Royal Enfield Interceptor/Continental GT 650, YSS gas shock upgrade Part 2. THE VERDICT!

[@carlosmaurokrma92]

I'm really looking forward to buy the continental GT 650 and thanks to your videos I know exactly what to do as soon as I get mine, top notch videos sir! Greetings from Colombia

[@riderramblings]

There is more precise and, possibly, quicker way to set up the rear suspension *Sag* for your bike. It involves a friend, or two if you don't have a paddock stand, and a tape measure. Oh and a pencil and paper to write everything down. If your friends are riders too, you can have a Rider Sag suspension setup session. 1. Write down the current settings: how many turns in or out (your choice but usually _out_ ) the settings are currently set to. Note: the factory setting is usually in the manual, if all goes wrong reset to that! 2. _Get off the bike_ . Lift the rear end to the limit of the suspension travel and let it drop back down (supporting the bike so it doesn't fall over - a front wheel paddock stand is really useful here if you have one or a friend). There should be about 5 mm of drop - measure by eye. This is the *Static Sag* 3. Measure the suspension height from a suitable place i.e. top suspension bolt to bottom suspension bolt and write down this measurement immediately after doing the static sag. 4. Get on the bike, in full bike clothing, and sit as you would sit normally while riding, both feet on the pegs with either a paddock stand or friend holding the front of the bike. Measure the suspension again (as in item 3) and subtract it from the figure in item 3. This is called *Rider Sag* . The Rider Sag for a typical street setup should be about 35 mm - 40 mm. Note: track settings are different and shouldn't be used on public roads as you'll probably end up in a hedge at the first bump! 5. Adjust both shocks _equally_ (very important) until the desired Rider Sag is achieved. Now do your friends' bikes... 6. Go for a test ride and adjust if necessary between the 35 mm and 40 mm range. 7. Recheck your Rider Sag about every 1,000 miles or so. This means the rear suspension Rider Sag for your bike is set up for _your_ weight. If you can adjust the front suspension Rider Sag (unlikely except on sports and expensive bikes) do so in a similar manner. As a general rule, when you push down on the seat, the front and rear of the bike should sink and rise at exactly the same rate but this only really applies if you can set both front and rear Rider Sag on your bike. Compression and Rebound damping are a whole different kettle of fish and, as Stuart said, you should leave that to those more knowledgeable.

[@RE650NZGraeme]

If you have 5mm Static Sag and then 35mm Rider Sag, = 40mm total, before dynamic range is introduced. This is around half of the total range gone already, I think that would be incorrect on this bike.

[@vince38curious2]

Loving the suspension upgrade series ! Straight forward no muss no fuss easy to translate in my mind at least into an understandable explanation of what each change does and also how it feels on the Road without ever having ridden the 650 and what to expect when I do buy 1 next year and start upgrading my own bike ! Thanks ! Regards Vince !

[@hirenmistry3130]

Hello Stuart, I have my eyes on this bike and your updates are really helping me making an informed decision. I have taken a couple of test rides and the suspension left me wanting for more. I would have loved a bit more travel at both ends as the roads in my neck of the woods are horrendous (Mumbai). I am eagerly waiting for your upcoming videos on the front set up too. Thanks a ton and much appreciated!

[@stevesteve1965]

I changed the rear on my Speed Twin to the Ohlins. As I've done in the past, start at the middle setting and work your way forward or backwards a couple of clicks at a time, after you fully understand what rebound means! Well explained Stuart. Looking forward to the front end now.👍

[@anindyachanda9668]

Thanks for the informative review. I've started to become acquainted with your riding routes by now.

[@BobC777]

Despite my advanced years I learned a lot about suspension basics from this video. Thanks, Stuart!

[@MrTriple3]

Quite the glowing review of the YSS suspension units. I must conclude that the maker has made great improvements to the QC in the manufacturing process. Some years back I fitted a YSS unit to my BMW R100GS. In no time at all it was leaking fluid. The seller replaced it and that replacement was oil tight until I sold the machine years later.

[@Don-lw4cb]

Another great common sense and thorough and descriptive video. I look forward to them every week.

