My Interceptor 650 is as much as about 2600 miles thus far. It has been a really nice and dependable bike thus far. The one bother that I’ve encountered has been a nail within the rear tire. Thankfully I used to be near dwelling and known as my spouse to choose me up so I may go get the truck and retrieve it. None of my Royal Enfield modifications have been obligatory besides possibly for the handlebar change.
The very first modification that was completed was including 1” handlebar risers. On the day I left the dealership after paying my deposit I ordered a case of oil filters and a set of handlebar risers. After I sat on an INT650 for the primary time within the showroom I instantly felt like it could be extra snug if the grips had been just a bit bit larger. After I did the primary service it was only a matter of eradicating the bolts holding the handlebar mounts, putting the risers below the mounts and bolting all the things up with the brand new prolonged bolts that got here with the risers. Not a tough mod to do in case you really feel you’d prefer to have your handlebars a bit larger.
One precise criticism that I had about this bike was engine vibration felt by way of the handlebars. The bars are solidly mounted and the grips are product of a skinny exhausting rubber so I bought a set of Grip Puppies. These are foam rubber sleeves that slip over your present grips and add a bit extra cushion they usually did assist a great bit. Earlier than you hassle to remark that I’m holding on to tightly, I’m not. Over 20 years of mechanics adopted 20 years of CAD work have left me with arthritic arms which might be much more delicate than they need to be. It’s what it’s.
Since I exploit this bike for commuting and weekend 2 up driving I put in a passenger backrest and baggage rack combo. Whereas this has been a helpful and sensible modification it doesn’t assist the appears to be like of the Interceptor in any respect and if I had been ever to noticeably enter it in a present it could be briefly eliminated. The rack is helpful to have however it’s ugly.
From the crate U.S. fashions of the Interceptor 650 have black sidecovers with logos designating them because the INT650 to keep away from copyright battle with one other bike firm. I’ve joined a few Royal Enfield Fb teams and one of many members supplied to promote me a set of painted sidecovers with the Interceptor 650 brand for a great value so I obtained them. Having the sidecovers colour matched to the gas tank is a big enchancment to the looks of an already implausible trying bike.
Vibration within the bars was nonetheless an issue for me and though the manufacturing unit cross braced handlebars appeared actually cool they weren’t formed proper for me and put my wrists at an angle that wasn’t as snug as they could possibly be so I made a decision it was time to get critical concerning the handlebars so I purchased a set of Emgo flat monitor fashion bars. Now the Emgo bars are manner too vast to make use of with the inventory cables and wiring so I trimmed 3.75 inches from each ends in order that they’d match. Afterwards I put some steel plugs inside them, stuffed the finally ends up with lead weights after which capped them off with plastic finish plugs.
Subsequent up was a set of ODI Mushroom Grips. The ODI grips are fairly a bit shorter than the stockers so I needed to shorten the throttle sleeve to suit proper. As soon as that was completed it was time to find the change gear and drill the holes for the finding pins that preserve them from rotating across the handlebars.
Now once I attain for the grips my arms are in a extra pure place and between the weights and the gentle thick rubber grips handlebar vibration is drastically diminished. I’m truly considering of eradicating the risers now & I just like the appears to be like too!
At first I had zero plans to carry out any “efficiency” modifications to this 650 however simply couldn’t assist myself. I appeared on the aftermarket air filters and airbox lids and determined they only weren’t value the fee so I fired up my 3d printer and made myself an airbox lid with the big opening that works with the inventory air filter. Does it truly assist something? With no dynamometer to check it who is aware of, I form of doubt it makes a lot distinction.
For the exhaust facet I went with a set of Powerage stainless mufflers, the explanation I selected these muffler is that after watching a bunch of on-line movies and studying studies in numerous boards is that they gave the impression to be the quietest of the aftermarket exhaust in case you go away the baffles in. They arrive with a wrench that means that you can take away the db killer baffle if you need it to be additional loud. With the baffle in you get a pleasant snarl that’s somewhat louder than inventory. I put a video on my Youtube channel supplying you with a sound high quality and quantity comparability.
Am I completed with this bike? No, for somebody like me a bike like this can be a clean canvas, a by no means ending rolling artwork undertaking that even when it had been to appear completed I reserve the correct to begin throughout and take it in a totally completely different course simply because I can’t assist myself. The subsequent factor to attempt might be a colour matched quarter fairing from MK Designs, the images I’ve seen look actually good and the worth isn’t dangerous both.
Along with the Royal Enfield modifications I’ve obtained just a few different tasks to inform you about, a few of them are in progress however a few them are already accomplished I simply haven’t had time to jot down about them. Till subsequent time, comfortable wrenching.
