50 years on two wheels and I've been on TH-cam for 14. This is the best review of a motorcycle I have seen. Nice to hear someone who has more than dough between his ears. Well done sir.
Had my Interceptor for 4 years now and 38000 miles and no complaints here 😊I did change the suspension exhaust and many other things including the cam and pistons too high compression ones but it's still a 650 but much angrier but the fun level has increased . I found that if I can't get a filter the Mobil one filter M1-104A fit it's just a little bit longer .
Good review I’m also 64 and have 3 others bikes xj900 fjr1300 and a 955! Daytona. My 650 has a good few mods and I find it so much fun great all round bike.
I've had my Continental for 4 years and it's a keeper. I'm short and light so it is plenty of power for me and as you say the rev range is 'creamy'. I've ridden a friends Bonneville 850 and although the seat height and comfort is better than the Continental, it only has 5 gears and feels too 'refined". The Continental to me has a bit of 'danger', it has loud wrapped pipes that bark and crackle and pop on decel, it feels like I'm riding an older vintage bike. I can get all my camping gear on the back with saddle bags that don't need racks. The only slight negative is the unchromed engine covers, they didn't have a blacked out version when I bought mine (I don't bother polishing the cases). I originally had my heart set on the Interceptor but the foot-peg position was the deal-breaker, too awkward for a shorty like me.
@@kebmel8668 I have replaced the Interceptor with a 2023 T100 and despite the increased performance, I found the Interceptor the sportier bike. The Interceptor is superior in many ways which I shall outline in a couple of months in a review and comparison with the T100. Please subscribe not to miss it.
Very true what you said 7:45-8:30...none of the external changes to the RE 650s engine make additional power. At 3 years on my 2020 650 Interceptor I went inside the engine; installed 83.5mm Weisco 11:1 pistons and an S&S camshaft. Coupled with the full stainless-steel exhaust and the reduced weight (down to 195kg/429-pounds) and the additional 95cc's the bike is quicker than either of my 2012 Triumphs (Bonneville and Thruxton). It now has "900cc throttle authority" even though it is 743cc. Anyone thinking about the "big-bore kit" should grasp the opportunity to own a 750INT. This bike turned 45,000 miles yesterday and has been the best in 55+ years of riding since 1967...
@peterclatworthy3695 the more sedate of the two kits with Weisco pistons is the one I used. It is 743cc, the larger pistons are 863cc. I have both Triumph Bonneville and Thruxton (865cc) and the "750cc" version of the Interceptor is lighter and quicker than either one. The RE 650s are built to handle the added displacement in stride; it is a natural progression and rumor has it that RE will morph into a 750 by 2026, that will be 126 years of production for RE which began in 1901. It is time.
@@frederickwoods5943Which Bonneville do you have? I have a 2023 T100. Its very nice but there are design features on the Interceptor that are superior
@@peterclatworthy3695 I have a 2012 Bonneville SE and a 2012 Thruxton. Also a 2020 Bonneville Speed Twin 1200. They are all technically different iterations of the Bonneville. The throttle body 865cc Triumphs are very similar to the INT650 and Continental GT; the throttle-by-wire on the Speed Twin ruins the ride, it is horrible.
I convinced myself that I wanted a Speed Twin and then rode one. Upgrading the Interceptor to a T100. Lovely bike but should have kept the Interceptor and upgraded my other bikes.
Couple questions, how come you swapped the bars to clip ons? Did you change the reaesets to Continental rearsets as well? Or were the interceptor rearsets OK with the clip ons? I am thinking of doing this as I have chronic tailbone pain after an hour on my interceptor. I'm guessing it's because I'm sat to bolt upright.
@@AdamHoughton-f3v I always thought the GT was the prettier bike which was my primary reason for swapping. After converting, the bike was essentially a GT continental in every way with a centre stand. The only exception was that I retained the top yoke from the Interceptor. Having converted the bike, I preferred the riding position and even at my advancing age found it more comfortable.
@@AdamHoughton-f3vI didnt find the Interceptor particularly uncomfortable after I had swapped the original seat for the GT touring seat. I did find the seat even more comfortable with the GT rear sets which mean you carry more weight on your thighs less on your sit bones. Same with the GT bars. The more weight you take on your hands the less you take on your backside.