[@bigal6684]

Nice work explaining the benefit of a shock upgrade.....also those YSS are quite handsome! Riding a bike with competent suspension can be a real revelation. I recently replaced a 15 year-old Yamaha with a new Kawasaki (nice inverted fork and @60 less lbs. weight) and the handling difference is stunning....a whole new world opened up!

[@SteveInskip]

Well explained Stuart! Simple and concise and a very good upgrade for anyone. Shocking stuff! 😉😉

[@gasgas2689]

It's winter in England and I am getting my interceptor soon. Anything under 10 degrees C makes me shiver. My basic requirement is heated grips, followed by a bigger fly screen, rear carrier and fork gaiters. To have to spend £800 (as two nine alpha romeo says in a comment below here) on different suspension says that the bike wasn't designed properly in the first place, and I give the designers some credit for making the best of the budget available. I fully expect (as I have had a decent test ride) that the stock suspension will not make me go and buy £800 worth of suspension to add to a £5000 bike. It seems disproportionate. I'm en route to designing an affordable electrically controlled chain oiler . . .

[@stuartfillingham]

I think you would genuinely struggle to find replacement suspension for much less, that would actually be an upgrade. good suspension costs what it costs!

[@gasgas2689]

@@stuartfillingham This reminds me of when I bought a new Ducati 350 single in 1975. I rode off out of the dealer down the road and came to a bend. The bike wouldn't go round the bend, I careered off (luckily) down a farm track. I went slowly to a petrol station and checked the tyre pressures which were 8psi in the front and 11 psi in the rear. What I think of that dealer is unprintable. I bought the bike because all the reviews said it corners brilliantly and that was not what I was expecting!

[@SynapticGap]

Following 2 excellent yss upgrade vid's, purchased full upgrade. Stewart, please when doing (awaited) how to fork episodes, consider advising on fork oil type, viscosity & quantity per fork please? - YSS printed Instructions quite challenging due to translation quality. I called supplier who stated do not sell yss recommended oil & are not sure of weight/viscosity suggesting use as per manual. I'm thinking you shall favour 'Silkolene' product. I shall await patiently your final two parts to end the Yss upgrade and, am as ever sure they will be as 'the oracle' I've come to see you as. Thanks for all your fine work, more power to ye elbow Stu'!

[@anthonyprice5596]

Another brilliant reveiw Stuart, I did feel like I let the side down when I bought my Goldwing, but I have to be honest, the Goldwings suspension, apart from being a bit complex at the front, you do feel like your on a magic carpet!! So no hoverbike necessary🤣🤣🤣 Keep up the great work thank you Stuart.

[@suipful]

I couldn't find what is the total range of clicks? compression & rebound? the hydraulics, on compression dampening adjuster and turning it towards the soft side, can improve or reduce initial harshness. the total sag(my view) is good 35-40mm for the rear and 40-45mm for the front..(rider only) also can add 1turn of ride height for that wight nudged slightly towards the front. happy riding..

[@richardcollins586]

Following on from your video on Norton last week, Garner failed to turn up to the Pension fund ombudsman hearing yesterday. 228 people who’s pensions worth £14m haven’t been returned and probably won’t be. Garner needs to be in prison for what he’s done, he’s no better than Green with BHS. The guy is an absolute disgrace!

[@twinphill900]

I wonder how the Norton brand would have performed in the hands of someone honest?

[@cecilwilson5442]

He is pirate racing with the bikes on the Isle of man should be 10 years down the road from the customer getting the product as he had purchased. Spondon engineering who know how to build a frame or two jolly boy's outing with people's money sent to jail as a detterant to other crooked fraudsters

[@markos1963]

Hi Stuart. Great video and one of the more interesting ones for me. I have started at the front for my handling upgrade fitting the Hitchcock spring and preload adjuster. This goes a long way to addressing the vague high speed wondering of the bike and poor reaction to crossing cats eyes

[@brianperry]

Revisiting your video. some years ago we bought bikes with vey little adjustability, especial the front. The rear would have an adjustable ramp with three settings ...and that was that..... adjustable damping, forget it...Thats all changed of course, its possible to change everything now.. so some of us have got more demanding..However, what ever your riding style there is a comfort and handling zone so increased adjustability means you have more control.

