Topic: Royal Enfield 650

[Alan F.]

I just noticed I'd said below that I has an S&S 2:1 but it's actually a TEC Stinger 2:1 which is quite a bit slimmer than the S&S. TEC claims 28lbs lighter and I'll probably ditch the center stand AR the same time for another 4 or 5lbs. I've read that skinny guys are readjusting rear spring preload after bolting this pipe on. Here's a pic from their website:

[grcamna2]

I just noticed I'd said below that I has an S&S 2:1 but it's actually a TEC Stinger 2:1 which is quite a bit slimmer than the S&S. TEC claims 28lbs lighter and I'll probably ditch the center stand AR the same time for another 4 or 5lbs. I've read that skinny guys are readjusting rear spring preload after bolting this pipe on. Here's a pic from their website:

That 2 into 1 system looks nice Alan;is it made from Stainless steel ?

[Alan F.]

Yes it is. I need to pick up some exhaust gaskets before the time comes to mount it up. TEC is now recommending that you double-gasket the ports when mounting to overcome some dodgy fitment issues.

https://www.tecbikeparts.com/product/tec-2-1-stinger-exhaust-system-royal-enfield-interceptor-650-continental-gt-650-models/

[C317414]

I just noticed I'd said below that I has an S&S 2:1 but it's actually a TEC Stinger 2:1 which is quite a bit slimmer than the S&S. TEC claims 28lbs lighter and I'll probably ditch the center stand AR the same time for another 4 or 5lbs. I've read that skinny guys are readjusting rear spring preload after bolting this pipe on. Here's a pic from their website:

Ditching the OEM RE mufflers alone results in a big decrease in weight, because the catalytic converters are built-in.  It's not like water-cooled Triumph twins that have a separate catalytic converter under the engine.

[Alan F.]

Right you are, plus the stock downpipe are double wall and look great, but these flow better.

[Terry in Australia]

I think I'd leave the centre stand on if it was me Alan, I've been working on the Fireblade and RC51 recently, and without a centre stand, it's a real pain in the arse, even for something as simple as adjusting/lubing the chain.

[Alan F.]

True, but I've got a swingarm stand to use for that stuff.

I'll be putting together a simple gravity feed chain oiler from some cheap Chinese eBay parts, it might cut down on chain maintenance. One for this bike and one for the 250 Nighthawk project bike.

[Bankerdanny]

Yep, the RE 650’s crap all over the Triumph Bonneville. When we bought my sons Continental GT in 2019 we were chatting to an old guy who’d test ridden a new Bonny before he test rode the RE Interceptor and said that the Triumph was much heavier, and over here, cost almost twice as much. I’m currently flogging around on a poorly maintained RE 350 Classic and I’m impressed with how much abuse they can take, if the 650’s prove to be as tough, they will kill the Bonneville market.

I enjoyed my 2002 500ES. It wasn't fast and the vibrations at the ~65mph top speed were harsh, but it was a ton of fun to ride around town and on B roads where you didn't go over 45 mph.

[Alan F.]

I've decided to swap out the Pirelli Phantom Sportscomps for Shinko 244s this year so I can enjoy more dirt roads with fewer traction worries. I found my best deal at Chaparral http://Www.chapmoto.com a few weeks ago and I've been watching eBay too. Last night I spotted a 4.10-18 for about $12 less and bought it, then I bought a 5.10-18 and some tubes at Chapmoto and got 10% off for putting in an email address. All totaled these are $171.54 all shipped free. Reviews are really good, there are lots of videos of KLR650s scraping pegs with these tires, and after some searching I even found a guy who was enjoying them on a CX500, same weight and power as an RE 650. Load ratings are higher than most street tires of the same size, I'm looking forward to that first dirt road.

[Terry in Australia]

Yep you gotta love Stinko’s Alan, the 712’s I’ve just had fitted to my Kawasaki H1 wheels were only $240 AUD. They installed Michelin tubes and new rim bands, and the total with fitting was only $315 AUD or $219 USD.

[Alan F.]

I (and a lot of people probably) wish Shinko made a 712 rear in 130 or 5.10 width. I should lace up a front hoop to the rear so I can run their 120,110 or even 100 width rear next season. There's no real need for a 3.5" wide rim on the rear when there's a perfectly good 2.5" wide hoop on the front using what are probably the same spokes. Handling would no doubt improve with a narrower rear tire.

Just checked the parts lists, front uses 9ga spokes, rear uses 8ga, no length listed.
The cheapest front wheel in silver is $206 and it's a blem/takeoff in the States. I'll keep an eye out for one at a more reasonable price.

[bert96]

I have a quick question. Is these bikes as reliable as a Honda?


Bert

[Terry in Australia]

I have a quick question. Is these bikes as reliable as a Honda?


Bert

I’d say yes for sure. We’ve had my son’s 650 since he bought it new in 2019, and had no problems with it at all. Due to his busy work schedule he will leave it for months at a time without riding it and it starts every time like he rode it yesterday. I guess time will tell how good it is in the long term, but so far, no complaints.

[Alan F.]

There have been some issues mentioned on RE forums.
Some are ECM related, some are fuel pumps or relays or ignition switches. Generally after a little tinkering they're as reliable as any other bike.

[Terry in Australia]

Actually I just remembered that Tim had a bad ignition switch in 2019 but the shop replaced it under warranty. It must have been common in the early models because they had a new one in stock.

[Alan F.]

And a full lock set with 2 keys, right side cover lock, gas cap and ignition keyswitch is only $60-70 from any of hundreds of ebay sellers in India.

Buying parts from a Dealer Parts Department is foolish when their prices are inflated 200-300% and everything is backordered. Over on the RE forums there are people with bikes sitting rotting at dealerships waiting for parts the dealership can't provide. Even for warranty repairs it's often just worth buying your own parts and fixing your own bike. Their dealerships don't have the best reputation for repairing  bikes.

[Terry in Australia]

Tim dropped his on our first ride when just moving along at walking pace and bent the clutch lever so I brought a new one from an Indian Ebay store for $25 including postage which is excellent for an OEM part.

[Alan F.]

Agreed. From India I bought a 6-pack of oil filters for like $35, passenger backrest/rack for $65, +1 tooth front sprocket for $29. And a pile of stuff from forum members in the States, a seat for $60, Tec 2:1 exhaust for $300, spare tank for $150, set of stock turn signals $25....

Yes I'm a hoarder, it's a disease. (not really)

[C317414]

I have a quick question. Is these bikes as reliable as a Honda?


Bert

My wife's bike has very low miles, so I can't base it on hers.  On the other hand, a good friend has an Int650 with over 20,000 miles and has had zero issues.

[Bankerdanny]

Agreed. From India I bought a 6-pack of oil filters for like $35, passenger backrest/rack for $65, +1 tooth front sprocket for $29. And a pile of stuff from forum members in the States, a seat for $60, Tec 2:1 exhaust for $300, spare tank for $150, set of stock turn signals $25....

Yes I'm a hoarder, it's a disease. (not really)

The RE forum here in the US is a good one. I joined back in 2007 when I bought my dad's Bullet 500ES. The positive experience I had there (same user name) is the reason I looked for a Honda forum when I was buying my '77 550k in 2011 and then joined the Naked Goldwings Forum when I got my GL1000. Back then the forum was run by the Minnesota based importer. RE took it over when they formed Royal Enfield US, but they have been a good steward from what I have seen. I still check in every couple years to see what is going on.