Continental GT 650 - Himalayan Handle Bar Swap - Royal Enfield Custom

[@ThrottleDownunder]

I love the new set up, can't wait to continue the customization

[@fredefird9377]

Hi Throttle Downunder. Love your channel. I just bought a GT a couple of months ago after test riding the GT and the Continental. I love the clip on handle bars, they make the bike fun, but I also get neck and upper back soreness after awhile (I'm 68). Fortunately, most of the time the pain goes away after about 5 minutes on the bike. But the pain returns after about 30 minutes. After seeing your previous video, I am considering changing the handle bars as you have. I do have a few questions for you that will help me make my decision. 1. Why did you change to the Himalayan instead of Interceptor handlebars 2. How much was the total cost including the clutch cable etc.? I'm in the US, but I can convert. Did you buy the handlebars through your RE dealer, or through a 3rd party online. 3. How long did it take to have the bars changed? 4. With the more upright position, have you noticed any pain in your lower lumbar area of your back? I'm worried that I might just trade one pain for another. I don't want to buy a new replacement bike because I love the way the GT rides. I also like some of your ideas about off road usage with the modifications you mentioned.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

@@fredefird9377 G'day mate. Thanks for following. 1. I chose thr Himalayan only due to looks. I love the way they look. But they are also strengthened and light weight too. 2. Cost was $800 Aussie dollars including parts and labour. All parts supplied by dealer. 3. The work took the dealer about 2 hours. 4. Unsure about long journey pain yet, but in a short 1 hour ride there was no issues for me. Best wishes Fred 👍

[@fredefird9377]

@@ThrottleDownunder Thanks for your quick response

[@speedoflightIns]

Hi i recently bought Gt 650 Chrome,while riding I find most of my body weight is on my Arms and it pains .But I love the looks and its aerodynamics ! Its feel good while riding fast so what i request you is i would like to see you making a video of its speed test with new bars is it feels the same or any differences?Any suggestions if i change my handle bar which color bar suits for Chrome RE?Thank you from Trinidad

[@ThrottleDownunder]

@@fredefird9377 my pleasure mate. I hope life is treating you well

[@acrobaticfish]

I would do exactly what you did because I like the tank and paint jobs of the GT better.

[@shahid28285]

Or you can buy interceptor and change the tank alone, if possible, instead of meddling with the fork tee

[@vikaskumar7031]

Everybody loves the design of Continental GT but sitting posing of interceptor and now you have the both means you are enjoying the one which everybody wants .Super.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Thank you for your message

[@enrjorge]

Your bike, your rules. Wonderful sound, celestial music. Greetings from spain

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Thank you mate. I appreciate it. Hola

[@chakrapanid6089]

Hello sir. Nice mod on the handlebar. I own Interceptor 650. After riding it for a year I have changed over to GT clip ons and rear set foot pegs. Been four months and it has been great. Changes the character of the bike. The good part about this is that you can always revert to the original configuration anytime. Happy riding.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Thank you. And happy riding to you too

[@blazesboylan7947]

A lot of Interceptor owners have complained about the position of the pegs, to the point that there’s discussion on the forums about the feasibility of swapping them out for the GT’s. You may have inadvertently come up with the perfect RE 650. Kudos!

[@foilpoint1]

This is a brilliant Idea! Gonna take my bike into the ship and get them swapped out as well!

[@lorenzonegrelliferrari1392]

Well done. Did you put the Interceptor's upper yoke or have modificated the original yoke? And what about the clutch and throttle cables, it possible to keep the originals or need to put longers cable? I'm planning to change the handlebars of my gt for the interceptor's handlebars and yoke, but I don't know if the cables will reach the taller handlebar.

[@josephsperato5645]

Bike looks fantastic, Im an older dude and will need the INT for same reasons, Comfort is important.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Yes Joseph I'm all about comfort these days

[@NeillR]

Yeah, I chose the Interceptor for that reason. I liked the look of the GT but I knew i'd end up getting sore hips from the rear peg position. And there's no doubt that you can throw it around so much easier with the more upright position, but it was a bugger on the motorways. With the suspension in the default position I found the front end was floating a bit at 100kph and above. Moved it up a couple of notches and its much better.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

@@NeillR yes I think suspension will nw my next changes

[@felipemarianno7075]

I don't agree that you bought the wrong bike. For me for instance, I wanted the Interceptor position to ride, and the Continental GT fuel tank and color options. So in the end (after watching your video), I bought the Continental GT and, will do the same you did with the handle bars. Thanks mate!

[@CanonKind]

Hi man I normally don't comment on your videos but i've been following you since you came out with the Continental GT uploads. I think the bike looks awesome with the new handle bars and i'm stoked for you that you are going to ride it more now. Custom builds are all the rage right now and you are the only one in the world with these bars en the conti pegs and tank. Please ignore these 'haters'. They are just keyboard warriors with no self respect. Go out there and enjoy your custom bike!!

