17 inch wheels really seem like a great idea for me as well. Ground clearance may be low but people have made Ladakh trips even with the old classic and Thunderbird which had clearance of 135mm so, even with 17 inch wheels I think it's still a very practical bike. Will definitely try it for myself. 😁

[@AlpacavsKangaroo]

Does it have a stock grip or you've changed em

[@abhinavanand1936]

I think the only thing left to do is a Big Bore kit 😅

[@abhinavbhatt]

Naah. I really don't think this bike needs more power. Mine strikes the perfect balance between, power, handling, braking, ride right now. I will have to redo everything again if I do a big bore.

[@MrSrijit]

Very nice. How does it hold up against the BSA Gold Star 650? Have you had a chance to ride a 845cc Interceptor? Would a Shotgun 650 or Super Meteor 650 USD fork be easier to install and tune than the one you have now?

[@abhinavbhatt]

Hi. My bike is much quicker than the BSA. Better handler too. I haven't had a chance to ride an 845cc Interceptor. Though in my opinion, I would want to redo half the bike to run power like that. Maybe the Shotgun suspension would fit, but I haven't tried it.

[@MrSrijit]

@@abhinavbhatt I agree with you regarding the 865. Your riding style needs better than stock suspension on a 650 let alone a 865. I have seen videos of people who have done the big bore kit. Most of them are on stock suspension. Even Revelry racing, I think.

[@abhinavbhatt]

@@MrSrijit but how much are those bikes ridden on a daily basis? Mine is a daily bike.

[@MrSrijit]

@@abhinavbhatt No idea. The Revelry Racing one is a racing bike obviously.

[@gouravbijlwan4910]

i was waiting on this interceptor vid and did you upgrade the clutch

[@abhinavbhatt]

No. Stock clutch.

[@mahtaab_46]

Why does it keep flashing the check light and then goes away

[@yohanmychal7194]

I love this format of video. But i do not believe this setup can push any more than 55bhp

[@abhinavbhatt]

You have to ride it to feel it.

[@saaamaak]

₹10, 000/- on fuel for a month sounds reasonable. Just mind your back, Ride safe.

[@uk1107]

I have a interceptor 650. I really want meet you and your interceptor 650. Is that possible?

[@abhinavbhatt]

Maybe some Sunday when I actually ride this bike.

[@deepaknagraj9827]

Hey Abhinav, how would you compare the Inty ( may be the original build & not this modded one) to the 650 Goldstar, which you were raving bout :) in your BSA vlog ? Kudos to your vlogs mate

[@abhinavbhatt]

I'll try to make a video riding both back-to-back.

[@deepaknagraj9827]

Sure dude . . But what's your take ? Which did you enjoy more ?

[@abhinavbhatt]

@@deepaknagraj9827 there is no direct answer to such question. You enjoy them differently. Apples and oranges.

[@deepaknagraj9827]

Yep, your thoughts mirror mine . . Every bike & biker's DNA is different . .

[@deepaknagraj9827]

I have an inty, would like to have a 650 Goldstar ( coz it's a single) or maybe the 650 Classic if & when launched & finally the Speed Twin 900 ( loved Street Twin as it's name) . .

[@namirkalra8815]

What has been your long-term review for the way2speed tubeless conversion kit?? Any issues so far?

[@abhinavbhatt]

Works perfect. No issues.

[@namirkalra8815]

@@abhinavbhatt Thanks for the info dude... Keep the videos coming!!! ❤

[@manoj_marndi]

What happened to our R15V3 ?

[@abhishekrathore2586]

May I know where did you source the USD forks from?

[@abhinavbhatt]

The Bajaj service centre.

[@AnkurSharma-ss9wy]

Hi Abhinav, try doing a commute on a Duke 390 if possible

[@abhinavbhatt]

I don't have any access to that bike.

[@710jenson]

Bro I saw your project interceptor few years back and I got myself one too. Its been a couple of years and I still haven't made any performance mods. Ive been wanting to make some changes.. especially the exhausts but I am still holding back bcz it's quite a hassle if you get caught riding with these... how do you manage your 33km run with those aftermarket pipes?

[@abhinavbhatt]

I don't ride very hard. And the bike is not loud at low revs.

[@710jenson]

@@abhinavbhatt I do get that... but I've been checked by cops at red lights with my engine off... they just randomly come and ask me to start and rev 😅 Thankfully I've been riding the stock exhausts all this while... but yeah I guess once I get it installed I'll naturally be more careful and discreet...

[@abhinavbhatt]

@@710jenson Yeah. You will have to be.

[@sn99vlog64]

Bhiya ktm 390adv ka front Suspainson acha nhi hai toh kyu na himalaya 450 ka Suspainson lagaya jia ... Up try karke dekho ekbar😊

[@dwayanjohnson970]

most satisfying video, love from Tamil Nadu people's

[@the_moto_man]

R15v3 Project completed?

