Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 - channel project bike - part 1

In this video we take a look at our Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 project bike. John and his Dad bought this bike second hand to use as their reliable modern classic to get on and just ride.
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The Classic Motorcycle Channel is for people who love classic, vintage and antique motorcycles. We are passionate about classic motorcycles and produce high quality motorcycle profile videos, restoration videos, restorer profile videos and also anything that takes our interest.
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/ theclassicmotorcyclech...
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// CHANNEL PARTNERS
- Alex Rollings - director and producer for the channel.
KZbin: @motofilmer
Instagram: @motofilmer
- Dave Mitchell - in house mechanic, presenter and producer. Dave also owns and runs a classic motorcycle workshop called Mitchell's Classics.
Website: www.mitchellsclassics.co.uk
- John Oakes - presenter and producer. John is a classic motorcycle enthusiast, rider and restorer and works closely with us on all our video content.
Instagram and Facebook: @classicbikeman
// A BIG THANK YOU TO
- John Oakes for taking the time to film with us on the day.
Instagram and Facebook: @classicbikeman
- TEC Bike Parts for sending us the parts to put on John's Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
Website: www.tecbikeparts.com
KZbin: @TECBikeParts
Facebook: @TECBikeParts
Instagram: @tec_bike_parts
- Alex Rollings for producing the video.
KZbin: @motofilmer
Instagram: @motofilmer
#classicmotorcycle
#royalenfield
#royalenfieldinterceptor650

[@mikerider58]

I'm not a fan of customising bikes but the budget parts on the Royal Enfield are begging to be replaced. The tail tidy indicators, shocks, levers,headlight brackets and the exchaust were FANTASTIC upgrades. I'm a young 65 year old musician 😆 and the sound of that bike pulling away was simply 60s gorgeous . The last time l heard a sound like that l was running home from school to listen to The Beatles.

[@lightning_8340]

I think it's kind of genius really. RE offers the bike dirt cheap and over the years you can invest on some quality upgrades, making the bike truly yours. A lot of 3rd party options.

[@kevindaly5093]

These few simple modifications really clean up the overall look. And that sound is just delicious. I'm sure you and your dad will be smiling like the Cheshire Cat after every ride. Enjoy.

[@aruncv1373]

Yaassss

[@gazzertrn]

AS an older ex biker i love what you done , makes me want to shake the dust off the old leathers . Looks gorgeous it really does.

[@Nks0012]

I am from India and this bike is my favourite one I like the modification

[@sinorman231]

hi Guys i have a Cont GT done some similar mods, by far and away best thing i have done was fitting larger rear tyre gone up 20mm over standard ceat tyre, plus match front, what a difference all the twitchiness in the rear on uneven roads or when overtaking across white lines gone, did have to take a little cut out of the chain guard, bonus being looks so much better from behind now,

[@paulbryan1013]

Being the same age as your dad I found this very useful thanks 👍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Paul, thanks for letting us know, Alex

[@richardhall5606]

I put on the S&S silencers which I prefer the look off to the single and replaced the seat with the identical looking touring seat which dis a lot more comfortable once you get past 45 minutes on the bike. BUT the main upgrades I did and would recommend is replacing the plastic mudguards and chain guards with polished stainless. Really nice to get rid of those big lumps of plastic all together. The nice thing about the RE 650 is that you can have fun customizing it with bits and pieces at reasonable prices and with such a low initial cost you are still at half the price of a new Triumph. I was on my way to view a 2012 Bonneville for $7,500 when I stopped at the RE dealer and after a 10 minute ride bought on the spot, a new chrome tank version for $6,200, as it brought such a smile to my face. At the time I wasn't even aware of the RE 650 until when searching online for a Bonneville the RE 650 adds kept popping up. I was skeptical at first but after reading tons of reviews I thought it was worth a look and wasn't disappointed. I was concerned the 45 bhp just couldn't propel my 300lb body but found it gave plenty of power for back road riding. I have been riding 56 years and already owned a 100bhp VStrom, a 68 Bonneville and 73 Commando and I bought my RE 650 for the same reasons you did. I no longer do 5,000 miles trips and for back country sunday rides the RE gives me more fun than any other bike I have had. When I get on it I am immediately taken back to the feeling I had riding my Bonnie back in 1970.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for your comments. I’m sure others will find that very interesting to read :)

[@DennisMerwood-xk8wp]

@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel This bike is less sophisticated than a 1975 Yamaha XS650! The 45-year-old XS650 would in fact be a better bike - by any criteria. The old Yamahammer would eat his thing for breakfast, and last twice as long. Why are you limeys so excited about it? Just because it has British name? Its an anachronism. A thing belonging to a period other than that in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned:

[@sscbkr48]

I'd taken my adv in for some warranty work. While talking with the service desk my wife was over checking out the Interceptors. She suggested I take one out to see what I thought. I was blown away by it's balance and handling. Beautiful bike! so I bought it, with my wife's blessing of course. 👍👍

[@DennisMerwood-xk8wp]

@@sscbkr48 Good on you John.

