Tyres - A Closer Look - Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

[@ViNEEd0]

I have a Vredestein Centauro ST tyre on my GT650, which is the stock tyre. However, I've noticed one-sided wear as it reached 6,000 km. The Royal Enfield service center is blaming it on a manufacturing defect in the tyre. But, after having it checked by a Vredestein technician, it was confirmed that it's not a tyre issue; rather, it might be a suspension or bearings problem. Royal Enfield insists there's no issue with the bike. I'm experiencing stability issues while cornering and on uneven roads. Neither I nor the Royal Enfield service center can pinpoint the issue. Can someone help me here, please?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Pinning this comment if someone has a recommendation then you'll get to know.

[@chrispulham4779]

Hi, what is the width of your new rear tyre?. I was going to fit a 150mm on the rear and was advised to use a 130mm .

[@sanidhyasharda4797]

I dont believe RE made the switch from pirelli to Ceat as a precautionary measure for the wobbling issue. To my knowledge the switch was made because of supply chain disruptions which made the pirellis harder to import during covid.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

That is also true and makes more sense than what I believed. Thank you for sharing and for watching the video.

[@songkok7hitam]

The best RE Int 65 channel on YT! ❤

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Heyyyy thank you soo much for watching my videos!!!

[@dr.saptarshichakraborty2212]

absolutely… I second that

[@rover100bunson]

the second number on the tyre is the aspect ratio, so 150/70,means tyre is 150mm wide and height of tyre is 70% of that width. it was my understanding that the switch to indian made ceat tyres was to indian government policy

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Oh!! Thank you for pointing it out. I’ll remember this. Also thank you for watching the video.!

[@am_hari]

5:43 it's not 70mm rather 70% of 150mm (width), thus 105mm.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Oh!! Thank you for pointing it out. I’ll remember this. Thank you for watching the video.!

[@twowheeledparadox]

Hence the term, "aspect ratio".

[@banaarasiyaa]

Was looking for this

[@rizwanmohd2734]

Hey Srinivas, Thanks for putting this. M all set to change my tyres

[@SrinivasGanesh]

wohooo! Congratulations and thank you so much for watching the video. :)

[@jcampdpeter]

4 years now and I only experienced the wobble effect once last year at the 45-50 speed range. The mechanic said it was due to a weak handle cone set. I hope to replace the tyres this year and still not decided, it is very compelling to go with Pirelli but I am looking for alternatives. Anyways, great content, keep at it and thanks for helping out.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Pirellis are great indeed, but cost a lot! Thank you for watching!

[@dende2401]

A lot of truth mate! Everyone is blaming the tyre instead of self reflect! Personally, I am extremely satisfied with the Pirelli and I have actually driven it on the race track. On addition to your content. The first two numbers are not the month. It is the week of production. So your tyre is from 39th week of 2021. In your case, it happens to be September too. :) Keep up the good content mate!

[@SrinivasGanesh]

oh I did not know that. Good info that it is the week. What a coincidence that it was September. haha. Thank you so much for watching the my videos. :) Yes my next tyre will be Pirellis only. They are not cheap, but they are durable indeed. :)

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Plus, it is more like the cost of convenience at this point. I want 110 18 inch wheels in front and 150 18 inch at the rear. Pirelli readily has them available and I need not do a tonne of research before buying a set. #CostOfConvenience. 😋

[@AmanHanda007]

Video and content quality has immensely improved Sri 🔥, tho i don't own a RE twin. Your passion and enthusiasm for the bike just excites me every time. RE owners are gonna find it very useful.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Hey thank you so much for watching the video! I really appreciate it. :) I love making videos. You can share the video if you like. To friends, 650 owners, who might find this video useful too. Help me spread the word. he he.

[@Puffdamgcdragon]

A small correction- Width of the tyre is 150mm yes, the 70 is NOT 70mm profile. It's 70% of 150mm ( The height of the sidewall as a % of the section width). A lot of people get this wrong. 😊

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Yes a lot of people told me this. Thank you for seeing this video though. 🤗✌🏽

[@Puffdamgcdragon]

@@SrinivasGanesh Good style of presentation, good content quality, clearly expressed. I saw a couple of your videos and subscribed.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Thank yo so much! I really do appreciate the support! @@Puffdamgcdragon

[@sugusaikik]

Hey y'all more contact patch won't mean more grip, It's proportional to normal forces which is mostly dependent on the weight of the bike. But for tyres what matters is the shape of the contact patch in order to maintain force distribution in all directions of the patch and not over stretch it along any direction so that adequate grip is maintained. Also while buying tyres online check the manufacturing month and year of the tyres and make sure you don't buy tyres olders than 6 months (I was dumb enough to trust a shop I know). Have fun!

