ROYAL ENFIELD Interceptor 865, A Reluctant Review. Dr Jekyll Meets MR Hyde!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ส.ค. 2024
- A belated review of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 865 conversion upgrade fitted to Hitchcock's Motorcycles own Interceptor 650.
Hitchcock's Interceptor Accessories. accessories.hi...
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PATREON. / stuartfillingham
That slightly diagonal handlebar brace is doing my head in!
Took me ages to get mine to look right, it had the same effect on me! 😅
I have loved the look of the Royals since I was kid. It's nice to see they've raised the bar. If they made one in 900 or 1000 I wouldn't mind paying a more,and customize the hell out of it, or not. These new offerings are real nice. Here in Texas I can't find a dealer near me, so I'll have to weight to see one in person. Beautiful bikes though, looks like a blast!
They have them in Austin, and likely Dallas and Houston.
@@taitsmith8521 What dealer? I'm in Austin
@@judge831 I can't speak directly for Austin, but I bought my Continental GT 650 from Woods Cycle Country in New Braunfels, and they are top notch people to work with on both the Sales and Service sides of the house.
Get one and add the 865 kit, it awakens the beast! You can't even compare it to the 650 and it smokes Triumphs. 😂👌
I'm seeing lightly used Thruxton 1200s for about this money. 104 hp, brakes and suspension to handle it and fabulous looking.
I don't think the RE will smoke that!
It's a good review because as you point out, the Interceptor 650 is well designed and with modification can handle a lot more power, which means that a standard Interceptor 650 is a good option.
Pleased you did this review and gave an honest insight into the pros and cons. Your sensible attitude towards motorcycling in general gives the viewer time to think.
Please do another video of a ride on your own interceptor (missing seeing it!) 👊
Another great video! I've got the 865 S&S kit, recluse clutch, stainless exhaust, cammed, ported, etc and am impressed. I reckon it's the bike RE should have built, as it goes as you expect a good 650 should :)
Great review as usual, thanks Stuart. I personally will not be doing that to my Continental GT for these reasons: the cost, the insurance, the police, my wife, the petrol consumption, the dangerousness and I'm very happy with the standard performance and I don't need more horsepower or temptation!
@@cowmath77 no one looks at a ninja 650s they are just plastic junk!
@@cowmath77 you're right, of course there are more powerful bikes. But you can still kill yourself on any size bike. I've had 3 nasty accidents and a couple of basic slides with no real damage. I don't trust car drivers, roads or even myself at times.
Others need/want more power but not me.
Hi, you do realize the cylinder head casting says something like 648 c.c.?
How can it be dangerous it's still only 65hp. Most other 650's like the SV650 have 73hp.
@@chrishart8548 I only want/need 47hp. Anything more for me would be a waste or more dangerous. You can get yourself killed quicker if you have more power, it's a known fact.
Outstanding video Stuart. The opening montage was hysterical with the popping glove...always knew there was a hidden 'Loki' behind that serious mein🤣🤣. But loved your approach to assessing the upgrade. Its definitely limited to a few. And remarkable strength in the design and engineering from Royal Enfield. In India there are a few engineering houses doing upgrades. But for the most part, it's a straight forward love affair between the owner rider and the stock Int 650. Once again, great stuff.
I've always been curious about this upgrade, though I've never considered it. I'm damn happy with what I've got. The only signifcant "mod" I've made-- a new seat, bar-ends and small windshield doesn't really count-- was a YSS replacement of the suspension, which has made all the difference in the world. I agree that, if you want more power, buy a bigger bike. I think every time you break into the guts of an engine, you're also buying future trouble. However, a motorcycle is somewhat like a mountain. There are people compelled to modify them just because they're there. That's unquestionably part of the appeal, whether you're a wrencher or not. It's also fun, in an odd way, that people care enough about the machine that they want to max it's potential, which, in my head, is a compliment to the stock product. A great and honest review.
Is the YSS worth it? Could you let me know what particular product/model you get for your bike?
