I fitted both of these upgrades to my continental GT about a week after your first video stuart, I concur with what you say here they have completely transformed the bike, I rode to work during the lockdown so im about 2000 miles in since the modification and I can confirm the rear shocks just get better and better as the miles roll on. its now the best handling bike ive ever owned and the most comfortable. keep up the good work. you do a fantastic job!
damn its an honest info about interceptor. very informative video. I am from india and not a single person on youtube gave this info about royal enfield. good work keep it up.
Wow I don't even own a RE but I still love watching your videos about it. Stuart you make awesome videos very informative and spot on with your content. Love it.
A lot of people don't think they need suspension mods, but after doing it you find you enjoy the ride a lot more, even if you are not a hoon, an ordinary day trip is transformed
I finally got the full upgrade, rear kit a few months ago and the front recently. I do not regret it. The bike seems lighter, the handling far more precise. I still need more rides to find the perfect fit for me but already I enjoy the improvement . Thank you Stuart for your good advice and thanks to Tendance Roadster which provided and mounted the kit in France
OMG! Thanks for all your hard work making these videos! I just fitted the same rear shocks to my GT this morning and ended up with the preload wound down to under 25% and felt it still to be quite harsh... Was a little worried, so I got online for others' experience and found your video here. Happy now! Thanks again, your work is greatly appreciated.
Another informative and interesting video. I have spent the last month of ownership of my interceptor making it look the way I wanted. Now time for the technical stuff. Thank you for the explanation of how to set up the suspension and that there should be a certain amount of bedding in of the springs. I shall be ordering the respective parts tonight. Stay safe and keep up the good work. 👍🏍
Been there, done that, it's brilliant and well worth the money. I find it hard to believe how good the bike is . . . I must go out for a run and check it again . . . . . . :)
Mechanics , Suspension is beyond me I don't really understand BUT You help a lot , you take my guess work out , you give me what I need to know . I'm buying a 650 interceptor next month and the getting a some time extras , Now I will do the front suspension thanks to , your world , of tried and tested knowledge .. Thankyou Stuart . God Bless
I had a new Yamaha YZF 750R back in the early 1990’s, the standard suspension was way out of spec for the bike, I took the forks and rear shock to Maxton Engineering in Cheshire, Maxton’s re-valved and re-sprung the standard forks and rear shock allowing for my weight (including riding gear) and intended use for around £300, The work totally transformed the bike, I never had to touch the settings ever again. I have been riding since the 1960’s, I like to think I know suspension but I couldn’t set suspension up like Maxton’s. PS, My son has had two race bikes set up there as well, Take the stress out of it, give them a call.
I am about to finally get My interceptor 650. And I am so into all of your videos, definetely this Will be the first upgrade I'll do to her! Greetings from Colombia! Thanks for your objective and gentle way of teaching through your videos!
I have a workshop manual for the 650 which is helpful but it does not compare to watching your videos. The videos have given me the confidence to do upgrades and maintenance because I can see how to do it correctly. Videos are worth 10,000 words. Normal people appreciate your help so please continue to give torque settings and ignore the tiny minority who give negative comments. Thanks
Suspension upgrades is the best performance enhancement one can do. I put the money down years ago for Ohlins for my BMW K1200RS and it was without a doubt the best money every spent. A smooth suspended motorcycle will give you many more hours in the seat per day than anything else you can throw money at.
Very well rounded up. The stock suspension does leave you incredibly exhausted. Did a 130km run over the weekend, and it contained a lot of proper bad roads. Suffice to say both my arms just resigned from their duties for the next 2 days thanks to the sponge of a front suspension.
This is the first open and honest suspension review ive ever seen. You see youtubers fit new shocks all the time and then tell you how wonderful they are, when you know full well that scenario never happens with new shocks. They have to bed in! its not just the springs. the seals have to wear in too! YSS is a world famous brand with a proven history and they look quality. I bet there will be a lot of noddies wasting their money on tecs shocks instead for these bikes, seen some real horror stories attached to their products, buy cheap buy twice and risk your life!
I hadn’t heard about any dissatisfaction regarding the tech products, so thanks for pointing it out. I agree if the cheaper products end up not being up to the job required then you have wasted your money.
More good info, Stuart. I’m getting very close to placing an order for the yss front end because I agree that needs the upgrade the most & it’s not a bad price for what you get. Some great riding to be had around the Wolds, I’m not too far from them. In fact I’m probably perfectly placed because the Lincs wolds are far either.
You're my new favourite youtube channel. And have convinced me to get an Interceptor after oogling the new series for a few years. Thank you for your considered videos!
Stuart, thank you for helping to demystify one of the ‘dark arts’ - suspension. My take away is that the modifications have to be assessed over time rather than in the moment and a degree of fine tuning will result in the optimal outcome.
Thank you very much for that review. From the beginning, two and a half month ago I started riding the INT 650, front fork was an issue. It doesn't react on slight impacts, which leads to a slight shakiness of the front. I think I'll buy those YSS upgrade to get rid of this issue.