[@rkhairajani1]

Hi Stuart. following this closely. on my Interceptor the front is so lousy that i head a thud when it goes over a pothole. Waiting for your fix on the front ones. Excellent content as always! 👍

[@colinburnside4569]

Stuart the first point of impact is the front tire and the front suspension. Any bike i have had which is about 45 i always used a good grade 20/50 Duckhams and a tiny tiny drop of petrol in the front forks. So that it could pour out of the Jug. Girling rear shocks are by far the best rear shocks on the Market. Even a good second hand pair. Enjoy your videos. Cheers

[@peva7945]

Surely Girling went out of business decades ago, the gas shock side of their line being purchased by Alf Hagon? Norman Blakemore, late of Girling, started producing competition rear units based on specials Girling had developed for works riders. The gas shocks as produced by Girling were rubbish - fhe damper rods would bend in normal use. Clearly Hagon will be using far superior materisl in their development of these.

[@Shinysideup]

Interesting video Stuart, only had my interceptor a couple of weeks, not had the chance to ride it much as the weather has been awful, your videos have given lots of ideas of what I need to do.. I think I’ve upgraded the suspension on every bike I’ve owned. The suspension on my Ducati scrambler was really disappointing, but so far the stock interceptor suspension is better than I expected.

[@barryhughes1612]

As always a very good brief, I will be looking to make modifications to my Interceptor when I take ownership in early March.

[@kakarote8]

Very good and informative video about shock absorbers. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@tinks43]

I’m glad they’re a great improvement for you 😀

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Another brilliantly informative video Stuart, and very very nice looking shocks indeed 😃👍🏻

[@cecilwilson5442]

When you buy a budget bike then you will if it suits you or your needs I've got a 2008 speed triple and I've changed loads of stuff on the bike as I am keeping it I've had a wilbrers rear shock and ktec fork springs because as you stated it's better and more to my liking every one is different I'd agree with you 100 percent good video 👍

[@garygamble1963]

Beautiful explanation Stuart. Happy riding!

[@G-Force_70]

Stuart, Ohlins makes a set of adjustable springs for the Interceptor 650...great video.

[@jeffandrews6225]

Well explained, havn,t got a Triumph or a Royal Enfield but still find your videos interesting. 👍

[@noisefuljoy]

My bike is brand new, and I know things will change. That being said, my impulse is to only change the fork oil up in weight a bit. Fwiw, I present quite a load... I guess I'll just have to wait and see, as both the bike and I become more experienced. I hope to lessen that load a bit as well.

[@johnDukemaster]

I always enjoy your films mr Fillingham. Nice work. But...since this is YT and I suppose you like some feedback, I think your films do not need background music. That loop riff... But I'm an old git! :-)

[@TriumphRascal]

Well said John, I totally agree. I'm an old git too!!

[@collyernicholasjohn]

Henry Ford: “I’m not in the business of selling cars; I’m in the business of selling parts”.

[@bazthejazz]

I find the standard suspension setup on the Interceptor very good (compared to that of my previous 35-year-old Kawasaki 750). It’s a fairly comfortable ride for what the bike is intended - it’s never going to be a sports bike. One thing I’d like to see is a cover to hide the clutch mechanism at the crankcase - similar to those available for Hinckley Bonnevilles.

[@jeroenbeltman515]

Great info as usual!

[@RahulSharma-ki3ul]

I want this suspension.

[@assessor1276]

Good video Stuart.

[@kolrodrick]

A very highly professional review indeed. Looking forward to your Vlog on the front forks mod.

[@stuartfillingham]

Coming soon!

[@malcolmmathers2690]

I have yss shocks springs and valveing on my vstrom ahh it works

[@TalkieMedia]

Another great vid - I love the music in the intros, would be great if you could link us to the source where possible!

[@stuartfillingham]

all the music I use is from the You Tube library Alex.

