Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (Universal?) Pannier Rails! Soft motorcycle luggage. To the Bat-cycle!

Full review of the Royal Enfield Pannier rails/mounts for the Interceptor 650 and continental GT 650. PLEASE NOTE! The original illustration of the panniers supplied to me turned out to be the wrong model! They are not wedge shaped as originally thought and can be viewed here at. www.royalenfie...
Hitchcocks Rails. accessories.hi...
MotoGB Rails. www.royalenfie...
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PATREON. / stuartfillingham

[@chromaticAberration]

Well, look on the bright side!... With this gap, you can mount panniers both outside and *_inside_* the rails! 😁

[@colindeans5972]

I'd be inclined to put the rails in the panniers and skip the lot.

[@beetlered1]

Your instructions were extremely helpful, like you, I had a difficult time, interpreting the photos provided from Royal Enfield. Thank you for saving me some aggravation.

[@bettybluey2712]

Excellent video telling it like it is as always. Definitely needs a redesign

[@WayneWoodruff]

Your video clearly points out the deficiencies. They look like folded wings from the rear of the bike. Fugly. I never understood why most manufacturers chrome these. If the bags are fitted, you can't see the chrome and when the bags are not fitted, they draw attention to themselves. I'd prefer them to disappear.

[@funguseater40]

This is why I use Kriega. 4 loops, a 20 litre or 10 litre us drybag on top. Then, 2 x us 10 drybags on the sides if more space needed. No need for pannier rails and use with virtually any bike. I've used mine on at least 6 different bikes so far. 👍

[@MrTriple3]

To my mind, the accessory RE needs to offer is a set of exhaust pipes that do away with positioning the silencers in their upswept position. The present design is a perfect example of form trumping function. I suppose the sexy design helps to sell bikes. However, the bike is such a nice, versatile piece that it could serve as a tourer, if the rider attends to the ergonomics. With the silencers extending upwards, panniers are a real challenge to mount, as you have correctly noted. Personally, I would be much more inclined to spend my hard-earned money on new exhaust pipes rather than silencers that do less silencing.

[@stuartfillingham]

I agree!

[@kimhicks8443]

Bear in mind that lowline exhaust pipes might make removal of the rear wheel more difficult. A Siamese exhaust system[Not 2 into 1] might be the answer. lighter and less to clean.

[@onecrazywheel]

How would the bike perform with the silencers just completely removed altogether. With the ECU make thing alright? Would it be too loud?

[@ccooper8785]

Wow ! and here was me thinking that my Shad pannier rails made the Shad SH29 panniers sit badly on my NC750X ! Some people might like their panniers to act as a pair of airbrakes but not me. Thanks for another excellent, unbiased review.

[@Shinysideup]

Have to agreed Stuart, the rails don’t look great. We need Motone on the job

[@alphatango5668]

That idiot at 2.36 lazy riding wrong way around a roundabout! No wonder people complain about motorcyclists. Thanks for the heads up on these rails they are a bit of a mess! I was considering them but will have to keep looking. No wonder RE dont show a picture of them fitted!

[@drbanana1930]

There’s no way on Earth that the team who designed such a good looking bike had anything to do with those rails. Neither functional or aesthetically pleasing. I bet there’s a few pissed off emails flying around RE

[@99popester]

Thanks

[@stuartfillingham]

No problem Thank you!

[@ernestoparodi1828]

Hi Stuart, greetings from Argentina. I agree that exhaust position is more than complicated as it not only limitates space for luggage but the pillion foot pegs. I'm conscious that rigid plastic bags are not the most suitable ones in terms of aesthetics, but I have a pair of Givi E21 side bags I've been adapting to other bikes I have, including my everyday bike, a Honda 150 Titán. I Made the side panels starting from a purchased set (I have no tools for pipe bending) They got very well located and they didn't surpass the handlebar width once bags were set, even considering a 150 cm³ bike is quite narrow. Now I'll ask the side rail manufacturer to sell just the rectangle for fixing the luggage and I'll modify fittings to Interceptor. Unfortunately luggage will be displaced high and back. I'll try to make a video with the mentioned modifications. Excellent video as always !!!

