Royal Enfield Interceptor Owners

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Lazy K, a 1972 Rickman Royal Enfield 750 interceptor cafe racer(30/04/2002)
Juha, Looking for Straight Pipes(20/04/2002)
Daytona, no matter how much my wife nagged me(19/04/2002)
Dr Bob, The Service Manual (17/04/2002)
Garry, my interceptor is not exactly pristine(11/04/2002)
Steve Johnson Help, I need to buy one. (09/04/2002)
Orlan Riggs I have a rare California Special (08/04/2002)
Ray from Isle of Man - the only one to race an Enfield twin here (07/04/2002)
Alan Kaplan Sag Harbor, New York U.S, Interceptor -68 (03/04/2002)

George Semar, Parallel Twin Question(30/03/2002)
nat1kickrun I own several british bikes of different makes(25/03/2002)
George Semar I have an unrestored '64 Interceptor (23/03/2002)
Yvonne Gratton I need some clutch parts (18/03/2002)
Anders Happy Birthday Interceptor (04/03/2002)

Paul Exhaust system was replaced with a pattern one (31/01/2002)
Dennis , CYCLE WORLD MAGAZINE (29/01/2002)
Ole, New Crankcases, oil leaks and crankshaft balancing.(29/01/2002)
Ole, Pressure pump from a Series I engine that they can install in a Series II (25/01/2002)
Jim , Waterford, Virginia, with a Classic stable of UK machines(24/01/2002)
Keijo Contellation Greetings from Finland(24/01/2002)
gREgg Ottawa, Canada(21/01/2002)
Letter from Ole, Denmark, Issue with Oil pressure! (10/01/02)
Ole's letter is an ideal example of the type of debate this whole web site is about, enjoy and contribute expericences
Bob C., Saskatchewan, Canada just getting started on restoration.(14/01/2002)
kas r/e 750., will finish wiring it tomorrow.(12/01/2002)
Dennis (fr Yahoo disc. group) 800cc Interceptor!, Racing Clutch and Norton Brakes(07/01/2002)
Roger,A Stable of Interceptors(05/01/2002)
Gordon, I have bought the bike as a project!!(02/01/2002)
Ole-- There are Technical Issues with the Interceptor Engine(02/01/2002)
Dick --About, Boyer Ignition from the UK!!(01/01/2002)
Dennis, New York, Clutch drag and\or slippage(01/01/2002)

Apr 2002 Mail

Lazy K in Marysville, Washington , U.S

(30/04/2002), Truncated... Lazy, please provide return e-mail address
Royal

Juha, Finland

(20/04/2002),Looking for Straight Pipes

Do anybody know where from one could get a new pair of ex-pipes (UK model, not one with kinked off rear nor MK I one)?
Thanks Juha
......
Juha,

Consider that if you do this, you will also need the correct mufflers as well: the ones without the cut outs in the side to clear the axle nuts.

... gREgg

......
Hi Amigos, as for the pipes I cant say, but as Gregg said the mufflers should match. The discussion rang a bell in this regard, so
I dug out my "domi Racer" catalogue and looks like they have the undented type muffler for sale, both right and left. They're
described as for"1958-1966 700&750 twins" and the picture shows no crease on the side at all, although a drawing. Might be worth looking into...
Hope this helps Bob
.....
Hello Juha

I saw an ad from Keith Benton, with second hand silencers, do not remember if they are the straight or kinked ones. Call him and find out.

Keith Benton
Fax and tel 0044 15395 32676
Address: Via Gellia, Kirkhed Road,
Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 7DD

Best regards Anders
.........
Hi Guys
Abouth the straight pipes.
The U.K model is often shown with kinked up mufflers, same as the U.K model. Looks sporty, but gives less room for saddle bags, allthough I think the kinked up version looks better.
However, just in case there is any doubt as to the U.K model being original with straight pipe ends (They're described as for"1958-1966 700&750 twins"), I thought I include a picture from the Interceptor -69 Workshop manual showing the U.S and U.K model. (see
photo album here) So, if in stock, the mufflers, and pipes should be available through Hitchkock or Burton's for instance.
Cheers Royal

