As a kid growing up in the sixties on Long Island, NY there was a small motorcycle dealer down the road from the house I grew up in. They sold Triumph, Royal Enfield and scooters. I don’t remember if they were Vespa or Lambretta but regardless I was most impressed with both the Triumph and Royal Enfields. Just beautiful machines. Their chief mechanic, a Brit, barely tolerated us kids who were fascinated by the bikes and pestered him with questions until he would shoe us away so he could get back to work. I have a distinct memory of him road testing a new Interceptor, riding past my house, giving it the beans looking at me and smiling as he passed. This would have been around 1966 or ‘67. Prior to the onslaught of the Japanese manufacturers.
Great video and information. You're really fortunate to have such a rare and beautiful machine but you make your own luck, so fair play to you for finding one of these. I had a similar thing happen to me on my 2021 plate Classic 500, although mine is obviously Indian made. I bumped into a group of guys at a pub, here on the Isle of Wight. They were in their 50's and out riding as a group. One of them had one of the new Classic 350's and I went over for a look at his bike. When I said that I had a Classic 500, he denied that any such bike existed and I was talking about an old Bullet. When I showed him, he was gobsmacked. He had no idea that these were made right up until 2020 and was disappointed that his dealership kept quiet about them.
@richardyardley5127 Hi Richard, Dealers are very good at hiding other models in the range as I found out with a new Harley, years ago. I bought a new Evo Harley FatBoy in about the early 2000's. I didn't know that if I had waited just a day or two, I could have got the Twin cam successor for the same money. The dealer kept very quiet about that!
I saw my first Interceptor around 1969 or '70, It was in a small advertisement in the back of Cycle World magazine I think. I grew up in San Diego, CA and it was a pretty big city but I never saw one in real life back then. I was a teenager and I thought it was the prettiest bike I'd ever seen and the engine looked massive. I'm now over 70 and I still think it's the prettiest bike. I've owned many bikes over the years, British, American and Japanese but I was never able to land one of these 750 Interceptors, time is running out for me to get one, but I still have the desire. In the meantime, I really enjoy your videos.
@stevemiller1203 Thankyou! A good place to find an Interceptor is Baxter Cycle, Marne, Iowa. They seem to get one or two come in from time to time, in fact I bought my MK1A from them, great folks to deal with in every way. Just checked, They have a 1967 750 MK1A in stock! Here's the link. www.baxtercycle.com/motorcycles/1967-royal-enfield-interceptor-mk1a/
Steve our stories are very similar. I saw one in a magazine and then saw one on a street corner when i visited family on the east coast in 1970. I had many bikes over the years and still do but my first love is the Interceptor. It took many years but i bought my first Series 2 in 1999. I have three now. I'll never part with them and they go to my kids when I'm gone.
@@rickwhite9254I still hope to get one although realistically I’m 71 now and you start to understand that time is an issue. I’m not a mechanic but I can do the normal maintenance items so I’m probably better off with one that has been properly restored and having a trustworthy shop somewhere in the general area would be helpful. The bike in this video is so beautiful I just keep staring at it.
@@stevemiller1203 I think it's a case of turning a "Wish I had into a glad I did"! That was the situation with me. I kept looking and when I did actually find one, I didn't have the funds to buy it. But, If you want something bad enough, you will find a way by making big sacrifices! Good luck my friend, I hope you can get your dream.
Excellent video. And easy to see the origins of the lastest model in it's grandad there. When you see the old model, the styling key points are all present. A good history lesson for us all.
Some great sounds come from those pipes VB !👌 You can tell the NEW Interceptor is based on the Mk2 like yours. I don't think they done a bad job of it although i'd still prefer a "PROPER" one like yours of course😍. You even have a New new one don't you ? That's the one that had a new engine i believe under warranty or have i lost the plot ? What about the The Indian 'Enfield' Interceptor mad for Floyd Clymer ? Even more rare than yours ! Have you ever seen one in the flesh ? Only 15 bikes made apparently !
@ianwoollard9008 Thanks Ian! I only have a laptop to listen to it and you can hardly hear it! Yes I have the new Interceptor but hardly ride it. Yep that's the one with the new engine. Hitchcock's have an Indian chief for sale with the 700 motor and there is a guy on RU-vid that has the 750 version he was trying to sell. it ran well enough, but I have never seen one in real life.