[@JPWest020]

Hepco & Becker have a couple of great panniers for the Interceptor.

[@fiamun]

Anyone considered the Ventura rack system? Used it on many bikes and will order for the Interceptor (still waiting...) Quite inconspicuous, the bags are good too. Just a thought..

[@brettcammack]

That's probably the only thing I do not care for on the Interceptor is the upswept exhaust. Perhaps the aftermarket can offer a kit to rectify that.

[@paulstoker7650]

I was thinking about adding these to my next order, I don't like the look of them at all. I'll continue looking at throw over luggage. There's also the problem for people like myself who've fitting the six point attached rear luggage rack that also uses the rear shock top bolt as a triangulation point. Thanks for another excellent video and for saving a lot of people some money.

[@brianmcleod4815]

I ordered bags and rails together and got flimsy black painted frames that use exhaust bolt for bottom mount! They sit way wide, have no lateral support and allow bags to touch mufflers. What to do? I extended Mount holes to kick the frames up, thus giving clearance to mufflers, then removed spacers from turn signals so I could pull frames in closer to bike, then welded a bracket from half way along top tube to front grab rail bolt, thereby giving lateral stability and a grab handle to both sides of bike. Then painted in gloss black epoxy. You shouldn't have to do all that but it works great now. Brian Australia

[@peterwilson8797]

Having problems with luggage myself. So far, Borg and beck satin black rack. Cheap chrome side rails with made braces from grab handle mounts powder coated. Looks good. Large throw over panniers now miss indicators and allow a passenger to fit. Next is low level cans, heat shields and grazed knuckles. Anyone who wishes to go camping with the wife will feel my pain.😂👍🏍️

[@pikebobstar2033]

Also makes filtering more challenging. Interesting review. Stay safe 👍

[@_thatindiangamerdude_73]

I might be a part of a small minority here, but I really love them on my CGT 650. They leave enough space for my indicators and the saddlebags that fit on them are easy to use. But then again my CGT barely looks like a cafe racer now, more like a scrambler with touring abilities.

[@JLOSTAFF1]

I'd be taking those off. SW Motech Legend luggage is the way forward IMO.

[@greentrumpet]

Do they make a frame to fit the Interceptor?

[@timobischoff2389]

@@greentrumpet yes they do.

[@bodaciousbobby01]

Good video thanks for showing the truth behind the part. I didn't expect the hang glider arms reaching out. It seems like another bike model measurements were incorrectly used for the Interceptor/GT fit. But like you said if somebody likes the look, get 'em. I will keep my aftermarket ones that run parallel with the seat/frame. Thanks Stu

[@stuartfillingham]

Ah for the Interceptor? please share!

[@markrigg7038]

Sorry Stu there horrid, hopefully Hitchcock make some better ones soon 👍

[@Reyals_81]

Greetings from Germany, Kassel. Im looking forward to buy an interceptor or an continental. Raelly like your videos and the informations you are providing! Keep going :)

[@eddyice2004]

U r lucky, u have SW Motech legend gear saddle bags for interceptor in your country

[@ianwelch484]

Good luck with line splitting. I will not be using them on my royal Enfield. Looking forward to seeing your next video. Ride safe.

[@gregsmyk542]

Roll that beautiful drone footage! They DO look like Bat-wings! Flat, or flatter than, mufflers would help put something a little bit more flowing with the lines of the bike seat... Then there is that curved pipe before the muffler... Anyway to replace that? Thank you!