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate and taking the time to comment

[@prasadjagtap1337]

No mate he is not the only one here in india lots of people changes gt's handelbart to INT because lots of us love the gt tank, thats why..

[@pakyvaccaro1972]

Ho guardato il tuo video con molto interesse,poichè in primavera cambierò il manubrio alla mia Continental 650 GT con uno della Interceptor per una guida piú eretta e con meno peso sugli avambracci. Ho letto nei commenti che le pedane GT non creano problemi usando un manubrio piú alto e largo... Sei stato fonte d'ispirazione!!!! Grazie

[@BigBert]

Your happy with it, that’s all that counts 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Thanks Bert, I appreciate it

[@earthworm7894]

Wow. I watched ur other video picking the bike up from the shop after fitting. At the start of the video i was thinking this would not look good. But u nailed it. This is very cool and looks good. (i actually dont mind riding on the standard set up but was thinking about getting the zana risers for GT for a little bit more ease on a longer trip. But I think what you have done is better). I can figure out most of what is needed but am unsure about the cables. You mention that at 6:43 u had to get "extended cables and brake hose from the interceptor". Can you tell me which specific cables needed to be replaced with interceptor cables. Many thanks in advance. Looking forward to seeing what other mods u make (like u i had never thought i would ever make a mod to a bike i bought other than perhaps the pipes - but the enfield twins just scream at you "mod me .. mod me").

[@ThrottleDownunder]

It needed the Interceptor Cable set. I didn't do any of the works myself, just got the shop to do it all. Including labour costs it was about 2k

[@PritishA82]

Here in Mumbai India, we mostly use extra wide handle bars, which are more comfortable for long rides, but they are not good at taking very sharp turns....ur modification is negligible....enjoy your ride...and just take the scenery in..... ; ) Peace and love from Mumbai, India...

[@PaddyOutback]

Job nicely done mate. Seems to be a big improvement for you.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Thanks Paddy. Yes happy with it

[@markieell5614]

Just subscribed 👍🏻🇬🇧🍺 Nice touch to the GT, a do like the tank a bit better than on the interceptor , you could also add some bar risers❓ Av seen 1-2 on u tube that have done this and they all rate it Look forward to the rest of the customisation; all the best 🇬🇧.mark 👍🏻

[@ThrottleDownunder]

G'day Mark, thanks for subscribing and yes if needed I'll add bar riser too. But right now I'm pretty happy with it. 👍👍

[@Ben10twentytwo]

Bike looks good! And it's now unique.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Thanks Ben

[@arjunshanker2065]

Hey mate I went down a similar route to you. I have an interceptor with a conti gt tank. Really because I love the blue. If your Himalayan bars are still giving you back and shoulder pain, check out renthal road bars. Not quite as high but more swept back. They have been absolute winners for me. Let’s you sit more upright if you are closer to the tank (city) and get a lean if you sit further back (freeway). Good on you for keeping the bike. It’s not the most sophisticated bike out there but it has a simplicity that I enjoy.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Thanks mate. I'll keep it in mind for sure. Thanks for the message

[@kentpaynekentp2147]

I am 52 and ordering a twin in July. This has brought a dilemma to me. I like the look of the Conti GT better. However in the long run, I may prefer upright. I wonder in you can get a GT tank on the INT 🤔🤔🤔

[@ThrottleDownunder]

I'm pretty sure you'll be able to buy a GT tank to put on an int. Will be cheaper than what I have done

[@kentpaynekentp2147]

Throttle Downunder thanks and I have watched countless videos on these Bikes. Good need is this actually was most informative.... bad news is my wife just said “I told you so!” 😬

[@ThrottleDownunder]

@@kentpaynekentp2147 there was just so many components needs to change handle bars. Was a $800 Aussie dollars job. Needed Interceptor Cables and Brake. Triple tree and all component regarding that. All bolts etc are sold separately. Then of course the bars etc. I was expecting to pay a couple of hundred and was going to do offroad tire etc. But 800 shocked me. In hindsight I should've got an Interceptor.......however I LOVE the look of my bike now.

[@normananderson2583]

@@ThrottleDownunder I agree..pretty sure the GT tank will fit the Interceptor...will run around $400.00 US.

[@WildOn2sVlog]

Great vid. We live and learn!

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Thank you

[@kf-kr4tt]

Hitchcocks sells a footpeg reposition kit, I think for the Interceptor,but check with them for GT fitment.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Thank you I'll look into it if I need them

[@congaronbo]

I like it. Make it yours. Color matters too... Interceptor colors are a tough go for me. I like yours... Dr mayhem and black bars. Btw... You WILL adjust to the slight rearset. My zrx1100 position was very similar to yours after I rearset the pegs... More than yours. After cancer treatments and weak legs I've put the pegs back, but the position Was fine up and back 30mm.on that bike... Yes... Wheelies... But 120hp too.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Haha yes wheelies are a little harder with not much HP. Especially when I have no skill too haha

[@corradoaresu4819]

Nice idea ... great result ... fantastic motorcycle.

