Royal Enfield Interceptor/Continental GT 650. Fitting YSS Z series shocks and adjusting for the ROAD

As the title suggests, In this video I review the YSS Z series shock absorber's for the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 & Continental GT 650. Show you how to fit them & discuss my views on the importance of setting Dynamic suspension sag!
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[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

These bikes certainly have handsome engines. I think the nicest-looking custom job is the one featured on Bike Shed.

[@db511]

I fall in love on Project "Hare" Scrambler, i never imagine this bike can eat the off-road track

[@philearle435]

Another great video Stuart! Thank you so much. I installed my YSS shocks today and I made one small change in procedure. I found it easier to install the lower bolt first and then simply pull the shock up to get the top mount on rather than try to lever up the bottom. I was surprised by how easy it was to pull the shock up. I agree the top hex head bolts are made from cheesium and need to be treated carefully and yet they are cemented in with red locktite. The bike looks so much better without the expansion tanks on the shocks. Glad I did this!

[@sayantanghosh4629]

A quick work break, coffee in hand, streaming uncle Stu's periodic uploads. Yep, it's a regular Friday morning for me.

[@TheKRU251]

Another excellent informative video this time in the 'black art' of suspension setting up. Well explained. Thank you. I prefer the look of these Z series for my retro Interceptor look too. Decisions decisions!! Keep up the great work Uncle Stu!!!

[@gt650johnn]

I was one of the "stealth branding" commenters, so thank you for paying attention to our dumb nitpicks! Really wanted the piggyback version to keep the "original" look, but with the price difference this are really tempting. Great video!

[@wfdTamar]

I was too and made the 'pay me if you want me to advertise your tat' comment. Sure, a subtle branding is ok (one you have to look for to see), but in the same way I don't want my clothes to have Nike etc. or a swoosh logo all over the front, I don't want the bike to have it everywhere either. Particularly on these style bikes. They're about subtlety and modesty (unless you feel you really want to mod it). Perhaps I'd play a different tune if I was having free products thrown at me and entering the advertising game had become of benefit to me. 10p? Yes, which is the very reason I dislike overly visible branding. For us plebs, there's no money in it, so I don't want it. Pay me, or give me freebies and I'll be a tart for you as much as the next 'influencer' bimbo.

[@leswatson8563]

Stewart. Just finished watching your videos on the Royal Enfield suspension upgrades. Nicely done and very informative. Back in 1991 I pick up an unloved 750cc Honda K7, non runner for a song. Once the engine awas sorted I noted the bikes suspension was tat. My wife weighed under 10 stone and the rear kept bottoming out at the slighted bump. And the front end wasn't much better. I can't remember the rear shocks name but once fitted the factory settings worked just fine, even with my mate Dan on the back and he weighed just shy of 17 stone. On the front end I fitted new seals throughout but even with new recommended oil handling issues and bottoming out remained. So following the advice from a custom bike shop I drained the oil and refilled with a slightly thicker grade oil. Then with the caps removed I drilled and tapped them 1/8 BSP and fitted an air gauge system. 6psi, as recommended, and the front end worked brilliant and it didn't break the bank. We travelled around France that summer and with a new set of Avon Roadrunners it was like riding a different bike at both low and high speed and travelling two up over some rough ground two up. When I got the K7 and later removed the springs on the front end they were still to length, so I put them back in. Possibly a mistake as they were not tested under load, but with just under 30,000 miles on the clock I thought they must be fine. In the end with a thicker grade oil and that air system everything worked out just fine, even under some really heavy front end breaking at speed! So just a thought, do you know of anyone who has a Royal Enfield that may have done something like this? Happy and safe riding Stewart and looking forward to your next vid.

[@listentowhatihear]

Good morning, I couldn't sleep. Thanks for keeping these videos coming. Thoroughly enjoy them.

