Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

Regarding tail bone support, I am still running the stock seat. But whenever I expect to spend more than an hour in the saddle I prefer using the Fego Float air cushion. The air cushion makes sitting in the saddle very comfortable and provides adequate support and that is from a 700 km ride experience in a day. So use this option to maintain the stock look yet have a removable option.

Regarding foot pegs I have changed the driver foot peg position from the Interceptor to the more rear set GT position. The modification involves fitment of the GT gear shifter, GT brake pedal and refitment of the existing footpegs. The mod is completely reversible and can be done at any RE service centre. Once done the driver footpegs are exactly same as that of GT 650. I have not touched the pillion foot pegs at all. Hope that clarifies it for you. Thanks

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

Thanks bhai...Ye indeed. It was insightful.
With respect to foot pegs, did the modification you mentioned in your reply, require any welding work? Or is it something which requires just bolts-and-nuts work and may some placements of parts in different manner?

Secondly, whenever you use he GT seat, is it comfortable as far as tailbone support is concerned? I think I asked my question inadequately with respect to seat in last post. I actually have the RideOnAir. So, I use it whenever I ride long. But for D2D commute, only the normal seat is used. So you have ridden the Interceptor with both seats (i.e. the GT seat and also the stock int seat). So which one did you find better?

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

Hello,
Did anyone try out the Dirtsack boomerang series saddle bags? Do you think they are better than the Rynox Nomad series?
My primary concern is the bags touching the exhausts when loaded - will a saddle stay help avoid this?

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin


Your understanding of the footpeg modification is correct. The job involves unscrewing a few nuts and bolts and refixing them at a slightly different location. If you are a mechanically inclined DIY type of guy, you can do it over two hours. It is equally easy to revert to the 650 type footpegs as well. That having been said, I know of people who prefer the rearset position because that way, footpegs dont hit your shins when you are manoeuvering your bike sitting on it.

Coming to the seat aspect here is my take. I have found people largely agreeing with what I say, but there are a few who would opine otherwise. The stock Interceptor seat becomes unbearable to sit on after about an hour of riding. The stock GT 650 seat after about 90 mins. The touring GT 650 seat is also OK for about 90-100 mins of continuous riding. Give or take another 20 minutes depending on your bottom end sensitivity, height and quality of roads being ridden on. So if you wish to change the seat itself go for GT 650 Touring seat. It is much more firm and is better than stock Interceptor seat. Tailbone support is also adequate.

Thanks

Ride Hard Stay Safe

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin


Thanks man. The footpeg is clear now. Yes, I am a DIY person only and that why I got intrigued when you said that modification involves fitment of the GT gear shifter, GT brake pedal and refitment of the existing footpegs.. I will definietely try this one. As you have mentioned, I hope the purchase of GT shifter and GT brakepad will do the thing apart from refitment of existing footpegs.

And thanks for your impressions of the seat as well. I guess I will purchase the GT touring seat.

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

Hi there. I have not used Dirtsack Boomerang hence I cannot say much about the same. But I have been using Rynox Nomad V2 tailbags on my Classic 500 as well as on the Interceptor 650 for the last four years. I bought Rynox Nomad as I have an Upswept exhaust on my Classic 500. Thankfully the Nomads work well on the Interceptor as well. As you can see in the photos below the Nomad saddlebags are quite clear of the exhausts. Since I was a bit apprehensive about the same I put an additional webbing strap to hold the bag in place. But that will not be essential.

Point to note I also have saddlestays fitted on my Interceptor. No saddlebag will be usable on the Interceptor without saddle stays. The saddlebags will not touch the exhausts provided you set them up correctly depending on the load. Equal loading of both sides is a must. Hope that helps you.

Ride hard stay safe.

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

If you are located in Delhi, check out Khajanchi Seats in Karol Bagh. Equivalent to Sahara / Perfect / Rao seats.
They can provide you tons of options to choose from in terms of seat fabric / Foam / Seat type / stitching. Do check it out before you but the GT seat.

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin



Yet another affirmation of how good this bike really is.

Cheers

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

This is awesome and assuring. Before I close off on my purchase (most likely the Nomad ones), could you also relay your experience of the bags during moderate to heavy rains? I've heard mixed reviews on the quality of the rain cover provided - is it up to the mark?
I'm guessing you've got the Zana saddle stay installed on the Interceptor?

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

Yes you are right I have Zana saddle stays. They are strong and quite sturdy. The build quality is pretty good. Been using them for a year plus now.