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Thank you for this insightful comment. Which tyres are you running currently? And how much did they set you back?

[@sugusaikik]

@@SrinivasGanesh I just recently switched to the new vredestein that comes with the current gen twins, costs about 13k, really good tyres. I like it better than the sportscomps as these are radial tyres and got rid of the wobbling too. I didn't bother checking manufacturing date, but a couple of days back while checking the treads noticed that those were 8 months old when I bought.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

thank you. Next set, I will definitely consider Vredestein tyres @@sugusaikik

[@sugusaikik]

@@SrinivasGanesh Great option imo.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

I just wanted to give my motorcycle a slight beefy look. So I wanted 110 front and 150 rear. Maybe sometime in future I will go with a 110 front. :)@@sugusaikik

[@tinkert3100]

Actually, the middle number in the size markings on the sidewall of any tire is not the height in mm, but rather represents the height of the tire as a percentage of the width. Therefore, a 130/70-18 tire is 130 mm wide, and is 70% as tall, or about 91 mm.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Yes, you are right. I was told about this by a couple of people. Thank you for watching the video. ✌🏽

[@twowheeledparadox]

The switch from Pirelli to Ceat was around the same time KTM switched from Metzeler to MRF on the 390 Duke. The reason was the tyre import ban by the Indian Government as far as I know.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Yes that too. Pre covid things were good cheap and easy. Post covid it’s a different ball game. Sad. Thank you for watching the video.

[@twowheeledparadox]

@@SrinivasGanesh Yes, COVID made things even worse. I come to your channel every now and then and will continue to do so. Thanks for putting in the time to make your content.

[@MotoBites_with_Manas]

Great video man. Loved the commentary.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Thank you for watching the video! :)

[@RideWithRichie]

Just a correction, 3921 for manufacturing means 39th week of 2021, not 3 September 2021 The 39th week roughly means around 27 Sept to 3 Oct.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Oh yes someone had pointed that out in the comments. But coincidentally it still comes out to September. 🤪 but thank you for this info. I appreciate it.

[@MrAvinashkunaparaju]

Small correction 3921 is 39th week 2021

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Yes someone pointed that out previously in the comment section. But still by that fact, the tyre is manufactured in September. 😋 Thank you for watching the video.

[@arham1ahmed]

Thank You bro for this finally now i have decided to go for timsun cause i was really confused what to go for and damn its hard to find 18s . So again thanks alot 💯. Love your videos 🤙.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

It is so hard indeed! I hope you find it! Thank you for watching the video. :)

[@pratyushk_]

go for vredestein

[@arham1ahmed]

@@pratyushk_ yeah I agree but I need broader tyres bro that’s why ig I will go for Timsun ,no doubt verdestine are really good but it lacks confidence even though it’s radial the rear ones . Still thanks bro 👍🏻

[@pratyushk_]

@@arham1ahmed I have 17 on my rear and 18 on my front. I have 150 section on my rear

[@bnashwin]

Hi Ganesh, Love your content. I own Bs4 INT 650 as well. Few questions regarding your mods. 1. Is the death wobble still present at high speeds that is above 100/120. 2. Has it reduced the acceleration and top speed? Or has it improved? 3. Has it affected the mileage? 4. Is this a better mod than switching to 17 inch at the rear for stability. Please let me know, I've been trying to find answers for these queries especially for stability as the stock is unstable at speeds.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

I’ve made a video on the wobble issue. Wobble is not there anymore. Nope, no speed is reduced. No mileage is affected. OEM equipments are made and tuned according to 18” wheels. If you go an inch shorter, it might be off. For example the speeds, the fuel guage etc will be off.

[@bnashwin]

@@SrinivasGanesh thanks man. Appreciate the help.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

My pleasure!@@bnashwin

[@muttineni03]

Great video!! What exhaust is that? Is that with or without baffles? I'm thinking about getting short seat and cowl for Interceptor, how's comfort on single touring seat from RE? Lot of questions i guess sorry about that.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Thank you for watching the video. The exhausts are Powerage. And certainly with baffles. I'm just using a really good mic. 😜I have not used the single touring seat from RE, but it should not be different from the dual premium touring seat. You can also fit a cowl on the dual seat if you go with a GT premium touring seat, like I did. (beginning of the video) Don't be sorry at all, ask away, I'll try to answer what I can. :)

[@muttineni03]

@@SrinivasGanesh Cowl looks fantastic on Interceptor imo, my Inty is yet to be delivered and I think short seat cowl great to me, haven't checked it in person yet though, is that full exhaust or just slip-on? it sounds pretty good for a slip-on and looks neat, guess you removed that heat shield. AEW T103 sounds great too imo without baffles somewhat closer to Zard.