[@Oilyhands749]

Common sense by the bucket load , doing the left first , then setup guide , two hours of explanation down to two mins of instruction! Well done uncle Stu ,

[@chrisbrowne8997]

Well done sir.... This shock imo suits the continental gt better really handsome looking so refreshing to see a company produce a high quality product that has only the adjustments any of really need without adjustments we don't be safe and have a great week

[@themoog3889]

Nice looking kit ! I'll stick with my Hagon ones though I like the clean uncluttered lines and I don't like faffing ! Some friends of mine have just moved into one of the cottages down from the lighthouse so I forwarded your video ....they said next time you park in that no parking area they'll release the hounds and believe me Molly can kill on command .....with kindness ! 😉

[@williamjones6478]

Suspension information simplified that is all the average rider of this type of machine needs to know very well put over without using high tech jargon. Excellent.

[@colinmartin2921]

I think that YSS shocks are the best bang for your buck available. I fitted a pair to my Ducati thirteen years ago, and they have almost infinite adjustment, work superbly are still as good as new.

[@admiralbeez8143]

I've put Hagon shocks on mine, made in UK.

[@ruahinesrider]

Cheers Uncle Stu I live that in NZ & insurance companies don't like learner license riders upgrading to fully adjustable shocks so I'm looking at getting these RZ shocks.Your videos are my go to guide for modifying my Interceptor.I have a GoPro on the way soon too.Thanks.Keep up the great work.👍🏍️🇳🇿

[@ruahinesrider]

Air filter feels a lot more torquey especially in mid range I was pleasantly surprised at how much difference it made I wasn't expecting that much difference & that induction noise is amazing.If you already got or ordered DNA air filter on it's own you can buy the S&S retainer on it's own.DNA air filters are S&S air filters just marketed DNA for European market so price is same but DNA have triangle retainer in 2 for 1 package not 3 seperate part retainer.Also I emailed Baak & praised them on their quality of the black mud guard & spacers I recently bought off them & quick delivery then I asked them how your order was going & said I was interested in getting some slip on's too.That's how you deal with the french praise their ego then ask the big question while making them think you are still interested in spending more money.lol..Now we wait & see what happens.lol...😀🏍️👍

[@ruahinesrider]

Sent wrong person.Sorry Uncle Stu.

[@mdaydj]

Don't have an Enfield just yet but every one of your videos makes me want one more !! You, my friend could cost me money ! Thanks for a Great video from a biker who obviously knows his stuff

[@_JimS]

When I installed my big "O" shocks and set my compression, I have not touched it since so that's every bit of eight years, in fact I never touch my compression either. So once those are set you must constantly adjust the pre-load for weight differentials, very important because stiffer the spring pre-load the "quicker" your steering will, the softer the slower. Good Stuff Uncle Stu...Thanks!

[@prakashkumanan]

Sincere appreciation and I can't thank you enough Uncle Stu! This video is gold standard.

[@richardsalsman1069]

“Heavy boned”. Love that 😉

[@rickshawphilippines]

Got to ride a 650 re last week here in PH, it had the best sound track, such sweet music

[@peterbell5556]

Hi Stuart from New Zealand. I have YSS on my Interceptor and my Himalayan. I'm extremely happy with them. I used to have Bonnie and fitted Ohlins to it. That was also a great upgrade. But my choice of the two is YSS. Enjoy your channel. Really liked your history story of the girl who was murdered. Was like watching Sherlock Holmes. I enjoy the history stuff a lot. There is a channel on KZbin called Wee Jaunt. That's thoroughly interesting as well. Keep em coming mate.

[@jrandall5995]

good piece uncle Stu, did retro 40 years ago with a new T140E. now doing retro on a XJR!!! but with Maxtons front & rear pricey but brilliant

[@ScottyPilot]

13 litres of petrol is about 9.58kg, depending on the particular blend, but that doesn't change your point mate. Being a pilot fuel weight pricked my ears.. love your work, you're the reason i switched from trying to buy a new interceptor to a used 2020 Euro4 model.. great call too, much happier than the E5 model.. cheers.

[@stuartfillingham]

Fair enough!

[@northvanwan7428]

good tip about 'resting' the shocks to let the oil seep down.

[@kevrider]

i really appreciate these vids and i dont even have an Enfield (yet).

[@floda8302]

Your Videos are really nice - so many details so easy explained. I like to watch your videos, anyway, i drive a Royal Enfield or not, but i like these bikes very much! By the way: your english is very good to understand - thanks for your great work! Many greetings from Germany!