[@TheJaguartree]

Also have a GT Conti and know how u feel. Just wondering if you’d chosen the interceptor bars instead of the himi bars, would it have still been necessary to change cables etc out? Asking as also considering swapping bars in future

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Yes definitely needed. All the cabling I got was interceptor cabling so I guess it would be the same 👍

[@TheJaguartree]

Throttle Downunder ahhh, more expense, I’ll have to wait until I get back to working then. How’s it going with the himi bars n rear sets?... still feels ok? Love ya energy by the way, great channel.

[@PritishA82]

And don't modify it further....just let it be....looks Awesome !!!

[@kele8182]

Thanks for the follow up video Rob. I totally understand why you bought the Continental after riding it and the Interceptor, back to back. I did exactly the same thing. The foot pegs on the Interceptor felt awkward and uncomfortable. Having spent six and half hours in the saddle of my Conti one recent Sunday, I see why you changed out the bars. I love my current set up for the mountain twisties though and not sure I can be as brave as you with your change. So I’m very interested how your peg position will feel after a big ride with the new bars. All the best.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Thanks Kel. With the new bars I think the Twisties might be more fun. But you're right, the pegs after a long trip might be an issue

[@yatinsingh88]

You did the right and best thing🙏

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Thank you

[@hlkmanlun]

That looks stunning 😎

[@ftopsgem3345]

Nice one! Have a parts list by any chance?

[@NeillR]

Mate, that exhaust sounds mint. Have you still got the EMGO slashcuts on?

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Yes mate still running the slash cuts. They sound nice and raw. But for a deeper rumble thw new S&S pipes are amazing

[@occyman]

Have you considered the 865 big bore kit? Think I need to go see Santina

[@ThrottleDownunder]

I think it's a great option. I have chatted to Santina about it. But I just dont have a need for it. The 650 does everything I need. Any more than that and I have my Harley

[@nebacanzer]

I am assuming you’re going to convert that into a scrambler/ adventure bike? Also, you can filter in Sydney?

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Yes going along the Scrambler style for sure. And yes lane filtering is allowed in Sydney, great on the Enfield, not so easy on my Street Glide haha

[@wheelsandworld]

Hey did you change the Tbar as well. And which mobile holder are you using.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Yes and im using the Quadlock system. Best available

[@andres_sj]

why don't you get the Interceptor footpeg bracket y should be a sort of plug and play mod

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Im pretty happy with how it is at the moment. Time will tell 👍

[@motogspot]

As long as the RE is how you want it with the new bars, it’s certainly a cheaper option than changing to the interceptor 😃👍

[@ThrottleDownunder]

True mate. Looking forward to more changes too

[@wanGden]

Along with the himalayan handlebar what else did you have to add extra for the handlebar? Do we need to buy extra fittings too?

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Yes. Triple tree and all cables need to be bought from the Interceptor

[@dannylorean8825]

The stock "clip on" bars are atrocious/ugly on the GT - trying to get a nice pair of straight clips which would obviously bring me lower, been searching high and low online can't find. To add, had my GT for 3 mumfs and the speedometer already stopped working - suppose its time to start stripping this bike down to its bare bones and achieve the mad max look- nobbies and all. Cheers from Vegas

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Sorry to hear you're already having problems. So far I've had none. Love your Mad Max idea though

[@sujarock9723]

Sera broo... You r awesome.... I also think it do it on my queen..

[@varunreddy8353]

I would like to know that is that compulsory to change the cables(clutch and brake) if we were going to swap the handle bar.

[@verrewolf]

Hi Rob The bike looks really good!! and i wanted to do this, however my local RE service center discouraged me from going with the himalayan handlebar due to some weight issues and explaining that the bar will not be able to take the wieght etc etc. Let me know how our riding experience has been in the last couple months if no issues faced, i'll go ahead and make the change Cheers, VR

[@ThrottleDownunder]

I had no problems. And if an off road Himalayan Bar can't take weight, they shouldn't be making them

[@basil3130]

It's really nice 👍👍

[@veereshsp7696]

Hi can you please help what kind of mobile holder is that it's preety good I am interested to buy

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Quadlock

[@veereshsp7696]

@@ThrottleDownunder whr did u buy because I am from India

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Quadlock.com

[@veereshsp7696]

@@ThrottleDownunder www.quadlock.com/insulated-concrete-forms/accessories.htm this were it's took me to some construction website why I am asking is ,it's very simple u just kept like wireless charge holder is very simple

[@ThrottleDownunder]

www.quadlockcase.com.au/ try this one

[@Tommy-Atkins]

Hi mate....great looking and sounding bike 👍....are they standard exhausts ?!...sound fab!