[@Rider_Adv]

Thank you very much for the great information. I was very happy to know your amazing channel. I hope you will visit me in the winter in Bahrain where the weather is nice, and let's take a long tour in the GCC countries; Only bring your helmet, clothes and boots. You can drive one of my motorbikes. GSA 1250 Adventure, R18 Transcontinental or if you choose the Z1000 Kosaki, don't worry my friend there are brothers around the world who have made adventure on motorcycles a way of life to be strong. We are with you on the road, keep going and enjoy brother👍🏁🏳✅

[@thomaslohr2864]

The exhaust design and the luggage situation is the very reason why I'm saving up for a T100.

[@stuartfillingham]

The Bonneville gear box issues are the reasons people buy the Interceptor!

[@daveinwla6360]

The up-swept exhaust pipes make functional sense to accommodate both widening silencers and sporty lean angle, but pannier shape does suffer. I, for one, would accept wedge shaped hard luggage as exemplified on some Japanese bikes - which actually can look sporty. But for die-hard rectangular pannier users, Royal Enfield''s upcoming *cruiser 650* with the low horizontal exhaust silencers should fit the bill.

[@geraldtakala1721]

Will the silencers for that model fit the Interceptor 650?

[@daveinwla6360]

@@geraldtakala1721 - Who knows? So far, the public has only seen the test mules, and production is probably at least a year in the future.

[@motormikeb1047]

I dusted off my old Bagman soft saddle bags and tank bag. Haven't used them in years. Great for any adventure for over three days. Cravin (sp) has a photo of hard bags with matching colors for my 2020 Ravishing red Interceptor. Great looking ! But I'd have to knock off a gas station and a liquor store to afford them.

[@birbeck87]

Thanks stu another nice video 👍

[@patrickmathews1646]

Ah, my pair of rails just came yesterday. I have not put them on yet. I'm not sure if I will now. I agree the rails do not compliment the aesthetic of the Interceptor 650. They stick out so far off the sides of the bike that they remind me of a victorian bustle for a 19th century woman's dress especially when you add the saddle bags.

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

brilliant video as always Stuart and I agree - those rails are not pleasing to the eyes !!

[@glaicogobbo4046]

The bags were too far from the picture. The contact of the lower part next to the rear pedal does not touch the frame, the perpendicular part of the fold being a little high as if it were not part of the set or an adaptation of another frame. It is undoubtedly well reinforced, protecting the side even in falls.

[@jimstewart2141]

Hi Stuart great video, have you come across anybody who is doing a more sensible looking coat hanger type pannier rail for the Interceptor yet? Can't believe not as become so popular now.

[@stuartfillingham]

Yes I have Longride. I made a video a few months ago.

[@jimstewart2141]

@@stuartfillingham thanks

[@dextrejohnj.calacal4983]

its obvious they designed it this way , acutely pointed upwards to avoid the mufflers

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you Captain OBVIOUS!

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

Hello stuart fillingham, here is video of an exhaust set that opens room for panniers. KZbin video: AEW Te201 Exhausts/Royal Enfield Interceptor / Continental 650

[@umeshhinge7903]

Thats so awesome ❤️❤️❤️

[@keithstovin1482]

Another good vid!!, Even though I'm not an Enfield owner, yet, I think the Lomo pannier bags look very good and I'm after some for my Tenere 700, think they could be the next item on my shopping list, I also prefer soft panniers to hard ones even though I have hard ones on an old Tenere I have but deep down I have never been fond of them. Cheers.

[@579splinter]

VERY WELL MADE, GOOD INFORMATION.

[@579splinter]

THANKS FOR THAT.

[@clausentumsoton]

Informative video Stu, thanks. Why is it that these days panniers / rails sit ridiculously far away from the bike.. won't be long before they're as wide as a small car. I'm working on a way to get something slimmer fitting, so at least I can discount these from the equation :)

[@bahemut0]

I'm a bit disappointed in the massive gap as well. It doesn't make sense. I've been looking for something I can commute with that would be easy to detach quickly in a parking lot with out having to set up camp.