Great review and great advice ...super bit a the end 'if you had to make a choice of replacing front or back !...a thinking man indeed - Thanks for you honesty
I purchased the front and rear YSS suspension kits here in Thailand. The ride has improved one hundred percent against the stock suspension. Good informative video Stuart.
@@mrl2582 I ordered the fitting from a Honda agent who is the main YSS reseller in the nearest provincial town. I think they fitted with Motul 10w fork oil.
Difficult to imagine Uncle Stu losing his composure. :-) Several years ago, I installed new Progressive shocks and Progressive springs with 15 weight fork oil on my 1990 Suzuki VX800, and can confirm everything you've said about initial feel and break-in. Now, I actually prefer a very slightly firmer ride, but after the new suspension was broken in, the difference was night and day, especially the fork being disinclined to dive to it's stops at the sight of an imperfection in the pavement.
These fork kits are now top of my shopping list.bought HAGON fully enclosed rear shocks for my bike because they look good.yet to start adjusting them.
Very thoughtful, Stuart. Thanks for sharing. And you read my mind when you said the front suspension upgrade is a must have if one does not have the budget for the whole thing. I plan to get myself the YSS front fork upgrade soon! Stay safe.
Here in New Zealand fully adjustable suspension is not permitted on a learners license,that's why I'll get the YSS RZ362 series because that's allowed.YSS RG362 need a full license.
Several front suspension mods have appeared on YT, and those including emulators for the damping (such as YSS) rave about the improvement from drilling out the damper rods' holes so that the rods provides no damping action - all damping provided just by the emulators. It would be interesting to see if you experience similar delight after drilling out the damper rod holes.
I have watched one of these and to me it does seem logical that drilling the standard damping rod would mean that the damping is fully controlled by the emulator. I also find it a little puzzling that someone should spend so much money on a kit that they assume to be thoroughly developed and modify one of the primary ingredients of the recipe, like the damping fluid weight so significantly. I also understand that the emulator is adjustable and that there is a recomended starting point adjustment to the screw. My chosen aproach would be to research research and research before choosing the product and make sure that the modification provides the full benefit first time round.....having to come back to readjust the emulator a second time would not be my idea of fun, also wondering what might have been the result if I had followed tha manufacturers instructions. To be fair though, I wonder if the instructions mentiion drilling the std damper rod.
Stuart, the hardest thing for me in your videos and some of the others that I watch from the UK is the fact you all ride on the wrong side of the rode. 😊 Great video and and information, I'm actually looking at the 650 as my next bike purchase.
I love your work ❤️ I am not you tube expert though if you visit India and make some vedios on Indian bikes can get more fan base alot more. These videos are very useful and many people can learn things from you. ✌️
I thought initially he was a bit nervous about leaning the bike, so I slowed down. I asked, trying not to hurt his feeling, why he slowed down so much. It turned out the his front suspension was like a 'pogo' stick. he had no preload whatever. no rebound damping. I invited him to 'bounce' the front suspension on my Striple. He couldn't believe how stiff it was compered to his Suzuki. It's supposed to compress, rebound and stop, not bounce up and down like ''Zeberdee'' from the Magic roundabout. Now, there are obviously points in between to suit one's riding... from comfort over rougher surfaces to the more sporty inclined. the same basic principal applies though, to control the action of the suspension....As you've point out it can make a hell of a difference.
I live in Thailand, I bought an Interceptor in July of this year, was really pleased with it except for the annoying clonk in the forks when going over bumps, which I put down to little or no rebound damping. Anyway having watched youtube videos and tried adjustable preloaders(which did nothing for the problem), I ordered the YSS fork update kit which I received and fitted yesterday afternoon. Wow what a difference. no more clonk! As YSS is a Thai company and they are made here they were only 147 pounds sterling, a saving of 100 on the U.K. price so a double RESULT! Thanks Stuart for you excellent and educational videos. Keep up the good work!
I didnt think suspension needed time to settle in but it does make sense now. My new forks and shock felt to firm for the road but now feel softer after about 500 miles. Could be me getting used to it tho.
Thank you Stuart, I had my rear shock rebuilt on my Suzuki a few years back and I thought it was knackered again. It looks like I'll be pulling the spanner out. P.S I am looking at the RE Interceptor
TH-cam ate my comment on this video. Excellent and informative video. Rather than type out my comment again the short version is. Would you recommend changing the fork oil until I'm ready to do a full upgrade. Take care and ride safe.
I was wondering if you could tell us about the interceptor's response to long travels. I'll gladly appreciate the info! As always, great video! Useful and relaxing.
Love watching your videos. They have given me the confidence to carry out my own servicing and mods......when I am fortunate enough to have one. The interceptor is the ideal choice and I will be following your route and upgrade the suspension like for like. I am 6'2" weighing in at 13 stone. My partner is not as tall but same weight. How would you set up suspension for pillion passengers? Maybe not a relevant question, please forgive my rudeness if so.