The Nomads are not waterproof even with the cover. The covers themselves are partially effective as they cover the saddlebag on the outer side. The cover is a slip on over the top type. Hence the section of saddlebag that is towards your tyre is left uncovered. Hence if you drive through a puddle or a even a shallow body of water the splash will end up wetting your bag. To keep your things from getting wet you will still have to pack things in plastic bags inside the saddlebag if you are riding in monsoons. While I am happy with Nomads I feel their design is a bit dated.

Check out the Expedition Stormproof saddle bags from Rynox. They are waterproof with a top roll design. The price difference is not much. Since you have to go for saddle stays it would be worthwhile to check these out as well. I suggest you go to a shop and try out both variants. Make your choice based on what feels better for you. You can then wait for a good deal online and order the bags. This would be the best process. Do let me know what you have decided.

Ride hard Stay safe.

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

On my hunt for the perfect saddle stays I've come across the following-
1) "Zana saddle stay" for 1800
2) "Old school custom" saddle support for 3500. It's priced higher coz it's got a bottom support to avoid the bags from touching the exhausts (my guess)

Do you think the additional price on 2) is justified? Would you recommend it over 1)?

For the saddle bags, I've got the prospect list down to 4. They are-
1) Dirtsack Boomerang 25L at 3650- https://www.dirtsack.in/products/boo...re/saddle-bags

2) Rynox Drystack 30L at 3450- https://www.rynoxgears.com/products/...ddlebags-black

3) Dirtsack Frogman 28L at 6100- https://www.dirtsack.in/products/fro...dirtsack-store

4) Rynox Expedition 32L at 5250- https://www.rynoxgears.com/products/...ags-matte-grey

A few things about my existing touring setup- I currently have a 42L top box from Shad SH42 and do not have the budget for panniers. I'm fairly new to the biking/touring community (This is my 2nd bike and I've been riding since 2015). Purchased the top box with limited research and I'm not sure if it was a wise decision

Based on this info which saddle bag do you think I should opt for? I stay in Mangalore and we do not have dealers for motorcycle luggage (none that I know of have Rynox or Dirtsack in stock)

Thanks a ton

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

If by Old School Custom saddle stay you mean this



then it is a very good design. Go for it. It eliminates all problems related to Upswept Exhausts. This saddle stay design will allow you to fix conventional saddle bags ie. rectangular saddle bags as well. And would also allow you to upgrade to hard case panniers in future when budget permits.

Secondly, among the four saddle bags that you have shortlisted I would recommend Rynox Expedition Stormproof saddle bags. They are fully waterproof and would be a worthy investment. The rectangular shape will also allow better stowage space. And I am sure they would fit well on the Old School saddle stays as well.

You cannot go wrong with Shad Top Case so be assured of the same. Since you have a Top Case I would not recommend adding a claw type over the pillion seat stowage bag. It might adversely affect the vehicle riding dynamics.

I have used many Rynox products and hence I can vouch for their build quality and durability. Dirtsack products I really have no idea.

Regarding fit and feel of saddle stays I would recommend you to chat with Old Customs sales team and have them share some photos.

You could also chat with Motocentral Pune on their WhatsApp number mentioned on website. They are Rynox retailers and have a significant customer base. I am sure they would also be able to guide you. I have bought riding gear from Motocentral Pune and have found them to be quite knowledgeable and forthcoming.

Hope this helps.

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

That was quick. Thanks a ton mate!!!

Will get back to you with updates on my progress

Ride safe!

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

Today, while I was getting my bike refueled, I inadvertently happen to check the fuel tank lid which I was holding in my hand while the tank was getting filled. Much to my surprise, I found the rubber seal just below the lock (which is used to actually seal the tank opening) cranked open. I checked upon it closely and found that half of it it just withered off from rest of the rubber.
On a quick inspection, I feel that it may still provide the sealing for the tank. But can not be 100% sure. If it is not sealing the tank, then I might be in problem with respect to the water seeping into the tank. As I cant say for how long the crack was there, cant really comment on whether there was any seepage. The bike is however running okay.

My bike is March, 2019 purchased and has barely done 5k on odometer. Given how RE is being praised in general for the quality of the 650 Twins, it was surprising that such vital part just gave in.


pics below-

Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

This has happened to few and it will be replaced in warranty. Get it done asap other there are chances of fuel spilling out.
Probably they would replace the full lock set as this gasket is not a separate item.