I live in the USA and love your videos. I never owned a British twin and probably never will but I would purchase a Royal Enfield if I were in the market. That said, your videos are a must for all bike owners. I love your rides through the countryside. Keep up the great work and keep riding the side roads!. Thanks.
Awesome Video, thank you. I have an RE 500 Chrome and will be polishing the casings on it before long. I’m also, ( stop me ) !!! Buying an Interceptor in the next couple of months as a Retirement gift to myself. The casings are like Billboards on those and just SCREAM polish me !!! Which I will enjoy doing. Sitting down, ignoring the clock, and waking up when I’m calmed and Zenned out. Love that kind of Minutiae job. Thanks again.
I've received the products you listed. I've started the polishing and I have discovered that patience is indeed the quality most required. It is clearly a multi day task to avoid frustration or hand fatigue! As you said..people are impatient.. they want results NOW. P.S. that ain't gonna happen. Progress is being made, however and there is a noticeable improvement.
Actually polished my cases this morning using the megiuars as recommended, I’m quite pleased with the result. Over the years I haven’t been one for doing much polishing but thought I would treat the Interceptor.
Never thought it would turn out like that looks like polished steel absolutely brilliant. Away to get my bullit casing sorted you definitely convinced me to go ahead with it. Jim
You are like all oldei royal enfield bullet owners.keep r.e shine all day.my big uncle tought me that clean the r.e after and before every ride. i spent once in a month because it has full chrome tank.and chrome everywhere.
I have been watching your videos for a while and i looked back at your Triumph videos. Seems to me that the Interceptor has stolen your heart and the Triumphs have fallen behind. No criticism, I love my Interceptor and am grateful for all your effort and advise!!!
Love what you do and even more love your attitude 11:01, you really do have the true biker spirit . A no nonsense man, with time enough to love bikes .
Thanks from Australia Stuart. I've used this method on my conti 650. Very successful, always get lots of admiring looks and comments. I love this bike!
Hi Stuart, Dale Walker from Holeshot Performance USA. I just bought myself a new Himalayan, and 650 INT. I really appreciate your attention to detail, and videos that are really fun to watch. I too always strive for perfection. Keep up the great work and ride safe. DW
Agreed 👍. And over time helps you to develop an intimate relationship with your bike. In these days of instant everything it's a real antidote to just be out in the sun with your bike.
A tip that has worked well for me for many years; do what you like with it! To stop the W&D clogging with metal polish and metal residue, keep an old piece of soap handy and rub it on the W&D regularly. It also helps to remove the black residue and then having detergent properties will allow quicker casing clean up if you rinse the case with warm water… then use Solvol Autosol!!!😊
A year later and this video is still helpful. I have an issue with what I think is calcium stains on the metal finish. Before my bike cover arrived, the bike experienced light rain. I didn't get to the bike soon enough to wipe away the water. Now I am playing the polishing game to remove the water spots.
No suggestions here, just commenting. Brilliant job! I have done similar in the past. I currently use "Blue Magic" polish, very similar to the Meguire's. I do use their NXT wax for paint, it makes colors pop, and deepens black paint substantially. Most ask if my bike is new, or if the paint is custom. Care, and attention to detail make all the difference.
Mr stuart i enjoyed watching you ride your bike as much as you are taking care of it. Makes me want to own my third and last bike which is the re 650 interceptor. Ride safe!
This is something I've wanted to know.. My RE has some godawful scratches from the factory.. It seems a bit brutal using wet n dry but after seeing the final result in your vid, Im going to attack those cases on the weekend.. Thanks again for your videos..
a TIP....What makes a BIG difference to making the wet sanding job MUCH easier and just as effective is to add some washing -up liquid to the water which makes the sandpaper glide over the surface (same as rubbing down paint). I enjoy your videos BTW.