@@lenguyenphi I got the front fork kit and the standard shocks, not the 'piggybacks." The cannister shocks were too expensive and, frankly, overkill for how I ride. YSS brands them as racing shocks. True or not, I wasn't willing to spend that much for street use. I also think the standard shocks look better on the INT. Where I ride are some of the twistiest roads in the country, and the bike is planted. I've also put BT 46 Bridgestones on when the Pirellis were used up, and now I feel glued to the pavement. It was money well spent.
Yep engines are my mountain but I usually only mess with them once theyve turned into a volcano and blow haha my 57 chevy was like that shes got a 327 in her and I lost a pushrod due to the #2 intake valve sticking so I ripped the motor apart and figured since I'm in here anyways I might as well upgrade the heads and well the heads raise the compression enough to justify a bigger cam and well since its all apart I may as well do the intake and exhaust and well its not much more to pull the motor and punch it out a few thou and so on and so forth and now I'm halfway to putting my 57 back together with a 331 with dual quads and a beefed up tranny I built for it haha I think I should be looking at somewhere around 450hp and now I'm looking at the axle thinking maybe I should do that and the brakes while I'm here haha I mean ive already done the suspension so. . .
but anyways things snowball fast when you got half a brain a 6 pack and access to a machine shop
I ride an 865 RE. In my opinion it doesn't make it a hooligan bike. Until you open the throttle a reasonable amount it feels very similar to the stock bike and doesn't encourage you to thrash it. It just has a lot more torque and allows you to accelerate briskly without feeling like you're wringing it's neck. I don't find myself riding any more recklessly now and feel like this would be about the ideal amount of poke for it to have come from the factory with.
The "sticky" transmission is not the oil. The heavy duty clutch has more plates in it and drags more when disengaged, so the transmission is always under a bit more load that makes shifting slightly harder. It's mainly noticeable when trying to select N from 1 in my experience, and whilst it isn't too bad at all is probably one of the major drawbacks of doing this modifications given how nice the stock gearbox is.
I never said it was a hooligan bike.
@@stuartfillingham You implied that it could easily be though Stu. The torque numbers are pretty impressive as long as the curve is smooth.
I have a stock Int650 and was dissatisfied with overtaking performance, especially uphill. Have difficulty keeping up with my ride mates. Mid range acceleration better enough to warrant the project in your opinion?
Yes, it makes it significantly more meaty in the mid range. It really does add a lot of "usable" performance. I wouldn't recommend it to someone who wasn't willing to tinker/troubleshoot to an extent though, as it's no longer a stock bike and in my experience I've spent a little bit of time playing with the tuning of the piggyback ecu to get it running optimally. I am used to the extra clutch drag now, but the loss of super easy selection of neutral isn't something to disregard and actually is kinda annoying. All up I'm really happy with it and would not want to go back to a standard interceptor. If you don't have a bike yet and want 65 hp, getting an RE and doing this doesn't make sense. But if you already have an Interceptor, I don't think it's a silly thing to do providing you can find someone reputable to do the engine work or are willing to do it yourself. Can't remember if it's mentioned in this video, but the work also requires the S&S or Hitchcock's cam, catless headers (can't keep stock headers), aftermarket mufflers, high flow air filter and a piggyback ECU or someone capable of tuning the stock ECU
Stewart,
Just want to take moment to thank you for what you do. After having listened to many of you videos I must say that it’s very easy to understand how you a e developed quite a nice gathering of listeners on TH-cam..
I’m from the States, LI-NY in particular and share you love or the ride, the sites and smells of Mother Nature.
Being 60 now I’m no where near a hooligan, and certainly speed is not my ultimate objective. I owned the HarleyElectraglide, enjoyed it for a while and had my fill of lugging 850lbs around town.
I’m taking a look and have been to (2) Demo Day rides on the Interceptor 650 and I have to tell you, I can’t Greesith your statement more, “The Bike is Truly more than the sum of its parts.” Cannot argue that.
My Honda NC700X is for sale; the Interceptor is looking like my next bike. I do love the T-120, but just can’t justify over $15,000 for a bike that I’m gonna need to change the suspension anyway as most of us riders would.
Thank you for your wisdom on the subject of bikes, bike economics and in general people!
Keep doing what you’re doing. If I make it over to the UK in my life, it would be a sincere pleasure to meet you.