Daytona, San Francisco California USA

(19/04/2002), No matter how much my wife nagged me

Great site! It is nice to see interest in the old Series II Interceptors. I have owned over a dozen bikes, and this has always been my favorite. I bought it new in Northern California while I was in College and refused to ever let it go - no matter how much my wife nagged me. I rebuilt it a couple of years ago, and it is as strong as ever. With a little care, it will outlast me.
Series II Interceptor 1969

Dr Bob, Oakland NJ -USA

(17/04/2002), The "Service Manual"

How come the "Service Manual" is comprised of only 2 subjects/chapters? Where can I get basic service specs & procedures for a '67 Interceptor?
Interceptor 1967
...
Hi Bob
Thanks for your feedback.
This is however not a commercial site, but thousands of hours have been put into it.
The workshop manual basically needs to be typed in, page after page (in order tobe able to be used effectively, scanned images are gererally too slow), so don't hold your breath.
The number of hours available for our hobbies varies, hence the up to date'ness and completeness of
the Interceptor site can sometimes fall behind. It is however inspiring to get the feedback that someone needs it.

We have a Copy of the Workshop Manual for the Series II Interceptor which we bought from England a couple of years ago,
because we thought it was an original, but it's not, it's only a copy.
It has all the pages, but we have since sourced an original ourselves.
If you're after the information it'll do the trick. If you want it, we'll sell it to you for the equivalent value of US$25 Plus Postage.
I think US$10 should do the trick Airmail from here AUSTRALIA.
If this is of interest to you, I'll find out which would be the cheapest way to send the money.
Probably just the notes, but I'll get back to you.
Cheers
Royal

Gary, Queensland Australia

(11/04/2002),

Im afraid my interceptor is not exactly pristine or original i rebuilt the engine from remains of one of the rickmans and had to slot it into asuper meteor frame,keihin carbs[have used del ortos too],
I have had the mk 11 about 14 years,but have had 700,s since 1959 and still ride actively.
looking forward to further contact.
Garry

Steve Johnson, I Want one!

(09/04/2002),

I'm looking to purchase a Royal Enfield Interceptor 750. Please are there anyone out there?

Steve Johnson
Monterey, California
...
Hi Steve
Right on. Any particular price range, any particulat year model? We'll put that on the Buy and Sell page
Should there be a need to, in replies to anyone having one for sale, is there a Phone Number you'd like us to return to them (we won't put it on the web page)?
Cheers
Royal
....
Thanks for everything. The 10K price tag of the one on the pages took me
back a little but I also really had no idea at all. 10K your dollars would
sound a lot better.
My son lives in Sydney and speaks of the weather in the light you do. It's
still really cold here on the central coast. We are hoping to see the sun
soon but we may have to go inland to see anything warmer ythis early. So. CA
is getting really nice about now but we are somewhat behind. By the way I do
not know of anyone that has a Royal Enfield at all, any model, in this area.

I woke up, it's a good day
Steve Johnson

Orlan Riggs, California Special

(08/04/2002),

Hi Royal
Thanks for the feedback. I have been to the ozmate site and looked at the
racing clutch. Not sure where to purchase. I have ordered parts from
Hitchcocks. I purchased a tach drive from them, nice looking unit but does
not fit. I will have to remove material from the timing cover or build an
adapter. Also I do not see any method of shock absorbing as in the old
clutch. At the present I am rebuilding the magneto, had the armature rebuilt
with modern parts at a company in UK. What a great job they did I am really
pleased. Anyhow I had hoped that someone on this site might have a NOS
clutch basket they would be willing to part with.

Oh yes I have been told by some Enfield people that my bike is a
(California Special) and that
only a few were built and shipped. I have not been able to confirm this so
if any one has information about this I would be grateful for any help.