@@stuartfillingham In our body shop we used to keep small slithers of hand soap - the bits left after they've become too small to use at home. We'd fill a bucket with clean water and throw a piece of soap in there with the wet and dry 👍
I'm over here laughing my ass off when you said "make your own video". Hahahahaaa! There is a certain Zen polishing up your engine covers, I've got a old Norton Commando and a few old Harleys and with some good tunes and a nice cold beverage it's a very rewarding job. BTW, a box of cheap latex gloves will save you from the black fingers that won't come clean for at least a week. LOL! Great video!!
@@terrycavender My younger brother had a book called "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance". That would have been in 1970 ish. He had a Ducati Darmah, and died from Meningitis at the age of 23.
Thank you for this video! I've followed your methods and finished the first round of polishing. To be honest the results are quick and satisfying! Wish I could add the before and after pictures here.
Back in the day with my Suzuki 550 Katana at the Kent Custom Show I was asked where I got my carbs chromed. I told him "Autosol and elbow grease Ltd". BTW I found old cotton tee shirts were excellent for polishing.
Great information and comprehensive video , thanks SF . Thinking of getting an Interceptor soon , currently have the 2019 Bullet Trials which I will never sell .
Nice job! Super idea! However, back in the early 80's I had a Harley Davidson with a lot of chrome. That ended my interest in shiny. :) It seemed like I spent more time cleaning and polishing than riding. Keep up with the great video's.
Like you, I've found by hand and time is best, hand can follow the contours and vary the pressure etc, I tried power tools but best result was as you demonstrated. And I found microfibre cloths to be a problem-they are good at lifting grease film etc without needing any additional product, I found them to be useless when using "visor proof" as they just sweep the product off. Good old stockinette for polish work. Best product I've found for protecting bikes towards winter, is Wurth anti corrosion treatment, it leaves a very light wax film behind and tends not to wash off like FS365 which I also use. I use plenty of water to rinse off any protective product as they may trap fine grit.Those engine cases do look good-much better than black or laquered cases.
Thx for your video. The rear suspension setting of Interceptor 650 that comes stock from company is at the softest setting. I was willing to adjust it to the 2nd or 3rd setting for a harder and safer ride however however
As usual, a very useful video..👍 Sir, your years of experience will definitely help the current and prospective users of the interceptor..so expecting more of such videos in future.. I believe your bike will be one of the immaculately maintained and a reference point in the future.😊
Did the same thing with my old Jawa CZ turned a mundane commuter into a bike that really pulled a crowd. Even Wells in Forest Gate where I bought it asked me to do the same to his new bikes , obviously I refused it took ages to get the casings up Trouble I had with Japanese and others the casings are not pure alloy so don't burnish as well. That said you should see the wife's MX5 sports car you can see your face in the stainless silencer and alloy sub frames.
Another great, informative video...thanks Stuart. Patience is a key virtue if you really want to look after your bike. You display this virtue perfectly in this video. Regards, Mitch
Well, I used this method on the rocker cover corners and "carby" covers. I tried a polishing kit on my drill as well. Unfortunately, the wet and dry gave far better results. So it's a long hard road to perfection. I used 1500 and 2000, 1200 would be the go.
Gday mate your taking me back to 1979 when i owned a honda 550 super sport polishing those casings but those ones had a plastic coating you had to get off first .
brilliant and inspirational. I have a W800, but I think everything applies. Aluminum colors can be made to look like chrome with enough elbow grease. Used to get these results (not as nice as yours) on my Sportster. Thanks for the specific product recommendation. Looking forward to making my W shine!
In the 60's and 70's Japanese bikes, I believe, had a clear coat over the aluminum engine cases. If that's still the case, probably not a good idea to polish them unless you want to first wear through the clear coat.
@@robertpinder2307 Interesting. I never had this issue with polishing my '60s Triumphs and '97 Sportster. I really got the Sportster looking like chrome. But not long ago I bought a new Yamaha SR400 (a sort of knock-off of the BSA big singles). This thing developed what I can only describe as a skin disease. This coat was the culprit. The dealer finally had to sand the whole thing off. Then it was fine.
I must admit it does look lovely, and I can understand why you've done it, however, I've barely had enough time to wash my bike never mind be worried about perfection. Maybe when I retire eh. Oh, ACF 50 is great for anti corrosion.