This is a extremely odd review..... it is odd because I agree with all you say. The bike is a fabulous bike just as it comes, and does not "need" modifications....... I have done all the normal weight saving things, exhaust silencers and down pipes. Also some that I have done just because I can like making tatanium axles, nuts and Spacers. I have also fitted a Stratos Performance sprocket combined savings 1ib 15oz of unsprung mass from the rear wheel. I have Nitron R1s on the rear and Nitron TVT Cartridges in the forks. A Beringer 4 pot caliper with a 16mm Brembo master cylinder to improve braking, mainly internal bite. I have recently changed the wheels to alloys, not for esthetics but to aid possible puncture repairs on the go. These are silver, Lavada Jota style? I actual prefer spokes for looks. For personal comfort i have a GT Touring seat and GT foot controls. THE IMPORTANT BIT.... None of thes modifications are necessary as the bike is a good one out of the box. They are became they make small but incremental improvements, and because I can and it amuses me to do them. Apart fro fitting a Booster Plug (2019 euro4 owned from new) air filter and snorkel i have not felt the need to touch this sublime engine. I am of a similar age and experience to you. The only thing I do differently to you Peter is that I perhaps rev it a bit more than you when pushing on. Extremely well thought through and considered review. 👏👏👏👏 👍😎
I think that a booster plug is the best improvement you can make to these bikes. I never got round to it before I sold the bike but the science is convincing me that it is much kinder to the engine whether it makes a noticeable difference or not.
I. Would argue that if it helps the bike pick up better at low revs it could be seen as a performance aid. That's not what I would have fitted one for though. Because it feels closer to the optimum 14 parts and to 1 part oxygen it will allow the bike to run cooler. The extra torque at low engine speeds is another plus😀
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A voice of reason in the youtube desert ...
@@ralfybaby many thanks. More reviews to come please subscribe if you havent already.
50 years on two wheels and I've been on TH-cam for 14. This is the best review of a motorcycle I have seen. Nice to hear someone who has more than dough between his ears. Well done sir.
As someone looking for a first bike, this video is much appreciated. Thank you.
Had my Interceptor for 4 years now and 38000 miles and no complaints here 😊I did change the suspension exhaust and many other things including the cam and pistons too high compression ones but it's still a 650 but much angrier but the fun level has increased . I found that if I can't get a filter the Mobil one filter M1-104A fit it's just a little bit longer .
Really enjoyed this monolog.. ❤
That was a nice perspective on things. I put down a deposit for an Interceptor today and can't wait to get it - First big boy bike at 38yo
I'm sure you will love it.
I have gone to a Triumph T100 and preferred the Enfield.
Good review I’m also 64 and have 3 others bikes xj900 fjr1300 and a 955! Daytona. My 650 has a good few mods and I find it so much fun great all round bike.
@@garryphillips378 You have some interesting bikes. I would be happy to have any of those in the garage.
I’m also 62🤣
Great review mate, great photography I've subbed. 😊
@@petertate8366 many thanks.
Wise words!
I've had my Continental for 4 years and it's a keeper. I'm short and light so it is plenty of power for me and as you say the rev range is 'creamy'. I've ridden a friends Bonneville 850 and although the seat height and comfort is better than the Continental, it only has 5 gears
and feels too 'refined". The Continental to me has a bit of 'danger', it has loud wrapped pipes
that bark and crackle and pop on decel, it feels like I'm riding an older vintage bike. I can get all my camping gear on the back with saddle bags that don't need racks. The only slight negative is the unchromed engine covers, they didn't have a blacked out version when I bought mine (I don't bother polishing the cases). I originally had my heart set on the Interceptor but the foot-peg position was the deal-breaker, too awkward for a shorty like me.
@@kebmel8668 I have replaced the Interceptor with a 2023 T100 and despite the increased performance, I found the Interceptor the sportier bike.
The Interceptor is superior in many ways which I shall outline in a couple of months in a review and comparison with the T100.
Please subscribe not to miss it.
Very true what you said 7:45-8:30...none of the external changes to the RE 650s engine make additional power. At 3 years on my 2020 650 Interceptor I went inside the engine; installed 83.5mm Weisco 11:1 pistons and an S&S camshaft. Coupled with the full stainless-steel exhaust and the reduced weight (down to 195kg/429-pounds) and the additional 95cc's the bike is quicker than either of my 2012 Triumphs (Bonneville and Thruxton). It now has "900cc throttle authority" even though it is 743cc. Anyone thinking about the "big-bore kit" should grasp the opportunity to own a 750INT. This bike turned 45,000 miles yesterday and has been the best in 55+ years of riding since 1967...