[@finesser650]

I got the rear tyre MRF Zapper Y (130/70/18 63H) installed and it's a really good tyre for how much it costs. It's tubeless and costed me just Rs. 2,800 with installation at an authorised MRF dealer.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Wow! I wish I had made a video earlier on tyres I would have saved a lot on tyres. I'll make a note on these tyres that people are suggesting, and will install them the next time I am in need of getting new rubber for my motorcycle. :) Thank you so much for watching the video!

[@finesser650]

@@SrinivasGanesh This MRF Zapper Y rear tyre is the OEM tyre for Honda Highness. MRF has an option for the front too, the MRF Zapper FH (100/90/18 56S) which is the OEM for many Jawa/Yezdi Motorcycles. Costs Rs. 2,250 and is gonna be my next front tyre.

[@twowheeledparadox]

​@@finesser6502800?? When? I just bought one a couple of days ago for 3400!

[@ratheeshkr3570]

Even I too changed my front and back tyre with MRF.. so far its good..

[@SrinivasGanesh]

@@ratheeshkr3570 lovely!

[@stanleylawson9015]

hahaha just love this format will now need to check a few of your other clips

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Hey! Thank you so much for watching my videos, I'm glad you liked them!

[@saisidharth454]

Hi Srinivas. Hope you're doing great. Was just going through my checklist of things to add onto my Interceptor 650 and wanted to ask whether you still run the Way2Speed Booster Plug on your bike and how's the performance of the bike after adding the Powerage slipons? Would love to know your experience on it because I'm planning to get one for my bike since it has a similar setup as yours (Aftermarket Airfilter + Powerage slipons)

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Yes. I am still using the Way2Speed booster plug, and performance seems alright to me. As in it is torquey and more responsive. I love it. I just remove it when I am going to tour in the mountains. The purpose of booster plug is to make the ECU think that it is intaking colder air. Cold air is denser and hence it performs better. When going to mountains, cold air is naturally abundant so it doesn't make sense to have the booster plug installed. I hope this helps. Thank you for watching the video!

[@roycelobow]

Good job! Any plans on swapping the 15t front sprocket to 16t. It would be great if you could make a video on that. Most videos are from the UK and none from India 😊

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Hey, not yet. I feel the motorcycle is balanced in terms of the front sprocket. :) but yes that is a video that I can make in the future.

[@rover100bunson]

my old suzuki gs1000 had about 80hp weighed aroud 230kg and had 130 section rear tyre so the 130 section is enough i think, if you have wider tyres to corner at the same speed you need to lean further, my question is always around tyre pressures, bikes in the 70,s ran 28psi front 32psi rear, why are they now 32 front and 36 rear, does it even make much difference?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

I believe it does, the air pressure in your tyres supports the entire weight of your motorcycle. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is essential as it keeps you and other road users safe. It also improvs vehicle performance, decreases fuel costs and ensures you get the most out of your tyres. The last bit, I believe has also to do with speed. The tyre pressure you mentioned (28 front and 32 rear) is for normal riding with pillion. If you go faster then for solo rider that pressure is alright, and with pillion it would be 32 in front and 40 at the rear. Generally people don't go about changing tyre pressures all the time, so companies started recommended max values to accommodate comfort.

[@vikastrivedi-jf2oo]

Hey Srinivas, I am planning to buy Interceptor 650(Canyon Red) but I am bit concerned about the tyres. The variant doesn't come with alloy wheels so I was wondering if is it okay to upgrade tyres from spoke to alloy. Why didn't you prefer alloy wheels?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

I love the classic spoke look. Hence I kept them like that. Plus installed outex tubeless kit on my rims, so I get to retain the spokes with the benefit of spoke wheels. You can however order the Royal Enfield alloy wheels too at any service centre. And they will help you install it.

[@tahami4144]

Srinivas sir you need to drop the link for the handle bars I saw some reviews saying it can make handling and cornering better.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Working on it's video, might make it live tonight by 8pm.