Cheers
Tom Kispert
Thanks for all you do, it is rare these days to have a you tube channel with such a refined gentleman as host.
Wow, thank you!
I wonder if Enfield has a new 850cc in mind knowing they have taken an interest in what Hitchcock has done. It wouldn't be surprising if they came up with a new uprated engine with twin caliper brakes on the front as there would definitely be a market for it. Interceptor Sports Edition. It would do well in the USA market.
The obvious question is: "Will RE make an Interceptor with this engine?" Call it the "Interceptor Supernova" or some such thing.
One aspect I love about my Conti 650 is that I can absolutely ride it in (shall we say) a "spirited" manner & know that the tyres/brakes/handling will be able to cope in the dry as I'll not be bothering north of 70mph very often. In the same way I used to ride 70's 2 strokes, it's an ideal match of power to my skill level & road conditions, making riding more fun & feeling that I'm getting the best out of the bike. Having 50% more power would upset that balance, especially now we have 50mph limits everywhere & pot holes where you least expect. If I swap to a 411 Scram however, I probably would like a bit more grunt (I won't wait for the watercooled 450 single though, as to me part of the appeal of RE is the aircooled motor).
I think the big bore setup Hitchcock’s did would be incredible with a smaller sprocket to lower the RPM’s at highway speeds. It would be easy to rely on the torque in the lower gears and the it would just purr at highway speeds.
16 tooth front
I am actually having fun with my Int as built. If I want a little more "pull" that 1400 intruder I have will do. But the RE 650 is a sweetheart out of the crate!
Reminds of a time long ago in a galaxy far away, when I first met the 736 Redditch Interceptor. S&S was pretty much a Harley shop then, but others in California saw to it that the Atlas, Trident and Rocket 3 had company for a little while. Nice video and spot-on summary.
I enjoyed watching your review on the 865 and glad you agreed to do it. Based on the details provided on all the items that require upgrading to compliment the big bore kit, I am happy to content myself with changing the air filter and mufflers.
Thanks mate you always take me on a virtual ride and your honest and professional description just make it better!
Hitchcocks couldn't of given the bike to a more undeserving test rider, your safe riding skills are exemplary Stu
The first time I've seen Uncle Stu blow some hot air in his videos. Even the gloves were having none of it.
When I didn't hear the customary "Hey-oh!" for almost 50secs, I was a bit worried I must admit.
I investigated the upgrade about a year ago and here in Australia the RE sells for about $10k Aussie dollars and the upgrade was approximately $10k too, it totally doesn't make sense to me. But in saying that I'm sure it would be a fun bike to ride up the twisties.
It doesn't cost $10K AUD. I did mine all up for probably around $5K, maybe a bit less. This includes labour for an engine builder doing the assembly work and cylinder boring, but with myself fitting the ECU and exhaust system.
The larger displacement for sure will increase the torque output, but unless you get inside the airbox and modify the intake stacks the power at redline is going to be similar to the 650 with pipes/cam/tuner as it's a real restriction. The 650 with 2" shorter intakes and aftermarket air filter along with the exhaust, cam and tuning runs really nice with adequate torque to pull a 16T sprocket even down to 2500 in 6th...very rideable. Then it makes more power the higher you rev it and enough that wheelies start to become a problem if you're in the lower gears. In my book...it runs well for what it is and that's enough for a Classic British Roadster type bike.
I dont know how British motorcycle license works but im from New Zealand.
You can buy a 650 RE on your learners as its lams approved have it throughout your restricted license and when you get your full license you can unlock a lot more powerful bikes. But it means that you can buy a 650 RE ride it for as long as you find enjoyment then when it starts to get a bit stale you can buy the conversion kit and have a bit more power to it. You'll pretty much never have to change your bike like that
Sounds right up my street, another excellent and well balance review Uncle Stu.
Chunks of common sense and just a smidgeon of excitement run through this well produced Uncle Stu video!!!