[@peterrayner7874]

hi as regard your other bike with piggy back shocks what clicks settings did you set for compression and rebound in the end. thanks yss

[@grahamtricker4103]

A really useful video. 👍

[@bharadwaj0072002]

^Boys will be Boys ^..... Proper English review by a Classic English Gentlemen 👍👍👍

[@bharadwaj0072002]

Pls change the front suspension also 🙏

[@deepana9700]

Nice, by the way what’s the instrument on the left. Looks attractive

[@guillaumetirard]

Hello, What is the exact model of this Shock absorber? Thank you and congrats for your videos!

[@malcolmmathers2690]

they get better as they brakein

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Great advice and information, just found the music 🎧 overpowered your voice. Could be my autism.

[@Harshaakv]

Hey Stuart, are you going to do one for the ohlins?

[@hemantv.5409]

What about for front suspension it is not as good as the rear suspension

[@expatbiker6598]

I bought stuff from lomo and they asked how did you know about us. I said a wise head youtuber called Stuart Filingham. What's the circle thing on the left side of your handle bars? As always, top notch cinematography and content. 👏🏾👏🏾🙏🏾

[@stuartfillingham]

lol its a sat nav mount.

[@expatbiker6598]

@@stuartfillingham 🤣🤣🤣. Thanks

[@malcolmmyatt9092]

I think I would like one of these , but, It is too tall for me. is it possible to lower it and adjust the seat? or will this ruin the bike and ride.

[@wfdTamar]

There is 10mm height adjustment in the YSS shocks. I've read of people putting much shorter shocks on to lower the seat height. If you do that the trade off is reduced suspension travel.

[@robertpinder2307]

One of their upgrade seats is lower and narrower and more comfortable apparently

[@brookcampbell2940]

Did I miss something on how to upgrade the front fork springs? I was eager to see the YSS front fork spring swap before I attempt the project. In reading the RE shop manual, the fork tubes have to be completely removed from the triple trees, and turned upside down for drainage of old fork oil. I know there is a bolt inside the fork lower that can be accessed when the front axle is removed, but the dealer told me its not a drain plug, but holds the spring assembly together. I would really like to see how Uncle Stu does this job. I/we have a lot of downtime now, and this would occupy some time with BIG JOB like this. the front springs should match the spring rate of the rear shocks, that I do know, and upgrading to a full set (Front and Rear) is a much better idea. Full disclosure; I purchased the OHLINs set for the RE back in late December 2019, and still waiting for them to arrive from Thailand.

[@joaosimoes5807]

Very helpful your videos Stuart 👍 I personally prefer the classic look on a suspension, YSS has a suspension for Royal Enfield Twin with the classic look. I imagine isn't as good as the one you have, but do you think it might worth comparing with the stock? Thanks

[@stuartfillingham]

buy me a set and ill be happy to oblige!

[@barryroberts2474]

I totally enjoy your videos. Please Stuart, can you do something about the "music." I would rather listen to your voice than have to tune out a monotonous background. Maybe a track of the Enfield burbling would be preferable. This is a nit pick mate, carry on doing what you are so good at! Cheers mate!

[@stuartfillingham]

Its not that easy Barry you would get more wind noise than engine noise and I wager that would annoy you even more, plus would sound very un professional.

[@carlosmaurokrma92]

Quick question, do you think it's worth to upgrade the fork? Like an inverted fork for example? I may think I could be much of a hassle

[@stuartfillingham]

ive got a spring up grade for the forks coming soon.

[@daveinwla6360]

@@stuartfillingham - Do you think Rally Raid might see a market here as it did with the Honda CB500X?

[@stuartfillingham]

wow thats a name I havent heard for a while! anything is possible but not their usual style.

[@guyjones3665]

This is GREAT... subscribed.. R.E. for me nxt... THANKYOU..

[@Juliang61]

Please turn off that awful, annoying guitar music.... I normally love your vids but that music kills this one

[@stuartfillingham]

How do you propose I turn the music off?

[@slimturnpike]

I salute you, Stuart. Finally, good music.