Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: First Year Review

It's been 12 months since I picked up my brand new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. This episode is a quick review of my first year of ownership. Spoiler alert - it's been rather good!
Mods to my Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Top Touring Mods:
Hitchcocks USB: Full Video
• Royal Enfield Intercep...
Venhill Featherlight Clutch Cable: Full Video
• Royal Enfield Intercep...
Kreiger Dry Pack Luggage: Full Video
• Kriega US-Drypack Revi...
Dart Classic Fly Screen
• Royal Enfield Intercep...
Performance Mods:
**Disclaimer**
I have no affiliation with any of these companies or products. Please feel free to use these links as part of your research :)
Performance Mods:
- DNA Air Filter (stage II with open bracket)
www.tecbikepar...
- Booster Plug fuel system
www.tecbikepar...
- Scorpion Red Power pipes (please note this link is for the BLACK version, I can’t see the sliver anymore)
www.royalenfie...
Hitchcock's Free Flowing Header Exhaust Pipes
accessories.hi...
- YSS Top Line rear shocks
www.wemoto.com...
- YSS fork upgrade kit
www.wemoto.com...
- Motone Customs Up and Over Risers
www.motone.co....
- Domino XM2 Throttle
www.ukracesupp...
- Brembo RCS15 / with TWM clutch
www.omniaracin...
- Brembo SA Sinter Pads Front
www.omniaracin...
Venhill Featherlight Clutch:
www.venhill.co...
Other Mods:
- LSL SuperbikeBars
- Dart Classic Flyscreen
- Grip Puppies
- Hitchcocks USB
- Enfield Performance Oil Cooler Guard
- Highsider Montana Mirrors
- BAAK Side Pannels
- BAAK Tank Pads
- Motogadget MoBlaze LED Indicators (front and rear)
- BAAK Rear Indicator brackets
- BAAK front Indicator brackets
- Motone Customs Headlight Bracket
- Tec Bike Parts Rear Pegs
- Tec Bike Parts Chain Guard
- Tec Bike Parts Bash Plate
- Domino Switch Gear
Future mods in the pipeline include
- New tires (TBD)
- 4 Piston Calipers (TBD)
- LED headlight bulb

[@gt650johnn]

I've had my GT650 as my first bike for two years and 25k kilometers, hoping to upgrade the suspension and brakes this year. Zero issues and low maintenance cost. Happily surprised!

[@frederickwoods5943]

My 2020 650INT is past 20,000 kms (12,400 miles); just now a year and have replaced both tires, using a 110/90 B'stone Spitfire 11F on the front to correct the speedometer and a Battlax 140/70 on the rear (gears up 2 percent). Only other item was the headlight bulb; low beam failed at 10,500 miles. I am 70, in Virginia (USA) and own a few Triumphs, among them a Thruxton 900 and a 2020 Speed Twin. The Enfield gets used more than the clunky-shifting others!, the Enfield has the best gearbox of all. It is the best value for money spent.

[@Gaverny]

Also in the US here (North Carolina). Do you take yours to a shop for maintenance or do you perform that yourself? Glad to hear it's worked out for you. 👍

[@frederickwoods5943]

@@Gaverny Yes, I do all maintenance. Basically, I never take any of my bikes or cars back to the dealer; I always buy new and usually out of State chasing deals. I have many years of experience working on small cars and motorcycles.

[@Gaverny]

@@frederickwoods5943 Thank you for the reply. I ask because a dealer here in Durham steered me away from RE bikes on the basis that his mechanics told him they were hard to work on. At the time I was shopping for my first bike. Now I'm realizing he was either full of bologna or maybe speaking of the older RE's.... Either way, from watching some other KZbinrs perform their own maintenance, I feel confident I could do the basic stuff maybe excluding valve work. Cheers

[@frederickwoods5943]

@@Gaverny yes, the older Royal Enfield single-cylinder bikes didn't help the company's reputation. The 650 is very easy to work on. The valve adjustment is very simple and straight-forward; no shims or camshaft removal, it is much like air-cooled Porsche and VW. Oil and filter changes are easy, plenty of choices for aftermarket filters also. I just changed 2 tube-type tires and honestly must admit; not so easy!

[@chadkline4268]

@@frederickwoods5943 You know, it is possible to put silicone around the inside of the rim and convert to tubeless.