[@johnk7814]

Hmmmm think I'll wait for different one .....Bat cycle hehe. The Motone capstan's wouldn't fit anymore? like the Lomo bags though. Cheers mate

[@99popester]

Hi - great channel and videos, always relaible and informtaive, so thanks for that. In this video you mention that the Lomo bags fit like a glove but for the life of me i can't work out how you did it!? I've bought the bags from Lomo on the basis of this video but can't (without various additional velcro attachments which don't feel v secure) work out how to put the bags on easily. Any tips would be super wlecome. Many thanks. A

[@TheMetalicsound]

This is the biggest issue I have with the interceptor. The pannier rails are awfull, most of the luggage don't fit the bike without them due to the high exhaust. I've built myself my own luggage for this bike to avoid this xD

[@critterIMHO]

While these pannier rails do look atrocious on their own, when you add the RE soft bags, they become very good looking with the bags at the same angle as the exhaust. Maybe some black powder coat would help.

[@barrettwbenton]

Maybe I've just gotten spoiled by my Vespa GTS300 (under-seat storage, bag hook, optional front/rear racks and top case, although I prefer using a rear-mounted seat bag), but I have to ask: how in Hades do you throw a leg over *that* high-n-wide setup, especially if you're double-bagging it? Does not look like fun from here. (Oh…and that photo with "Castle Bolton?" Another semi-unintentional pun?)

[@sailingniskua8369]

Do you think large Lomo is possible. Medium is too small for me.... Thanks for u videos!

[@johnyoung7794]

We need to start with less angle on the mufflers, how are the new ones working by the way.

[@johnyoung7794]

Looks the AEW TE201 will fix the up swept exhaust problem.

[@johnyoung7794]

Looks the AEW TE201 will fix the up swept exhaust problem.

[@jimbobaggans1564]

The bike is really good looking. The bags not so much. I would just wear a backpack and be done with it.

[@639viablecarrot]

Stuart, are you going to try and fit RE military pannier rails and soft luggage on your classic? I have to collect my bike some 1200km away and need to ride home and curious whether a soft set of throw-overs will work ok using the rear mudguard rails? Different point but I prefer seeing heavy welds rather than polished down; IMO it just seems they are going to be stronger joints?

[@raghukalavendi5869]

Sir, When we can listen to the exhaust note of Enfield Precision?

[@stuartfillingham]

when we are no longer on lockdown!

[@normanskistreet]

Nice vid Stuart, saves me from buying the RE rails and regretting the purchase. At 2:50 it looks like you are using a helmet lock? Are they any good? I was gonna get a top box on the rear for that purpose but it spoils the look of the bike and could affect bike performance. A handlebar helmet lock is a neat work-around. Can it be used in all weathers?

[@gauravissar8304]

You are welcome to visit me when you are in India. I live 100 meters away from Taj Mahal. Is it just me or the interceptor has its seat sliding forward that keeps the rider sliding forward too.

[@BracaPhoto]

Aaaaarrrrrggghh... they looked SOOOO GOOD in the beginning Love from the 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheSharkMohanty]

Hi Stuart, splendid content. Can a pillion sit considering the angle is far too acute?

[@jps8941]

To your reference to the bikes being toys respect to people in warm climates. Here in Ontario Canada we only get a few months of the year to ride the bikes and summertime has rain so they become toys as we can only use them at certain times. And the rails don't help to look of the bike that is why I don't.put saddlebags on my Moto Guzzi V7iii

[@graememoss4305]

And they say great minds think alike - this is going to be my next purchase ( as long as it turns out as good as it looks on the RE site) Love the practicality of the LOMO gear - just 1 question. Does it look right? - I hope you will answer this most important question. Thanks Stu

[@stuartfillingham]

I think lomo gears practicality out weighs the looks. its plain and understated which never looks out of place.