[@Gearsandgrease]

Any updates on episode 2?

[@philmuskett265]

I'm not a fan of 'Siamese' pipes, but must admit that's one sweet sound.

[@artiecisneros4691]

Music to my ears with the Tec exhaust and looks great.

[@michaelloughlin1597]

Excellent sounding bike! So much better than stock. Nice video. Thanks!

[@defender1006]

That just sounds so much better with the TEC 2 into 1 Stinger, I had the same experience when I fitted the 2 into 1 Arrows system on my 2006 '900 Scrambler many years ago!

[@silversun371]

Really like what you&your dad have done here, really tasteful mods. It sounds great with that two into one exhaust .

[@bradkorando]

Terrific video. Loved hearing, "and we didn't swear too much doing it." :) The bike is looking a sounding really good. The RE Interceptor is a fantastic bike for the price and appears to be a good platform for one to customize to their liking. Thanks for sharing your project

[@mulliedog1]

New exhaust sounds great!!

[@lightfoot413]

WOW love that 2 into 1 exhaust sound...much better than original..bike looks great..thanks for the video

[@johnrickards1908]

LOVE that exhaust note!

[@PutOnYourLid]

Wow, it certainly sounds great with the 2 in 1. Well Done!

[@grahamedkins]

Great improvements, thank you for the video

[@balintszollar]

oh man that exhaust sound had me giggle with excitement! beautiful work

[@MadChalet]

Nice job! I appreciate your adding the spacers to extend the signals out further, they are intended to be seen after all. I also like that RE gives you the option of long fender or short fenders with those 'extenders.' You can put 'em on when touring, and take 'em off when only riding local.

[@mikehowarth6165]

Looks great,sounds great, with the upgrades

[@woodtool2882]

Great upgrades. Love the Triumph/BSA styling of these bikes.

[@gcvrsa]

The 2-into-1 exhaust really makes a huge difference in both weight and sound, just having both exhaust pulses travelling down the same pipe. I don't know that I would sink so much money into the cosmetic upgrades, but they do look nice. The suspension upgrades are not something I'd bother with, as I'm not looking for all-out performance, and I've generally been satisfied with the factory fitment on any motorcycle I've ridden. I'm sure they perform better, but the cost for such upgrades is generally substantial.

[@simonbertioli4696]

Ahhh...great sound...twins.. yummy. Reminds me of my old triumph 500...back in the 70s I ripped off the old exhaust system and modified an existing 2 into 1 tucked under the bike with a Norton Commando silencer...sounded great and looked good too.. Nice memories... So this Royal Enfield...sounds good too.. Well worth the effort...

[@TerlBryant]

Lovely bike... classy mods and the new exhaust sounds superb. Thanks for this 👌

[@mariarusso1155]

Hello how are you 😊

[@AK-db2ph]

Wow that actually sounds phenomenal 😳

[@bhavindave3003]

@ROYALENFIELD should look into trail light modification

[@bobawatsit]

changing the exhaust pipe and air filter >> will not change the ECU map ! The map is permanently encoded on a chip ( which can be altered, but you need a special rewritable chip and gear to do it ) ......but because the bike has a closed circuit system, the oxygen sensor at the exhaust head will automatically adjust the fueling, and hopefully the spark, to suit BUT the bike looks a shit load better. I thought a bum bubble that could be attached at the back of the seat would really nail it

[@localgems]

The tec bike upgrade sounds so sweet! Wow beautiful motorcycle.

[@martincvitkovich724]

cool scene and great sound

[@michaelbecansr9843]

Thank you so much for your love and explanation of this beautiful bike. I want one. I'm in Texas 😁

[@spaceflight1019]

Find out where your local dealer is and grab one.

[@johnmartin7158]

Awesome channel. I genuinely like it. Keep up the good work. Classic Motorcycles.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks John, Alex

[@denlsgoulden2307]

The MK2 touring seat is a great improvement on the standard issue,both cosmetically and comfort wise 🙂

[@GapBahnDirk]

I would recommend the YSS front fork kit. It eliminated the fork dive when braking hard on my Interceptor.

