The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Why has it been off the road for A year?

[@kevinclayton4491]

There has been some confusion regarding the legality or not of fitting LED conversion to motorcycle lights, so much so that DVSA issued a special notice to MOT testers following the section 4.1.4 update of March 21. The special notice stated that the MOT should not be failed if a LED bulb is fitted provided the headlamp beam is correct. This has now been changed formally with the withdrawal of special notice 01-21 on 1st March 2023. Consequently it is legal to use LED conversion bulbs.

[@stuartfillingham]

Ah good to know thanks!

[@AjarnSpencer]

In Thailand we do what we want

[@ralfybaby]

​@AjarnSpencer except calling the king a you know what ....😅

[@martinholt2844]

Thanks for the update on the Interceptor. I would be interested in a video on rust or corrosion inhibitors in the future! 👍

[@oojimmyflip]

Ring make some very good bulb upgrades which claim to be 200% brighter than a standard bulb,they shine the correct beam pattern and are almost as bright a white light as an led and they are road legal.

[@TheKRU251]

Excellent. I came to your channel 2.5 years ago for the Interceptor and bought mine partly due to your honest views. Be ace to have the 650 back in view !!!!!

[@arjunarabindranath]

I wonder how many of us have bought Interceptors after watching these videos!

[@brianmcleod4815]

Looking forward to taking delivery of my own interceptor next month, can't wait!

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

33,600+ miles on my 2019. It's 10 pm in California and you are keeping me up late again

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

10 p.m. in California is nothing. In Florida it is 1 clock in the morning I lose sleep in order to watch your show when it comes out.

[@SteveInskip]

Cheers Stuart. Good to see the 650 back on the channel. For the condensation, I’ve used de-humidifiers for 20 years or so now in the garage which keeps the bikes dry and adds a bit of natural warmth. They only work on cheap electricity at night. Maybe worth a try!

[@nigeltoulson6556]

I also use a small dehumidifier in my garage, does exactly as you say!

[@waynenelson7723]

@@nigeltoulson6556 Another vote for the dehumidifier. I have and use one as well 😀

[@Lee-70ish]

Always nice to chill out with Stuart when having my morning brew. Seems to be alot of pin the throttle perfomance obsessed hyperactive bloggers on youtube. Which many of us no longer are looking for in motorcycling So thanks for that Stuart. Lee

[@johnratcliffe4105]

Good stuff as usual Stu. Definitely yes to a corrosion test with the products your involved with..👍😉

[@Beavis-et8ox]

Yeah, England seems to catch up with Germany when it comes to the Championship in bureaucracy 😂 I can feel your pain with all the insurance hotlines, tax and MOT (in Germany TÜV) soo well. If you have more bikes it feels one hr of driving means 2 hrs of bureaucracy plus one hr of cleaning......Thanks for the video and have a good day either way. Maybe go for a ride, that always helps your soul.

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Brilliant video as always Stuart and nice to see the Interceptor again after a year of going missing in action 😅👍🏻

[@JimmyMacTavish]

Perfect time to post for your Antipodean subscribers.

[@BibtheBoulder]

Perfect time to post for early risers in the UK too....

[@grantcraies98]

❤

[@michaelarchangel1163]

I used to have the same problem with garage condensation, as well as damp from sea mist sometimes, as I'm only about a quarter of a mile from the docks. A rubber strip along the bottom of the garage door, and, more importantly, a two inch thick lagging with Kingspan beneath the plastic coated metal roof has fixed the problem. My 6ft. 5 in. pal made light work of the lagging, didn't even need a chair or a stepladder to reach upwards.

[@JohnSmith-xw5qe]

Nice one Stu,be great to see the mighty Interceptor again even better when you take it for a spin👍🏻

[@FreshYoungDude]

Had trouble focusing on the video because I was eyeing the Orient on wrist. Looks great.

[@stuartfillingham]

review upcoming

[@grantlassing7055]

Hi Stuart , just saw a comment on an Indian site that from 2025 the 650 engine will be sold as a 750 , meanwhile here in midwinter New Zealand my interceptor is at the dealers to sort an intermittent hesitation that will only manifest itself when I ride the bike Dealer is awesome has loaned me another interceptor and going that extra length to sort everything out cheers

[@timcollins3484]

LEDs are no problem where I live in fact the verry opposite!