Nice vid there Stuart. Being on the chunky side, I notice that the standard suspension leaves something to be desired. Good food for thought here and some good setup advice. Black magic! Been thinking about Hagon. Did you consider them (yes or no fine!)? Keep up the good work, sensible advice is rare on TH-cam sometimes :)
@@stuartfillingham Hitchcocks sell Hagons for the 650 but I found Hagons themselves very helpful when I rang and bought some all stainless enclosed shocks specced for my weight. They didn't do a front suspension upgrade at that time so I've ordered the YSS. To go with the Falco boots, Goldtop gloves...
Thanks Stuart. According to David Moss Tuning youtube viewing and other reading on the subject we should aim at our suspension of a street bike having sag, having static sag and having rider sag of about 30mm for street and 25mm for track with rider in gear onboard in riding position. That rider sag should also be the same front and rear. We have preload adjustment only on our oem Interceptor suspension. Measuring my Interceptor with 4000ks under its belt and me at 100kg I foung that I had sag, I had static sag and I had rider sag of 25mm in front and 30mm in rear with preload on lowest setting. Not too bad but not quite even front and rear. I would say for budget suspension Royal Enfield have done a good job. My front with time may get to 30mm of rider sag. What sort of sag figures were you achieving with the YSS suspension upgrades?
I don’t know about you but I always find that the oil in front sus is always to thin so I like to put a different oil in and I always find the sus is more planted on bends.
Glad you gave a review of your suspension setup and I could see from the way your handlebars were vibrating shows a lot more response to keeping the "rubber on the road" Quick question, are your handgrips aftermarket? they look comfortable.Still enjoying your ramblings, keep up the good work.
stuart fillingham I just ordered an Interceptor. What are the YSS shocks and springs you chose? I looked on the YSS USA website and they don’t list Royal Enfield. So many different items in their inventory.
Thanks Stuart...interesting and well explained as usual. Look forward to any update vide you produce on your expereince with the two mods. Thinking about maybe the front fork mod for myself. One question...I'm not happy with the stcok seat and I notice you have fitted a new one, but not seen a video where you discuss it (please put me right if there is one). Interested to know how you chose that seat and what you think of it. Cheers.
I wonder how it would feel with the yss upgrade but used the stock firmer springs they had you swap out for the softer springs? If the softer springs do get softer at least you know that you have spare stiffer ones and a stiffer oil grade as an option to go back to without massive purchases... good bang for your buck.
People nowadays have the patience lasting same as an Instagram meme. I never change shocks, exhaust, brake on a personal motorcycle for at least 1k miles.
First off, absolutely fantastic watching all your videos, which are first rate.I have just fitted the YSS front suspension upgrade, and i found after I bounced the bike up and down on the front, that i get a slight knocking sound. Did you get this with yours.? I try to be fastidious when building things and wonder what i may have done wrong.I would appreciate yours or anyone elses ideas on this.
Stuart, do you think you might do reviews of the S&S bore, compression, and cam kits for the GT650's? I got the performance silencers and air intake for my Continental and they made some difference. I'm wondering about engine mods.
Another informative video. But one wee question. I was under the impression that adjusting rebound was the way to control the thump of impacts from the road, and Adjusting the spring compression was to adjust the stance of the bike, e.g. Nose down to decrease rake and quicken steering. However as I am aware much of internet info can be inaccurate. I would be interested to hear about this from yourself. Thank you in advance.
stuart fillingham apologies for my lack of attention. Mea culpa. Thanks for taking the time to respond. I’m looking forward for more info as I really like the interceptor and is under consideration for next bike, but I really like the bullet too. Please keep up the exceptional quality of these vlogs.
Very informative as always, do you think that the yss rears are markedly better than the hagon nitros that you fitted to your T120 given the extra cost ?( I am hoping to upgrade the shocks on my T120 soon, I would prefer not to have piggyback, but would obviously consider function over form if it's worth the extra cost). Enjoy!
Great video and will be putting in Fork kit from YSS but not happy with the look of the shocks with the piggy back system I prefer the clean look so was wondering if mixing brands is ok, such as putting Hagon or Ohlins or is there something else I could look at...Thanks
thank you stu. i am torn between the ohlins front and rear suspension upgrade and the front and rear YSS suspension ugrade to put on my continental gt650. which one should i go for regardless of the price ?
Hi Stuart ! I have a question regarding these upgrades, i am using my continental GT for spirited driving and possibly track in a close future (just for fun, no real racing at all), curretly i tend to feel the back end wobbling and the front shimmying when giving it the beans on our south france twisty roads !! Do you believe these upgrades will also increase performance and handling for my usage or only comfort? Thanks in advance !
check you tire pressures are correct first but it might just be that you need to increase pre load on the shocks, if that doesn't fix it, yes the YSS set up should sort it all out.
Read about a recall for safety reasons concerning to brake calipers. Only bikes sold on countries with road salt affected such like yours. Have you heard of it? Good that RE cares about customers and assume all the expenses contrary to for example honda that some times dont accept to activate warranty on rusty parts
Yes I have read about it. its not actually a safety recall ie it hasn't been mandated by the DOT. its just a voluntary welfare recall. I shall wait to se if they get in touch!