@@stuartfillinghamI know but it's the only way to get a bike through the winter commute and not have all the aluminium turn to dust. I wish I could afford two bikes, one for holidays and warm sunny days and one for the commute, which is really why I'm interested in what you're doing with the Royal Enfield Stuart, I'd like one for my warm sunny days. It won't bankrupt me, and I can fettle with it over the winter.
Ahh up! Fist of all, this is all your fault. If I had not found this channel I would still be scrolling, watching and dreaming of owning and riding a bike. Pipe dreams of Bonneville. Your fantastic videos of the Royal Enfield interceptor twin have inspired me to get my license and buy that very bike. Starting last October that is the journey I began. Sunday just gone, that one really nice day last week. I picked my 2019 650 up in Leicester and set off on an amazing 130 mile ride home. Going the scenic route through Rutland and into Suffolk. Naturally I am sold on your recommendations, but have to tried buying meguiar's Next Generation Polish resently. It is out of stock every where! Thoughts on Autosol? Or another polish for my engine covers? (That reminds me, I have got to get some of that bilt hamber speed wax. But Increasingly tempted by the price of turtle Canberra wax??)
This channel is a must have reference guide for every biker. Excellent stuff. Ive learned so much since discovering your channel. Thank you sir
Will you stop finding things for me to do on my RE! Lol
Yes! Getting co$tly isn't it? Ronn
Hahahahaa true
Just ordered a 2000 grit wet and dry. Now for the polish. Stuart you are a good influence on us couch huggers.
Did it work? i know its an old comment and hoping you still have Interceptor. what did you use for Metal Polish Maguire is not available in India.
I live in the USA and love your videos. I never owned a British twin and probably never will but I would purchase a Royal Enfield if I were in the market. That said, your videos are a must for all bike owners. I love your rides through the countryside. Keep up the great work and keep riding the side roads!. Thanks.
Awesome Video, thank you. I have an RE 500 Chrome and will be polishing the casings on it before long. I’m also, ( stop me ) !!! Buying an Interceptor in the next couple of months as a Retirement gift to myself. The casings are like Billboards on those and just SCREAM polish me !!! Which I will enjoy doing. Sitting down, ignoring the clock, and waking up when I’m calmed and Zenned out. Love that kind of Minutiae job. Thanks again.
Got my 650 today, this is the first thing I am going to do. Thanks a lot for sharing this passion and knowledge.
I've received the products you listed. I've started the polishing and I have discovered that patience is indeed the quality most required. It is clearly a multi day task to avoid frustration or hand fatigue! As you said..people are impatient.. they want results NOW. P.S. that ain't gonna happen. Progress is being made, however and there is a noticeable improvement.
Actually polished my cases this morning using the megiuars as recommended, I’m quite pleased with the result. Over the years I haven’t been one for doing much polishing but thought I would treat the Interceptor.
Glad the Super Meteor has the powder coating black cases. It looks really nice and is easy to maintain.
Never thought it would turn out like that looks like polished steel absolutely brilliant.
Away to get my bullit casing sorted you definitely convinced me to go ahead with it.
Jim
You are like all oldei royal enfield bullet owners.keep r.e shine all day.my big uncle tought me that clean the r.e after and before every ride. i spent once in a month because it has full chrome tank.and chrome everywhere.
I have been watching your videos for a while and i looked back at your Triumph videos. Seems to me that the Interceptor has stolen your heart and the Triumphs have fallen behind. No criticism, I love my Interceptor and am grateful for all your effort and advise!!!
Love what you do and even more love your attitude 11:01, you really do have the true biker spirit . A no nonsense man, with time enough to love bikes .
Cheers Stuart. I know what I will be doing at the weekend now😉
Thanks from Australia Stuart. I've used this method on my conti 650. Very successful, always get lots of admiring looks and comments. I love this bike!
I used to do mine on my B M W k75c it took hours trouble is it becomes addictive and they never end up as shiny as you want 🤣😂😎
Hi Stuart, Dale Walker from Holeshot Performance USA. I just bought myself a new Himalayan, and 650 INT. I really appreciate your attention to detail, and videos that are really fun to watch. I too always strive for perfection. Keep up the great work and ride safe. DW
Pride of ownership. Love it.