[@mehsinkat25]

Lovely video as always! But man, how do you wear the helmet in this hellish humidity of Delhi 💀

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Haha just open the visor. But yea I feel you, safety is more important than humidity 🙈

[@r.chhillar]

Woww bhaiya love your bike

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Wow!

[@sandeepdash3919]

Hi Srinivas, I own an Interceptor 650. Just a quick query, My current tyre size is 130/70-18. We can change the size of the tyre but 70-18 should remain constant right?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Yep! That is true. 70 is the profile percentage of 130 or 150 (depending on what width you opt for.) and 18 inch the size of the rims.

[@mohdkhajanaseeruddin537]

How come a 150 section rear tyre? Did you change the rim as well??

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Nope, classic spoke over anything. It can take upto 160.

[@mohdkhajanaseeruddin537]

@@SrinivasGanesh thank you for clarifying! Happy and safe riding! Looking forward for such meaningful content!

[@jonsherry6289]

Hi, thinking of putting a wider tyre on my interceptor, how do you know what pressure to set it too ?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

I read the instructions/ faqs on the website I ordered it from.

[@achuplay5064]

I've been using the Vredestein Centauro ST tyres. It is much better in terms of grip compared to Ceat.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

How much do they cost? And are they easily available?

[@SuperRajath]

@@SrinivasGanesh 8.5k in RE service centers and 10.5k outside

[@PushpendraYadav-zh8rf]

I have been using these same tyres .. costed me 14500 from torque block ..dual compound tyres ..really good grip .

[@AverageHumanVlogs]

@@SrinivasGanesh Getting Vrdestein Centauro for 13500/- on Torque Block. If you want, they will get it shipped to you.

[@7311mohit]

​@@SuperRajathcan you please tell the part numbers to order from RE 🙏

[@abhishekreddy5471]

sir are you running tubless timsun with a tube to support the sproke rims ?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

I have installed an outex kit inside the rims so these are tubeless wheels.

[@SurendraKumar-uy8ml]

Links given for tyres are tubeless and I have doubt if we can install them on stock rim? When I discussed with the RE service centre guys, they said it's not possible to use tubeless tyres.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

hmmm... Couple of pointers, a) I have tubeless tyres installed on my stock rim. I have had them since 3 years, no issues whatsoever. b) RE service centre guys have excellent knowledge about RE OEM parts, but limited to no knowledge about aftermarket parts. (No offence to anyone.)

[@SrinivasGanesh]

to answer your question, yes you can install tubeless tyres on your stock rim for Interceptor650/ GT650, provided you have a tubeless kit installed.

[@thatguyjason5714]

Thank you for posting this video. I am posting a comment because you produce quality content and it’s reasonable to assume Royal Enfield takes notice of it. Cheers! I agree that Royal Enfield exercised upfront cost as an important metric to market the bike. However, the factory rear tire of my Gt forces it to be handled like a dirt bike in corners and looks like a fat woman on ice skates in appearance…. Thanks again for making content I appreciate.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Hahahahaha amazing analogy! 🤣 I loved it! Thank you for commenting!

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

shinko 705 is my favorite unsafe tire 😁😎

[@SrinivasGanesh]

nice!!

[@backroadbeetle4781]

The oem Pirelli tires do not have a good lean capability in the front. Corners like a scooter. Hopefully some other brand can remedy that. Plus I have the head shake.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Yes oem pirellis had a defect. Hence changing the tyre was the only solution to this ‘wobble’ issue.

[@adityavarma4415]

Nice 👌

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Thank you for watching the video! :)

[@Zipking20]

Are they tubeles?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Yes sir!

[@MassiKhan-gw7ui]

Hey Sri, thank you for the info. I just have one problem and I am really pissed because of that. When I try to ride the bike in a straight line, my bike start moving to the right. I checked and its visible that my rear tyre is not alighned. Its not the issue of a rim because I was in a outskirts and puncture happened so I asked a local mechanic to repair the puncture and he did everything manually. I think its because of that. What should I should. Royal enfield is saying that everything is fine but i know its not miving the way it should. Also 80+ km she start wobbling exactly the same you showed in the video. please help me, if its a tyre problem i can change it, if its something I can put pressure to the the royal enfield to look into it and fixed. Its only 2k KM so far.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJSYgH-soM1kqassi=-4dksDoydPRDkClr Watch this video. And get your wheels aligned, spokes tightened and change the tyre. Wobbling will go away.