Thanks
Dentco
----------------------
Hi Orlan
Gee you got me curious now,
What's special about the California special, brochures, data, tech spec , photos, come on!
Thanks
Royal
----------------------
Hi Royal
Thanks for the come back. I have had this bike for a couple of years and have been slowly getting it presentable for the road. it is not a show piece, but road worthy and eye catching.
I went to the BSA club's all British show and swap meet at San Jose a few weeks ago and could find only one interceptor in the building. I started a conversation with some other lookers and the owner of a very nice 1979 Interceptor. They asked if I was registered with the REOC. I said no, but I own what I think is a 1965. In pointing out the differences in the two bikes these guys seemed to think I have a California Special ?? One person said he also has one and knows of another one. Two offers were made to purchase it if it was for sale. which it is not!!
At this time I have no idea what a Calif. Special is, or if my leg was being pulled.
I had hoped someone on this group might give me a clue. The frame # is 631134
and has only one carb. Lots of crome and the frame is the same red color as the tank. The seat is a true machine stitched roll type 2 up.
In my 60 years of riding and racing (8 years flat track) I have never owned an RE,
however at the present my bikes consist of 1935 VL HD full dress, 1964 Velocette MSS, 1979 Triumph 750 Bonny and the Interceptor + my wife's Honda 600 Shadow.
So you can see my time is limited for working if I want to ride.
Any help I can get I will gladly put to use. Oh yes I am stuck living and riding in Sunny So Calif.
Sorry to use so much space if pictures will help I will post them

Thanks
Orlan

---

Ray from Isle of Man U.K

(07/04/2002),

Hello
I have a Mk2 in Mk1 frame but you'd never know.
Live in the Isle of Man and am the only one to race an Enfield twin here.
So how about that!?
Ray
...
Hi again
Ray Knight!
Great to hear you're flying the colors of the Enfield. On our touring wests we carry the web address:
www.ozemate.com/interceptor
In case people wonder, or if they start talking Indian Mopeds. Maybe in your high profile situation when racing you get the same chance to enlighten people about the interceptor by spreading the web site, which main purpose is to lift the recognition about the (biast opinion) best machine to come out of England.
Any photos or impressive results with that racing?
Cheers
Royal
(Ray Subsequently countered with a long story about his racing the Interceptor, see Owner Stories)

Alan Kaplan, Sag Harbor, New York U.S

(03/04/2002),

While surfing the web, I came across your site.
I am the original owner of a 1968 Interceptor Mk1. Serial Number 727.
I am in the process of restoration at this time, and really enjoyed your website.
I also own a 1965 Royal-Enfield Continental GT.

March 2002 Mail

George Semar, Parallel Twin Question

(30/03/2002),

Ok boys, here is a no-brainer question. The background on the pit page and the exploded view of the Intercepter shows the crank as both pins up, so they fire together at the same time? And that why my '64 sounds like it does and vibrates like it does? clue me in, ok?
Thanks, George II
.....(09/04/2002)
Hi Georg,
Sorry not getting back earlier to you, we've been away over Easter.
The Interceptor is a Parallel Twin. As a four stroke there are four cycles.
The piston moves up for two reasons
a) to fire
b) to push out the exhausts

The interceptor does not fire both at the same time, but alternates between exhaust and fire. Put your hands behind the mufflers when idle and feel the alternating exhaust puffs as well.

Yes this does give the Interceptor a distinguished sound. But what also adds to the sound very much is the torque which eminates from the heavvy crank shaft (speaking from experience with the late model Interceptors).
It weighs 12 kilo. The Interceptors (-69-70) went to the trouble to balance these cranks both statically and dynamically (in motion), like you would on car tyres. You can see the drilled away material on the crank weights.

Excessive vibrations often appear on old worn engines, whether car, lawn mower or bikes, and can be from worn components, faulty tuning or ignition components or bad fuel to mention a few.

The later Interceptors at least had, amongst British bikes, some of the least vibrations by any comparison.

Hope there were some clues there for you.
Cheers
Royal

nat1kickrun, Winfield, Kansas U.S

(25/03/2002), Continental GT, claiming it was a "racing bike" was bogus!