[@stormytempest3907]

Stuart, no matter what shocks you fit, the potholes on our roads will test them to the limit!

[@ukbiker1631]

Use the ring end of the spanner whenever you can! And use a second (next size up) spanner to give extra leverage if needed.

[@brianperry]

One thing is for sure, most, if not all KZbin videos concerning suspension is track, or at the very least 'sporty' type ride orientated. Having said that, most bikes in this Modern Classic category will benefit from superior aftermarket specialist suspension units...Its what keeps the bike in controlled contact with the road..very important. well worth the financial outlay. The difference in the ride and handling will be transformed...not to mention a new confidence, confidence being of paramount importance when riding a motorcycle...because it ain't like driving a car.

[@johnk7814]

A far improvement over the OEM shock and much better looking one as well. I knew you would like them I certainly do and you loss some weight off the back of the bike as well.😁 I ran a tap through all the mounting points before I put the new ones on cause like you said there was a lot of lock tight used at the factory. Cheers mate👍🏻

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Brilliant video as always Stuart and those are superb shocks indeed, plus a nice little stop off at Paull lighthouse 😃👍🏻

[@brianperry]

Just been watching Royal Enfield Continental GT racing at the Kari race track in India...(KZbin). if any owners out there are interested...They sounded great..... very fast gear changing, up and down and looked like they handled pretty well in race mode.....Worth a watch for those who maybe contemplating racing one of these bikes..

[@listentowhatihear]

Gotta say Stu, rode this pass weekend, up to Nort Conway, NH; made me accept it is getting closer here, time to winterize the bike. I'll live vicariously through you for the coming months.

[@jimmyb4982]

Thanks, Uncle Stu. And first comment!

[@yorkchris10]

Good Flat Tracker shocks for different track conditions - adjustable length.

[@stringandreed]

Thank you so much. Always the very best content on youtube.

[@mickmockett9031]

Superb video.the explanation of fitting and set up was excellent.keep the video's coming.👍

[@philmorrow2446]

Clear concise and well researched info. (as usual!). Nice one uncle stu!!!👌

[@andrewslagle1974]

Thank you fot another great video.I cant waite to get my gt soon!

[@neildransfield5966]

Uncle Stu, been waiting for this and the front upgrade, sensible cost upgrades. But the big elephant now is brake feel in the front and I am casting my vote for pads and steel braid lines in the future? Slight improvement came from the adjustable levers i fitted but only slight because the nose dive reduction the suspension upgrade brings, i suspect, adds more feel to brakes anyway? Thanks for the research, hours of dedicated production time making the videos, just so i can do it all in under an hour including ordering the parts, safe in the knowledge it will all work out fine! The Continental GT does not encourage me to go faster as a std setup. That’s fine by me, but i still like to make that decision and not the bike dictate your velocity! i love improvements that can not be seen unless your a train spotter so yes no labels!

[@admiralbeez8143]

I'd like to see twin discs up front.

[@neildransfield5966]

@@admiralbeez8143 No ….. its not a racer, does not need the weight of twin disc, just better feel with less pressure. Increasing brake bite with more pressure applied on the lever. Its all a bit wooden as STD.

[@gt650johnn]

I fitted Brembo sintered pads to my GT and braking bite improved noticeably. Feel is still gonna be a little "wooden" but that comes from the master cylinder, which becomes a much more expensive mod.

[@neildransfield5966]

@@gt650johnn That is encouraging! The bike will never out-brake a new model Thruxton but that little incremental improvement could be just enough to remove criticism to another area. Thanks, im on it!

[@mcmullen7143]

Hi Stuart. Spoke to a training group about tampering. They don’t get it!

[@robertadams4415]

As always thanks for the info uncle Stu

[@NickMasseyRideon]

I put a set of Z series on my CB1300, what a difference, its a brand new bike

[@josejmourente]

stuart fillingham felicidades, tienes las motos impecables, da gusto ver como las mantienes

[@adamdowns3075]

Are you going to do a step by step for the front forks? I’ve never had to do it and was never taught how to when I was younger. I currently have a scrambler built Himalayan and looking to add an INT or continental for a second and will definitely be doing a suspension change

[@stuartfillingham]

yes as I said at the beginning of this video.

