Royal Enfield Interceptor & Continental GT 650? Lets talk about suspension Upgrades, from YSS!

[@_JimS]

Here in the States "Quite Well" for a Harley guy is 20+years on the OEM shocks.....literally, no kidding. So many people thing shocks last forever. Suspension is the single best upgrade you can make on any motorcycle. Upgrade the suspension before anything else. Upgraded suspension transformed my motorcycle into a completely new motorcycle. Spend the money on suspension THEN spend it on fluff and goodies. Good suspension is also a safety upgrade too, from rear end "Sphincter Slam Wag" to front end "O'Shit" death wiggle....some know what I mean. Exhaust and shiny stuff can come later, unless you watch Uncle Stu's case polishing videos, then it's practically free.

[@amshootez]

Stuart, I've been riding for almost 40 years and have owned everything from a Honda Elisnore 125 to a BMW S1000rr. In between were large ADV's, Sport Bikes of all flavors, and some Sport Touring Missiles, like the BMW R1200rs. What I'm loving about my RE 650 is that it's a basic, beautiful and elemental bike. For example, I adore that there's only one button on the dash to toggle between the odo and two trip meters - that's all I need. I do appreciate the ABS, but am totally fine without power & traction modes, active suspension, bluetooth TFT displays, etc. Who knew 47hp could be so much fun? Thank you for making the RE ownership experience more accessible, satisfying and soulful.

[@dadmadforgot4050]

Why is that while I’m listening to this chap I feel like it’s all ok... everything’s fine... calm, assured and steady! 👌

[@Mr-ed5ep]

Same here. I dont even own a R E

[@richardpearce4521]

Really, I thought the beauty of this bike was it's back to basics feel!

[@krola1023]

Fitted the YSS shocks a couple of days ago... as you said, straightforward, however after measuring them out of the box (they were identical and matched the Gabriels) I found the left shock to be a bit long and had to widget it up with a large padded screwdriver under the bottom fitting. The right was the complete opposite (the rear swing arm assembly appears to be slightly out of true), so had to put my bike lift under the end of the arm to raise it slightly to drop the bolt in... easier than using the shock length adjusters at the bottom. I also measured the pre-load length with a mm rule and calipers as it seemed a bit easier than counting threads (even with decent fingernails).

[@asingham]

Live in Thailand and sourced the YSS rear shocks and had them fitted by Honda BigWing dealership (and a YSS supplier and fitter) in Korat city. Had the YSS front suspension upgrade done too. Rear shocks preload set at 18 threads and lock screws facing outward. Rear shocks feel good but the front seem hard. Looking forward to your videos (part 2, 3, and 4) on front suspension upgrade.

[@sarahdell4042]

Any updates? Generally new suspension never feels good when first fitted

[@liamabu-nimeh6145]

Love the idea of this series and can't wait to see the results!!!

[@daveg4495]

I have one complaint with your videos, they're too well thought out & far too logical!!!! You don't leave any room for the idiots to properly bitch about them!! Well done, I actually bookmark the interceptor videos & follow them to the letter when working on my RE Interceptor. Can't thank you enough. Dave from Canada.

[@Don-lw4cb]

Good, interesting video as always. Be very interesting to find out the results in coming videos.

[@NirajNanal]

Can you do a video on long touring capabilities of interceptor ? Also what about front suspension and its impact on cornering ? thanks in advance

[@GrtSatan]

From all reports the RE with its Harris frame and budget suspension is a pretty good motorcycle exactly as presented. When I want to go fast and carve corners I use my 790 Duke, but were I to forced to choose between them I would choose the RE, a thoroughly pleasant all-rounder.

[@GrtSatan]

And yes, I also own a 650 Continental GT, a frickin' gorgeous machine.

[@martinowl]

Looking forward to watching this set of videos. I’m especially interested in improvements that can be made to the front forks. Personally I would rather spend money on suspension upgrades before exhaust mods. Nice one, Stuart.

[@scotty2307]

Nice looking shocks. I do wish that YSS didn't use them as such an obvious billboard though. The logo cast in to the top castings is enough. I think the units with the red hardware would look great on the ravishing red Royal Enfield paint scheme. That white FIAT van, that was in front of you in the traffic circle, looked like a nice rig. We do not have them in the US as far as I am aware.

[@cecilwilson5442]

Loving the videos that's turning into a real sweet motorcycle and for real good money even though even..with the extras witch like you said we all want to have our own take on a bike no matter what size or make I've modified everything in the last 37 years since I was 16 it suited me and you've to please yourself first 😍

[@RR-dj8rt]

Thank you for these videos

[@MrPRIYANK94]

Stock rear springs are manageable with preload adjusted. Front rear needs to be stiffened up, front's just too soft!

[@keithert]

Priyank, how much preload would you use for a 113 kg rider?