Hello Stuart, Excluding the Re Bullet, having now carried out a few upgrades to all the bikes you own - along with carrying out servicing tasks - can I ask, of the two manufacturers and the four separate models of bike, which bike/bikes are the easiest to work on and get access to parts?? Hope that makes sense. Cheers Keith
@@stuartfillingham Hello Stuart, many thanks for your reply. Watching the videos I did have a sneaky suspicion that might be the reply. Take care Cheers Keith
I am operating on the principle that as I sell off unwanted stuff in my garage, when the income equals the suspension cost I will do the upgrade. Front suspension is ordered, but unfortunately "Current Status: Awaiting Parts". I've got the oil, but how long will I have to wait for parts? The Stuart Fillingham recommendation has struck again!
Hello Stu, I'm about to follow your latest stuartorial on uplifting front forks to YSS top line, to complement the original yss rear uplift. (and, what a startlingly big improvement they provide!!) My question (confusion) is your choice of silkolene rsf 2.5 - did you make that choice through experience & /or consideration for your stated like of comfort over performance entirely? I ask as two silkolene suppliers near me advise the yss recommended 10wt oil translates to silkolene rsf 15, and on 'Amazon' they also offer rsf 15 as equivalent to generic industry standard of 10wt. I ask as it seems a stark distance between rsf 2.5 & rsf 15 in terms of viscosity & specifications more generally. I very much respect your experience in previous fork upgrades & use of silkolene products, as well as your upgrades generally- could you perhaps help elucidate as you did state yss recommend 10wt at the outset. Cheers, Stuart.
yes it is confusing. a lot of retailers get it wrong. I took the values from an ISO/w table supplied to me by the technical staff at silkolene, for a previous video I made a couple of years ago. RSF 2.5 =10w=ISO15. RSF15=50w=ISO100 which would be very very stiff.
@@stuartfillingham excellent! - thank you so much for clarifying that, Stuart. I've gone ahead & likewise purchased the same RSF 2.5 and am about to complete my own upgrade. Once again, thanks for your stuartorials, without which I'd never dream of fiddling about with my suspension. And, thank you for the 'heads up' on yss & wemoto products. I can't quite believe the difference made for the betterment to the bikes characteristic in terms of greatly enhanced poise & precision which, add to the confidence I feel in the bike. I've no doubt once complete, the bike will, as you say be a great bike made brilliant. No doubts whatsoever. Your concise & precise videos are a huge asset for me. Cheers Stu!!
I fitted both of these upgrades to my continental GT about a week after your first video stuart, I concur with what you say here they have completely transformed the bike, I rode to work during the lockdown so im about 2000 miles in since the modification and I can confirm the rear shocks just get better and better as the miles roll on. its now the best handling bike ive ever owned and the most comfortable. keep up the good work. you do a fantastic job!
damn its an honest info about interceptor. very informative video. I am from india and not a single person on youtube gave this info about royal enfield. good work keep it up.
Wow I don't even own a RE but I still love watching your videos about it. Stuart you make awesome videos very informative and spot on with your content. Love it.
A lot of people don't think they need suspension mods, but after doing it you find you enjoy the ride a lot more, even if you are not a hoon, an ordinary day trip is transformed
Supention has all ways been a black art your vid cleared up a fair bit for the average rider keep it coming safe safe
I finally got the full upgrade, rear kit a few months ago and the front recently. I do not regret it. The bike seems lighter, the handling far more precise. I still need more rides to find the perfect fit for me but already I enjoy the improvement . Thank you Stuart for your good advice and thanks to Tendance Roadster which provided and mounted the kit in France
OMG! Thanks for all your hard work making these videos! I just fitted the same rear shocks to my GT this morning and ended up with the preload wound down to under 25% and felt it still to be quite harsh... Was a little worried, so I got online for others' experience and found your video here. Happy now! Thanks again, your work is greatly appreciated.
Another informative and interesting video. I have spent the last month of ownership of my interceptor making it look the way I wanted. Now time for the technical stuff. Thank you for the explanation of how to set up the suspension and that there should be a certain amount of bedding in of the springs. I shall be ordering the respective parts tonight.
Stay safe and keep up the good work. 👍🏍
Been there, done that, it's brilliant and well worth the money. I find it hard to believe how good the bike is . . . I must go out for a run and check it again . . . . . . :)
Mechanics , Suspension is beyond me I don't really understand
BUT
You help a lot , you take my guess work out , you give me what I need to know .
I'm buying a 650 interceptor next month and the getting a some time extras ,
Now I will do the front suspension thanks to , your world , of tried and tested knowledge ..
Thankyou Stuart . God Bless
I had a new Yamaha YZF 750R back in the early 1990’s, the standard suspension was way out of spec for the bike, I took the forks and rear shock to Maxton Engineering in Cheshire, Maxton’s re-valved and re-sprung the standard forks and rear shock allowing for my weight (including riding gear) and intended use for around £300, The work totally transformed the bike, I never had to touch the settings ever again. I have been riding since the 1960’s, I like to think I know suspension but I couldn’t set suspension up like Maxton’s.