[@JohnSmith-xw5qe]

Great video stu & we’ll put together thanks👍🏻

[@ivogambaccini9110]

Dear Stuart, my weight is 140 Kilos and sometimes I go with my Interceptor with my wife (55 Kilos more). Do you suggest the YSS for my bike? Thanks Ivo from Italy🤔🧠

[@chrisbittlestone9264]

Very infomative, Unce Stu.

[@gsalinas400]

Stuart, I am off topic, but have you considered adding a side car to one of your bikes? How about a watsonian sidecar on your Bonneville? I am considering doing it, but nothing would be better than you narrating this project.

[@68bonneville]

Well done Stuart!

[@catstevens5890]

Hi Stuart, great content you put out I’m always keen to see what you’re subject is in these videos. On a matter not directly relating to this content I apologise, but I wanted to say thank you for the heads up on the government transport regulatory review on the gov site. Very hard to find and the language used in the questionnaire was way over the heads of the common man. I attempted to fill it in and read through the questions before hand it took me 4 hours in total to complete. 8 sides of A4 and thousands of words lol. I’m not sure just how many people would have the time and energy to go through this document and submit it. I saved it as directed to come back to it but found the clever people had placed a bug in the system which meant I lost all my submission. Forced to do the whole thing in one go, I was Disgusted with the content and the proposal of making people like you criminals by touching your bike and changing parts on it. Both you and I now have illegal motor cycles if this becomes law. It’s a huge issue which needs huge attention by us all. But this on line document is far from user friendly. Wonder why. Thanks again. adrian.

[@TheDocit]

Hi Stuart, I am hoping you could give me your views on Interceptor suspension. I recently replaced the front with YSS innards and the rear is still stock. My pillion, finds certain bumps in the road are bone jarring. Did you find doing the rear, improved this aspect? I've been told that due to the bikes geometry, changing the suspension would only result in marginal improvement even if I were to spend top wack, upwards £600. I'd really appreciate your opinion. KR, Derek

[@rohithram1762]

Sir can u kindly upload a video on installation of a front visor (doom) for GT . Which will complete the look of a cafe racer. Thanks

[@haridasification]

Always gets thing in superior quality

[@ricardoespiritu8843]

What a great looking bike 🏍 👌

[@jeffshootsstuff]

That bike has the longest peg feelers I've ever seen. I kind of feel inadequate.

[@arthurclarke7072]

I've gone with Hitchcock's hard front springs with 15w Bel-Ray and Hagan shocks on the rear plus a set of Avon tyres . Makes it great bike on our quiet mountain road in the Republic of PNW.,.🏍️🗻🏔️🌋

[@seankearney6915]

I just wondered if you released the preload before fitting as that would make squeezing it shorter easier. Some of the vehicle ones I have fitted actually say remove the spring and keep the damper the right way up and move it full travel half a dozen times. So the spring preload is then only assembled on the minimum of threads to facilitate fitting. I will have to see if they are doing them for the Meteor yet. Nice pragmatic approach to setting them up though.

[@mikehamilton9128]

Excellent review as usual!

[@nickduffy8482]

Stuart, very interesting video as always, thank you. Is there any possibility in the future of you reviewing the 2 latest Enfield’s, 350 Meteor& 350 Classic. Now that the Classic 500 is no more, it would be fascinating to get your insight and opinions on how the new 350’s compare with the old 500. If I had been in the position to buy an Enfield I would have originally been torn between the Interceptor and the Continental, probably coming down in favor of the Interceptor. Then on a trip to England a couple of years ago I saw the 500 Trials with the green frame and instantly fell in love only to find out it was about to be discontinued. Then you bought your Bullet and I avidly watched every episode and decided that would probably be my new 1st choice. And now, after seeing so many positive reviews of the new 350’s I really starting to wonder if I would ever need a 650? Even if you can’t review them, I would love to hear your opinions because we clearly share many of the same values on what constitutes a great motorcycle. At the moment, I live in a country where the maximum sized motorcycle is 150cc and the longest possible road trip is just 26 miles without repeating the same road so I can only dream, but one day if I find myself back in Europe I will be straight to the nearest Royal Enfield dealer to finally fulfill this long held desire.