[@jonathanprior6025]

Decided I would go for a much needed ride yesterday evening. Opened up the garage and looked at the three bikes on offer - a Yamaha 900 GT Tracer, a GSXR750 and a Royal Enfield 650 GT Continental. Picked the RE and loved every minute of the ride. It’s not the fastest but you really feel you are making the most of the bike and it’s great fun. Always puts a smile on my face and never fails to lift my mood. Great value biking.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Yes, I pick the RE over my other bikes very often (I think the others are getting jealous).

[@Roger_Ramjet]

It's got soul....it talks to you

[@haxan6663]

As an older rider, who has had XS650s and old Zeds, this does appeal to me. Looks like a proper bike!

[@Richard-pe4cx]

i can relate to that and you can do your maintenance if you want

[@haxan6663]

@@Richard-pe4cx no chance of that with most modern bikes?! The XS 650s were simple to work on and I really love them, despite their quirks. Not enough to pay the inflated prices that they command now though?! Especially when there is the Interceptor.

[@toddcurtis2168]

Absolutely an adventure bike! 15,000 km in 12 months. Great Ocean Road to camping trips it has been pure joy.

[@Rahul_bhardwaj2024]

I love the smooth purr when you relax the rev and let it glide gently. The great thing about INTCEPTOR is, it changes personality when you drive it slow and gentle and when you take it to the max.

[@Seasidesurfer]

I am 70 years old and have not ridden a bike since my Hond 550K back in the 70s. I have become besotted with RE since watching Guy Martin ride one in India as I really think that the Indian manufacturer has saved the real 'British' classic bike as you have stated. However in considering whether I might become a leisure bike again I have two considerations, 1) Am I too old to start again and 2) The Triumph Trident is a tempting package. I have watched countless videos from yourself and Uncle Stu Fillingham who always manage to fill me with that nostalgic and 'feel good' factor on your Interceptors. I may just continue to watch and dream or may take the plunge but must say how much I enjoy your channel and easy way of holding my interest, filling me with information and providing relaxing entertainment. Thank you so much.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thank you Raymond. Age is just a number, riding is food for the soul and a very important part of my mental wellbeing. If your body is up to it, I would go for it. Can't help you much on the bike choice, but I know what one I would pick :)

[@beverleynorth4914]

I had a test ride on Trident. It’s ok but a small bike, no chance of taking a pillion or luggage. I’ve gone for an Interceptor and I’m not disappointed

[@beverleynorth4914]

I’m nearly 60 and did my full test last year, having not ridden since I was 18. Go for it, we’re only here once. Good luck

[@stimgaze]

There was a chap in France on KZbin a little while back riding his. At 88.

[@DavoBatty]

I'm seventy, I spent some of the kids inheritance and bought the interceptor as a birthday present to me. If I fall off and die, well I'll die happy and save the nursing home decrepitude. Has nowhere near the power of my Indian scout but it gets ridden more often and is my ride to coffee shop bike. I wouldn't consider the big bore kit because it's not in its character. If you want horsepower buy a different bike

[@petes_CE]

love that exhaust sound

[@flyboyfs]

It's sounds like scorpion pipes, Is it road legal? Wonderful bike and handles well in corners too

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Congratulations on completing a year on this gorgeous motorcycle!! Keep blessing us with amazing motorcycle content!

[@motormikeb1047]

I have the same model... and it's a great bike. Can't recommend it enough. Smooth, good handling, good brakes, sounds great .... Our local dealer just takes orders and a down payment.... once the big truck stops.. he makes phone calls. Same with the Himmy,

[@kimkock-hansen2531]

Thanks for sharing your first year with the bike. I’ve had mine for 2 years, and are totally aligned with you.

[@arjunachar6812]

Man, your channel has grown so much in viewership and in quality and production! Congrats!!

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thank you sir. More to come soon 👍

[@anaveragehuman2937]

That roll-on roll-off is delightful

[@harryviking6347]

I am not sure if you guys noticed, but in a test where they screened first oil change on new bikes for pieces of metal and so on, Royal Enfield came out on top with nothing at all!! The worst?? DUCATI!! Lol! So the quality of the manufacturing of these Enfield bikes is the best!!

[@WildlifeMoto]

Very low stressed engine. RE probably built this to be an 850+ but scaled it back to make it A2 compliant.

[@dalewintle9969]

Wow 12 months , you've done some great mods J keep the great content coming ,your channel is growing nicely well done buddy 👍🏻

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thanks Dale! And cheers for your support along the way.