Interceptor 1964 750cc
Enfield/Indian 19?? 700cc
Enfield/Indian 19?? 500cc

George Semar, Yucaipa, California, U.S.A

(25/02/2002), I have out in the garage an unrestored '64 Interceptor

I'm so happy to find this site.:) I have out in the garage an unrestored '64 Intercepter. I'm the 40y old son of the origional owner of this fine hunk of memories and know it's complete history. It is about 99% origional(dad put louder mufflers and shortened the front fender "a-la sportster"). I want to clean it up(always in a garage if not on the road), repair or rebuild what is needed and ride the heck out of it. Any tips or suggestions or tips will be greatly appreciated. I'll keep reading the posts, thanks everyone.
George II

Yvonne Gratton, Ottawa, Canada

Greetings; would you have any parts for an 1969 Royal Enfield Interceptor ??
I need a clutch hub, clutch friction plates, & engine gasket set.
Thank you for your assitance,
Yvon
..(18/03/2002),
Hi Yvon
We might have some used parts if you get really stuck.
But you'd be better off getting new parts, especially those.
The link page on the web site (from which your feedback came) has several companies that should be able to help.

One which is not amongst the links:
Burton bike bits.
(see mail 15/12/01) from UK
"Hi, we specialise in Royal Enfield spares, we purchased the factory stock from Matt Holder many years ago, we have the largest stock of Interceptor spares in the world. We are currently machining MKII crankcases. Ph 00 44 1283 534130 Personally have a MKII Interceptor, plus MKII Rickman plus Indian Interceptor, etc. "
Cheers
Royal

Anders, Happy Birthday Interceptor!!

(04/03/2002), Hello

I was just reminded that the Interceptor modell is exactly 40 year old in September 2002.
This must be celebrated, in some way, any idea?
What aboat a meeting at their birtplace, Westwood factory in Bradford-on Avon?
Does anybody know the precise birth date? Was probably introduced at a Motorcycle Show (at Earls Court perhaps?)

Best regards
Anders
......
There was some discussion about the origin/birth of the Interceptor a few years back. Just to add to the mystery, there appears to have been a number of "VAX" 692cc Interceptors that were built and sold prior to the arrival of the actual 736cc machines. Speculation was that the VAX machines were "experimental" machines. I can't recall the outcome of the discussions, and neither can I recall if the VAX engines were based on 692cc components, or perhaps the first batch of 736cc castings.

I wonder, though, because I never even heard tell of the VAX's in Canada during the 1960s'... could be that they were late 692cc models pre-released only into the USA market.

I always regretted not making the big REOC/UK rally at Cumbria a few years back ... a 40 year celebration for the Inter would be a good idea, though attending an event in the UK is still not a likelihood for me. Seems to me the Westwood factory is still in existence and being used.

.. gREgg

February 2002 Mail

Carl, Revealing Brochures

(25/02/2002), Continental GT, claiming it was a "racing bike" was bogus!

I scanned some Interceptor ads to show someone so that I could prove the point that Amal Concnetrics were available on Enfields in
early 1967, just thought I'd send them on to you. There are four of them, dated Feb, 1967; March, 1967; Octobrer, 1967;
and Jan. 1969.

They are all for the Series 1A (or is that 1B?I've never been sure) Interceptor, with the chrome tank, upswept pipes, etc. One of the ads
also covers the Continental GT, claiming it was a "racing bike" adapted for road use, which we all know to be completely bogus, as the "racing bike" was a two-stroke single, while the Continental GT was a special Crusader 250 that was designed by the apprentices at Redditch as a "learner" bike with a little youth appeal to it.

Take care, Carl

Robert, Östervåla, Sweden

(25/02/2002), I have a Royal Enfield 1929 1000cc s/v

Hallo, my name is Robert and i live in sweden, and i have a question to ask you. i have a Royal Enfield 1929 1000cc s/v, how much to you think i can sell it for? Iwould be realy glad if you can give me some info?! I dont know were els i can ask? sorry for my bad english, i hope you understand what i write.
Best Regards
Robert.

gREgg, The Albion Gearbox, et al.

(19/02/2002), Why do some journalists criticise Albions?