[@34979Charlie]

Yikes !! what were they thinking there ? Agree though, they sit way to high and should follow the lines of the top rail

[@denisg4288]

Hi Stu Not sure which review to ask this but here we go. 60 years old, getting back into biking and interested in an Interceptor. Not really interested in over say 65 MPH. I have seen lots of reviews comment adversely on the suspension at speed, and I think you upgraded yours. In stock, is it ok for just cruising at UK road speeds. Great channel by the way, informative and unbiased. Thanks Den

[@stuartfillingham]

If you just like to potter Den the stock suspenders should be fine!

[@denisg4288]

Thanks. I will let her know🤭

[@martamp_el84]

"It's Marmite, but I'm in the middle....." 🤣

[@noisefuljoy]

I need to take in the moment... New gear for my bike that I don't want. Wow!

[@themoog3889]

Well they've made a dogs dinner of those ! I think they need to go back to the drawing board and come up with something a little more aesthetically pleasing when the bags aren't on ! This is why I have 2 bikes , the Interceptor and a bike fully luggaged up ! I appreciate that's not an option for everyone but that's my solution !

[@mauricefrankoconnor9]

Thanks for the video, Stuart. Wonderful! I have one technical question as I'd like to buy a RE and I'm looking at its touring capability. Can I mount the pannier rails and a rack together on the Interceptor? I'm worried about where to bolt both the rails and the rack onto the chasis. Together they would make a great option for touring. Thanks in advance.

[@stuartfillingham]

I don't see why not if you have the correct rails. check out Longride theirs are about the best rails on the market at the moment.

[@paulbaker1000]

You’re right, Stuart, those look awful! I bought a pair of Oxford P60 soft panniers and a dry bag which work very well for touring with the Interceptor and leave no hardware behind when removed from the bike. I also fitted a Hitchcock rear rack which is great for day to day use.

[@GapBahnDirk]

With use, have you found that the P-60 panniers rub on any paintwork?

[@paulbaker1000]

@@GapBahnDirk Not so far, but I use a soft cloth to cover the seat and nearby painted areas before attaching the panniers.

[@kimkock-hansen2531]

They look really strange. Thanks for showing, Stuart. I’ll save the money for something else - preferably the duffel bag from Tripmachine.

[@GK1976A]

I agree. These pannier racks look awful. I saw them at the NEC show last year and I couldn't believe how far from the bike they stick out. Hopefully Royal Enfield will look at revising the design in the very near future. BTW, the RE representative on the stand stated that the reason why they stick out so much is due to the clearance required for the rear indicators, which of course have to be a certain distance away from the middle of the bike by EU laws etc.

[@robbikebob]

They look more like crash bars then pannier supports. In fact, if it wasn't for the exhaust being the first things to hit in a slide, I'd say they'd been developed to protect the indicators from damage. They look truly ridiculous, and unless you buy a bike purely for transport and don't care how it looks I can't think of a reason why you'd want to fit them. Why are they so far out? It still doesn't look like luggage would clear the exhaust!

[@GURPREETSINGH-qd9wz]

Can you tell me which seat are you using for interceptor? The seat in this video is different from the default seat...is this better than original?

[@dhhjsjzjzjjhsjsjh]

Thoughts on the 2020 Kawasaki W800 standard vs the Interceptor 650

[@robgerety]

Far from perfect is the understatement of the century. I'd get rid of that exhaust set up. Maybe a low straight exhaust or, even better, maybe a little shortie muffler angled up like British Customs and others offer for the Bonneville. ?The pannier rails manufactured by Longride are a LOT better looking and far better functioning. No?

[@ChaitanyaNarude1993]

🙏🏻❤️🇮🇳 you mentioned in video

[@gcrichlow17]

I think you mounted them inside out 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@knoxrider2352]

Well I'm glad you did this video. It showed me that I won't be buying the rails from Royal Enfield, they are the ugliest thing I've seen in a long time. There are better aftermarket rails that work much better.

[@wltrlg]

I wished they made these racks in a way that you can take them off when you do not carry any luggage. In my view they are quite ugly to look at in general. Keeping my duffleback for my XSR900 🤙🏻

[@dirtyvet5404]

Happy to see these tested. I will never buy them. They take the 'cool' form the bike and force you in to 'nerd mode'.