Good vid Stuart. The great British tradition is to take a stock bike and modify the hell out of it it so having the option on the Enfield is superb and good for the exposure of the brand. After all that’s how Triumph got the Bonneville in the first place and it didn’t do them any harm! I remember the 1960’s and 1970’s press was full of modded parts and a whole sub-industry was built around it. Norman Hyde was the Triumph specialist? A set of flatter bars might be a good plan! Cheers Stuart….have a good weekend!
I like the idea of RE making an 865cc interceptor or continental GT to rival the Triumph Thruxton RS because of the price of the Thruxton RS which is quite frankly eye watering. And it's that Triumph pricing and reliability issues that turn me off the brand.
That's my Interceptor ! I added the Craven's color matched panniers. I just did a 780 mile weekend mostly on local county and state roads. It performed effortlessly and it's deceptively fast. The bike is smooth and very quiet, and I found myself all too often at 70 mph with no rear sensation of speed. I've read about the big bore kits, (some are even bigger then the 865) and I find no reason to do so. I bought the Interceptor for what it is. I'm sure as you stated there are those that want the " sleeper ". Years ago, I met a fellow who had a Xs650 with the 950 kit. Visually the only difference was the half Inch plate under the cylinders for the longer stroke with the bigger pistons. He said he liked " messing " with the Harley's. Yeah, I get it but the Re 650's are perfection in motion. :)
Thanks for the review. I have had all the bits for this conversion for some time. When I got them the option to have the liners fitted wasn't offered, so I still have to find a qualified machinist for that. This has been the big hold up. S&S also offer a full on "race" ECM that the end user must program, the example I saw, but did not hear run , had this. I was told that the ECM was not fully sorted by the installer. I have decided not to go with the replacement ECM, but with a similar one to the version you rode. Also there are a couple redone throttle body mods available ( S&S and an Aussie made one), sounds like the addition of one of those may make the bike over the top for street use. Think I'll save my money on that mod because I do want a street machine and not a track only bike. Your review has made me want to get this project on the front burner again.
Handlebars, ones that put more of the rider's weight over the front wheel would help hold the front wheel down & do "wonders" for your back. In other words, modify a continental GT. I think your thoughts on who would enjoy it are spot on.
Another great video Stewart. Love your Videos.
Thoroughly enjoyed this reluctant review 👍
Thanks again Stu, for a wonderful review. Being from Canada where are roads are a bit faster and and wider, the extra power would certainly com win handy. Having said that, i hope RE comes out with their version. Maybe twin discs up front , just in case, slightly bigger tires, bigger fuel tank etc. Mass produced in India, should keep the cost somewhat reasonable. I predict they will do this in 2 to 3 years if they are smart (which they are). Even a 750 version would be nice.
Honest and to the point review as usual Stu! 👍
Need few more videos on the transformation from 650 to 865 🙏 Love your videos
Nice honest review. I had the Himalayan and it also had twisted handlebars, drove me crazy.
I am going to start with suspension up grades, exhaust, cam then a big bore kit. Front and rear sprocket when that time comes. Power wheelies are fun, I recommend them for your inner hooligan.
Mate, thanks for the review, I really enjoyed it. You summed it up when you talked about the numbers at the end of the video. It only makes sense for someone who enjoys tinkering with bikes to make them "better" in a certain sense - normally squeezing more power out of a perfectly well engineered mill. If you want a decent modern classic bike that is appreciably more powerful than the 650 Interceptor, for the same money as the tinkered version you can buy a perfectly respectable Moto Guzzi, Triumph, or dare I say, Japanese offering. The beauty of a standard machine is that you'll never get hassle from your insurance company or getting and MOT.
Talking numbers, the Interceptor on mainland Europe costs approximately €7000 for the basic models, €7500 for the snazzier Continental GT. For only four hundred euros more, you can pick up a brand new Guzzi V7 iii (last year's model) at a discounted €7900 and it's a lot more bike for your buck. If you slap another €2000 on the price of a new Interceptor to bring it up to the same level of performance as the latest Guzzi V7 or Triump Street Twin, then you're bang in the €9000+ bracket that these bikes sit in. So if you're after competitive performance, that's what you've got to spend; if you're after a more sedate and relaxed kind of ride, then the Classic 350 at half the price of a Triumph Street Twin makes perfect sense. I can't see where the Continental or Interceptor fits in, to be honest.