[@MrPRIYANK94]

If i remember correctly, had my rear setup with max preload. I was 100+ then Sold it in march 😁

[@nitishmysore]

love from India

[@haridasification]

Neat fitting explanation

[@skeech1979]

Do I need to upgrade the springs if I install the shocks. I do have a spring adjust I can instal but it can’t be as good as a new spring system for the front.

[@arshsingh6553]

What is that TOMTOM display used for? And can you please provide the link to that product?

[@andrewhannam.]

Great content as always. Your process of one component at a time is extremely well thought out. Cheers

[@robs4006]

Hi Stuart I think the Motone shock dress up sets might fit the top fixings of rear shocks - if only Motone did them in pairs. What do you think? Might be worth a short video 👍

[@wltrlg]

Nice, although the new springs seem a bit too modern to me for the bike

[@krola1023]

Stuart, I purchased both the rear and front YSS shocks from Wemoto and was pleasantly surprised that they arrived in just 4 days to the US. Very impressed. One question (and I realize up front that this niggles you, but it’s an honest question) in your video, you tightened the mounts to 25nm. I have the downloaded RE maintenance manual for the INT and they recommend 18nm. Am I missing something? I value your opinion, so this isn’t a “you’re wrong” rant, just an honest question. I await each of your videos and yes... I collect mechanical watches and such. Cheers.

[@stuartfillingham]

stick to the manual if that's what it says.

[@MrZeewe70]

Another excellent and simple to understand video. Keep on keeping on, ride safe and see you on the next one...

[@barryhughes1612]

Mmmm seriously thinking about upgrading......?

[@henryhartley9993]

Nice one Stuart..

[@paulbaker1000]

Good looking shocks! Looking forward to hearing your verdict on their performance.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

and how that is measured.

[@michaelevans1658]

Nice tutorial on the shocks uncle Stu.

[@nandiniteju]

Pls sugest upgraded tyre size for intercepter bike

[@dev-das]

Hello sir . How much maximum level of suspension travel it provides?

[@joshuazorn5652]

Sometimes I feel a click in my clutch the handle in the line

[@isaac.oliveira]

Hi Mr. Stuart Can this suspension with all the available adjustments increase the seat height? thanks

[@HbbH38]

Is this able to drop the saddle an inch? Been wanting to get a gt650 but it's a tad tall for me. Thank you.

[@adriftatlife]

Love the navigator, would like to know what and how you've mounted them, with product description.

[@milliefelstead2309]

Hi Stuart, great video as usual. You mentioned previously that you were looking to fit the mot one customs indicators and was going to be part of the series. Are you still going shred with that. Many thanks Russ

[@SynapticGap]

Another thoughtful video, keep up the excellent work! It occurs to me on yss suspension update, given Interceptor very modest performance, is this upgrade perhaps a bit OTT......? Just wonderin' like, y'no. Its a lot of £'s for (perhaps) extremely little benefit......

[@stuartfillingham]

Can you put a price on comfort, handling and safety?

[@SynapticGap]

@@stuartfillingham Good point well made sir. Having just viewed the second vid' in the series, I find myself convinced & converted. So much so, I'm investing in a set for my own RE Int'. (But hey, p-l-e-a-s-e stop finding stuff to spend my money on!!! 😊

[@cecilwilson5442]

Best upgrade for any bike makes the most of your machine before you get any more performance get it handling

[@SynapticGap]

@@cecilwilson5442 I came to that conclusion eventually too, especially after watching the second video.

[@lalramtiamahrangdo9084]

Hi Stuart, great video as always. I just wanted to know if you can adjust the length shorter with these yss than you can with the stock ones? to reduce the seating height of the bike a little bit..

[@stuartfillingham]

yes you can.

[@fasthracing]

Another great vid. Best suspension I ever have/had was custom made front fork internals and made to measure rear shocks by Maxton Suspension for my 05 Thruxton. May go "off the shelf" with my RE though.

[@crabjoe]

By chance, are the YSS rears height adjustable? I need to lower the seat about an inch to be able to flat foot a Twin.

[@stuartfillingham]

yes.

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Another fantastic video Stuart including the flyby of HMP Hull on Hedon road as well 👍🏻

[@laurentmartin625]

To me they don't look so great on this bike, but it's a personal feeling. I would rather go for ohlins set available for RE. Fully agree with what you said in this video. Cheers

[@abhishekjmadan]

Is it uncommon for gas shocks to offer rebound adjustment?

[@stuartfillingham]

no I dont think so

[@gt650johnn]

Hi! Can the suspension be installed on any of the sides or do they have a position? I would like to leave the branding on the inner side for a cleaner look. Thanks!

[@paulaus]

They do a non remote reservoir model that's a bit more subtle. Not 100% sure if the range of adjustment is the same.

[@stuartfillingham]

I cant see why not!

[@stankropiunik2539]

Nice to get a very positive feedback on the YSS. I too thought they were worth every penny, by just looking at the build quality and the company profile. Just ordered a mono-shock for my RE Himalayan, waiting anxiously for its arrival.