PS, My son has had two race bikes set up there as well,
Take the stress out of it, give them a call.
I am about to finally get My interceptor 650. And I am so into all of your videos, definetely this Will be the first upgrade I'll do to her! Greetings from Colombia! Thanks for your objective and gentle way of teaching through your videos!
I have a workshop manual for the 650 which is helpful but it does not compare to watching your videos.
The videos have given me the confidence to do upgrades and maintenance because I can see how to do it correctly.
Videos are worth 10,000 words.
Normal people appreciate your help so please continue to give torque settings and ignore the tiny minority who give negative comments.
Thanks
Suspension upgrades is the best performance enhancement one can do. I put the money down years ago for Ohlins for my BMW K1200RS and it was without a doubt the best money every spent. A smooth suspended motorcycle will give you many more hours in the seat per day than anything else you can throw money at.
I never knew that thanks for the info that could deplane why my royal Enfield tends sometime but only sometimes bottom out,
Very well rounded up. The stock suspension does leave you incredibly exhausted. Did a 130km run over the weekend, and it contained a lot of proper bad roads. Suffice to say both my arms just resigned from their duties for the next 2 days thanks to the sponge of a front suspension.
This is the first open and honest suspension review ive ever seen. You see youtubers fit new shocks all the time and then tell you how wonderful they are, when you know full well that scenario never happens with new shocks. They have to bed in! its not just the springs. the seals have to wear in too! YSS is a world famous brand with a proven history and they look quality. I bet there will be a lot of noddies wasting their money on tecs shocks instead for these bikes, seen some real horror stories attached to their products, buy cheap buy twice and risk your life!
Very good info as usual. Nice roads.
I hadn’t heard about any dissatisfaction regarding the tech products, so thanks for pointing it out. I agree if the cheaper products end up not being up to the job required then you have wasted your money.
More good info, Stuart. I’m getting very close to placing an order for the yss front end because I agree that needs the upgrade the most & it’s not a bad price for what you get.
Some great riding to be had around the Wolds, I’m not too far from them. In fact I’m probably perfectly placed because the Lincs wolds are far either.
You're my new favourite youtube channel. And have convinced me to get an Interceptor after oogling the new series for a few years. Thank you for your considered videos!
Stuart, thank you for helping to demystify one of the ‘dark arts’ - suspension. My take away is that the modifications have to be assessed over time rather than in the moment and a degree of fine tuning will result in the optimal outcome.
Stu. Ur consise explaining of any topic is what i like. And ur interest and intuesam allways comes trough.
Thanks v much
Another great, practical, no-nonsense, no-ego video. Thanks.
Thank you very much for that review. From the beginning, two and a half month ago I started riding the INT 650, front fork was an issue. It doesn't react on slight impacts, which leads to a slight shakiness of the front. I think I'll buy those YSS upgrade to get rid of this issue.
Great review and great advice ...super bit a the end 'if you had to make a choice of replacing front or back !...a thinking man indeed - Thanks for you honesty
Thanks 👍
Stuart you know your stuff, I’m enjoying these videos. I’m a 68 year old bike fan, thank you.
I purchased the front and rear YSS suspension kits here in Thailand. The ride has improved one hundred percent against the stock suspension. Good informative video Stuart.
Great to hear!
Andrew, I'm in Thailand too. Did you use the recommended (YSS?) 15W oil and, if so, how's it been for you?
@@mrl2582 I ordered the fitting from a Honda agent who is the main YSS reseller in the nearest provincial town. I think they fitted with Motul 10w fork oil.
@MRL Been fine.
@@asingham Thanks very much Andrew.
Thank you for another awesome video. Your hard work an dedication is very much appreciated.
Ifwecantridewemodify is my motto over the winter break. My speed twin got a whole new suspension (nitron forks, ohlins rear) decat, and slip ons.
Difficult to imagine Uncle Stu losing his composure. :-) Several years ago, I installed new Progressive shocks and Progressive springs with 15 weight fork oil on my 1990 Suzuki VX800, and can confirm everything you've said about initial feel and break-in. Now, I actually prefer a very slightly firmer ride, but after the new suspension was broken in, the difference was night and day, especially the fork being disinclined to dive to it's stops at the sight of an imperfection in the pavement.
Once again a greatly informative video, thanks.👍👍
As usual a thoroughly good review, I think I will be getting the forks sorted out soon.
These fork kits are now top of my shopping list.bought HAGON fully enclosed rear shocks for my bike because they look good.yet to start adjusting them.
Straight, useful info. This mod will also help prevent unusual tyre wear over time. Wet weather riding will show a vast improvement also.
Very thoughtful, Stuart. Thanks for sharing. And you read my mind when you said the front suspension upgrade is a must have if one does not have the budget for the whole thing. I plan to get myself the YSS front fork upgrade soon! Stay safe.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video series on the YSS suspension upgrades and springs in general. It's archive worthy!
Glad you like them!
Thanks for the review Stuart. Very useful info.