Thank you very much for your down to earth and informative video. I’m saving for my Int650. This video makes me feel more confident about my choice.
Another fine and fair review, Uncle Stu! Personally, if I ever managed to get my paws on an Interceptor or GT650 I doubt I'd bother with this upgrade...but then I'm already content loping around on an old 500 Bullet. That said, I wouldn't be disappointed if a previous owner with better mechanical chops or a deeper wallet than I had done the swap either.
The wonky handlebar brace, can’t unsee it.
Ah, a RE that sounds like a bike should. More power wouldn't be required and the simplicity of the RE is very attractive. Nice review, thanks Stuart
Good day Stuart! The stock engine is so smooth and capable I wouldn't consider any such mod myself but glad to see the availability of this for those inclined. Agree with your personal take that if you want more power buy a more powerful bike. Also wonder, in the long run, how the bottom end of the engine will handle the mod. Hope your foot is healing well!
Please RE don't fall into this old trap that all manufacturers seem to fall into.
Standard bike is perfectly fine. Speed freaks today just turn into tomorrows statistics, which means more onerous legislation and expense for the rest of us who know how to behave on public roads. Boy racers just get up everyones' nose.
I really don’t think any boy racers will be buying 65bhp Royal Enfields 🤣
@@chrisnightingale6417 speed freaks won't be happy with 65hp !
@@stevec6427 2 up is a real killer. I rode a bmw r1200gsa had the misses on the back got it flat out and thought wow that's it. I rode a s1000xr earlier that day 165hp that felt like it had infinite power.
@@markwhitehead1658 1200 bandit is a great bike the horsepower doesn't even matter when you basically have a car engine. Original muscle bike.
Eureka it's here the 865 review. Thank you Uncle Stu. Glad to see no hooligan opinion or experience was sort in the making of this vid.
Great review. Would have loved to hear it on a track day where it could be opened up.
I'm happy with the performance of my standard interceptor so won't be changing, however have ordered the cam from Hitchcock's for my Himalayan
I couldn't care less about power. Make an Interceptor 650 with cast wheels and tubeless tires and I'll buy it.
I understand why some would want to do this upgrade but that's NOT the point of this motorcycle?
However kudos to the tuning company. Good, honest review, as usual.
Royal Enfield are global now and that upgrade will be quite popular in USA. Wouldn't be too surprised if they sell more over there with that kit.
When you listen that music, you know what’s in the way.
Fantastic! Please more of the pure riding with all the natural sights and SOUNDS . Every motorcycle video should have a selected period of nothing but the natural sounds of the ride with no music or talking. Thanks for great narration and info you deliver during your rides, but the pure ride and sound section says so much about a machines review. Just like in this video. It is really nice to see from your review that this machine can be thoroughly enjoyed stock or suped-up!
9:01 #Wheelieceptor650
How mild and even tempered must b the rider to remain aware and conscious of the deadliness of this kind of unchecked power.
With great power begets the need of great Response-ability.
Truly a thriller killer mod for the chosen few kamikazes out there.
Reluctant and 865 review over done, Well I would listen to your opinion and reviews over many others, this is something I'm interested in so thank you for your reluctant review Cheers.
Interesting review, Stuart. Not for me - but there have been moments in my 3+ years of Interceptor ownership when a few more horses would have been useful. Thanks for the videos. Keep at it!
Thanks Stu, I had to smile a few times when you used words never used on this channel before ... "Very little provocation..." "Unbridled horses..." Invigorating..." "more poke than my T100..." it does sound like you enjoyed it - just a little!! Thanks for taking your time out to do an afternoon ride on the RE865. Graeme NZ
2:54 is it me or are the handlebars tweaked a bit?
Sounds like a Lancaster bomber, i love it!
Maybe if it came stock from the factory? It could be made as cheap as the 650 when it's going down the production line. With a more profitable price of course.
I bet this conversion makes it much torquier. That would suit me. Along with different wheels and black handlebars.
What about reviewing this mod for the Himalayan? Surely it would be more useful to the 411??