[@ThrottleDownunder]

G'day, they are EMGO slash cut pipes, with baffles still in

[@TheJaguartree]

How’s it going with the himi bars and rear sets, did you get used to the combo or have you changed the foot peg set up too?

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Im really happy with the combo. Suits me just fine. Still feels a little aggressive with a little comfort

[@drchienholiao1183]

Sorry to Say, couldn't see a thing, the Handle Swap is an Excellent Idea, but missed out heavily on all aspects and angle you needed to Shoot for the Look of the Bike with those Handlebars, Should have made a walk around instead, please shoot in that Point of View, thanks

[@ThrottleDownunder]

This video was my riding impressions requested from a previous video, which indeed included a walk around montage

[@Aarvind07]

Love from India 🥰🤘

[@prasadjagtap1337]

So is it now Comfertable to long rides,, tell me buddy.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Yes it is

[@prasadjagtap1337]

@@ThrottleDownunder thanks sir i posted the question twice in your last video, sorry for that😆

[@VV-bf5pd]

Can you suggest what should i buy to swap the handle bar. I have RE Continental GT 650 and i want to replace the handle bar

[@fabianoH5N1]

Did they had to change trottle or Clutch cables ?

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Yes had to put the Interceptor cabkes and Brake line through

[@fabianoH5N1]

@@ThrottleDownunder ok . Allways thougt the gt and int had the same cables

[@akashayk4591]

Still do u get the hand (palm ?)pain ????

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Not anymore

[@akashayk4591]

@@ThrottleDownunder thanks a lot mate . Even i own a gt and thinking to upgrade my handel bars . Thanks a lot for the info .... Keep uploading more good vedios

[@TheGoddon]

But why not buy an interceptor handle?

[@bhanuprakash8340]

after fixing new handle to gt continental is comfortable and safe?

[@ednaldosantiago3689]

was there a need to replace the cables?

[@trmurali1718]

Nice job

[@ruhtam8971]

You missed an opportunity to say "Go Tigers" to that Rooster fan

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Haha so true

[@sharankumartantri522]

hi sir, all the way from india

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Hello in India

[@DipXotiK]

Which is your exhaust note?

[@ThrottleDownunder]

EMGO Slash Cut

[@DipXotiK]

@@ThrottleDownunder Thanks big brother.

[@PubRunner]

How much did the conversion cost?

[@ThrottleDownunder]

From memory about 1000

[@PubRunner]

@@ThrottleDownunder my son has the Continental GT and it does his wrists when riding long distance. He is thinking about putting the Interceptor handlebars on it. His is the Mr Clean version with the Chrome tank

[@ThrottleDownunder]

@@PubRunner nice. It certainly made my bike massively better for my needs. I really enjoyed it. Where are you located?

[@PubRunner]

@@ThrottleDownunder We just brought a Glitter and Dust Interceptor and we are litteraly just taking it to Twisted Moto in Geelong to have a sidecar fitted.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

@@PubRunner very nice

[@shreyassekhar2577]

I'm in the same boat ⛵😭 I wanna change the handlebars

[@ThrottleDownunder]

It was worth it

[@shreyassekhar2577]

@@ThrottleDownunder wat about rear footpegs will that be a problem while riding

[@ThrottleDownunder]

@@shreyassekhar2577 I liked the position. Still aggressive but upright

[@shreyassekhar2577]

@@ThrottleDownunder ok 👍

[@venkats9936]

Hai I have GT 650 actually I want to change my handle Give me suggestion Brother

[@YouTubechannel-pf2cy]

Seems like you came out from cronulla

[@bhanuprakash8340]

is that model fi engine

[@sumanthsumantha8521]

I love that

[@franciscopinto795]

Go on and swap the fuel tank now!

[@ThrottleDownunder]

No I love the GT Tank

[@udayansarkar3301]

See the bike

[@colmhaughey7001]

Hey check out the Bike Sheds KZbin MALLE’S RALLY SPEC ENFIELD INTERCEPTORS It may provide some inspiration for your build Good Luck...!!!

[@ThrottleDownunder]

Thank you so much. I'll look them up

[@dusans5881]

Hi. Sorry but this video has no additional value. You even didnt show how the bike looks with new handlebars. Just driving with empty words…

[@ThrottleDownunder]

@@dusans5881 would you like your money back?

[@dusans5881]

@ No. I would like to give you feedback to improve. But seems that you dont need to get it because you are the best

[@ThrottleDownunder]

@dusans5881 I'm no where near the best. Nor do I want to be. It was a 4 year old video that served a purpose. That wasn't feed back. It was a keyboard warrior wanting to belittle another person to make yourself feel better. Be a better human

[@zothansanga3624]

2nd comment hehe