[@SteelSteedStan]

Well, this huge gap will allow the air to flow more freely so that the panniers won't be offering that much resistance :D and the bike will be more aerodynamic hehehe

[@daveinwla6360]

Actually, that's true! But it sure doesn't help filtering through traffic.

[@bigjoesworld1474]

It definitely looks awful, but hey, it works! hehehehe... Thanks Uncle Stu!

[@andrerobertdrouin3642]

The design was done to fast without much thought , the bottom bracket should of rested on the frame , then the angle is way off . Actually they should of made it carry in a way that it would also serve as a rack .The width of this panier rail is ridiculous if driving in the city traffic with soft luggage . On my bike i use the rack rail to hang soft luggage , on the tank i use a tank bag , when travelling on the rack i use a kayak luggage bag.The mufflers should be two inches lower so the bend angle should be offered by makers of performance products .

[@p.santos6694]

Why not make your own rails ? Can't be that hard 😎

[@michaelmorgan660]

Love your honesty,they look terrible

[@MIflyer]

Swing and a miss from RE on that one. Clearly, we need Sam and Motone on the job!

[@alexfaulds7070]

Nooooooo......those look ghastly.

[@arunkmrb]

I am willing to buy Lomo gear. Hopefully they ship to India.

[@SteveW67]

I thought you had the tall fly screen, do you prefer the smaller one ? Good video as always very informative thanks. 😎👍

[@stuartfillingham]

Changed it abut a year ago Steve, both are good!

[@chinhvannguyen1685]

❤ bird Royal

[@ruezi12]

They are at least 5cm too far away on each side.

[@stevenhill6214]

Definitely a Marmite product that one!

[@1990-t1j]

I think 'coat-hanger' rails look good. Not these, though!

[@greentrumpet]

Nice material, lousy design.If I was planning for an imminent tour I'd be tempted by the Hepco and Backer set. Think I'll hold fire until I need them.

[@gaurangagarwal4704]

Most practical solution is buy a 🛵 scooter

[@stuartfillingham]

No most Practical solution is without a doubt, use the car!

[@ChaiRuou]

RE really bad for accessories they supplied and costly. the only 1 thing I like from them for Interceptor 650 is the wild shield. Check out SW-MOTECH from Germany, they did very nice rail mount kit for saddle bag, full set for rail mount kit and saddle bag from them is awesome. I had local mechanic made one for mine bike and it's a lot better than this one from RE.

[@enfield7123]

God there terrible and it really looks silly on the bike I got some square saddle bags and tinkerd a bit and fitted them I think they look ok they cost £25 keep up the good video's there really interesting 👍🇬🇧

[@disco41]

Well they look awful without panniers on functional I guess with panniers fitted.

[@colindeans5972]

"Far from perfect". In truth, "Badly designed tat" and those welds are not Triumph equivalent in quality, far from it. I can't help be impressed by the LOMO bags though, they seem to work everywhere.

[@stuartfillingham]

welds are very similar to my Triumph rails. no where as good as the Motone versions though.

[@chriscoates2399]

No I didn't like that ohh dear what to do

[@barryhughes1612]

Shame, they look awful so won't be buying those. Good review 👍

[@alancampbell1008]

Have to say that's not pretty..... somehow I think not an addition I'll be making.

[@davetrabert6992]

Talk about insufficient instructions. Try replacing the RE 650 INT battery using the owner's manual instructions... forget it!! Before event attempting a battery replacement, go to youtube for two videos by riders from India. Even after they explain the additional steps not covered by the manual, it is still difficult and more involved than it should be. Battery replacement on many other bikes is straight forward, but doing the job yourself with this bike may have you searching your vocabulary for additional swear words.

[@comhghallgeraghty3541]

Even if the angle was the same as the exhausts it wouldn't be as bad. Lazy design