Cheers stuart just ordered mine very helpful video thanks
Definitely the Best modification you can make to any bike in my humble opinion another fantastic video Stuart 👏👏👏
Great video Stu.I will be getting yss front done & RZ362 rear to keep legal on my learners.
Here in New Zealand fully adjustable suspension is not permitted on a learners license,that's why I'll get the YSS RZ362 series because that's allowed.YSS RG362 need a full license.
So not only is it an improvement in feel and handling also looks them rear shocks look the business 👌
Several front suspension mods have appeared on YT, and those including emulators for the damping (such as YSS) rave about the improvement from drilling out the damper rods' holes so that the rods provides no damping action - all damping provided just by the emulators. It would be interesting to see if you experience similar delight after drilling out the damper rod holes.
I have watched one of these and to me it does seem logical that drilling the standard damping rod would mean that the damping is fully controlled by the emulator. I also find it a little puzzling that someone should spend so much money on a kit that they assume to be thoroughly developed and modify one of the primary ingredients of the recipe, like the damping fluid weight so significantly. I also understand that the emulator is adjustable and that there is a recomended starting point adjustment to the screw. My chosen aproach would be to research research and research before choosing the product and make sure that the modification provides the full benefit first time round.....having to come back to readjust the emulator a second time would not be my idea of fun, also wondering what might have been the result if I had followed tha manufacturers instructions. To be fair though, I wonder if the instructions mentiion drilling the std damper rod.
Thanks for the advice as well as the honest review. Very helpful.
You are the only reason I take out my interceptor 650 out for a ride during lockdown costing me my gas 💰 money.
Stuart, the hardest thing for me in your videos and some of the others that I watch from the UK is the fact you all ride on the wrong side of the rode. 😊 Great video and and information, I'm actually looking at the 650 as my next bike purchase.
I’m glad they’ve improved the comfort and handling for you 😎
Another clear informative video. Thanks Stuart
Brilliantly informative video Stuart, looking forward to the videos on the classic 500 and more virtual ride outs on it 🏍😃👍🏻
Definitely going for the front end, the rear did not bother me much in the 5k I've clocked. The front though is scary over 120kmph.
I love your work ❤️ I am not you tube expert though if you visit India and make some vedios on Indian bikes can get more fan base alot more. These videos are very useful and many people can learn things from you. ✌️
Maybe one day!
I thought initially he was a bit nervous about leaning the bike, so I slowed down. I asked, trying not to hurt his feeling, why he slowed down so much. It turned out the his front suspension was like a 'pogo' stick. he had no preload whatever. no rebound damping. I invited him to 'bounce' the front suspension on my Striple. He couldn't believe how stiff it was compered to his Suzuki. It's supposed to compress, rebound and stop, not bounce up and down like ''Zeberdee'' from the Magic roundabout. Now, there are obviously points in between to suit one's riding... from comfort over rougher surfaces to the more sporty inclined. the same basic principal applies though, to control the action of the suspension....As you've point out it can make a hell of a difference.
Stuart nice seat of the pants review on various surfaces nice results .Cheers
I live in Thailand, I bought an Interceptor in July of this year, was really pleased with it except for the annoying clonk in the forks when going over bumps, which I put down to little or no rebound damping. Anyway having watched youtube videos and tried adjustable preloaders(which did nothing for the problem), I ordered the YSS fork update kit which I received and fitted yesterday afternoon. Wow what a difference. no more clonk! As YSS is a Thai company and they are made here they were only 147 pounds sterling, a saving of 100 on the U.K. price so a double RESULT! Thanks Stuart for you excellent and educational videos. Keep up the good work!
Conrad, did you use the recommended (YSS?) 15W oil and, if so, how was it for you?
Logical as ever uncle Stu .
I didnt think suspension needed time to settle in but it does make sense now. My new forks and shock felt to firm for the road but now feel softer after about 500 miles. Could be me getting used to it tho.
no they will have relaxed somewhat!
Brilliant video & review. 🍻 Mr. Stuart
Thank you Stuart, I had my rear shock rebuilt on my Suzuki a few years back and I thought it was knackered again. It looks like I'll be pulling the spanner out. P.S I am looking at the RE Interceptor
Glad it helped
Another great video, very informative.. and I don't even ride a bike!
Very informative as usual Stuart..
Glad you enjoyed it
Very informative video , good work .
TH-cam ate my comment on this video.
Excellent and informative video.
Rather than type out my comment again the short version is.
Would you recommend changing the fork oil until I'm ready to do a full upgrade.
Take care and ride safe.
probably not worth the hassle and work unless its going to take some time before you can make the upgrade!
Great review thanks Stuart.
No worries
As lucid as ever. Thank you.
Nice improvement Stuart 👍🏻
Thanks 👍
I was wondering if you could tell us about the interceptor's response to long travels. I'll gladly appreciate the info! As always, great video! Useful and relaxing.
Thank you ..
Love watching your videos. They have given me the confidence to carry out my own servicing and mods......when I am fortunate enough to have one.
The interceptor is the ideal choice and I will be following your route and upgrade the suspension like for like.
I am 6'2" weighing in at 13 stone.