[@julianperry5141]

My Baker Express finally arrived last Friday. Love it to bits. Keep up the good work

[@jimmyb4982]

That would be my pick if I got the INT.

[@ianw3294]

Great review. Love the camera work! Good to see the sun out over there too! Just had mine 6 months now and cant fault it. So easy to work on. Cheers Ian from Queensland.

[@khalilGT]

Your bike looks just amazing. congrats🙌👏

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thank you. 👍

[@ekalavyaaa]

@@WildlifeMoto hey love your mods man 👍 u haven't spoiled the look by adding mods love from Tamil Nadu ❤️

[@johnk7814]

I've had mine since October and just went over 4000 miles but we didn't have the strick lockdown you on that side of the pond had. Which is a good thing with this crazy year I could just go out a and thrash up some back roads.The Interceptor is a blast to ride I whole hardily agree with you. Cheers

[@luishcoreia]

This bike sounds so good. 👍 congrats on your 12 months with the bike. Hope you do more miles with her

[@patrickmathews1646]

it is a wonderful bike. I just hit 1,000 miles today. I've had the bike since September 2020. I bought it knowing that I was going to do many modifications in order to make it my own. It is a bike you get on and just smile and that is that. In the US, finding accessories for modifications is difficult. I've been relying on BAAK and Hitchcocks for parts so doing modifications has been a bit pricey. Still, it is worth it to me. I just put a pair of BAAK short silencers on it and the sound is just great. I am quite happy with my Interceptor.

[@ricardorgomez]

I started riding about 15 years ago and my first bike was a 1983 Suzuki GS750. When I remember that bike, there isn't too much different from what you're riding. It was one of the funnest and most pleasurable bikes I had ever written. I could ride it all day with good comfort. Absolutely loved it. But I bought it used with more miles than I had on several motorcycles I owned afterward. Combined. So it went. Eventually. I haven't ridden in about 6 years and desperately want to do it again! Royal Enfield shops are starting to appear on the East Coast of the United States and have 3 or 4 of them within an hour of driving distance. One is even 20 minutes away. Walking. I've pretty much decided on the Interceptor 650. I sat on one at the dealership and it just felt right. I liked the BMW R9T and Triumphs. Super nice. But there is something special about the RE bikes. Your modifications are very close to what I had planned so I'll be watching those videos. Subscribed. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thank you Ricardo. I can't think of a better bike if you are coming back to it. These bikes off a very pure experience that the more expensive bikes just can't replicate. Of all my bikes, this is my fave (and the cheapest).

[@namduran]

Great video and summary. I’ve been watching your channel over the past year and seen your Interceptor evolve. Your enthusiasm (and how to tutorials) has encouraged me to make changes you’ve recommended re shocks and slip ons etc Both bang on the money. Looking forward to see what you have in store for us over the next year. Keep the good work up.

[@frankhall401]

I love mine. Did the NC500 on it this summer. You're right about the suspension. YSS transforms it.

[@jhngix]

Another awesome video! Just got my dart screen today and fitted it up. Glad you did a vid on them. Hopefully more aftermarket stuff will start showing up in the states. Love my interceptor

[@mattwilliams9758]

The recall is for new Teflon pots in the calipers. Had mine done (Himalayan), as they were binding… stock pots aren’t able to cope with UK road salt… so it’s not external corrosion you’re looking for. Best to make time to get them switched out. Ride safe.

[@themoog3889]

Apart from power I have to agree with everything ! Only small issue I have is aching face syndrome , I'm always grinning like an idiot while I'm on it ! It's a second bike for me I run a Versys650 for touring & 2 up duties and always wish I was going out on the Interceptor when I'm taking the Versys .....its a keeper for me whereas I've only just bought the Versys but if something better came along ( which would need to be bloody good ) I'd change .....but not Victoria she's here to stay 👍Nice film !

[@WildlifeMoto]

I agree, she's a keeper for sure. Other bikes will come and go, this one will stay.

[@mick998r]

Chest cam is just right now. And that 865, I can hear it calling your name 😉👍

[@WildlifeMoto]

Oh yeah!