[@michaeldeliyanis3716]

Thought I'd jump in early on the comments and just say thank you, from the U.S., for your excellent videos and dedication. Ride Safe ☑️

[@wardroland270]

Thanks SF. Great job. God bless. HAPPY TRAILS

[@JLOSTAFF1]

Corrosion test sounds good. 👍 Personally I use ACF 50 for long term use over the winter using an airgun paint sprayer. For short term or after a ride I use Muc Off Bike protector or even better Scottoiller FS365 which if you get on brake discs just washes off with water.

[@dalewintle8099]

Good to see the Interceptor back , glad to hear its still in great condition , I would definitely be interested in seeing you test some of the anti- corrosion products , I am a big fan of the XCP clear coat.

[@johnluckwelldroneenthusiast.]

I'm loving your videos Stuart! I bought my 2020 Interceptor last year and love it. So far, I have only added engine protection bars, panniers and top-box but with your videos, I'm considering more mods! Keep up your good work Sir! ☺🏍

[@tonylacey9844]

Hi Stu I have the standard YSS rear shocks on my Interceptor and they look good. Thanks for the videos.

[@eamonhannon1103]

It would be great to cover effective options for housing / storing bikes over the winter and how in general to control corrosion and degradation

[@ianhorabin9763]

U could put bike covers over your bikes to prevent them getting damp or buy a cheap de humidifier which also works a treat..Ian

[@insatiable_mind]

Love the music in this one. Definitely yes to the corrosion inhibitor tests or reviews.

[@alanrichardson8993]

Hi Stuart yes please do a corrosion test, it would be very helpful, you buy these things and they never seem to live up to expectations. Good to see you got the interceptor out at last, they are a great ride, it be nice to see it on the road again.👍

[@marchettejw]

The rust/condensation problem makes me glad that I live in northern Utah, super dry. Vehicles typically get taken off the road to emissions or catastrophic drivetrain failure rather than corrosion.

[@kengrey8296]

Hi Stuart I have the same problem re condensation in my shed and I found that covering the bike and placing dehumidifiers under the cover did a great job of reducing greatly the condensation on the bike.

[@chrishart8548]

A good dehumidifier does a great job anyway without being under a cover. Even my garage suffered last year I'm not sure why even the car had a layer of water on it fro the condensation.

[@timlinzinger]

I fixed my condensation problem with a Vehicle Dome/Carcoon bike. Best purchase of last year.

[@kimkock-hansen2531]

Nice to see the Interceptor again, Stuart. My Interceptor is also on it’s Fifth season - number two registered in Denmark. Repeated “Full Fillinghams”combined with the quality of the bike has resulted in no rust or sign on corrosion - only the little screw on the headlamp is a bit rusty, which is my own fault. I like the customizations you have done on your interceptor - and are looking forward to revisit them - hopefully soon. I mounted the steel mudguards from Hitchcock last year, and they are good to the bike.

[@clivegoss5734]

Thanks a lot Stuart love your videos, there’s no BS

[@mototakahe836]

Always enjoy all your videos. Just keep them coming. Here in France bikes do not have an MOT test /Controle Technique, for now anyway. There were major demos last year when it was threatened , then put on back burner.

[@johnk7814]

I been waiting for Motone to release those rear sets and wondered why you hadn’t given a update on them 🤔 Those YSS non piggyback shocks do look more classic in my opinion as well and work just fine I’ve had them on over two years now. Good to see the Interceptor again on the channel.👍🏻 cheers mate

[@TringmotionCoUk]

As a mechanic, I'm not one to use ball ended tools to break the torque on a bolt, but if it works for you , all the good. Bilt Hamber is top quality gear, used it for years

[@stuartfillingham]

deep headed sockets

[@TringmotionCoUk]

@@stuartfillingham yes, I have a load of those, torx, torx plus, security torx and security torx plus, hex, and because bicycles one shimano product can only be torqued down with a long reach ball end hex. They don't last long 😬

[@mick998r]

Definitely make a video on anti corrosion products Stuart please. Always good to know your honest thoughts on what's out there. 👍

[@mprime6807]

I really feel for you having to revert your improvements back to stock just to pass an inspection. I have to agree with you on the shocks. I'm waiting for my replacements for the Paolis on my 535. Have had a great experience with YSS on my Bonneville.

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

The LED blanket ban seems ridiculous. I have LED globes in all my motorcycles and they’re always an improvement in both high and low beam, rendering the incandescents to the level of a candle in a kerosine tin. Very much like the upswept header pipes on the Interceptor, as I went to cocktail-shakers on my T-140, intensely disliking having to remove mufflers to access the rear axle. Feeling your pain dealing with insurance companies and other agencies - many are virtually uncontactable and I suspect this is the new business model. I recently dropped an insurance company for one that is practically instantly accessible by phone. And we are all experiencing a plethora of spurious emails purporting to represent legitimate business and government agencies these days. Caution is required.