I agree. This type of work is rewarding. It can be something of a zen-like and meditative process.
Agreed 👍. And over time helps you to develop an intimate relationship with your bike. In these days of instant everything it's a real antidote to just be out in the sun with your bike.
A tip that has worked well for me for many years; do what you like with it! To stop the W&D clogging with metal polish and metal residue, keep an old piece of soap handy and rub it on the W&D regularly. It also helps to remove the black residue and then having detergent properties will allow quicker casing clean up if you rinse the case with warm water… then use Solvol Autosol!!!😊
A year later and this video is still helpful. I have an issue with what I think is calcium stains on the metal finish. Before my bike cover arrived, the bike experienced light rain. I didn't get to the bike soon enough to wipe away the water. Now I am playing the polishing game to remove the water spots.
Glad it was helpful!
Mine started to show 'calcium stain' whenever it rains after i wet sanded it! Lol. Wonder what i did wrong!
No suggestions here, just commenting. Brilliant job! I have done similar in the past. I currently use "Blue Magic" polish, very similar to the Meguire's. I do use their NXT wax for paint, it makes colors pop, and deepens black paint substantially. Most ask if my bike is new, or if the paint is custom. Care, and attention to detail make all the difference.
Like the man said. Make a Video
And, I do apologise for my website, apparently it is having some issues with the graphics coding. Still readable, but not very pretty. 🙄
Okay that casing is just so damn perfect
Thanks Stuart, excellent video, I bought my interceptor about 3 mths ago, so this video is just what I need
Spent hours with solvol autosol & elbow grease polishing the casings on my T140V, many , many moons ago.
I don't even in the UK, but managed to get all these materials, I'll see how i handle myself with this process in the upcoming days!
Thank you, Sir. This looks like a very effective and therapeutic method. Couple hours and a six pack should get one side looking pretty damn nice.
Mr stuart i enjoyed watching you ride your bike as much as you are taking care of it. Makes me want to own my third and last bike which is the re 650 interceptor. Ride safe!
This is something I've wanted to know.. My RE has some godawful scratches from the factory.. It seems a bit brutal using wet n dry but after seeing the final result in your vid, Im going to attack those cases on the weekend.. Thanks again for your videos..
Very nice sir... I applied same procedure for my Classic 500 engine cover and the results are outstanding... Thank you so much..
a TIP....What makes a BIG difference to making the wet sanding job MUCH easier and just as effective is to add some washing -up liquid to the water which makes the sandpaper glide over the surface (same as rubbing down paint). I enjoy your videos BTW.
Yes i used to use it in the body shop, but have a dishwasher at home so no washing up liquid!. excellent point though!
@@stuartfillingham In our body shop we used to keep small slithers of hand soap - the bits left after they've become too small to use at home. We'd fill a bucket with clean water and throw a piece of soap in there with the wet and dry 👍
Let me say Thank you so much for truly informative, useful and helpful video clip. Highly appreciate it with salue. ❤️🙏
Lots of regards from Bangalore
Don't have any Royal Enfield bike but just love the videos almost getting inspired to buy one to do what he does 😀
Wow! What a great result!
Great video Stu - thanks for sharing. I really appreciated the time estimates you provided. I’m a busy guy too and it helps to plan the day.
I'm over here laughing my ass off when you said "make your own video". Hahahahaaa! There is a certain Zen polishing up your engine covers, I've got a old Norton Commando and a few old Harleys and with some good tunes and a nice cold beverage it's a very rewarding job. BTW, a box of cheap latex gloves will save you from the black fingers that won't come clean for at least a week. LOL! Great video!!
Mate, motorcycles ARE Zen... 😁 Riding, wrenching, polishing, all therapy for the soul.
@@terrycavender I buy old used bikes as a hobby.
@@terrycavender My younger brother had a book called "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance". That would have been in 1970 ish. He had a Ducati Darmah, and died from Meningitis at the age of 23.