[@vplays4092]

Much Needed Video for me. Every time I watch your videos, I learn a lot about the bike, due to covid I was not able to order my bike, going to order it very very soon as soon as lockdown opens up. Until then I watch your videos and get the joy of virtually riding the bike. Thanks for that.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Glad you are enjoying the videos until you pick up your new bike! You'll love it 😀

[@saurabhcoomar6120]

In just 4 months of ownership, I have covered 3100 miles on my Orange Crush. Each time I take her out for a spin or longer ride, She brings a wide smile on my face and pure joy in my heart. No doubt, my wife feels jealous. P.S. this bike is bday gift from dear wifey 😘😍

[@yoholmes273]

Does your wife have any sister?

[@RichRides]

Great to hear your long term ownership story, especially as I've just bought an Interceptor myself. I had one to review for my own KZbin channel when they were first released in the UK and I loved it. So I'm looking forward to enjoying it once I'm back in the UK 👍

[@stevedenning5175]

Nice new oil cooler cover from Tec. Just fitted one - tidies the cooler up no end

[@stephendove5306]

I went for Hitchcocks Stainless one and matching stainless chain guard , On my 2020 Glitter & Dust , they match my Stainless S&S mufflers !

[@Jooeffoh]

Royal Enfield really need to offer their bikes with alloy wheels. There's absolutely no way I'm buying any road bike that won't run tubeless tyres! Sure, they look fine but after getting a two inch wood screw in the back tyre of my Suzuki recently and it not sending me down the road on my ass, I have to say, I really appreciate tubeless tyres.

[@MichaelJLong]

High quality content. Great editing and style. Thanks for sharing!

[@bcwilder7242]

Hello. I did ride my Interceptor till here only 80 km, because the weather is so bad in the part of germany where i live. i dont want ride if its bad weather. in the future i change my wheels into MICHELIN Pilot Avtiv, because i heard they are much better then the original. Im so happy to found your channel. you give so much good information`s over the little upgrade`s and what is good or bad. Thanks for that and be careful if you ride. Greetings from Germany I love my Interceptor

[@WildlifeMoto]

Cheers BC, really glad to hear you are enjoying the content. I hope the conditions improve for you. Great roads over in Germany.

[@MrMikeb8]

love the growl from the pipes. im in love with the color of your bike. i want one.

[@blazesboylan7947]

Great summation! I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of tires you end up with. I don’t mind the Pirellis either but a lot of people have claimed huge benefits after an upgrade. I don’t mind waiting three or four thousand miles to find out.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thanks mate. Yes, I'll probably thrash them out for this season and replace once they are worn. I think I wanted to hate them more than I actually do. Having said that, looking forward to trying out something new shortly.

[@stevesanelli90]

Awesome 1 year & congratulations! Been with you for a while & the quality of your videos has become 1st class. You might as well go big bore 860!😎🚀😉

[@WildlifeMoto]

Cheers Steve and thanks for your support along the way!

[@Gambo916]

Another very enjoyable WM RE vid. Thank you yet again Sir. In the opening you hit on my biggest gripe with UK biking.....Vehicle Tax!! Why the hell are bikes levied with as much vehicle tax as they are? There are many many models of cars that are totally exempt from vehicle tax......yet not one form of moped or motorcycle is free! Compared to cars, bikes have half the amount of wheels (obviously), which are half as wide, plus bikes weigh roughly about a fifth of the average car, often much less.....so all these factors add up to less wear and tear on the road surface than a car inflicts. Added to that, bikes take up much less road space, easing congestion, plus most bikes do more MPG than cars, so score better on the emissions/eco front too. So how then is it fair that the yearly tax rate for a 50cc moped is £21.....going up to £96 for a bike over 600cc, yet many cars (even a 2lt diesel) can use the roads ABSOLUTELY FREE, or have rates only a fraction of what bikes are forced to endure?? It's just not fair......ride a bike and the UK government will discriminate against you. Grrrrrrrrr. Soz for the rant WM.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Oh don’t get me started on this subject. Here in London they are charging older bikes the full ULEZ charge even though it’s been proven time and time again that bikes reduce congestion. They are also slowly taking away all the free parking too. If they want us to ride around on electric bikes, fine, but build the infrastructure so we actually have a choice. Grrrrrr.

[@Gambo916]

@@WildlifeMoto As a PETROLhead......I despise electric vehicles.....hopefully they'll go the same way as the last well hailed saviour fuel of the planet, LPG. Remember that? Thankfully, we don't (yet) have any such ULEZ charges where I live......but I guess if the local councils sniff a profit to be made, it won't be that long before they follow suit and bring in charges like in London. Do drivers leave their cars in the 'burbs to avoid the charges WM?