[@Lee-70ish]

Totally agree Dave . I've got leds for my 350classic mainly as they dont draw as much current as Halogen so take a big load off the battery system. But kept all the old bulbs and will swap them back when the test is due. Anything to make bikes more visible to other road users is surely a good thing?

[@54macdog]

@@Lee-70ish It's the government's job to make your life more difficult in small, irritating and completely illogical ways.

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

One would think so, however the nabobs don’t regard visibility and improved vision as a priority whereas compliance at any cost is.

[@matiaslarrain5618]

@@Lee-70ish hI , please tell me what LED replace the original halogen bulb , love my RE I 650. cheers mate

[@ralphrotten6912]

Must be tough having too many bikes....I try to keep my rolling stock down to just two (and a Corvette) then I can afford to heat the garage! Glad to hear you're getting back to the 650.

[@BibtheBoulder]

Jest not, it is. Too many to ride or drive. I had a fair few vehicles until 12 months ago, at which point I reached the conclusion you really can have too much of a good thing! I ended up literally taking cars & bikes out "because they needed a run before the battery died" etc. I have since slimmed down to 2 cars and 2 bikes.

[@ralphrotten6912]

@@BibtheBoulder Ah, but what a way to suffer. Geez how I love machines.... Enjoy what you kept!

[@henryhartley9993]

Nice one Stuart, most KZbin channels appear to have their fair share of weirdos, an anti corrosion video would be great...

[@niionne6661]

Finally a video on Basanti ( RE Interceptor 650)

[@Scott-ph2yk]

I feel your pain. Aside from California, here in the US we have it easy as far as regulations go. Minimal inspections, safety only; lights work, brakes, good tires- done! No graduated licensing No emissions inspection Helmets required varies by state. De-cat and modify as desired. The wild west still applies to bikes in the USA. 😅 Government idiots are trying to change things, but I still have 2 bikes on the street that are two strokes, and a de-catted MT-07.

[@joemolly]

I bought my Interceptor 650 in NJ at the end of last year. And was surprised insurance for the whole year (full coverage) was only $114 .

[@nathanhenry.]

The Interceptor really is a great bike.

[@richardhince9764]

Here in France, you only pay 'road tax' when you buy the bike, and that's it. Also, MOTs aren't currently applicable to bikes, although they will be from 2024 - the French government has effectively been forced to introduce them for bikes and quadracycles by the EU. Insurance is weird though, there's no way to legally cancel an insurance contract once taken out or renewed, you only get one chance per year to change anything and like you it's the same stupid pointless trawling through various sites (or visiting a broker, calling insurance companies or whatever) to get a good deal.

[@enfield7123]

I was interested in the comment about your garage.. I had the same problem .. I painted my garage floor and put a tin roof on .. since then the problem with condensation has stopped my orange interceptor is now dry and happy 😊

[@ESPaxePLAYER]

Great video as always. I've been subscribed for months now, but when I went to click like I noticed the subscribe button showing that I was no longer subscribed to your channel. I don't believe I unsubscribed by accident, so there may be something going on in the background

[@filipvrijders7994]

It has become a habit: 2 video’s a week by Stuart and the other days waiting for them😊 I can only imagin how much work it takes. It s good to see the Interceptor back, but I m glad with every topic. Some people have way too much time I guess, sniffing in other peoples papers. They should better polish their bikes.😂 Ps: on this Chanel lots of polishing video’s 😂

[@stormytempest6521]

One WEIRDO a week ! love it STUART Lad.🙂👍

[@roberteves4392]

As for the comments on condensation on bike in winter it's simple , you can buy what they call a vac bag you put the whole bike inside it and seal it up with crystal bag it works until spring. Or a cheap decorators cover large one make sure it covers the whole bike down to the floor and , then find what ever you have handy and to keep the edges down tight to the floor. I have been doing this to my classic bikes for years " and no condensation does not form under neath the sheet uncover in spring rust free 😀.

[@stuartfillingham]

not very practical when you run a motorcycle channel.

[@jfro5867]

Condensation is a Royal pita and I struggle with it too Stuart. Tried everything even carcoon bubbles but none get rid of it completely. Just got to be vigilant and dry the bikes out every time they wet up.

[@martinehulme8743]

That's really odd people checking MOT ect, I'd love to see anti corrosion or cleaning and protecting advice... great to hear your wisdom Stuart 💯 take care 😅

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you!