I'm actually planning on getting that conversion. But not straight away. First, I'll be getting Interceptor 650 or Continental 650 and drive it for at least a year. Then I'll get the conversion, after I'll already know the bike throughout 😎
That jingling clutch makes it sound even more like a Ducati.
Wonderful review Stuart, as always. It was your comments at the end of the review that struck me as the most relevant. This performance mod demonstrates just how good the engineering on this bike is. I truly love riding my Interceptor. I’ve done a number of the mods you’ve recommended including the YSS suspension front and rear. The 865 mod is a bit over the top but it is interesting to see how well the bike can handle all the extra performance.
Were the YSS suspension mods worth the expense, in your opinion?
Yes…they’re genuinely game changing. It’s the single best mod I’ve made. The bike is that good. The suspension brings it to a whole new level. If I was only going to do one mod, the YSS front and rear are what I would do.
patience gentle viewer,, anything that can exceed 55 kph is considered a "hooligan" on this channel.
love ya
I’m with you on this Stuart - not much point in buying in the first place if it’s to be butchered into something else.
“I think there’s a lot more in it, more enjoyable, developing a slow machine to go fast.” - Burt Munro
I enjoy my 865. It’s a hoot and building it was just about as much fun.
Seriously, if you want more power, just buy a Triumph. T100's nice, lovely comfy seat too! 😄
I haven't had a wheely' machine since my 72 Kawasaki triple or my 79 Yamaha XT500
oh sweet this is the one I've been waiting for🎉
I believe the American market use this conversion for a dedicated RE track sport as a class on it's own, I have no information. I suppose it is a relatively cheap way of having track fun ( similar to the original Formula Ford idea). Thanks for another interesting chat on this.
You are correct, we have a flat track series that the RE are pretty dominant in using this conversion.
They road race these bikes in Moto America in their own class with female racers. If I remember correctly it's the Royal Enfield build train race series.
10:41. I get the feeling they aren't running Motul 7100 10W-40 oil in there. Or Motul 300V. The 7100 oil transforms your gearbox and clutch into buttery smoothness and silence. It's the only oil I've used that added power to my bike in a very noticeable way, with less windage and pumping losses, as compared to Castrol and Amsoil of the same viscosity, but also the Motul 7100 oil never ticks at all, even when the engine is idling and is super hot, where as the Amsoil synethic motorcycle oil began to tick when it got hot, it would get thinner with heat, which is not the case with the magical Motul 7100 oil.
All da very best from Australia....enjoy your summer biking.
Huge fan of the Int 650, but for the price bump you'd be paying for the extra performance I'd rather go to Yamaha and get myself a XSR700. Somewhat apples to oranges but not that much.
💯 agree. Wouldn’t be worth it unless you’re into modding. But if you just wanna ride, might as well just get a different bike.
Thanks for this interesting video.
i love this exhaust system ...
hitchcock's should be expecting a call from the States any day now !!
Putting that power into perspective. My Morris major elite from 1963 makes 56bhp. Plus it seats 4 and will carry their luggage. I know it's a very old vehicle but it was my daily driver for years.
I approve of this conversion. If I win the lotto then I would do it.
Interesting Vid Stu. The kit would not be something I would go for if I had the INT650, but I would still be interested to hear what the result was like and how the bike coped. So, thanks for creating the vid, was a bit of an eye opener ! Liked the sound of the exhaust too !!
A 750 version would entice me to finally buy one; but an 865 with the power of a combat Commando? Yes please...I love it! It sounds fabulous!
got my enfield and sidecar(650)interceptor after selling my aprillia falco what a difference the Enfield and sidecar is so much fun with a lot less horsepower but i do miss the rush of the falco at times hee hee
I’m thinking about it due to my location on the globe. The 650 runs pretty good though. I’m basically the kind of guy who could pull it off himself. I understand that’s not everybody.
I don't see the point of reboring the pistons to up the CCs. If you want an 850 CC plus motorbike then buy one. Why go to the expense and hassle of modifying a 650 ? I'm with you on this Stuart.
Another great and informative video, thank you.
I love the linear throttle of the Enfields. They’re perfect for normal riding. If you want ridiculous power, get an H2. Enjoy the ride, for the sake of riding. Take it in. Speedy bois need not apply.