My partner is not as tall but same weight.
How would you set up suspension for pillion passengers?
Maybe not a relevant question, please forgive my rudeness if so.
i just bought a 96 bmw r1100rt and the shocks are shot. I am going to buy the yss shocks.
Really interesting, thanks.
Nice vid there Stuart. Being on the chunky side, I notice that the standard suspension leaves something to be desired. Good food for thought here and some good setup advice. Black magic! Been thinking about Hagon. Did you consider them (yes or no fine!)? Keep up the good work, sensible advice is rare on TH-cam sometimes :)
spoke to Hagon once or twice but at the time they had nothing to offer for these bikes.
@@stuartfillingham Hitchcocks sell Hagons for the 650 but I found Hagons themselves very helpful when I rang and bought some all stainless enclosed shocks specced for my weight. They didn't do a front suspension upgrade at that time so I've ordered the YSS. To go with the Falco boots, Goldtop gloves...
Thanks Stuart. According to David Moss Tuning youtube viewing and other reading on the subject we should aim at our suspension of a street bike having sag, having static sag and having rider sag of about 30mm for street and 25mm for track with rider in gear onboard in riding position. That rider sag should also be the same front and rear. We have preload adjustment only on our oem Interceptor suspension. Measuring my Interceptor with 4000ks under its belt and me at 100kg I foung that I had sag, I had static sag and I had rider sag of 25mm in front and 30mm in rear with preload on lowest setting. Not too bad but not quite even front and rear. I would say for budget suspension Royal Enfield have done a good job. My front with time may get to 30mm of rider sag.
What sort of sag figures were you achieving with the YSS suspension upgrades?
Hi Stuart
What is the Motorcycle mount you use please?
I don’t know about you but I always find that the oil in front sus is always to thin so I like to put a different oil in and I always find the sus is more planted on bends.
Glad you gave a review of your suspension setup and I could see from the way your handlebars were vibrating shows a lot more response to keeping the "rubber on the road" Quick question, are your handgrips aftermarket? they look comfortable.Still enjoying your ramblings, keep up the good work.
Glad you enjoyed it! They are tripmachine leather wraps!
@@stuartfillingham I will look these up, I
like the look of them
stuart fillingham I just ordered an Interceptor. What are the YSS shocks and springs you chose? I looked on the YSS USA website and they don’t list Royal Enfield. So many different items in their inventory.
Very I informative video.
Thanks Stuart...interesting and well explained as usual. Look forward to any update vide you produce on your expereince with the two mods. Thinking about maybe the front fork mod for myself. One question...I'm not happy with the stcok seat and I notice you have fitted a new one, but not seen a video where you discuss it (please put me right if there is one). Interested to know how you chose that seat and what you think of it. Cheers.
yeah I published it last year Robert its the RE touring seat for the continental GT.
I wonder how it would feel with the yss upgrade but used the stock firmer springs they had you swap out for the softer springs?
If the softer springs do get softer at least you know that you have spare stiffer ones and a stiffer oil grade as an option to go back to without massive purchases... good bang for your buck.
People nowadays have the patience lasting same as an Instagram meme. I never change shocks, exhaust, brake on a personal motorcycle for at least 1k miles.
Just found these, this is style I prefer the look of are they also acceptable Rear YSS Z-Series Twin Shocks Black Edition [AG9367]
First off, absolutely fantastic watching all your videos, which are first rate.I have just fitted the YSS front suspension upgrade, and i found after I bounced the bike up and down on the front, that i get a slight knocking sound. Did you get this with yours.? I try to be fastidious when building things and wonder what i may have done wrong.I would appreciate yours or anyone elses ideas on this.
you have not done anything wrong. the knocking is the intended free play in the Brembo floating front disc.
@@stuartfillingham Are we talking about the RE interceptor I don't have Brembo on mine? Best regards Mel
suspension is important in terms of bruising your Crown Jewels or not Stuart 👍
Stuart, do you think you might do reviews of the S&S bore, compression, and cam kits for the GT650's? I got the performance silencers and air intake for my Continental and they made some difference. I'm wondering about engine mods.
For those cheaper skates among us, have you any details about the YSS Z series
Is the yss shock model is in midrange or there is another model with gas tank - which is much better?
Another informative video. But one wee question. I was under the impression that adjusting rebound was the way to control the thump of impacts from the road, and Adjusting the spring compression was to adjust the stance of the bike, e.g. Nose down to decrease rake and quicken steering. However as I am aware much of internet info can be inaccurate. I would be interested to hear about this from yourself. Thank you in advance.
as I explained Phil you can not assess any of that until the springs have relaxed, its pointless!
stuart fillingham apologies for my lack of attention. Mea culpa. Thanks for taking the time to respond. I’m looking forward for more info as I really like the interceptor and is under consideration for next bike, but I really like the bullet too. Please keep up the exceptional quality of these vlogs.
Very informative as always, do you think that the yss rears are markedly better than the hagon nitros that you fitted to your T120 given the extra cost ?( I am hoping to upgrade the shocks on my T120 soon, I would prefer not to have piggyback, but would obviously consider function over form if it's worth the extra cost). Enjoy!