Every big inspires me too get off my arse and go for a ride! Sometimes I manage it too! Nice to see you're not overly precious about the bike. Bikes are only alive when they're being ridden! Stay well Ed
Hello, i own a Rickman Interceptor with the same 750 MK II engine. I wonder if you have additionally secured the rubber close to the oil pump (similar to a Norton Commando) in its position. I learned that this rubber is prone to go out of alignment at higher oil pressures. Thanks in advance for your feedback. Cheers
@lauraszepanski6041 And I thought I was lucky! Yes, that seal can blow out of it's housing and get mangled in the oil pump drive worm resulting in zero oil pressure and one wrecked engine! What I have done with mine is, I cut a crescent shape piece of Aluminium sheet and fastened it to the boss the holds the seal, with three screws so it retains the seal and it can't come out. It gives piece of mind! It's the only real weakness on these engines. Good luck with the Rickman you lucky fella!
Great video, nice to see you out on the 750,it sounds great! Are you going to ride it through the winter as you dont have to worry about wet sumping?I try and ride my trident all year round as I do have to be aware of wet sumping,while my GSX1400 generally stays in the garage, also have you any luck with the replacement clocks on your Interceptor?
@patrickgreenman8248 I am glad that the sound is ok, I only have a laptop to listen to it and its very quiet! I will ride it a little through the winter, if it is dry and they haven't salted the roads, I can't be doing with all that cleaning!
Well despite my best efforts, I have learned some more new stuff today. As a relatively new entrant to the RE fan club, I feel I'm starting to actually get to know the brand a bit thanks to you. Beautiful bike and nice little ride in the late summer sun. Thanks.
I thought I knew roughly the RE story but I was so wrong,... very useful and interesting information for next time anyone else admires my bike, a newish interceptor. Glad you brought 270 degree crank subject up, would like to hear your views of the minus and pluses and differences of the two systems one day. Anyway great video👍.
An awesome video of an awesome bike. You do so much to educate about these bikes and entertain at the same time. I truly appreciate all you do and enjoy your videos.
Haven’t seen one of these since the 60’s & you know what they’re still one of the best looking bikes ever. You said you are lucky owning & you very much are, envious I am 😉 Ride safe
@alansawford6167 I have taken it to a couple of local bike shows and not one person has ever stopped to look at it! I too, think they are a handsome bike!
Fantastic bike Mr Brown. My original comments have disappeared ( youtube censor ?) . So I won't say much this time .😅 Your Interceptor is like a flashy bird in a mini skirt and boots . Whereas my Constellation is her chubby older sister wearing tweed skirt and brogue shoes .😂 I bet my Connie is better looking than the upcoming 650 Classic/Bullet from RE though .😊
@dungspreader The woman I'm having a thing with, (My imaginary friend's sister) is that flashy bird in the miniskirt and boots! If you fancy putting a bit of makeup on her chubby sister, I have a new chrome Connie tank here! I am seriously thinking of putting a Triumph 865 carbureted lump into my 650 Inter. It's true vertical, not sloping forward like a Honda 400 Superdream motor, looks more like an interceptor engine that the 650 RE Lump does, and has a 360 crank + you can pick an engine up for just a few hundred quid!
Glad to hear that the Interceptor featured here is the pride of your collection. Looking forward to seeing more of it in the future. I don’t criticise younger bikers for lack of knowledge about older bikes but I find the lack of curiosity sometimes surprising. I can’t say I’ve ever seen an original Interceptor on the road, only ever at motorcycle shows. As far as big bikes were concerned all the British motorcycle manufacturers (not just Royal Enfield) were obsessed with the USA market in the sixties to the detriment of UK customers. It seems strange to us now but at the time people still cared about our balance of payments deficit, which was dreadful. The UK Government wanted foreign currency and did what it could to encourage exports. Then in 1967 Harold Wilson’s Government devalued the pound from $2.80 to $2.40 to £1 so we had to sell even more bikes to bring in the same dollars. I wonder if American bikers benefited from lower prices ? 🇬🇧
@stewy62 I didn't criticise him at all! I was just very surprised that he had owned his Interceptor for 6 years and was oblivious to the original ones! I'l tell you how it ended up. He was really interested in what I was telling him, asking questions etc, we talked for over an hour, I bought him a coffee, he bought me one and he has subscribed to this channel now! He definitely has the interest in older bikes. Manufacturers back then had to get involved with exporting their products as that was where the sales were at. The home market was becoming a bit stagnant. I have a Royal Enfield sales advert for American customers which says that now the £ against the $ had dropped, they could offer the Interceptors at the same price as Triumph and BSA models So American buyers could buy a 750 for 650 money!
@@Volcanicbrown1878 I apologise if you took my comment as implying you personally were criticising the young fella, that wasn’t my intention. I must have re-written that section three times and still didn’t get it right !