[@mountainman9847]

With a trimmed beared and a trimmed motorcycle: couldn't ask for more. Interceptor's biggest problem is the poor weight distribution. Its top heavy. U draw circles on it in opposite directions at crawling speeds , u ll find out. Has there been any changes to it with your modifications. U mentioned motorcycles u recently rode but forgot the last one. Now the only question. Would u pick it over the goldstar?

[@abhinavbhatt]

Mine is lower to the ground with smaller wheels. Doesn't feel top heavy. Gold Star vs Interceptor is Apples vs Oranges.

[@mountainman9847]

@@abhinavbhatt well then, a comparison video is the demand of the argument.. Many people are already calling the goldstar as the interceptor killer. Would love to hear from you on this. Bear in mind u compared apples and oranges the past. Cb350 and meteor 350.

[@abhinavbhatt]

@@mountainman9847 and I never gave a conclusion back then.

[@mountainman9847]

@@abhinavbhatt there was a cryptic tilt towards the meteor. Anyways bro, just go for it..

[@satyamsai9871]

Can i use liquimoly dot 5.1 brakefluid on interceptor Comparing to stock dot 4 ??

[@abhinavbhatt]

Yes. 5.1 is the evolution of 4. Has a higher boiling point. Just don't get 5.

[@aakash.dhawan]

any plans for the big bore kit?

[@abhinavbhatt]

No.

[@AthishPV]

Where did you buy the rearsets from?

[@abhinavbhatt]

K Speed, Thailand.

[@ravishekhar2629]

Can you please tell me where can I get my R3 ECU flashed?

[@abhinavbhatt]

You can check with Speedmonks. They reflashed their bike.

[@megamind5774]

Great tasteful mods as expected from a grease monkey. ✨😁

[@harshaokin8064]

Sorry, off topic. But what wristwatch is that, Abhinav?

[@abhinavbhatt]

Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire.

[@maverick2678]

I own a interceptor bout 1 year now, before i use to own a ktm duke and pulsar. RE build quality are not at the level of Baja, i change the front bearing, chain and sprocket set, clutch cable 3 times, clutch plate and now the swing arm bushing is failing and the rear wheel can wobble, and the break master cylinder also have an issue. Man this motorcycle is such a hassle to own. I haven't even crash once and the ride quality sucks without any visible problem with the suspension. And I'm having all this problem already on a year, and parts are so expansive. I won't buy an RE motorcycle in the future

[@udaysehgal1]

Your rear spoke wheels looks short is it 17" rim. If Please let me know which rim are u using?

[@abhinavbhatt]

These were imported from Malaysia long ago.

[@udaysehgal1]

@@abhinavbhatt Thanks for the response. it would be great if you can share the link I checked out your videos but didn't find one.

[@abhinavbhatt]

@@udaysehgal1 there is no link. Someone got it for me.

[@audiogasm7]

next pulsar ns 400 please

[@AmitK]

Abhinav, Interceptor or BSA 650 ?

[@abhinavbhatt]

Depends on who wants what. If you are asking just for my preference, I'll keep both.

[@Avinash-147]

Looks like speed twin 1200

[@ऋत्विक-कुमार]

Bro, can you tell me? Where to buy tubeless spoked rims?? Is there any company in India??

[@abhinavbhatt]

No idea. Sorry.

[@ऋत्विक-कुमार]

@@abhinavbhatt 🥲 there are some brands, but they are American and they are gonna cost too much!!

[@sovan_404]

why did you change from a 2 into 1 to 2 into 2 exhaust?

[@abhinavbhatt]

This looks nicer to me.

[@sovan_404]

@@abhinavbhatt I can feel that you both are having a good time on this bike. Any issues that need to be addressed ( like the speedo error, front suspension etc )? Will this project ever be complete or will it be a project of constant development?

[@aruna6877]

Biker asmr.

[@cruze86]

How much power bump after all this mod?

[@abhinavbhatt]

10 plus, easily.

[@dilipchauhan7101]

❤

[@vikramreddybijjula7740]

Hi Abhinav, can I get my bike get these custom changes in Hyderabad?

[@abhinavbhatt]

I'm sure some customiser there might be able to do it there. But I don't know anybody there.

[@vikramreddybijjula7740]

@abhinavbhatt I'm sure there might be people working on customization of bikes. But I have not come across anybody till now. Bengaluru is other option, but very expensive. Thank you for your quick response though 👍

[@midhunaggarwal3481]

Don't the cops trouble you for running customs exhausts?

[@abhinavbhatt]

Never had trouble.

[@darksoul4721]

It means it should go over 200 kmph top speed.

[@benedictthomas3893]

where's the xpulse Anhinav Bro

[@abhinavbhatt]

Sold it over a year ago.

[@rumanparveez]

Side panel link?

[@abhinavbhatt]

k-speed.com/en/collections/royal-enfield-parts

[@chiragmehta926]

👍👍👍👍