They are in a completely different league Gillian!
Great video and will be putting in Fork kit from YSS but not happy with the look of the shocks with the piggy back system I prefer the clean look so was wondering if mixing brands is ok, such as putting Hagon or Ohlins or is there something else I could look at...Thanks
Fair enough!
yss makes shocks for the enfield twins that does not have the piggy backs (you can get with or with out) !
Will uncle Stu be carrying out the same mods to the Conti? Would love to see how to do this (safely) without a centre stand.
thank you stu. i am torn between the ohlins front and rear suspension upgrade and the front and rear YSS suspension ugrade to put on my continental gt650. which one should i go for regardless of the price ?
The Ohlins are a lower spec shock.
What's that on left side on handlebar... Some sort of compass or.... ??? 🤔
Love your channel and my interceptor. What pray tell is that large black thingy with the silver ring on top on your left hand side o the handlebar?
It's the swiveling base turret for a beer launcher
I stand corrected: it's for holding a Sat Nav device or smartphone
Turns out that handlebar-mounted beer launchers are not recommended at all; very bad idea, apparently. Sat Navs are ok, though.
Hi Stuart ! I have a question regarding these upgrades, i am using my continental GT for spirited driving and possibly track in a close future (just for fun, no real racing at all), curretly i tend to feel the back end wobbling and the front shimmying when giving it the beans on our south france twisty roads !!
Do you believe these upgrades will also increase performance and handling for my usage or only comfort? Thanks in advance !
check you tire pressures are correct first but it might just be that you need to increase pre load on the shocks, if that doesn't fix it, yes the YSS set up should sort it all out.
@@stuartfillingham thanks a lot !! 💪🏼
Read about a recall for safety reasons concerning to brake calipers. Only bikes sold on countries with road salt affected such like yours. Have you heard of it? Good that RE cares about customers and assume all the expenses contrary to for example honda that some times dont accept to activate warranty on rusty parts
Yes I have read about it. its not actually a safety recall ie it hasn't been mandated by the DOT. its just a voluntary welfare recall. I shall wait to se if they get in touch!
Hi Stuart Have you up graded thr suspension on the Continental GT 650 and has it made any differance/
Not yet!
2:30 that truck is going so fast. must be doing like 120 kmph.
Have a triumph tiger 800xc, don't go anywhere without my wife on the back. How would the enfield cope with a pillion if it had the rear shock upgrade?
Seems quite reasonably priced compared to some suspension upgrades.
Hello Stuart, Excluding the Re Bullet, having now carried out a few upgrades to all the bikes you own - along with carrying out servicing tasks - can I ask, of the two manufacturers and the four separate models of bike, which bike/bikes are the easiest to work on and get access to parts?? Hope that makes sense. Cheers Keith
RE without a doubt!
@@stuartfillingham Hello Stuart, many thanks for your reply. Watching the videos I did have a sneaky suspicion that might be the reply. Take care
Cheers Keith
I am operating on the principle that as I sell off unwanted stuff in my garage, when the income equals the suspension cost I will do the upgrade. Front suspension is ordered, but unfortunately "Current Status: Awaiting Parts". I've got the oil, but how long will I have to wait for parts? The Stuart Fillingham recommendation has struck again!
Hello Stu,
I'm about to follow your latest stuartorial on uplifting front forks to YSS top line, to complement the original yss rear uplift. (and, what a startlingly big improvement they provide!!)
My question (confusion) is your choice of silkolene rsf 2.5 - did you make that choice through experience & /or consideration for your stated like of comfort over performance entirely? I ask as two silkolene suppliers near me advise the yss recommended 10wt oil translates to silkolene rsf 15, and on 'Amazon' they also offer rsf 15 as equivalent to generic industry standard of 10wt.
I ask as it seems a stark distance between rsf 2.5 & rsf 15 in terms of viscosity & specifications more generally. I very much respect your experience in previous fork upgrades & use of silkolene products, as well as your upgrades generally- could you perhaps help elucidate as you did state yss recommend 10wt at the outset.
Cheers, Stuart.
yes it is confusing. a lot of retailers get it wrong. I took the values from an ISO/w table supplied to me by the technical staff at silkolene, for a previous video I made a couple of years ago. RSF 2.5 =10w=ISO15.
RSF15=50w=ISO100 which would be very very stiff.
@@stuartfillingham excellent! - thank you so much for clarifying that, Stuart. I've gone ahead & likewise purchased the same RSF 2.5 and am about to complete my own upgrade. Once again, thanks for your stuartorials, without which I'd never dream of fiddling about with my suspension. And, thank you for the 'heads up' on yss & wemoto products. I can't quite believe the difference made for the betterment to the bikes characteristic in terms of greatly enhanced poise & precision which, add to the confidence I feel in the bike.
I've no doubt once complete, the bike will, as you say be a great bike made brilliant. No doubts whatsoever. Your concise & precise videos are a huge asset for me. Cheers Stu!!
Sir! are the rear suspensions making a great deal of improvement?