[@stuartfillingham]

I have done the Meteor some time back, The classic isn't available here yet!

[@nickduffy8482]

@@stuartfillingham Stuart, I must have missed that one, let me go back and look. I didn’t realise the Classic is not available in the UK yet.

[@geoffballe8766]

Stu, as usual a pleasure,

[@andrerobertdrouin3642]

Stuart , crappy roads are the mainstay in my province ,YSS shocks are a delight for our roads and prefer showing the make of my added parts . No need to hide names unless you want to indulge in a bit of fibbing or pretend

[@DaveBoatBuilder]

Thanks, great video as always.

[@christopherwhite5210]

Another great video Stu but you always make me feel guilty. Like you I've been riding over forty years but, although being aware of sag settings, I've never really been bothered by it. I tend to set up my suspension by feel which has always worked for me. And on the subject of branding on aftermarket stuff as a single parent to a young child surviving on the grace of the government good quality parts are pretty much out of my reach. And funnily enough I've just replaced the shocks on my 500 bullet. BSA A10 replica ones for about thirty quid thanks to a hefty staff discount, sixty without, but they're working out well.

[@stuartfillingham]

Sorry Chris that wasn't my intention, I've been in similar situation myself so I know what its like. As for sag your bang on, I only dealt with it as I am frequently asked to.

[@christopherwhite5210]

@@stuartfillingham Don't worry mate, no offence taken honest. But you're right younger bikers do seem to be overly concerned with such things bless em...

[@federicoricci4499]

Amazing listening exercise , strange metrics, very intriguing tests.

[@sbrides3042]

Stewart what is the make of your bike jack and where did you find the best price ? Good vid as always 👍

[@williamcooke5627]

Branding is far olde than 200 years, Stewie. The commonest formula in ancient runic inscriptions, whether on bone combs or golden drinkng-horns, is 'So-and-so made this such-and-such'.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

I-ride the original equipment shocks on all of my Classic Bike they adso Russian shocks on my Ural sidecar outfit work perfectly fine. They are 25 years old and maybe a little soft but you don't go tearing around on a sidecar. All of these videos with putting better quality Parts on Royal and Fields oh, I would think the point of buying the bike is because it's economical and not to spend tons of money on upgrades while I'm still paying payments having the original equipment when you buy a bike that's built down to a price you already know some of the things are going to be lower quality. In-stock from the front half but custom from the back half to the tail light it has a hardtail bolt on with Harley fishtail mufflers and a Harley tool box and a tombstone taillight. Without shock absorbers it rides better than my Harley Sportster wish has shock absorbers. The rigid frame handles like it's running on Rails. Now of course if you're not satisfied with the ride provided by the stock components by all means upgraded but make sure that you're going to keep the bike forever because any upgrades you make will not get you a higher resale price at resale if you choose to do so. Me I could never sell are any of my motorcycles, because I love them like my dogs. I have had my Triumph TR6 for 40 years. When the camshaft wore out we had to split the cases to put new ones in. I washed all the components until they were squeaky clean and you could eat off of them. We all shall put in a new sludge trap because the old one was almost full. She has a Fairbanks Morse Magneto on her and she is first kick, the kind you win bets on. I could started with the kicker faster than most Harley's could start with the electric start.

[@henryhartley9993]

Nice one Stuart...

[@jackmcnellis8025]

Do you have a steering damper (universal) video? Thanks for all the videos.

[@stuartfillingham]

Sorry, no

[@wesleycardinal8869]

Thanks for the informative video. How do these shocks compare to the original factory ones? Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺👍

[@rcs1641]

Truly enjoy your very informative videos. I don't yet own a Royal Enfield, but am giving it serious consideration. I have a question about the seat on the bike in this video. The cover on the rear portion of the seat, is that removable to make suitable for two people? Is it the standard GT seat with an optional cover or how do they come configured? Thanks from the USA.