[@kevinbufton7136]

Would definitely be interested in anti corrosion products reviews, thanks Stuart!😊

[@leswatson8563]

Morning Stewart. Some good MOT tips in this vid. And who would have thought eagle eyed people would do such things 🤣? Good luck with the 650's MOT. Safe enjoyable riding till next time. 👌

[@michaelsquires984]

Speaking of insurance and fitting aftermarket components, do you have any hassle with notification and extra charges from your insurers? keep the reviews coming!

[@brutter602]

To stop the swearing of the bikes during winter, the magic number to prevent the bikes getting wet is to keep the temperature at or above 7 degrees C.

[@bimalsonygopinathan881]

Have lost threads on the engine casing when performing an oil change. In the process of using a helicoil. In particular on the classic 500 oil filter housing M6x20mm bolt. It would have been ideal to see a RE video on it as there are plenty others available for novice like myself to have a go. Thanks

[@timlinzinger]

Vehicle Dome or Carcoon. Mad looking but fixed my garage condensation issue around my RE. Absolutely worth the £250

[@guzz1jon]

I endorse the use of a de-humidifier. Cheap to run (same as a fridge): Quiet: Really efficient. I use MEACO, and wish I'd bought one sooner.

[@gaz-gemw5801]

There’s a lot of nutters out there Stu, lol great video, take care 😊😊😊😊👍🏻

[@INTrepid.Escapes]

Hi Stuart, just a quick question - have you noticed any whistling noise from the Interceptor? I've read that is is very common, and not an issue. I'd appreciate your opinion on it though. I'm a new rider and purchased my first bike (2020 Interceptor 650 in orange) thanks to your amazing channel and wise words.

[@69GrimShadows]

Have you thought about a dehumidifier for the garage? It would probably save you from some issues.

[@richardyardley5127]

The beauty of being a divorced man with a large modern kitchen and double glazed conservatory is that you can place your motorcycles in both without any kick back from 'the wench'. 😁

[@johnrickards1908]

I think the anti corrosion comparison test is a great idea Stu'. Just don't forget to include the elbow grease😅.

[@graymangw6016]

Looking forward to more 650 content

[@simtalkayak]

So, I have two questions that are related to the same bike but not related in subject. I have fallen in love with the Barcelona Blue Interceptor... But I've heard a few "less than favourable" stories about the agent. 1. Is the INT 650 good enough to negate the lackluster dealer? 2. How dose one keep matt paint clean? You can polish glossy paint, but how do you keep matt paint looking decent? Thanks

[@gary1477]

The UK and Germany seem to be obsessed with vehicle checks after three years from new. Perhaps, it helps their vehicle manufacturers. Here in Australia, not only are we blessed with a hot dry climate, vehicle checks are only required when the vehicle is sold or modified in a major way - new engine, change in colour etc.

[@robmyers985]

Vehicle inspections every 12 months in NSW and they go over it with a fine toothed comb.

[@russhodges8218]

Hi an anti corrosion eould be good. My intercepter runs hagon rear shocks and yss front set up and is really nice compared with standard set up . No yearly mot here just keep it taxed and all good. Great channel by the way

[@markrigg7038]

Those footrest hangers looked nice and neat, will there be a review on those, or have I missed it somehow?

[@stuartfillingham]

You've missed it!

[@MrJpb2000]

Out of all the motorcycles you own & if I could only choose 1…would still be the Interceptor ❤

[@ewetho]

When I went to get my very first bike I went back and forth between a Ventura Blue Interceptor and my final choice a new 2022 Himalayan in Pine Green.

[@glyn829]

Great stuff mate 👍

[@BlakesPipes]

I will come over and ride the INT for you. Keep everything moving for you! No charge! The plane flight will cost me a bit. Glad life is well for you. As far as leaving bikes out side i have no choice as i dont have a garage, and i live at the beach, so that salty air, so good for bikes, and i hurt my back last October and cant wash the bikes. So i took it to a car wash and made a cringe worthy video yesterday. You have to do, what you have to do. 😅

[@gtptvanbuuren3795]

Thank You.

[@chequers5187]

I don't know if this helps, I have a garage here in London and as luck would have it there are gap's round the door and three sides at roof level. I don't have condensation at all. However a nabour who changed the door and rendered the walls for some strange reason now has a problem.

[@gregory8282]

I was thinking about a 2nd hand RE, in Australia, however, I noticed that the majority of bikes advertised, had very low milage. It's a bit of a worry, that owners sell their bikes without doing that much riding... Are their reliability or quality issues with them?