[@luishcoreia]

My problem with having this bike... is that I would probably spend a lot more than I should changing up things on her. For sure i would change seat, handlebar, front and back suspensions, headers and mufflers, break reservoir, headlight brackets. Side panels. 🤦🏽

[@stupacmoto]

Brilliant! Love watching your channel.

[@HONMONSTER]

Fabulous bike Nice sound from that exhaust. I Do like all your mods, you have made. Enjoying your channel and I don't even own a Enfield. keep up the good work

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

Simple Pleasure... I think it's a beautiful design and a very nice bike... Everything you need to enjoy life

[@colinwright1220]

Spot on review ive not been so lucky , just on a year and 1600 mls and had left pot not firing ( sorted new ngk plugs and caps) and my fuel pump packed up and left me stranded, all sorted under warranty but hopefully thats all over now but as you said very capable bikes and very easy to work on and change about . Still loving it 😊

[@WildlifeMoto]

Sorry to hear you had issues, glad its all sorted under the warranty. Happy riding!

[@mrsilbo6499]

Great summary, keep adding to the library of excellent information.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thanks Hugh. Got some more videos ready to roll soon.

[@jonsherry6289]

Spot on bud, great review, I'm heads or tails on an interceptor or t100 this autumn so great to have the honest words. Looks like you had a fab ride

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thanks Jon. Happy shopping, they are both awesome bikes.

[@stephenkinsley2483]

only done just over 2k miles in two and a half years, it's never seen rain or washed and i ony polished it once the other day, it still looks like new, mind you i have other bikes to ride so that may be the reason, the other reason is i hate cleaning motorbikes, so i only go out when it's fine, being retired that's not a problem. i have a touring seat but that's not much more comfortable than the standard one. btw i sorted the misting of the clocks when i first saw it. as i said in my last reply to one of your videos, the problem with the callipers is, there was no anti corrosion material used during production, as ever, on the machined surfaces to seal the bare metal against corrosion, the main problem, if you ride all year round is the salt they throw on our roads during winter, and of course the other chemicals in the atmosphere, it's a simple job to do, take the pads out and clean the machined surfaces and pins of corrosion then coat, including the backs of the pads, with something like copperslip and re build, it will wash off in time so it's a job to do say every year, i have the recall document but are unlikely to have the callipers changed , at least for quite a while because they are in short supply of course because of all that's going on and people who as yet have no problems but are frightened by the recall. safe riding.

[@WildlifeMoto]

That reminds me, I’ve not done mine yet either. I might try and find a quality 4 pot that fits.

[@chriscoates2399]

I'm 5000km in after 4months , really enjoy the bike , with lextek slip-ons love the Note accelerating and burble de celerating very Happy

[@WildlifeMoto]

Clocking up some decent numbers there. I’m looking forward to doing the same this summer. Cheers

[@chriserskine585]

Totally agree with your comments ref wind blast very manageable ,my helmet is basic a FT predator and it's proper quiet, I had a screen on the bike when I bought it, removed it and tbh I'm not missing it, love the vids big thumbs up for the underdog that is the interceptor ( well that's what people say 😄!) 👍

[@kyakaruvlogs2784]

Happy Anniversary WM ❤️

[@thejudgehasjudged]

Nice bike and enjoying your ownership updates. btw, as a Honda Firestorm owner I was jealous as you passed a petrol station with ease haha. There are benefits to lower power.

[@WildlifeMoto]

If I was on my Tuono i'd be pulling in!

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Nice video as ever, bike sounds and looks great 👍. And the channel is a great success 👍. Cheers, Steve

[@WildlifeMoto]

Cheers Stephen, it's getting there :)

[@onfire23]

Top Review...Very Helpful 😎😎

[@kevskibiz]

Great honest review 🤙

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thank you 👍

[@desm0ayf488]