Good honest review.
Good review Stuart. Would I have an Interceptor with the 865cc kit? Yes, not for the bhp but for the extra torque.
As they say, bhp is how fast you fit the wall, torque is how far you move the wall!
They should offer this as an upgrade from the factory or just another bike trim from the factory.
What is the total cost of getting decent horsepower out of this economical bike? S&S Pistons new cylinders board cases new exhaust system new camshaft plus labor what is the out the door price? Just a ballpark figure. It did some mighty good though.
I did the labor myself. Machine work, parts and tuning was just under $3k.
My Int650 just developed a crack on the cylinder wall and developed a slow leak. Hopefully warranty will over.
Thank you, Stuart; it's nice to see more of the leafy lanes of Warwickshire and your commendable restraint on the 865... Visually and aurally, the conversion appears to give greater tractability as a result of improved torque to which you referred; I'm equally sure that it would be exhilarating in the higher reaches of the rev range. However, for me, such a conversion rather misses the point of the 650 Inter and makes little sense from the financial perspective. Personally, if I were seeking higher output figures and spending this amount of money an 865, I rather go for a T100 or a Guzzi V7, but to each their own.
Just taken delivery of my brand new Royal Enfield Interceptor ,lovely bike, I adore it, BUT my god the stock seat is possibly the most uncomfortable thing I have EVER sat on EVER. Even after just a 45 min ride my arse is ripped to shreds. C'mon RE put a good stock seat on from the start dont make me splash out on a touring seat the morning after I took delivery.
Would be interesting to do a direct comparison with a Triumph T100. Same capacity.
Many, like myself, see these modifications as impractical. That said, I can appreciate how a custom bike builder might use this to create a bike that, as one you tube channel put it, “makes his heart sing”. To that end I laud those who put these options out there. I also think RE watches the response to such modifications as a market study, much the way they studied all the customizations of the interceptor 650 over the past several years. You can definitely see some custom bike influence in the test mules of the yet to be launched Super Meteor and Shotgun models of the 650.
I wonder if Hitchcocks added a tooth or two to the drive sprocket(s)?
Or... considering the ease of wheelies, OFF the drive sprocket?
If I were riding on the narrow lanes you do Stu, I’d be more than content with the classic 350. But here in Brazil, with a brother-in-law who rides like Rossi, and farm trucks passing my interceptor when going uphill- I think the 865 kit added to a paid for bike is less costly than upgrading to a street triple.
Try a Suzuki SV650, you won't be disappointed
@@redfive5123 SV is not sold in Brazil, but good suggestion
I am happy with mine the way it is, it has enough power/torque. Be interesting to know how these mods affect the insurance.
thanks for a gr8 review...
Good review uncle Stu , myself I don't see the point of spending almost half the value of the bike on these modifications, I'm perfectly happy with mine as it is , glad you mentioned the handlebars, as soon as the video started they were driving me to distraction 😆
Given rhat Hitchcocks have worked with Royal Enfield it would be interning to see whether Enfield ever take these learning's and start producing a factory version for an uprated model...
I would much rather someone did a 360° crankshaft conversion for it. I'm probably a bit of a masochistic but you can't beat the sound and feel of a real British twin
:-)) A 360° crankshaft! Gawwd, that would be troooly RETROgrade.
It would make for interesting exhaust tuning possibilities, though, like 2-1-2
Sounds great i reckon the upgrade kit be very popular in the USA. As Harley Davidson dropped their air cooled Evo engine Sportster model that upgrade will fill that gap. Royal Enfield are picking up in the USA they classified the 650 as a beginner motorcycle over there. USA motorcycle laws are similar to what UK had in the 70s also some states don't require insurance for motorcyclist's. USA is a bigger country and for the majority who live outside of major towns is a two hour journey to get to any amenitys.
Interesting comments on the brakes, many complain about the stock brake setup on the 650s. I guess there's a question of "enough" Vs what people are used to on other bikes. My measure is sort of vague but I know what I mean - I don't want a bike to vastly out-accelerate the deceleration available from its brakes.