Hello Royal,

You may use my full name, no problem with that.

Many thanks for the kind words. I have a long relationship with Royal
Enfields that now spans 36 years, and I want to ensure that current owners
enjoy Interceptors as much as I do ... there is far too much irresponsible
press on them, written by uniformed journalists.

It's always amazed me how the Albion gearbox has attracted so much negative
comment. I've seen such ridiculous complaints such as "excessively long
travel of the gearshift lever". What nonsense .. it is hard to conceive of
a shorter lever travel than the Albion box as fitted to an Interceptor.
Those who complain in this way only betray their ignorance of the facts, or
in hits case, the correct assembly and set up of the unit ... if one built
a Manx Norton and assembled the cam drive incorrectly, would one be
justified in criticizing Nortons? Then, why do some journalists criticise
Albions?

Granted there is not much written about the correct assembly of the Albion's
shifter, but it is a common-sense procedure. The gearbox in my current
Series 1A is an especially sweet unit, and the shifter is far better than
any Norton box I've used, including the one on my recent 850 MKIII.

Enough for now, thank you Royal for organising the List, and I look forward
to our on-going relationship.

G.R. Kricorissian

J.A.Siikamäki, Helsinki Finland

(15/02/2002), Building a Scrambling machine of my interceptor

I'm building a scrambling machine of my interceptor 1a (-67)with alloy fenders,cerianiforks coffin tank(because i don,t have orginal)no lights&mufflers skidplate too+goldstar f.wheel i think summer2002.

I get ready this project.i send pictures later.this site is very good! thanks.

...

Be sure to send us your e-mail address, and please send us some photos of this monster when it's finished. Regards "Royal"

Bruce Ypsilanti, Michigan

(15/02/2002), Piss of my friends who ride Harleys

Put my 1970 Interceptor on the map, please. I have owned it for 27 years, rebuilt it twice, ride it often, just to real piss of my friends who ride Harleys.

Interceptor, 750 -1970

.. Bruce

Hi Bruce
Yes the Royal Would leave the Led Sleigh's behind for sure. With many people thinking Royal Enfield equals 12 Horse power Indian small bore or something, I just had to get things right with this web page, right!?
Keep your Royal Running on the roads,
All the Best "Royal"

Juha

Consider that if you do this, you will also need the correct mufflers as well: the ones without the cut outs in the side to clear the axle nuts.

gREgg

Lynn

(10/02/2002), from Redditch, I raced an Interceptormotor from Redditch 3 times on Methanol
Hi 'Royal',
I raced an Interceptormotor from Redditch 3 times on Methanol in a Grass Chair outfit, had to return it to factory and go Triumph again! the wetsump motor could not get low enough in the forward frame to bet enought front wheel grip >>>> something best hidden!!!!

I have had a few RE 250 and 350 Trials jobs plus a 1946 G in recent times, and the Magneto repairer 3 villages away has a CO. Good. for you mate, the British seemed to be baffled as to where and when it did actually exist originally until we found the archives buildings and even riders and bikes that took part.
It was and still is at a barren Mountain location. Depends on what you think of what we are putting together, whether its worthy or not> If you know of Clubs or society who could find the info in it useful let me know or even contact to advise by writing or word of mouth or even by Didgeridoo!.
(Seriously, I honestly I have one hereMark Jones taught me to play when he was playing fly half for Hull K R!!! and working with me in the Diving Game)
I shall attach the tale of why the folk at Epynt were moved out and how it even affected Welsh Culture
Cheers, Lynn

---

Walt -The much talked about Weber

(Feb 9, 2002 2:07 pm)

Hi Guys
I have uploaded two pictures to the site. First one is of the much talked about Weber, second is the bike that it is on. Since I bought
the bike in 1971 I have done only two things to it, first the clutch had to be rebuilt, according to Allen Hitchcock, the plates etc. in
it were from circa 1963....or so. Secondly I changed the Japaneese taillight that you see in the picture, other than that it remains as
I bought it.
Regards, Walt

.....(Feb 14, 2002 5:46 am)

The picture of the bike you uploaded surprised me. I have the exact same front end configuration with that mudguard, lack of gaiters, and headlight bracket. I've been assuming all along that they are non-original items because I've never seen them on any other RE
Interceptors, but now I see an Interceptor that you've owned since 1971 that looks like mine. It couldn't be coincidence that we'd have the exact same non-standard items could it?