You are indeed lucky to have a mk 11 and the mk1a and the mk 1....I only know one other person who also has all three ....he kindly let me have a ride on the mk 11 it was a bit of a shock after lots of Triu 14:48 mphs...Norton...and B S A the Enfield mu h smoother and loads of grunt ..gearbox not that great but ok ...I had a Constellation which I liked but thr Clutch which went out of adjustment when it got hot in traffic ...but still a nice bike to ride
@willyrackham2957 The old Albion gearbox is basically the same box that they used in the 350 Bullet! (has a longer mainshaft for the twins) I think they are a little more prone to wear on the big twins, Connie clutches were ok but as you say, prone to drag a bit if held in whilst in traffic
Do you watch Paul Henshaw’s channel Performance Classics? He’s a big Enfield fan and has had a few of the twins on his channel and always says they are an impressive bike performance wise!
I remember going into a RE dealer in the late 70s, he was selling used Constellations and Interceptors. The wooden floor and drip trays were always a wash with oil, hence the Royal Oilfield name. Good to see you seem to have cured the problem. I bought a Bonneville. Great video, cheers.
@splodge5714 The Conny's were renown for leaking oil as the crankcases had reached the limit of the power they could handle, hence they were stiffened up considerably for the 750 Inter's.
Really interesting video VB! I understand how you feel privileged to own the bike, being so rare. I have a 1946 Watsonian Meteor sidecar and they only made 601, so it’s the pride of my garage! Great video!
@RockerMark Thankyou! Even Royal Enfield themselves put in some of their adverts for the Interceptors, "Not everyone can have one, there is not enough to go round. The man who buys an interceptor has something the other chaps don't!"
I got a 2010 Classic Bike Magazine Issue 362 with a bike like yours same colour owned by Richard Steven's who was a test rider fir Royal Enfield from 1967-70. 40yrs later HE brought one & us the main story & very interesting. HE rode the 800 Mk 2b Interceptor in 1970 too.I can't believe that guy didn't know about the early Interceptor or even the RE history & Rich History it is too.The Americans loved the RE 700-750(736cc) bikes loved the torque delivery compared to other British bikes & as you said the smoothness.I'm jealous you own one let alone 3😲 especially the 1970mk 2a.I saw a 1960's Chief 700cc custom for sale in NZ on bike trader a US import for 6k so £3200😲 I should of brought it pastel blue colour similar to the new 350 Halcyon Blue bike.It was in South Island though which bikes are cheaper than North Island but South Island is like you Brits traveling to France on ferry but 2½ times the as far on ferry & 3times as rough on a good day.
South Island is NZ🇳🇿 motorcycle mecca high bike ownership per population & better roads & less traffic better views but colder. Also only has between ¼-⅓ of NZ'S Population so less traffic.Cause bike ownership high & population low used bikes are cheaper & get some bargains even new bikes have better specials than North Island.I got a get down there on bike one day maybe to Bert Munroe festival but that's at bottom of the South Island & is the Worlds most Southern city & Southern Hemisphere biggest Bike Festival & has a World Class Truck & Bike Museum with heaps of bikes with everything almost like Brough Superior,Vincent etc. Bert Munroe bike is not in the Museum but in the Local Hardware Shop as per HIS wishes as mate owned the shop.Take me 3 days atleast 4 maybe from top to bottom of South Island since I broke my back but love to do it atleast once.A mate went down last year spent 14days down South.
@ruahinesrider I have a book, long out of print, called "The mighty Interceptor" by Andrew Stait. There are several sections written by the works testers including Richard Stevens, dealing with the development of the ceptors and a whole chapter about the 800 A great read! Hitchcock's have a 700 Chief for sale on their website its about £6500 if I remember rightly.
That has always been my dream bike.Yet i own a 2020 interceptor and it is still the best bike i have ever owned . 20,000 with a sidecar across mountains ,deserts and great plains wind it has its own advantages.
@deltabluesdavidraye You have a chair on your Interceptor? Did you have to gear it down any or is it still on factory gearing? I know you have an iron barrel 500, I subscribed to your channel for that!
All those British companies like Royal Enfield and Panther that went out of business in a few short years, because their bikes were "old fashioned". They are now highly prized for the qualities that made them the way they are.
@borderlands6606 Very true! Panther went out of business because Lucas would no longer supply magneto's and Burman wouldn't carry on making gearboxes! Royal Enfield went down because Dennis "the menace" Poore, pulled the rug from under them to safeguard the Norton Commando. Enfield precision had an 800 Interceptor ready to go into production but Poore was having non of it. Yes, new is better but, not for nostalgia!
I'm 62 been obsessed with motorcycles all my life. I'm totally aware of the original interceptor but TBH I can't remember seeing one. May be because I live up northwest of England. Certainly on the look out for one now.
@martinburke362 A man who knows his gear ratios! I think RE geared the Interceptors lower for the American market as they seemed to like racing to the next set of lights!