[@harry-cee]

Mate, Good on ya! You have done up the bike quite tastefully. I agree with every single mod here.

[@UncleLongbeard]

very nice bike, sounds great and look brilliant. I would love to see front fender from polished aluminum

[@nigelfisher3756]

Excellent set of upgrades and the bike sounds far, far better. Great video post, well presented and informative - perfect. Like all your collection but would love to see some Guzzi content! Happy as things are, however, with your posts.

[@crumblymal8479]

Wow that exhaust just sounds fantastic very nice mods really interesting since I am considering one of these bikes to add to my garage later this year if poss 👍👌

[@alanrichardson8993]

Great video as I am looking at maybe getting one and this video is why I am considering it, that exhaust mate spot on.

[@mariarusso1155]

Hello Alan how are you 😊

[@steveh2544]

Ace. Liked the ending 👍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks Steve :)

[@end-days]

Definitely improves the bike

[@RobertHiggins-gv5jc]

The sound is sweet very nice bike I have never thought about this brand before but I've gotta be honest I'm looking at possible The same bike different color... I think they have something going on and I think I'm gonna jump on board....thank you for your video and enjoy your little work of art....

[@vanislandsteve]

Looks good👍🏻🇨🇦

[@troyhowling2497]

Looks well tidy .. Seen them in real life and they're built pretty good for the price.... I wish I had the time and money to buy one agent the head etc reworked.... See how much it can be improved on standard.

[@richardbonn3882]

The bike on the cover is very nice !

[@gregkerr1077]

Very nice job. I'm in my early 70"s and do recommend the Hitchcock replacement seat as its much more comfortable.

[@mariarusso1155]

Hello Greg how are you 😊

[@scottlarson281]

Nice bike. "Higher flow" air filters are largely gimmickry though. Unless an engine has been opened up and had machine work done the stock element is fine...the only "gain" is increased induction bark. Years ago, a local parts supplier had an aftermarket high flow air filter "demonstration" set up on their counter. It consisted of ping pong balls in a clear tube that were moved upward by an electric blower fan. You could swap out a "stock filter element" with a "high flow filter element" and watch the balls sucked higher up the clear tubing. No idea how this related in any way to the actual cfm an actual engine required, but it was an effective sales tool, I suppose. Also no idea how the engineers responsible for engine design could get the rest of the equation right, but simultaneously be unaware of floating ping pong balls. When I had my SV650 Suzuki I belonged to a couple of forums. Others on the forum advocated for high flow aftermarket filter elements and were surprised to learn that Suzuki used the same part number for the SV650 and SV1000. Marketing is amazing.

[@JohnWick-mk4ve]

The exhaust work was good and so were the small lights.. 10 to 15 kgs off is a good thing

[@girlinagale]

I saw an Interceptor with a seat cowling, it looked excellent.

[@rodneyhull9764]

Good job. I prefer the look of the Diablo exhaust system but it aint cheap,retains the twin layout though

[@mrbxv]

Nice work on the bike. Clean and thoughtful upgrades. I think the TEC exhaust is the best sounding aftermarket exhausts for the 650.

[@85waspnest]

I love the tail light, indicators, shocks, and plastic mudguard delete. Although I'm a fan of a silencer on each side as I have on my Honda CB1100RS, the long RE splayed out ones look hideous IMO. The 2 into 1 looks, and sounds much better. Not keen on the foot pegs, sorry. What I think it needs now is either a flyscreen to hide the back of the rev counter and speedo, or covers if there are such things.

[@mariarusso1155]

Hello how are you 😊

[@hughphillips1427]

Looks and sounds good. The only thinks I would have done differently would be to add Hagon shocks.

[@roberthocking9138]

Huge improvement with the exhaust, I will be interested to see what tyres you fit .

[@dogphlap6749]

I liked the original sound of my 650GT (I prefer quieter bikes) but I did replace the exhaust system with the 2 into 1 system as you did purely for the weight saving (I also used the Tec Bike Parts dB killer which left the bike not too much louder than with the original exhaust system). I'm looking forward to learning what tyres you will upgrade to. I find the Pirelli tyres that my GT came with OK in the dry.

[@atxplus]

Just by replacing the standard pipes the bike sounds fantastic

[@rayfriedman6107]

Nice mods--RE should hire you and your dad as a design team!