Could those more knowledgeable than me take a look at it at the Yahoo website and advise me whether those items are originals or not, and from what year. It's the Interceptor Series 2 with the black tank and red lettering.

Bob Cram

.....(Feb 14, 2002 2:33 pm)

The tank as far as I know is an early Interceptor tank 1963 or so, same with the seat. The front fender is not original, it has more
holes than required and doesn't fit that well, probably Japaneese. I don't know if the forks are original or not.The front end should be
the same as on the Norton for the same year complete with gaitors,correct headlamp brackets,correct insrument brackets and even
the correct speedometer in mph, mine is in kilometers. These are just a few of the wrongs that I'm trying to put right. I'm collecting
parts bit by bit, and I'm going to try to put it a little closer to original than it is now.
Walt
.........( Feb 20, 2002 12:06 pm)

As Walt pointed out in a subsequent message, he bought my Series II about 1991. THought some of you might want to know a little more about it ...

I bought the bike when it was about 6 months old, and owned it for a week before it was stolen from my garage. I got it back a few days later as a completely stripped, absolutely bare frame, with the remains of its engine ... the theif had drained all the oil out and
run it until it seized.

Not a pretty sight, but I was determined to put it back on hte road.

Since so much of the bike was missing, I decided to "modify it to my taste", so the engine you see reflects what a 21 year old enthusiast
wanted to see. The Amals were gone, so having learned about Webers from friends who raced in Formula 4, I decided one would be just right for my Series II. I performed the Weber mod in about 1972 while I otherwise rebuilt the engine from the ground up. I first did
the mod using manifold adapters, but re-did it with a more radical manner in which I jigged the heads, and milled off the stock flanges.
I then made up new flanges to suit the Weber, which I jigged in place and had welded in place. Extensive porting ensued, along with
resilient mountings, which are vital for a Weber. (Judging from Walt's photo, some of the mountings have disappeared over the
intervening years).

Over the following years I collected remaining cycle parts to rebuild the bike, but eventually my interests changed and swapped it to a
friend for a 1939 Enfield 350 model B/CO about 1978 ... a much more responsible machine for someone who had just had new baby boy.

The bike's tank and seat are from a home market model Interceptor that I bought in about 1969. That particular Inter emerged from my
workshop with export livery, since the home market fitments (especially the large tank) were not cool in those days.
Interestingly, the fellow who got Walt's Series II from me saw the big tank at the back of my garage, and loved it ... and so it remains
to this day!

My old Series II changed hands several times over the years, and every once in a while I would cross paths with it or its engine,
which as you can appreciate quite distinctive and hard to miss with that Weber carb.

It was good to run into Walt at the CVMG rally a couple of years ago after introduction by Roy Macmillan, and to discover that the old
girl is still on the road.

... gREgg

---

Johnnie - I have a 68 and a 69 Series 2

Hi 'Royal',
I have a 68 and a 69 series 2, 750 interceptors the 69 is a basket case with a bent frame and a broken secondary cover

My question is does anyone have any cafe parts for a 68 enfield like rearsets and low bars or clipons that they want to sell . I dont want to cut up my 68 since it is almost perfect

Matt - I am restoring a '70 Interceptor.

(02/02/2002), from Phoenix, Arizona U.S

Great site! I want to upgrade the ignition to the boyer unit. Is it possible to contact Dick with the info on converting a Commando unit. I am interested in how well the belt drive primary/cluth coversion works. I have some info for Jack Moffat on frames.

There is a guy in Colorado that plans on building replica Trackmaster frames. I talked to him in November, and he said they were planning to start producing the frames in January. He advertises in Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader in the competition section. His name is Lee, and his number is (970) 482-4798. Hope this helps!