[@daveinwla6360]

That would be content for a good video!

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

You want to treat preload and damping as two distinct separate suspension issues on your following vids so you don't muddy the waters. You should really explain to people in the following vids what you are aiming to achieve with the preload, i.e % sag, front and rear and why that % is important and why the ratio between front and rear sag is important with regards to handling (rake/trail). I'm not talking MotoGP suspension here, just bogo road bike stuff. Before you swapped out the suspension you might of measured how the current RE suspension, especially the rear, sags on weight, e.g. yours and what effect the existing preload adjustment gave you to counteract that weight, its whole purpose. The bike specs will give you the overall front and rear max travel and you can measure the suspension with no load with it on the centre stand. You will be able to see how much rider sag there was with you on it after that. All it takes is a mate and a tape measure. That is 10-15 minutes, tops. There is little point in changing suspension out just for the sake of it, you must know what you are trying to achieve.

[@adriftatlife]

Good insight, would really like to see this done your way.

[@paultanton4307]

+1 -Static Sag seems to be the Key to a well functioning Suspension Set Up,a visit to a Suspension Specialist is the best way to start.

[@jeffruebens8355]

Very stiff for better cornering on smooth pavement, very soft for long straight roads, and lots of suspension travel for off road or potholes, if your legs are long enough for a tall seat. A guy at work raced dirt bikes for awhile as a teen- he had to stand on a milk crate at the start because of his short legs, and get help to get back on after a crash. I use Fluid Film spray as an assembly lube, to help prevent corrosion, including at the beginning and end of bolt threads, with a thread locker in the middle.

[@TheCryptonomatron]

Wonder how these compare to the Ohlins?

[@stuartfillingham]

Very similar

[@daveharriman2756]

They do look good, hopefully the ride will improve, they'd look good on my Speed Twin, but I looked on the site, and they don't do a set for that model, but I'll still watch all your vids though! cheers, Dave

[@SynapticGap]

WHAAAT??? There are TWO Dave Harriman watching this. What are the chances. (At least one of us has a RE INT' in our portfolio.... 😁)

[@daveharriman2756]

@@SynapticGap well, who'd have thunk it 😀 great name though mate!

[@SynapticGap]

@@daveharriman2756 of course!

[@andrewbull3537]

Hello stuart ,brilliant video, ...did you wire in the tomtom (navsat/gps) using a usb connection or did you wire it directly to the battery ? Sorry for the stupid question ,take care on the road, thanks in advance .👍👍👍

[@stuartfillingham]

As bart said theres a spare little yellow connector in the headlamp bowl for just such devices!

[@andrewbull3537]

@@bsimpson6204 ,thanks bart that answered my question ,see you on the road.

[@andrewbull3537]

@@stuartfillingham,thanks stuart, see you on the road.

[@Warriorkikass]

Great video, thank you! Do you need to grease the bushes on these shocks?

[@stuartfillingham]

the instructions didn't mention lubrication so I presume its not required. most shocks are dry mounted.

[@classicrider5274]

I agree with comments about static sag needing to be explained in future uploads but for a number of bikes where I bought after market shocks the supplier wanted to know my weight, plus pillion, luggage and type of riding so the correct springs could be supplied. You may not get ideal set up out of the box with standard springs so do YSS offer options?

[@anoshsavangouda9566]

Golly good sir

[@vimeetgautam7679]

why didn't you go with Ohlins front forks FSK 145 spring kit and STX 36 rear gas shocks which are made specifically for Interceptor 650, just asking are these suspensions better than the ones in Ohlins or you never considered the Ohlins one ?

[@kapilrana2305]

Good one sir !! RE should take note of this 🚲🚲

[@daveinwla6360]

RE sells basic vanilla - which most customers can afford and like. If you want chocolate dip or chopped nuts or a cherry, you pays yer money and you takes yer choice.

[@comhghallgeraghty3541]

That TomTom Sat nav can it be powered from your deltran battery tender?

[@stuartfillingham]

no theres a spare accessory connection in the headlamp bowl.

[@comhghallgeraghty3541]

@@stuartfillingham cool thanks

[@SuperMarge123]

Excellent. Thank you. Regards Gareth Wiltshire

[@pennsyltuckyden9823]

Some people just like to complain

[@grahamtricker4103]

They look very nice indeed.

[@flounderpounder7992]

I’ll pay close to 800$ with shipping costs. I think that’s a bit steep but if the quality is there I might pull the trigger. Will be looking forward to the next 3 videos. Thank u!

[@fordayling19]

Don't waste your money!

[@MiketakesaHike]

Sigh.why do you insist on spending my money.............

[@tinks43]

Ooh, now they look nice, Enjoy! 😀

[@davidpowell4735]

🤙🏼

[@themoog3889]

Look well ! 👍

[@victorrenevaldiviasoto9728]

Also, they look more sleek

[@kaushikiyer3859]

Nice one