[@revanthreddypeddi7607]

Nice video I own gt 650 thinking to change the tyres but is it ok if go with 150/70 r18 and 120/90 r18? Any cons? Or else should I keep the front tyre stock itself? Some people also suggest 140 in the rear and 110 in the front

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Yep you can. Limit is 160 at the rear and 120 at the front. It just makes you add weight to the bike. The wider the tyre the heavier tue bike becomes. And that subsequently affects the mileage.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

But that gets balanced with the addition of aftermarket exhaust and full system exhaust. ✌🏽

[@harisalterego]

Hey! What are you thoughts on the metzeler 150section tyres for the INT650 ?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

IF you can get them then great!

[@Kaustubh3024]

Is there a chance of rusting on the exhaust and the engine? If yes do you use anything to prevent rusting?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

None if you take good care of it.

[@jyothismgeorge6013]

After installing Timsun tyres do you face any wobble and have you ever checked your rims alignment for run out ? If yes what is the interval for that considering Indian road conditions.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

No wobbling since a year. Good tip I’ll ge them checked soon and give a feedback.

[@nirthik599]

Mr Srinivas can u please tell me if there are 110 section tyres available for front side? ,Im planning to upgrade the rear tyres to timsun 150/70/18 and the front ceat ones look so small,so any alternate bigger front tyres?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

yes they are available in the market.

[@chrispulham4779]

Hi, those Timsun tyres are BIAS PLY aren't they?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Yes I believe they are.

[@abhishekmatthew7276]

My friend owns a 4 year old GT-650 which has Pirelli , and I own a 9 months old interceptor 650 which has ceat tyres and I find the interceptor could’ve had better tires rather than ceat, I just don’t know why !!!

[@SrinivasGanesh]

You always have an option of going for aftermarket ones.

[@shubhamsoni2784]

I have gt650 with CEAT tyres I face this wobbling issue ,now is there any solution?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

check out the wobbling video on the channel. And thank you for watching this video!

[@adithyatatacharsridharan495]

Hello.. i had my exhaust changed to red rooster and i told him to wait for 12 - 15 mins for the exu to adjust. But that service guy took my vehicle for a spin as soon as he installed the exhaust..is that an issue sir.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

You can do these minor upgrades yourself. With the tools that come with your motorcycle. You’ll learn a thing or two about your motorcycle and would come to love it more. I don’t know if that can be an issue as I have not ridden it. The ecu works it automatically once you let it idle for 12-15 mins. Then a short spin is advisable.

[@himanshumudgal8251]

which branch and model of gloves are you using?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

yellow ones from Royal Enfield

[@Ss-sy3er]

Sir kindly share link of timsun tyres ...😊

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Sir kindly check description for the said link... 🙂

[@hammadsiddiqui7317]

Sir what is your take on vredestein?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Researching on them at the moment. :) But yes pretty good locally. Since India is not importing tyres anymore.

[@AdityaKumar-sh8vh]

Is it radial or normal one

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Tubless one. Radial one.

[@AdityaKumar-sh8vh]

@SrinivasGanesh same for front

[@SrinivasGanesh]

@@AdityaKumar-sh8vh yep.

[@vickyfestusrockz.8601]

For gt which rear tube we can buy i cant fine 130/70 18 ? Help me i have insert CEAT 100/90 18 is this okay ? Or suggest me which company tube should i buy tell me tube profile as well.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Service centre guys are not helping?

[@vickyfestusrockz.8601]

No not at all! They are useless. I asked in showrrom They don’t even sell the tubes ? I went to ask them help they are helpless and they said wait for two days to remove my tyre.

[@KhumujamJ]

What's the widest rear Tyre we can put on interceptor?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

160mm. Thank you for watching the video!

[@hrethwikvijayan7651]

👍👏👏

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Thank you for watching!

[@pratyushk_]

go for Vredestein

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Do they offer a 150 section tyre too?

[@pratyushk_]

@@SrinivasGanesh I have 17 on my rear and 18 on my front. I have 150 section on my rear. Vredestein have 150 section option in 17

[@SrinivasGanesh]

@@pratyushk_ ah that is good to know. Thank you!

[@nidhins6349]

@@pratyushk_ur review about these upgrades pls

[@pratyushk_]

@@nidhins6349 it's very good. worth every penny

[@prudvid8894]

Engine oil level is very low

[@SrinivasGanesh]

It comes back up when you ride. This is very normal.

[@SirStrange903]

Whats the best racing tire set up for the 650 GT. Something sticky in the corners?

[@SrinivasGanesh]

maybe a set of pirellis. However I don't know from where as India stopped the import of tyres quite sometime back. Whatever little brand of tyres I know are of road legal only. Not racing kinds. :(