Royal Enfield Interceptor Series 2

Hi

I have only ever posted on the Norton section on here as i have a 850 Commando. 'Onders' has just asked me to post here for general interest as I was asking the Norton guys about the 8" TLS and whether it is worth it for the Enfield.

Here is my Series 2 Interceptor, a bike I have wanted since I had the 'Go Interceptor' poster on my wall at University as I was getting in Britbikes in the mid eighties. I imported it in January this year from Mississauga in Canada and did it all (the paperwork) myself. It has Metal Profile forks that I will convert back to short Roadholders this winter. Other than that it is original except the rear shocks that should be shrouded and I will buy those over the next few months. It has cost me far too much so far but I am sure I would make money if I sold it but don't plan that.

I have sorted the clutch (remachined the drive face of the basket, new plates, new inner primary seals etc), rebuilt these forks, refitted the clocks and had them reconditioned by SpeedoRepairs (brilliant job), made special stainless fork top nuts at work on the CNC multiaxis m/c centre to mount the clocks, new seat cover, new tank decals, refitted battery plus tray, new handlebars, etc. Basic stuff. Engine seems fine, guy had rebuilt the top end with new rings. I have got it oil free now.

Will take it to the Manx GP this year. It looks the dogs bollocks. Ain't no Commando but is a nice cruiser and exhaust note is a beautiful rasp sound.

All the numbers match.

Here are a few piccies from the recent Interceptor rally that I rode it to here in the UK, my bike has 750 (not original but I like it) on the sides and is next to a series one and one piccy on my drive.

ATB.

And another one that didn't post...

In your initial post, the code typing appears to have gotten mis-typed.

Nice bike!

Very nice. I had a Rickman Enfield cafe bike for a while back in the '70s, and liked everything about it except the gearbox, which would be suitable for any large tractor.

Ken

Nice! The front end is Commando?
But I must say that the gearbox is NOT suitable for a tractor as it isnt
strong enough for a 250 much less a 750. They are satisfyingly bizarre in design
but woefully shortlived in practise. Mine, whilst at an idle on its stand with no
rider, put itself into gear. leap forward and expired. Small surprise upon
stripping to find the sleeve cracked between ALL the oiling holes. That
and the look of the internals were as if they had been turned up in lead with decidely
dull tools.
Ah, Royal Enfield, Built Like a Gun.
...a bloody cap gun!!!

Trust me those forks are Metal Profile not Commando. You may be looking at the Series 1 but those were also Enfield forks I think.

Those look like Dunlop 501 GTs; nice sticky tires.

Oh looked just and previously only saw one pic, now I have the others load.
Yes, they are not Norton forks. The new (to me) pix shows Mk1 with the leading
axle? Mine was a 69 MkII no leading axle, no oil cooler but had a paper airfilter in
a plastic box. Bit clunky but always was distrustful of open stacks.
I was a Triump twin and triple man and I must say found the Interceptor to be
much as you say, a nice ride for sensible speeds and adequately surfaced roads.
Got good mpg and had less vibration than a Triumph twin at 60 mph or less.
You are not far from Hitchcock so a parts shouldnt be a bother if we ignore the
fact that you must pay for them!
If I still had a Interceptor ( and I shall be looking) Id spring for one of his five
speed modern design gearboxes. That is really the weak spot. Remove that and
you'd be in good stead.
Thunder on mate!

Very Nice . You realise they were built as HIGH SPEED cruisers .
So if the roadholdings right you can sit on 90 mph.We expect a REPORT . thank You . :mrgreen:

Yes Matt. I am just going through the final checks and intend to do that, certanly when i have brakes. Another guy on the yahoo Interceptor forum also has a Commando and reported it felt fragile compared to a Commando engine. It feels the same to me but I intend do it give it some. The engines aren't quite as bulletptoof as they make out and need a few checks like the oil pressure relief valves, tappet oil supply and wiring in the oil seal near the oil pump or suffer complete pressure loss. Will let you know.

One in one of the mags has a Disc Commando front end on it . And Why Not .

Will see if I can find the Classic Bike mag. drivle on the Enfield chaps .

" Built Like a Gun " - > BANG . ( just kidding ) . Royce Creasey of Quasar infamy
I think raced fast single R.E.s , and was reputed to be building a Twin racer , aeons ago .

He answers E'mails. May pay to twist his arm . Im sure most of the horror stories are related to ameture botch up and thrashing looose clearance antiques more than inherant flaws .
If in doubt , put a enourmous Oil Pump on it . . . :lol: :? . The Rickman chap sold a few hundred off them ( saw one on the road in sydney 1980 ) and there were Indian badged ones too .

http://www.burtonbikebits.net/rickman_metisse.htm ( royal oilfield rickman details )

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=rickm ... 869&surl=1

http://www.burtonbikebits.net/floyd_cly ... _750cc.htm











Was a reasonable test in the Aussie ' two wheels ' mag. too .





So ' Burton Bike Bits ' appear to be the Royal enfield chappies . Would loose the Orange Stripe , personally . Chrome all over . Saw a mint one around 95 ,From Wellington N.Z.

Hitchcocks re the main guys, you can get most stuff, some is Indian made and is really dire quality though..

GrandPaul

Re the Dunlop 501GT's. They were new about 5 years ago when the guy started the rebuild but seem quite hard actually but I am sure will be good enough. I used to have some on an RD400 and was on the old coast road from the Port of Erin in the Isle of Man to Peel with John Hudson on the back (the main tech at Norton in the Dommie/Commando years). I was trying to get my signatures to get my National racing license at the time and do the Manx GP. I used to screw the RD everywhere and John used to love it even though he was 75 at the time. I remember going into a tight left hander way too fast with the brake full on just expecting the front end to wash out :shock: and thinking John would probably have enjoyed his last moments but the tyres stuck like glue and I manhandled it around somehow, probably more luck than skill.

So I think the tyres are fine for an Interceptor

Speaking of fragility, at least as far as I remember, the crankshaft was quite beefy
and a good deal more confidence inspiring than the Commando's.

Your right Onder. The main bearings are huge but ti does feel fragile.

Royal Enfield goes pop. http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/bl ... music.html

I now have my 1970 S2 Interceptor. Rode it briefly. It was quite powerful, comparable to a Norton( kind of). Much more a kick in the pants than the ole Squirrel. :shock: But I have much work to do, pretty much everything needs to be serviced as it was neglected for years. So I am going to do a through clean up and maintenance on it and resist any restoration as there very few original ones around anymore. Seems like pretty super restored ones are all you see , if you see any at all . So no new paint, no new chrome, no new plate just much grease from my old elbows

You are entirely correct in keeping it original. I lost control on that!


Good luck and keep us posted.