I had a high school chum whose dad had Interceptor, an earlier model with straight pipes and that had been around a bit. He said his dad wouldn't let him ride it but he did fire it up for me. It was loud as hell, a real beast. I thought it had the prettiest engine I'd ever seen.
I really enjoyed hearing about the 60s Interceptor and seeing a rare example too!👍👍 Not only does it pull like a tractor, it sounds like one also😁😁. It is remarkable to see one running and in great condition. I also love my modern modified Interceptors 👌.
Great bike in it's day ! Even the new one is a great bike. Nice bit of information love the video. My best wishes to you from the Philippines ❤️💪👍😉😀😁🏁🏍️🛺🐑🇵🇭🏴⭐
It's ok of young blokes don't know shit about shit. With age comes wisdom. Don't lecture at them just tell them what they don't know. Educate them. They aren't stupid they just don't know yet. It's good that a young bloke has a bike and is riding it.
@Tonymarony5113 I didn't lecture him at all! We chatted for about an hour, bought each other coffee's and now he has subscribed to this channel. I don't do lectures, I leave that to lecturers!
VB, if you make video blabbering about crank angles and different versions of bikes for 2 hours, I will still watch it all! .. I think about that stuff myself often. The 270° cranks are the new hot thing as they left the old V-twins in the past, mostly for money reasons. Everyone do it.. The 3/4 of the 4 Japanese brands do it, KTM does 285°. The young bloke probably has ridden just standard Japanese 180° bikes and in-line-4s before his new Int. .. Their 180° twins are short strokes, buzzy high revs.. Fast but boring. Yamaha started that 270° crank trend back in the 90's with their Tenere 750 / TDM 850 and the people loved them. The 650 engine aside, I love what India is doing with the brand and they are selling like hot cakes at the moment, I ordered one of the 350s myself.. Waiting to arrive next week.
Hi dave the soul reson why i ride the Royal enfeild continental-gt 650 is becouse my grandad owned the conserlation 700 cc in london were he owned a motorcycle parts shop on green street westham the same shop were my mum and dad first meet back in the 1960s at time royal enfeilds 700 cc was the fastest bike on the road
Really enjoyed that video, you certainly know your history on Enfields Mr Brown . I had Constellations coming out of my ears 50 years ago and wouldn't touch any other bike in those days .
Greetings from Australia, great video, I had no idea they made 750 interceptor🎉 way back then. I had a 71 Norton commando 750, I wish every single day that I still had it, worts day of my life when I sold it.. your bike is a gem, lucky man to have one. Cheers. pS I would love to see some pics when you clean n polish that bike 👍
@roberthocking9138 Greetings from the UK! Nearly all of them went for export to the US and Canada so us mere mortals didn't even get to even look at one! I might make another vid on the bike when I have worn the polishing cloths out on it! Commando 750 was a great bike too!
Thanks for sharing . I’ve only ever seen one in the flesh although I’ve been on the road since the late 70’s. And that was in a museum, ironically in India. 😅
Beautiful machine, "The pride of the fleet" as old naval expression goes. The audio quality was great to, you can clearly hear booth the bike and comentary..
@thewanderin_rider He did actually! Was talking to him for over an hour, bought him a coffee and he bought me one and now he has subbed to this channel! Yes, that VAX is for sale too!
Great bike .. I first saw an Interceptor in I believe 1965 and was smitten by it to say the least. I was 18 at the time and recall as if it were yesterday.
@williamharris4426 I am guessing that they thought that their static balancing was good enough! BSA's were noticeably better balanced than Triumph in my experience of them.
The reason that a inline twin with a 270 /90 degree crank is better than a 90 degree v twin is the cooling , inlet and exhaust flow are equal for both cylinders. But the design needs a shorter stroke to avoid excessive rod angle .
@@Volcanicbrown1878 I did own a Rickman with a Z900 Kawasaki engine in the late 1970's. Really nice welding on the frame, in fact the best I've ever seen on any bike.
Well, if you shouldn't be the owner of this beautiful machine, who should? I've never come across anyone, with that much knowledge on these old bikes. And the newer models, for that matter... I've had the licence since 1983, but didn't have my own bike before 2010. I haven't gotten to a RE yet, but I'm concidering. Right now, I'm on a Suzuki 250 V-Strom. Yep, with a 270 crank... 🙄😏😂
Sorry i have to disagree with you about the Norton Atlas I bought a restored one back in 84 & it's still with us keept by my son now love NORTON classics .
@gordonsuddery4635 if it is restored by someone who knows his Nortons, it probably has had the crank re balanced. 82% seems to be the magic number on the Atlas's. The factory balance was way out. I have ridden quite a few Atlas's and with the factory setup, they all vibrate.
