Royal Enfield Interceptor / Continental GT 865 - Talk About

Modded Royal Enfield Interceptor fitted with 865 Big Bore Kit
#interceptor865 #interceptor comparison #motostralia

[@rcs1641]

Truly beautiful bike, best of both models. I have not ridden either but agree that I would prefer this to the Bonneville Cheers from the USA.

[@motostralia5563]

Greeting, Josh. I’m not sure where you live, but attached is a link to Revelry Cycles site in Sydney, Australia. If you go through the available performance products they provide, you will be able to get a good idea of what it would cost you to modify your bike. If you are going to go with the 865 kit you will certainly need to make sure the motor is breathing well. This would include replacing header pipes, mufflers, air filter and I would recommend going with larger throttle bodies. Mine are 36mm, which is the smaller size, with 40mm being the larger. However, 40mm would give more power if you want it. The reason I went with the smaller size is because I could retain the original air box with DNA filter. The 40mm bodies require replacing the air box with pod filters - I didn’t want to do that. You will also need the clutch kit to cope with the extra power of the motor as well as either a Powertronics or Power Commander ECU. The prices listed on the Revelry site are for the items only and don’t include fitting costs. Here is the link: shop.revelrycycles.com.au/index.php/accessories/performance.html?p=1 I’m not sure if you’ve watched any of the Revelry Cycles videos on KZbin, but they are a must watch - Will and Santina do a great job. I fitted some of the mods myself, but all up my modifications probably came to about AUD 8k, or so - I have the receipts, but I don’t want to add them up 😁 I hope this helps. Cheers 👍

[@motostralia5563]

@fc7424 Yep, for sure 👍

[@2PistonRolling]

Welcome to RE family. Also aporeciate Modifications done.

[@martymcfly6501]

Great job! Beautiful bike!

[@motostralia5563]

Thanks for your kind words, much appreciated 👍

[@timothybrockbank7474]

That’s a sweet machine where did you get the strap on the tank from

[@kevinphilip3968]

Amazing name "Intercontinental 865 " maybe RE could find some inspiration for a new bike 😃😃

[@eazyrider6122]

I have a 2019 RF int 650. Its fine as it is. If i wanted something else i would have bought something else. All ive changed is Booster plaug DNA free flow air filter kit added with free flowing mufflers, A wind screen, fork gaters, lower Scartch gard. Roll bars. All these mods come in at around. $1200 AUD. I don't feel the need for anything else. I have other bikes anyway but your license is gone after 140kms. This thing pulls the TON 2 up. The original suspension is fine. But each to there own.

[@motostralia5563]

Gday, Eazy Rider. I so agree that the RE 650s are great bikes just as they are as standard. The mods you’ve done to your bike make it even better. Nice work 👍

[@Astrashastra]

what a beautiful machine.

[@motostralia5563]

Thanks, Turtle. I love it as it is, but it’s still a work in progress✌🏼

[@andrewvickers4487]

Beauty!

[@benvoiles3505]

Great Job!

[@motostralia5563]

Thanks, Ben. Much appreciated. Cheers, Len

[@sagarmeena0210]

love the look of your RE

[@alittt]

Hi.. thanks for this informative video. I'm considering to upgrade my engine. But I'd like to ask about some things if you dont mind. 1. If I get S&S 865 Big bore kit, what other parts should I upgrade? Or is it okay for me to just upgrade the cylinder and pistons? 2. Since it has got bigger cylinder, is it durable to ride for a long trip? I mean the temperature related issues. I love to ride 500kilometers/day in my tropical country. That's why I'm afraid I'd blow the engine. 3. I hope you have a great day!

[@motostralia5563]

G’day, Alitt. If you get the big bore kit and want to make the most of the possible performance there are a number of things you could do. The minimum would be installing a more free flowing set of silencers and header pipes and a better breathing air filter. The 865 needs to process more air/gasses and this can’t be done efficiently with the stock silencers. You will also need a heavier clutch installed to cope with the extra power from the motor. Other engine mods like higher lift camshaft and larger throttle bodies also help with engine breathing, but are not strictly necessary if you want to keep it all relatively simple. Of course, the more you spend, the better the performance. The RE 650 motor has proven to be quite bullet proof and the bottom end is way strong enough to cope with the extra power from the 865 motor. Please refer to the videos posted by Revelry Cycles. On their channel you will find all the information, and more, that you will need. They’ve drag raced a highly modified RE 650 with a stock bottom end for quite some time with no problems - the motors are that strong. Don’t worry about the durability of the upgraded motor. As for all air cooled motors, just ride sensibly in very hot weather. Most importantly you need to consider who will do the work for you. That’s more of a concern than motor reliability. It’s not a simple procedure installing the 865 kit and you need to have confidence in the quality of the mechanics’ workmanship. I have a friend who has just upgraded his standard 650 motor with high compression pistons, bigger camshaft, etc. He’s done all the engine mods without going bigger. That could be an option. I’m looking forward to doing a comparison between the two bikes after he runs in the new motor. In the mean time, I hope you enjoy your 650, they’re great motorcycles. Cheers

[@alittt]

@@motostralia5563 thanks a lot for your kindness in answering my questions clearly. I think I need to calculate the total cost to decide what parts I should upgrade. Once again, thank you so much.