[@cerfvolant11]

Nice, the cumulative effects of small customisations increase our attachment to our bikes and improve functionality. Put TEC cannons on mine to retain the iconic twin pipe look. (I spy a TEC chainguard too?). Stock bike looks great, modified too - different strokes for different folks - hence Orange Crush all the way!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Yeah, well spotted, TEC chain guard on there too, we missed that on the day! Alex

[@williammiller1732]

Pipes sound so much better

[@charlesbradley2943]

Good video. Thanks for the updates. Easy method to remove the fork reflectors is to use dental floss in a sawing action between the fork and reflector. Then use paint thinner to remove the glue. Hope that helps.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Great tip!

[@spaceflight1019]

If you do any riding at night I don't recommend removing the reflectors. You need all the visibility you can get.

[@irocss85]

I really like the exhaust. Sounds great and I like the look way better as well. Stock ones are too long.

[@alexstabasopoulos]

Nothing better than the original

[@johnnydarmech619]

I like the rear light and indicators. No rear reflector and no method for the pillion to hold both are illegal. footpegs don't look in keeping. Would have liked to see the lefthand side without the silencer. The exhaust note sounded better.

[@-runningwithscissors-9766]

Great improvements, but I prefer the sound of the stock exhaust.

[@troy9er]

Subbing 👍🏻😉. I’ve got a F-3S Spyder by Can Am. Like it quite a bit. The 1330 Rotax motor has lots of power with the semiautomatic trans. You have to up shift via a paddle but it automatically downshifts as you slow down. I can downshift my self but it’s optional. Love my Spyder.

[@sconathon]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned, but on my Guzzi I just flipped the mounts for the stalk mirrors upside down to hide the screw holes.

[@silverback3926]

I I would be interested in hearing how the foot controls work out. I was thinking about the super meteor or shotgun but they are about 100 lbs heavier. The more i researched the more i found the interceptors specs to be almost the same as my classic 500. I am of course referring to weight, seat height, rake etc. If you get the front controls forward a bit and out a riser on the bars you can get almost the same rider triangle as the classic. Those attributes and with a nice 650 power plant are huge selling points for me. Now to find a nice deal on a used one to keep my costs down. I would eventually want tubeless tires, hagon rear shocks , progressive front internals, that exhaust those turn signals. Yeah i would end up with almost same cash out lay but i could do it in stages so my wallet wouldn't be strained and have exactly what i want. Great little bike.

[@timothybrockbank7474]

Fully enclosed rear shocks would look nice and retro

[@ruahinesrider]

I went with the Twinton headlight brackets which looks the best out of all the aftermarket headlight bracket & is hinged type. Center stand weighs 2.5kg which is substantial.Progresive springs & adjusters, emulator & drill the hole bigger in dampening rod be great or the Yss fork upgrade kit or similar is good but better with a bigger hole or holes drilled in dampening rod.

[@johnmartin7158]

You’re the master of this bike my ole matey. I know your humble, but I mean what I say.

[@johnmartin7158]

What about the Tiger for the type of roads down your way

[@ruahinesrider]

Great 👌👍 bike.

[@simonr1392]

Would be nice to hear it with the baffle out too!

[@benrichardson4578]

Love the bike does sound great but I love the sound of your lip smacks even better in the whole video I ended up concentrating on this in the pauses to hear the next one emmmmmmm smack 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sgtgrash]

A lovely bike, especially when viewed from the rear, which is very neat. From a personal perspective, I would fit a lighter twin exhaust system from an aesthetics point of view, as well as to balance out the lateral weight distribution. I am also not a huge fan of the TEC headlight bracket, which looks a bit wimpy (beefing up the units fork fittings may help out a lot here because the current items look like posh hose clips). So I would probably keep the RE part, but paint it black. 😊

[@EliteRock]

Don't want to nit-pick gratuitously, but the clutch cable is going to be cooked by the header pipe (which is probably now single-skin and even hotter than the standard ones) that it passes within a cm or so of.

[@rayharrison8437]

Another great video Andy, what does Mrs Flyer use to wash your biker gear?

[@nealsholto-douglas6134]

Hi there - I have the same bike and done loads to it - except for the lights, as yet. I really like what you have done to yours. Did you say that the lights were sourced from Tec Bike parts? Asking as I can't see the lovely bullet indicators in their kit.

[@jeromenicolas8982]

The bar end mirrors does not fit instantly. What did u do? Thanks for this mate

[@gogsie59]

Hi, great video, I have the same indicators fitted but don't have the spacers for the rear, can you tell me where you got them. I searched Tec bike parts where I got the indicators but couldn't find any listed. Thanks.

[@mariarusso1155]

Hello how are you 😊

[@joneszee7237]

Hey, Please could you tell me where you got those stainless steel spacers from which you used on the indicators.