Thank you for this video! I've followed your methods and finished the first round of polishing. To be honest the results are quick and satisfying! Wish I could add the before and after pictures here.
WOW, thanx a lot for sharing this amazing way of polishing the engine casing
Back in the day with my Suzuki 550 Katana at the Kent Custom Show I was asked where I got my carbs chromed. I told him "Autosol and elbow grease Ltd". BTW I found old cotton tee shirts were excellent for polishing.
Great bit of useful information, your method certainly works. I love the 'on reflection' remark 😉
Great information and comprehensive video , thanks SF . Thinking of getting an Interceptor soon , currently have the 2019 Bullet Trials which I will never sell .
It is just amazing to see so much care for the motorcycle.
Nice job! Super idea! However, back in the early 80's I had a Harley Davidson with a lot of chrome. That ended my interest in shiny. :) It seemed like I spent more time cleaning and polishing than riding. Keep up with the great video's.
now thats excellent,thanks for this information.I always did think that these covers lacked the finish that they should have.
Great video Stu, my 535 looks brill now 👍🏻 Would love to see a video on repairing stone chips, something I’m about to tackle on my tank 😬
Like you, I've found by hand and time is best, hand can follow the contours and vary the pressure etc, I tried power tools but best result was as you demonstrated. And I found microfibre cloths to be a problem-they are good at lifting grease film etc without needing any additional product, I found them to be useless when using "visor proof" as they just sweep the product off. Good old stockinette for polish work.
Best product I've found for protecting bikes towards winter, is Wurth anti corrosion treatment, it leaves a very light wax film behind and tends not to wash off like FS365 which I also use. I use plenty of water to rinse off any protective product as they may trap fine grit.Those engine cases do look good-much better than black or laquered cases.
Awesome bike and awesome videos , thank you for sharing :)
I've been enjoying your vlogs from India for quite sometime .
Thx for your video. The rear suspension setting of Interceptor 650 that comes stock from company is at the softest setting. I was willing to adjust it to the 2nd or 3rd setting for a harder and safer ride however however
That's right up my street, i love doing things like that. A great result!
Mirror finish on my bikeNow I can see the guy I like.Thanks Stuart----great technique
As usual, a very useful video..👍 Sir, your years of experience will definitely help the current and prospective users of the interceptor..so expecting more of such videos in future.. I believe your bike will be one of the immaculately maintained and a reference point in the future.😊
Useful Video, I own GT650, keep sharing videos like this 👌
Did the same thing with my old Jawa CZ turned a mundane commuter into a bike that really pulled a crowd.
Even Wells in Forest Gate where I bought it asked me to do the same to his new bikes , obviously I refused it took ages to get the casings up
Trouble I had with Japanese and others the casings are not pure alloy so don't burnish as well.
That said you should see the wife's MX5 sports car you can see your face in the stainless silencer and alloy sub frames.
A credit to good old elbow grease and great technique....... Fred
Stuart te llevó tiempo pero has hecho un buen trabajo, una Royal bien limpia y pulido sus cromados y partes del motor llaman la atención
Mochas Gracias Senor!
Another great, informative video...thanks Stuart. Patience is a key virtue if you really want to look after your bike. You display this virtue perfectly in this video. Regards, Mitch
Bellissimo. There is a separation between those who just ride their bikes and those who love their bikes. You are in the latter group.
Awesome result really impressive thanks for your video
A fantastic and informative video as always, sir!
super interesting - really nicely demonstrated !!
Thanks for the tips.. I was looking for a good method to make a mirror shine...
Thank you sir for your fine videos.
Now I know what to do during Corona lockdown 😅
Thanks mate!
Well, I used this method on the rocker cover corners and "carby" covers. I tried a polishing kit on my drill as well. Unfortunately, the wet and dry gave far better results. So it's a long hard road to perfection. I used 1500 and 2000, 1200 would be the go.
Gday mate your taking me back to 1979 when i owned a honda 550 super sport polishing those casings but those ones had a plastic coating you had to get off first .