[@motostralia5563]

@@alittt You’re welcome, I wish you all the best in your decisions. Keep an eye out for my impressions of the similarly engine modded (apart from the larger pistons and bore) 865 v 650. I’m very curious to see how they compare.

[@davidgolden6068]

@@motostralia5563 subscribed to see this comparison! Can’t wait.

[@motostralia5563]

@@davidgolden6068 G’day David, I’m hoping we can get some decent dry weather time soon - it’s been raining hard here for weeks 😩 - that way we can spend a few hours riding the bikes back to back. Cheers

[@ruahinesrider]

Header pipes from Verex 44.5mm or 38mm? I have S&S slip on's & want 44.5mm headers & they said haven't done a set for the S&S slip on's so I guess if you have the 44.5mm Verex headers they reduce to fit 41mm mufflers & use rubber gaskets.The S&S mufflers are 45mm.

[@joshurrr]

Thanks for sharing Lenny, I have an interceptor in black too, I’m seriously considering upgrading to the 865 myself, keeping the original throttle bodies like you have done, can you give an estimate on how much your this conversion cost? Thanks

[@honestjohn6222]

You’ve done well , looks Great , only one thing if possible ,twin disc up front look sex , cheers

[@motostralia5563]

Yep, I agree, twin discs would look awesome… and would improve the braking, as well. Thanks for watching. Cheers, Len

[@blackskunk54]

Nice bike. I have just bought a Canyon Red, not my choice of colour necessarily but it was ex-demo at a very good price. Is the seat/cowl set you have from the Continental? and is it comfortable?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, thanks for watching. The Continental seat is quite comfortable - for me, it more comfortable than the Interceptor seat. All the best with your new bike, I hope you ride a lot of happy miles on it ✌️

[@PeelOutGarage]

Thanks for the walk around! I’m just starting my build at the moment, I’m really keen to do the stroker kit in mine. Very nice build mate! 😌

[@JimmyMacTavish]

Just found your channel and love what you’ve done to your bike! I was wondering if you could please tell me where you sourced your tank strap and would it be suitable for the smaller tank of the GT Continental?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi Cameron. Yep, the strap was from Thailand on eBay. I’m almost certain it wouldn’t fit the GT… unfortunately. Cheers

[@jaymhatre6239]

Sweet mods 👌❤️

[@motostralia5563]

Thanks, I found it on eBay. I think the site was from Thailand. Cheers

[@NeelParulekar]

Please share link

[@motostralia5563]

@@NeelParulekar Hi Neel, copy and paste TANK COVER ROYAL ENFIELD INTERCEPTOR INT 650 PAD GUARD PROTECTOR TRACTION SILVER into eBay and that should take you there. I bought the last one they had about six months ago and haven’t seen another until today when I went searching for it again. I think they must sell quickly. Cheers

[@JimmyMacTavish]

@@motostralia5563 okay found the answer to my question here in the comments. Thanks

[@motostralia5563]

Has the 865 kit with high compression pistons, etc…

[@peteranderson8463]

Great looking bike, love the black overall look, done very tastfully. I have the continental GT 650 and also had Revelry Motorcycles (Will) add the big bore kit, piston, cam, clutch and power commander and also the full Verex exhaust system. Just finishing with a few aesthetic mods to complete. I'd be interested in catching up some time? Based in the Southern Highlands.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi Peter, thanks for the compliments, I appreciate it. I was down the Southern Highlands yesterday. If you can get your number to me, we can chat. Maybe a PM?

[@kevindc007]

Hi. I have a Continental GT650 and want to upgrade it to the Big Bore 865cc one. Wanted to know if it's worth the change.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi Kevin. If you haven’t already, check out my video “Royal Enfield 865 - Is it really worth it?” Please get back to me and let me know what you think you’d like to do to your bike. Cheers, Len

[@TheAbhinav1001]

Please make more detailed video of how you made 650 to 865cc ! Are those the S&S big bore kit ? And what's the power figures bhp & torque nm ?

[@motostralia5563]

Greetings. Yes, the big bore kit is S&S and was installed by Will and his team at Revelry Cycles. I haven’t run it on a dyno as yet, so I’m not sure what my bike makes. However, here is a link to Revelry Cycles’ KZbin channel : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGjReaSMqpqhpqc In the videos he gives all the details on installation and power and torque figures for the big bore kit. Of course, figures are influenced by other factors such as exhaust, cam profile, throttle bodies, etc. Cheers.