[@andrewslagle1974]

That is a royal enfield accessory.It firs over the stock 2 up seat and it bolts on/off it comes in colors to match the bike!

[@MrBringmeataco]

Hey do you what the torque specs are for the top bolt?

[@amaturetrader1393]

Hi Stuart, Could you please help me by letting me know the weight of the OEM and YSS? Suspension for GT650.

[@andrewhayes4246]

I rode the Meteor and Continental GT yesterday. Not a fan of the riding position of the GT, but otherwise loved it. I'll ride the Interceptor soon as I prefer the upright position due to it making mid-corner steering correction easier. Stuart - do you still have the original tyres on your GT? Do you find them liking to slip off. Edges of manhole covers and stones a lot more than aftermarket tyres? I will take off the 'Ceat' tyres quickly. Maybe a good video there... 👍

[@stuartfillingham]

all tyres do that Andrew, I've found the ceat to be a good tyre in the limited experience i have of it, don't be too quick to start swapping rubber.

[@Lou-rq6lf]

For what rider weight are these shocks (spring) ?

[@waffey2008]

Great video

[@700horses]

How are you liking the 10 weight fork oil? Do you ever wish you went with the 15 weight?

[@michaelevans1658]

Good tutorial uncle Stu , did you use loctite on the bolts?

[@stuartfillingham]

I didn't, as I intend switching them around

[@davidcoyote8921]

@@stuartfillingham Looks like Red... better use it...

[@sammyday3341]

I don’t see how this bike could ever be exceeded in regard to looks. It’s ideal.

[@denzongsherpa26]

Is this shorter than original one🙏

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Would you say the Interceptor could do trips to Wales or say Uk to Spain etc? I prefer cruisers etc but am leaning towards the Himalayan or Yamaha Tenere etc..

[@SteeeveO]

I'm assuming threadlock isn't required when fitting the new shocks? I wonder if RE use it during the build just in case the bike ends up on the Indian home market of potholed roads.

[@stuartfillingham]

good practice to use a little medium strength, but personally I've never had an issue when I don't use it.

[@andreweirauch1807]

Which YSS - Model ??? RZ362-360TRL-54-B

[@sbrides3042]

Stewart, please give the make and model of your bike hydraulic Jack 👍

[@stuartfillingham]

cant remember its a sealey, if you look back through my videos I reviewed it about 3 or 4 years ago.

[@christhomson5377]

Hi Stu - can I ask how these shocks compare to the rear custom Hagon shocks you fitted to the bullet?

[@stuartfillingham]

They cant really be compared both very different animals.

[@christhomson5377]

@@stuartfillingham I was hoping for your views contrasting them if you don't feel a comparison is ideal. Mebbe a view on which would be more suitable for the interceptor - I appreciate you're busy though no worries.

[@christhomson5377]

@@paulmessenger1006 Thanks for your comments, I'm no expert and a bit of a beginner but interested in getting more involved and was interested in how the custom made Hagon shocks that Stu rhapsodised about (which he fitted to the bullet in another video) compared/contrasted with these YSS jobs, which he is also very complimentary about.

[@danmanthe9335]

So you're telling me that my KLR 's suspension shouldn't be stiffened all the way even when I'm unloaded... hmmm. Noted

[@federicoricci4499]

Stuart , which kind of English is your? Very intriguing pronunciation!

[@stuartfillingham]

Yorkshire.

[@trimbakkotkar3940]

Sir you are videos about twins are more civilized then our Indian youtubers they are always complaining about twins they are very cheap thoughts about them but they are not know at royal Enfield give them interceptor and Gt in very cheap price against bonneville they have to realise it

[@alancampbell1008]

I personally think that the less variables you are given the more likely you are to hit a sweet spot 😂

[@magicdaveable]

Hiding the brand of shocks? What a crock of manure. Those people complaining about the aftermarket branding need to get a life. If I upgraded my brakes to Brembos I want people to know.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

An idiots guide to replacing shocks. If you can’t follow uncle Stu’s guidance there’s no hope.

[@arun93chm]

What is the model number of the suspension?