Hi, Major question! And please bear with me. I note that you perform all your own servicing and fit the modified components yourself. Bravo and its nice to know capable people like you still exist in the 21st century ;-) I am much the same in that I enjoy doing my own maintenance and in my case my nearest RE dealer is a full 85 mile round-trip away so doing my own maintenance will be essential. But here is the problem, I have read the current UK warentee terms and conditions for the Interceptor and in order to enjoy the benefits of the warentee it stipulates that the bike has to be submitted to regular servicing as precribed by the RE maintenance schedule and performed by a qualified RE dealership. The work & modifications you have done are excellent but does this not invalide the warentee? I plan to buy the Interceptor shortly to replace my aging and souless Japanese bike but being a pensioner I have to make sure I make the right choices. So before I service or customize my new RE could you perhaps clarify the seemingly conflicting issues surrounding the warentee. For example, is DIY maintenance even permited on the Interceptor? Great video and very articulate comentary. I particularly liked your coment about the "orchestra" when refering to the combination of sounds being emited from the Interceptor :-) Thanks for sharing your experiences with the RE.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Hi Des. It’s a good point. My understanding is that you must keep up the servicing schedule in line with the terms in order to maintain the warranty agreement. The law is different for cars. I don’t know if statutory consumer law offers any additional protection. When it comes to making modifications I think they’d need to prove that the mod caused a problem in order for it to effect the warranty.

[@desm0ayf488]

@@WildlifeMoto Hi and thanks for your prompt response. After reading your comments and doing a little more research it sadly looks as though my dream-machine (Interceptor) may not after all be the best choice for me. Given the nearest dealerships distant location and my pension status I may be better off with another souless Japanese machine from the local shop and forget about customisation altogether :-( Or perhaps a second-hand fixer-upper Interceptor in the future were warentee would not be an issue anymore. Thanks again for the repy and for sharing your experiences with the Interceptor in your videos. Regards, Des.

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

Sounds like you just need the upgraded cam! If you go down the big bore kit, you’ll be needing the upgraded clutch kit too. A new cam will give you just the extra poke you’re looking for and it’s very affordable. A a PC-V or PowerTronic unit 👍🏻 (get a T110/T120 if you want a bigger bore).

[@Campermod]

I completely agreed with you for this machine...!

[@witofthestaircase1]

You should speak to your postman about him leaving your mail on the doorstep.

[@pierrefidelia1903]

It looks the business!

[@olliesadventures185]

Hello from Colombia! Great video, I just had a quick question, what type of microphone are you using? The audio sounds great and I'd like to do something similar here. Thanks for the review, the interceptor is the current frontrunner for my next bike!

[@Larry_Mott]

Nice one again! Well done mate.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MeFreddrick]

Video request: Self servicing the bike at home, like oil change, chain tension,.. (what else?) btw, love these videos, i have a very old bullet 350, planning on upgrading to the interceptor soon!

[@WildlifeMoto]

Good idea. When I get to 3000 miles I’ll make something along those lines.

[@RichardWilliams-kf5vw]

Forget the big bore kit at £2-3000 fitted, just go with the TEC or Hitchcocks cam for a couple of hundred.

[@Negronemshow]

"INTERCEPTOR 650 "👍🏾👌 tudo de bom essa máquina Como falamos por aqui Madeira para Toda Obra huashuashuas!

[@30smsuperstrat]

I hope Enfield comes out with a factory 865 that is light like this motor. Should be far less expensive then rebuilding it.

[@bikahjoeUK]

Nice review and some intelligent observations. I've still yet to take the plunge but feel this would be a worthy "new" bike to go alongside my '79 Suzuki GS750. One thing I've often wondered about these new so-called "air cooled" bikes is that big oil cooler on most of them. Is that something that needs constant maintenance like the radiators on liquid cooled motors or is it more. a fill-and-forget kind of thing?

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thanks. This bike is air and oil cooled. The oil cooler doesn’t need much more than a clean every now and then. I have upgraded the guard as the plastic thing from the factory isn’t that strong.

[@wangofree]

Excellent video review. Just adds to my desire to sell my frame up restored Suzuki GS 550 for one.

[@tonymartin3780]

Quality review 👍

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thanks! 👍

[@UncleBogator]

Hey my man I love your channel for the RE content. Question: what are you using for your front camera mount? Ram stem mount? I feel like that’s it but it also seems like the cutaway in the stem isn’t deep enough to accommodate

[@WildlifeMoto]

Hi Mike, it's a Ram stem with a Ram ball to gopro mount.

[@UncleBogator]

@@WildlifeMoto appreciate it

[@acopernic]

Nice longterm review. I was reluctant to buy one but as a second bike this is perfect. What are your gloves?