[@simonbowen6653]

Wow, what a difference. It looks so much neater and smaller than stock. The factory seat was awful by the way.

[@kshred3043]

I wonder what the Interceptor would sound like with the stock twin exhausts but with a balance tube between them, ie: like the classic Triumphs. Unfortunately nothing can be done about the 270° versus the 'proper' 360° crank angle. 😮

[@davidroots773]

What size were the spacer you used ! as the indicators do look more functional

[@chrisallan4591]

All nice mods so far. The exhaust sounds excellent. A couple of "in my humble opinions"...the stock cross-bar handlebars are ugly as sin... my preference would be a slightly lower (cross-bar-less) bar - width dependent on "feel". Carry passengers? Were it mine, I'd remove the frame bits supporting the passenger pegs. Looking forward to parts 2 and beyond. Keep it up.

[@garymaclean6903]

The rear passenger foot-peg bracket is also used to mount the end of the exhaust and the rear brake reservoir. What little weight you'd save removing the rear pegs and bracket would likely be lost by having to reinstall another bracket for the exhaust and brake reservoir...

[@halloyoutubers7047]

what I do miss in all those modifications: a big front drumbrake and rear drumbrake.

[@critterIMHO]

Maybe I missed it, but how much weight was saved overall?

[@andyfaima6472]

Has the bike had its brake recall done? The callipers have the Bybre logo on them and replacement callipers don’t If not contact your RE dealer as it’s a warranty issue(foc)

[@davetaylor4741]

So far I love the modifications. Really improves the look of the bike. How does that exhaust go for MOT test. I remember years ago having to swap stuff on and off to get an MOT. Exhausts were always a problem.

[@longjonwhite]

Swap your MOT tester Dave! My guy knows it’s not his fault if I “do stuff to my bike 5 mins after he’s tested it,” you know, like swap the zorst, put a more aesthetically pleasing number plate on it, that kinda thing, as far as he’s concerned they were all standard when he looked at it. He’ll still fail her on bad tyres, brakes, leaky forks etc. and rightly so.

[@davetaylor4741]

@@longjonwhite I live in Qld Australia now. No MOT at all. You only need one to sell as roadworthy. If they are prepared to buy as is. Then you don't need one at all.

[@barryhughes1612]

Hello again, where did you source the stainless steel spacers for the front and rear indicators, thanks.

[@classicbikeman]

Hi Barry. I got them off eBay from GWR-fasteners. They do a range of stainless collar stand-off spacers in lots of metric sizes 👍

[@collyernicholasjohn]

Only problem with the aftermarket headlight brackets - all of them, from what I’ve seen - is they don’t have an intermediate hole that you need to fit a bug screen.

[@barryhughes1612]

I have the same colour Interceptor, the only one to have! Question: when you fitted the indicators did you have to change the flasher unit or fit resistors?

[@classicbikeman]

No we didn’t but I think we will add new resistors just to improve the flashing rate a little

[@mariarusso1155]

Hello Barry how are you 😊

[@janicewatts5888]

Enjoyed the video. As a lifelong tightwad I'd like to know what all the bolt-on goodies cost? I always wait until I've had some wear and tear on parts before upgrading. Over the years I've witnessed mates chucking away huge sums on gear that made very little difference to overall appearance or performance.

[@user-ji6if2nh4o]

anyway to put a kickstarter on it ?

[@B-AkashMazumder]

How much money did you put on the modifications till now?

[@naturalforlife6741]

Is that a 360 degree crank?

[@LordJasonKing]

Is the exhaust uk road lagal?

[@matejuhasz1982]

is taht a stock exhaust?

[@jamesschneider3828]

Mostly good modifications except the foot pegs and foot brake and shift controls.

[@stevepalmer5670]

And everything else from TEC.

[@edwardgeorge2514]

Hopefully you can help me looking for some information on a British bike the had a America Indian engine in I sore a article in mcn years ago about it. The engines was sent over but Indian went bust thanks if you can help

[@terraplane49]

Could you please tell me where you sourced the footrests and levers as I , having moved the rear ones forward, need to move my own a bit too. My only criticism of the bike so far is that all the rests are too far back, which is probably due to the Interceptor being a spin-off of the Continental.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

TEC Bike Parts - www.tecbikeparts.com

[@stevepalmer5670]

The Interceptor is not a spin off of Continental, they came out at the same time.

[@lotophagi711]

With the exhaust and fueling changes will it get through the MOT?

[@ExceptionallyCleverUsername]

That's my question too. Is UK MOT as uptight as California's CARB?

[@stevepalmer5670]

Yes.