Excellent video.....👍👍 kindly give your valuable suggestions regarding polishing and maintainence of the chrome exhaust pipes also.....
Amazing job, another great video. Thanks for sharing.
Useful and practical as ever Stuart, spot on.
I’d like to have my way with those cases on the rouge wheel!
Great job, especially while the cases are still on the bike!
Thank you I was struggling with my interceptor 😁
Beautiful finish!
Another Great Video Stuart! Nothing wrong with it.
Maguire's smells really good too! Lol
Nice one uncle Stu ,they look great .
My Interceptor came with a mirror finish straight outta factory.
Excellent video Uncle Stu! Well done sir! 👍👍😎🏍🇬🇧
LOL thanks Joe!
Great method and fantastic result, thanks!
Very nice! Might have to try that on my old Yamaha.
brilliant and inspirational. I have a W800, but I think everything applies. Aluminum colors can be made to look like chrome with enough elbow grease. Used to get these results (not as nice as yours) on my Sportster. Thanks for the specific product recommendation. Looking forward to making my W shine!
Yes this works on any alloy part Fred, Enjoy!
In the 60's and 70's Japanese bikes, I believe, had a clear coat over the aluminum engine cases. If that's still the case, probably not a good idea to polish them unless you want to first wear through the clear coat.
@@robertpinder2307 Interesting. I never had this issue with polishing my '60s Triumphs and '97 Sportster. I really got the Sportster looking like chrome. But not long ago I bought a new Yamaha SR400 (a sort of knock-off of the BSA big singles). This thing developed what I can only describe as a skin disease. This coat was the culprit. The dealer finally had to sand the whole thing off. Then it was fine.
Everytime I watch your vids Stuart, it costs me money. LOL
They sell that polish at the local auto shops. Pretty easy to find in Australia.
Looks awesome. Will be busy on the new interceptor I think.
I’m just not that patient! would definitely take your advice & use this method but not for 6 x hours...(more like 30-60 mins max). Thank you 👊😎👍
I use soapy water with the sandpaper which i find helps
Top tips for everyone 👍🏻
Black hands! quite fiddly! But looks better than they do off the show room floor. Nice job!
Your not a proper biker if you dont have some dirt under your fingernails!
brave man cutting cloth on your bike seat
Loving your videos
Phenomenal, Absolutely Phenomenal.
Awesome. It's shining like a star
Nicely done
WOW, thank you Sir. Very useful information.
I must admit it does look lovely, and I can understand why you've done it, however, I've barely had enough time to wash my bike never mind be worried about perfection. Maybe when I retire eh. Oh, ACF 50 is great for anti corrosion.
You must take pride in your machine! ACF50 is a bit sticky for my taste.
@@stuartfillinghamI know but it's the only way to get a bike through the winter commute and not have all the aluminium turn to dust. I wish I could afford two bikes, one for holidays and warm sunny days and one for the commute, which is really why I'm interested in what you're doing with the Royal Enfield Stuart, I'd like one for my warm sunny days. It won't bankrupt me, and I can fettle with it over the winter.
Wow..keep up the passion. Awesome
Excellent!
Nice Job Stuart!!
Beautiful but you have the patience of a saint!
Its not patience John, its taking pride in your ride!
Pretty cool mate!
Ahh up!
Fist of all, this is all your fault.
If I had not found this channel I would still be scrolling, watching and dreaming of owning and riding a bike. Pipe dreams of Bonneville.
Your fantastic videos of the Royal Enfield interceptor twin have inspired me to get my license and buy that very bike. Starting last October that is the journey I began.
Sunday just gone, that one really nice day last week. I picked my 2019 650 up in Leicester and set off on an amazing 130 mile ride home. Going the scenic route through Rutland and into Suffolk.
Naturally I am sold on your recommendations, but have to tried buying meguiar's Next Generation Polish resently. It is out of stock every where!
Thoughts on Autosol? Or another polish for my engine covers?
(That reminds me, I have got to get some of that bilt hamber speed wax. But Increasingly tempted by the price of turtle Canberra wax??)