[@WildlifeMoto]

Well I’m so glad you asked (because I just made a video on them). kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZfGYYKspp2Nr6M

[@acopernic]

@@WildlifeMoto ah! I was sure it was Knox gloves.

[@billrigg1324]

Hello - great bike - love the videos. Have you added something to hide the petrol tank seam - I thought I had seen all your videos and I cannot recall you mentioning that point.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Hi Bill. Just a piece of black electrical tape.

[@JSaintCyr]

Great review! Do you just wait for the hot weather to arrive to get the humidity out of the clocks?

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

That's the way I look at it, a 60's motorcycle party modernized from the FACTORY 🏭. I hope s$s make a carburetor can combo to go with there 2 in to 1 pipe. And get a 14 tooth up front.

[@JeffGillis1]

Just curious if you might speculate on converts that interceptor into an off road scrambler? Seems ideal for a longer fork legs with knobby off road tires, panniers etc. Also just curious if that 650 twin would fit into a Himalayan frame without to much mod?

[@chadkline4268]

Add some crash bars :) also, there is a 865cc kit, as you know.

[@daviddring3744]

You've made what is a good bike into a great bike with all your mods. Are you happy to share what all the mods have cost? I don't agree with you about the Stock tyres (Phantoms), I think they are the worst tyres I have ever had, they 'track' every bump, rut, white line, mine have done 2800 miles so more used than yours, however they still 'track'😡

[@WildlifeMoto]

Hi David. I've probably spent around £2.5k on mods. Rubber will get changed eventually.

[@gichanLive]

I got mine in the new Sunset Strip colour 2 weeks ago. I couldn't really ride it anywhere owing to the lockdown here, and the Covid situation here being very awful. Been watching your channel for some time, but sadly I won't be bale to make any of the modifications legally, owing to the strict laws on vehicle modification here. - love all the way from Kerala, India.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Great choice with the Sunset. Fingers crossed you’ll be able to enjoy riding again soon.

[@drums8843]

Superbe bécane ! :) merci et ça me rassure pour la suite de mon projet !

[@mrbambix]

great bike but kinda funny that your saying your happy with the bike and then scrolling down to your mod list lol

[@WildlifeMoto]

I love it stock, mods just make it better and add to the fun of ownership

[@CR4ZYHOR5E]

Great content as usual. Question...the Baak rear light unit, how easy is that to remove the stock unit and install?

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thank you. Installation of the BAAK tail light is very straightforward. It comes with everything you need to mount it to the stock bracket.

[@MrRichardMeek]

Not sure a big bore kit is worth the cost. By the time you have put all the recommended parts on a new interceptor you are at the same price as a Triumph Bonneville.

[@thegoldbergsisters]

I'm surprised you didn't get the TEC footpeg replacement kit. Was that something you considered or does the placement of the pegs and foot controls not bug you?

[@WildlifeMoto]

I did get it, but it didn’t fit on my bike. I had to return it.

[@chadkline4268]

Did you take the tape off the back of the instruments? That supposedly plugs the ventilation.

[@matthubbard8541]

Do you know if fitting different cans, a fuel boost plug or a better air filter will enhance the performance of a Euro 5 model, lots of people are saying the ECU is no longer receptive of these modifications.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Just a rumour I think. Best to ask your dealer.

[@MrJulianneave]

I didn't like how loud the valve gear was on my interceptor. It's now drowned out by the louder exhaust. At high speed with the original exhaust the valve gear was actually louder than the exhaust. The gauges getting condensation is a problem from the factory, not because they leak water. They have been assembled in high humidity conditions and this causes condensation in them. Did you find it strange that the yss front suspension kit didn't advise drilling out the holes in the damping rod? I don't understand why it's not advised given that every other cartridge emulator kit tells you to do this

[@WildlifeMoto]

It’s because they want to shift product and people would be put off by it. I agree that it should be done (I’ll be doing mine over the winter).

[@MrJulianneave]

@@WildlifeMoto It's very annoying that they don't mention it, and even when I have tried contacting them I just get no response. I actually feel like my bike handles nicely at the moment so I'm a bit worried about drilling the rod out and messing that up. There's a few unanswered questions there. How many/how large holes? Is the cartridge emulator actually designed to take care of all of the damping or does it still rely on some resistance of fluid through the damping rod holes that would make drilling them out big unsuitable? Is the cartridge emulator designed somehow to work with the stock damping rod hole sizes? Anyway...mine's in for an 865 kit at the moment so when I get it back I think I'll be too excited about riding it to want to pull the forks apart again any time soon!