@@frederickwoods5943 I have often wondered about fitting a big bore kit. I would love to do a review of that bike.
@peterclatworthy3695 the more sedate of the two kits with Weisco pistons is the one I used. It is 743cc, the larger pistons are 863cc. I have both Triumph Bonneville and Thruxton (865cc) and the "750cc" version of the Interceptor is lighter and quicker than either one. The RE 650s are built to handle the added displacement in stride; it is a natural progression and rumor has it that RE will morph into a 750 by 2026, that will be 126 years of production for RE which began in 1901. It is time.
@@frederickwoods5943Which Bonneville do you have? I have a 2023 T100. Its very nice but there are design features on the Interceptor that are superior
@@peterclatworthy3695 I have a 2012 Bonneville SE and a 2012 Thruxton. Also a 2020 Bonneville Speed Twin 1200. They are all technically different iterations of the Bonneville. The throttle body 865cc Triumphs are very similar to the INT650 and Continental GT; the throttle-by-wire on the Speed Twin ruins the ride, it is horrible.
I convinced myself that I wanted a Speed Twin and then rode one. Upgrading the Interceptor to a T100. Lovely bike but should have kept the Interceptor and upgraded my other bikes.
14:07 I`ve found that the "Mahle OC 458" oil filter is a perfect fit and reasonably priced.
@@Vinkelsag Many thanks. I wish i had known that before o sold mine.
Couple questions, how come you swapped the bars to clip ons? Did you change the reaesets to Continental rearsets as well?
Or were the interceptor rearsets OK with the clip ons?
I am thinking of doing this as I have chronic tailbone pain after an hour on my interceptor. I'm guessing it's because I'm sat to bolt upright.
@@AdamHoughton-f3v I always thought the GT was the prettier bike which was my primary reason for swapping. After converting, the bike was essentially a GT continental in every way with a centre stand. The only exception was that I retained the top yoke from the Interceptor.
Having converted the bike, I preferred the riding position and even at my advancing age found it more comfortable.
@@AdamHoughton-f3vI didnt find the Interceptor particularly uncomfortable after I had swapped the original seat for the GT touring seat.
I did find the seat even more comfortable with the GT rear sets which mean you carry more weight on your thighs less on your sit bones.
Same with the GT bars. The more weight you take on your hands the less you take on your backside.
This is a extremely odd review..... it is odd because I agree with all you say.
The bike is a fabulous bike just as it comes, and does not "need" modifications.......
I have done all the normal weight saving things, exhaust silencers and down pipes. Also some that I have done just because I can like making tatanium axles, nuts and Spacers. I have also fitted a Stratos Performance sprocket combined savings 1ib 15oz of unsprung mass from the rear wheel.
I have Nitron R1s on the rear and Nitron TVT Cartridges in the forks.
A Beringer 4 pot caliper with a 16mm Brembo master cylinder to improve braking, mainly internal bite.
I have recently changed the wheels to alloys, not for esthetics but to aid possible puncture repairs on the go. These are silver, Lavada Jota style? I actual prefer spokes for looks.
For personal comfort i have a GT Touring seat and GT foot controls.
THE IMPORTANT BIT....
None of thes modifications are necessary as the bike is a good one out of the box. They are became they make small but incremental improvements, and because I can and it amuses me to do them. Apart fro fitting a Booster Plug (2019 euro4 owned from new) air filter and snorkel i have not felt the need to touch this sublime engine.
I am of a similar age and experience to you. The only thing I do differently to you Peter is that I perhaps rev it a bit more than you when pushing on.
Extremely well thought through and considered review.
👏👏👏👏 👍😎
I think that a booster plug is the best improvement you can make to these bikes. I never got round to it before I sold the bike but the science is convincing me that it is much kinder to the engine whether it makes a noticeable difference or not.
@@peterclatworthy3695 It is not a performance aid, the bike goes no faster but the bike does pick up better at low revs and in the mid range.
@@2WHEELSor2WINGS I like the fact that it will run cooler. Modern engines are forced to run lean and hot to meet emissions.
I. Would argue that if it helps the bike pick up better at low revs it could be seen as a performance aid. That's not what I would have fitted one for though. Because it feels closer to the optimum 14 parts and to 1 part oxygen it will allow the bike to run cooler. The extra torque at low engine speeds is another plus😀