[@alansawford6167]

Condensation in garage is a right pain, but what I’ve found has helped is some large off-cuts of lino & I stand the bike on that with a breathable cover. It’s very robust & I’ve found it cuts the condensation down a lot

[@blrmotorcyclesinc.]

Interceptor is awesome but if you have a Classic 350 also...then you will automatically go to it every time you want to ride ...its gets more addictive with every ride.

[@pauloverfield9732]

Yes would be interested

[@cloggsy1971]

Stuart, to your knowledge, are there any ‘black out’ options/dechoming options for the interceptor? I can’t recall ever seeing anything, but as you are more in touch with what is available for the Royal Enfield’s, I just wondered whether you’d seen anything? 🤔

[@AjarnSpencer]

nice new upgrades

[@davidrawlings3460]

Did you not bother with the brake caliper recall Stuart? You still have original calipers on I see.

[@robedmunds7163]

Ha, I was watching the watch as well.

[@wilmawife]

Thank goodness in Canada we don't have mot's or road tax, at least not in Ontario, I don't have a RE but being Scottish I enjoy your content but have to ask what sort of tool looks on the internet to see if your bike is insured or whatever, very strange.

[@TheXeroid]

There are some weird people out there Stu. Maybe your neighbour is ensuring that you are not riding illegally. I seem to recall he likes to keep an eye on you 😉

[@brianperry]

It pleases me no end to view you removing parts, to return to original to pass MOT....l still have eighteen months before l need to revert my tail tidy to the 'God awful' original reg plate carrier...l have already removed my 'slip on' exhaust for other reasons...l noticed you removing what looks like an 'adjustable' footrest/brake lever and presumably a footrest/gear shift of similar adjustability......has personalising and improving our bikes come to this....

[@andrerobertdrouin3642]

To many , ok i can help you with that , i have an idea for the interceptor , calls for polishing and riding it for you with all the parts you have hidden in your garage , just to be helpfull mind you

[@JMoroccoMisterBoy]

Tks.

[@tedcity5861]

I suppose other countries will fall in line with these 'pita' MOT regulations. How intrusive.

[@paulfrench8543]

I'm currently seriously hacked off with Royal Enfield due to their fanatical introduction or rumours of new models, almost every week, it means that the value of the bikes owned by the current crop of owners, who collectively pushed them to the top of the selling charts, is being seriously affected with ridiculous prices being set for machines that are only a few months old, because they are either out of date or a new model/colour/version is being issued, great for new buyers of secondhand machines but extremely bad news for existing owners. My 6-month old Mk 3 Interceptor and 14 month old Classic 350 Chrome are up for sale, no interest after being advertised for 3-months now, both at ridiculously low prices. I've been loyal to RE since I bought my first Mk 2 Interceptor, and Himalayan way back but I won't buy another when these two have gone as I can't afford this level of depreciation.

[@denlsgoulden2307]

Not all bad, 12 months absence will remind you just what an excellent bike they are when you resume 🤔😊

[@akshatrockport]

Great video. Sir how did you make the Royal Enfield engraving on engine casing to be red. Is that paint?

[@daintree2455]

Just register one bike and swap the plates about most coppers can't tell the difference, we all do....seriously only kidding.

[@clayfarnet970]

Hey Stu, thanks for the content. Question, do you have a dream bike? Thanks!

[@stuartfillingham]

the bike you have is the stuff of dreams!

[@archiedentone5950]

Because you took it to Delboy and he isn't finished changing the oil the 5th time yet?

[@Nikxview]

What's Hitchcock doing in the UK? We'd love to have them in India 😜

[@andybryant1772]

I wish I had the problem of too many bikes.

[@arjunarabindranath]

Just a small thanks.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank You!

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Thanks Stu 👍

[@herby4215]

Been doing it up

[@stuartfillingham]

?

[@herby4215]

@@stuartfillingham was it under repairs

[@stuartfillingham]

No

[@herby4215]

@@stuartfillingham off the road

[@simonmitchell34]

If you change parts on a bike after an MOT that would have resulted in it failing had they been fitted at the time of the MOT is it considered roadworthy?

[@stuartfillingham]

made a video on that week before last.

[@rhonda-my_honda_cb500x3]

Bumptious bureaucracy is the bane of any sensible biker's life. Whatever happened to "Rules are made for the *guidance* of WISE men, and total obedience thereof by fools". The Nanny State thinks we are all fools.

[@omaliveatlast4688]

Metal shed ?

[@stuartfillingham]

concrete!

[@josswilliams6549]

Get a dehumidifier

[@jefflambert8603]

DVLA Bunny Boilers. Thats Disturbing 😱