[@imochasingh6875]

With the 865 cylinder kit you will not chug around but fly away.....

[@Cre8teQ]

Hello Mate...I know it's probably not something you really wanna address😉😆 but, could you please do a video totting up & showing the total amount of money you've spent on mods (or what they would've cost if you've received any comp)so far? I just think it would be really helpful to viewers, when they're considering making buying decisions themselves'...

[@WildlifeMoto]

👍 sure thing

[@Cre8teQ]

@@WildlifeMoto Cheers Mate. I really love the RE 650s, but I'm already thinking about mods & total spend, not just the initial great retail price. P.S. My Mod 1's finally booked in for end of June, Yay!!!

[@ThejusJacob]

Still waiting for that audio setup tutorial.

[@Larry_Mott]

And i'm waiting for the action camera setup tutorial for dummies, guess that includes audio.. Let's keep our fingers crossed

[@ThejusJacob]

@@Larry_Mott I hope he shows that, considering it shouldn't take much time

[@Larry_Mott]

@@ThejusJacob Let's not forget he's doing these vids for free, we should be grateful he's doing them at all, still hoping though : )

[@ThejusJacob]

@@Larry_Mott Hey absolutely not, I guess my wordings didn't come off right it seems, I am grateful to all those who make valuable content in YT. What I meant by should take much time is that, since he would be setting it up every time he goes out so in that way if he could find a way to show it would be great is what I meant.

[@WildlifeMoto]

I actually filmed something for you today. It will go up on the Wildlife Moto Extra channel this week.

[@abhishekjain1983]

Fun 🎉 Job @wildlifemoto kindly do a DETAILED video on HOW TO INSPECT A PREOWNED INTERCEPTOR. All the necessary checks for same. Kindly do it, & I promise it'll be popular

[@thecrank7199]

👌❤️

[@chadkline4268]

You say that you have good range of accessories ... Is there a bigger fuel tank? I'd like a range if 300+ miles.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Look at the new cruiser coming out next year. That has a bigger tank than the Interceptor.

[@troykelso]

9:14 TWSS

[@travelinben1966]

Reminds me of my old Norton.Did you change the exhaust.?

[@WildlifeMoto]

Hi Brian. Yes, the bike has Hitchcocks open headers and Scorpion Red Power open mufflers :)

[@travelinben1966]

@@WildlifeMoto Music to my ears.Thanks!

[@NoSSteF1]

Boujour ,peut tu me dire la marque de ton guidon et la dimension. merci.

[@vichu650]

In india we tested by mototorque nd it shows 44hp on rear

[@WildlifeMoto]

At the wheel or the crank?

[@vichu650]

@@WildlifeMoto on wheel bro....

[@WildlifeMoto]

@@vichu650 Cool. I guess each bike and each dyno will vary slightly.

[@vichu650]

@@WildlifeMoto 7 bhp loss not possible bro... its most refined by RE.. 3bhp loss can be acceptable... 7bhp nah i dont think so

[@mickroom7603]

What about the lack of power?

[@WildlifeMoto]

It’s got plenty of power for this style of bike. It depends what you want. I have other bikes if I want to go fast.

[@SteelSteedStan]

"It's only 40 bhp" you said. Well, my Honda Shadow is 44 bhp with 40 odd kilos more than the Interceptor and it works just fine for me. Not a crotch rocket, but I don't want it to be. So the Inty is just fine.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Totally, I don't want this bike to be a crotch rocket either. I would like a bit more low down pull though.

[@beverleynorth4914]

Hi what new levers have you got on the bike?

[@WildlifeMoto]

Hi Beverly. I have a Brembo RSC15 Master Cylinder with a Brembo Lever. On the other side, I have a TWM clutch perch and TWM (Brembo Style) lever. If you just want to change the levers, then TEC has a good set in black.

[@schwartz4074]

Did you loose the warranty for doing mods or servicing?

[@WildlifeMoto]

All the mods I’ve done. It would depend what went wrong.

[@schwartz4074]

@@WildlifeMoto I see... I me still because there is a law right, that even if you service yourself the warranty should not be scrapped

[@dadmadforgot4050]

Suitable for someone who is 6 foot 3?

[@WildlifeMoto]

Can't see that being a problem. Get some risers though.