[@ronitd13]

Your bike is looking beautiful specially the accesories which you have put on the tank What do you call that

[@motostralia5563]

I think you might be referring to the stainless steel tank strap? I found it on eBay from Thailand 🤙

[@Alex-io6ky]

thanks for sharing , any chance of hearing bike running

[@motostralia5563]

Thanks, Alex ✌🏼I’m planning to do a back to back ride on the RE and the Thruxton… once it stops raining around here. I’ll record the sound in that video. Cheers, Lenny

[@ruahinesrider]

I saw HIM.What a great bike I'd love to do something similar.Apparently it is easier to tune with the 40mm throttle bodies & also more power & more gas & looks tough too as the 36mm can be done & keep the stealth look & be great if you gana leave the 650 badges on it for a true stealth look.Mmmnn power verses stealth,hard choice I do like the one idea of a sleeper bike but I've seen 40mm throttle body versions & they do look tough.

[@motostralia5563]

@@ruahinesrider Greetings, yes the pods that must go with the 40mm bodies do look very tough. However, for me, I’m not a big fan of the increased induction noise you get with the pods. Some riders do like it, though, as it does add to the overall experience of riding a modified machine. Cheers

[@ruahinesrider]

@@motostralia5563 I like your bike cause it looks stock.If I 865 mine & keep the 36mm throttle bodies I would also keep the 650 badges & have a sleeper Royal Enfield.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi Alex, I finally got around to uploading a comparo of my 865 and a 650 high compression motor. In the video you’ll hear plenty of the 865 motor running. Cheers

[@handyfix2952]

What is your fuel economy compared to when it was a 650?

[@motostralia5563]

I’m afraid I haven’t really checked the 865 fuel economy. However, I do feel that it is using more fuel. Of course, that would be consistent with a larger motor. Cheers, Len

[@varunu4176]

What is that stainless steel strip on the fuel tank called and what is its purpose? @3:00

[@motostralia5563]

G’day Varun U. The stainless “fuel tank strap” is an accessory that replicates the old method of retaining after market fuel tanks on cafe and racing bikes. These days, the strap is only for aesthetics. Triumph currently fits tank straps on their Thruxton 1200R 👍

[@varunu4176]

@@motostralia5563 thank you :)

[@davidgolden6068]

“Intercontinental”… genius. Wouldn’t be surprised if RE stole this one day 😆 Have you worked out the fuel economy since the mods?

[@keitharvd]

Where did you get the tank strap?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi Keith. I bought it on eBay from Thailand. They aren’t always on there, but give it a try. I searched for Royal Enfield Interceptor Tank Strap, and there it was. Cheers, Len

[@Royal_5665]

Does your bike have ticking noise of tappets ? Especially when engine gets warmed up ?

[@motostralia5563]

Greetings, Jai. There is some tappet noise on my bike (along with many other old school noises) as the tappet clearances on an air cooled motor are greater than on a liquid cooled motor. But on my bike it is not excessive. However, if you are running after market headers with thinner single walls, it is possible to hear more head noise coming through the pipes. Also, from what I understand after talking with my RE mechanic, correct tappet clearances on the 865 are more critical in order to get the best performance from the motor. However, general opinion is that it’s always better to have tappets looser than tighter. I hope this helps. Cheers

[@Royal_5665]

@@motostralia5563 yes i too have thought same. The air cooled engine must be having default clearances of valves on the higher side as compared to liquid cooled one in order to compensate for high engine operating tempreture which might expands the metal and ultimately in order to have proper sitting of the valves to have better compression. So i guess tick -tick -tick- tick noise on my brand new Interceptor 650 (Indian version) is pretty normal and actually a healthy one

[@mred7030]

865 , have you given a thought to better brakes ?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi mr ed. Yep, the bike would certainly benefit from better brakes. I’ve thought about it and I’ve had some thoughts, but I’m not sure where to go with that. However, at the moment I console myself with the fact that they are so much better than the brakes I rode with on just about all my bikes of the 70’s and 80’s. At the moment, for me and the way I ride, they’re ok. Cheers

[@TATA_NEXON_TURBOCHARGED_ENGINE]

Continental GT-865 or GT-650CC ?????

[@Rider_on_Indian]

What about the fuel consumption ?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi Toyota MK4. Yep, fuel consumption would be greater, but I haven’t really noticed it, or checked - it’s one of those things I don’t worry about. However, the increase in performance is totally worth any extra fuel used. Cheers, Len

[@Rider_on_Indian]

Thanks for the answer. I really wish Enfeild to bring that version at production. But the emissions will be problem maybe for this kind of engine.

[@SonjTzu]

Handlebar name please?

[@motostralia5563]

Rizoma is the brand. Cheers

[@shivamchandrol8641]

I just don’t like bike 🏍 with single seating you feel so much lonely 😔.