I've had my Continental for 4 years and it's a keeper. I'm short and light so it is plenty of power for me and as you say the rev range is 'creamy'. I've ridden a friends Bonneville 850 and although the seat height and comfort is better than the Continental, it only has 5 gears and feels too 'refined". The Continental to me has a bit of 'danger', it has loud wrapped pipes that bark and crackle and pop on decel, it feels like I'm riding an older vintage bike. I can get all my camping gear on the back with saddle bags that don't need racks. The only slight negative is the unchromed engine covers, they didn't have a blacked out version when I bought mine (I don't bother polishing the cases). I originally had my heart set on the Interceptor but the foot-peg position was the deal-breaker, too awkward for a shorty like me.
Good review I’m also 64 and have 3 others bikes xj900 fjr1300 and a 955! Daytona. My 650 has a good few mods and I find it so much fun great all round bike.
Very true what you said 7:45-8:30...none of the external changes to the RE 650s engine make additional power. At 3 years on my 2020 650 Interceptor I went inside the engine; installed 83.5mm Weisco 11:1 pistons and an S&S camshaft. Coupled with the full stainless-steel exhaust and the reduced weight (down to 195kg/429-pounds) and the additional 95cc's the bike is quicker than either of my 2012 Triumphs (Bonneville and Thruxton). It now has "900cc throttle authority" even though it is 743cc. Anyone thinking about the "big-bore kit" should grasp the opportunity to own a 750INT. This bike turned 45,000 miles yesterday and has been the best in 55+ years of riding since 1967...
This is a extremely odd review..... it is odd because I agree with all you say. The bike is a fabulous bike just as it comes, and does not "need" modifications....... I have done all the normal weight saving things, exhaust silencers and down pipes. Also some that I have done just because I can like making tatanium axles, nuts and Spacers. I have also fitted a Stratos Performance sprocket combined savings 1ib 15oz of unsprung mass from the rear wheel. I have Nitron R1s on the rear and Nitron TVT Cartridges in the forks. A Beringer 4 pot caliper with a 16mm Brembo master cylinder to improve braking, mainly internal bite. I have recently changed the wheels to alloys, not for esthetics but to aid possible puncture repairs on the go. These are silver, Lavada Jota style? I actual prefer spokes for looks. For personal comfort i have a GT Touring seat and GT foot controls. THE IMPORTANT BIT.... None of thes modifications are necessary as the bike is a good one out of the box. They are became they make small but incremental improvements, and because I can and it amuses me to do them. Apart fro fitting a Booster Plug (2019 euro4 owned from new) air filter and snorkel i have not felt the need to touch this sublime engine. I am of a similar age and experience to you. The only thing I do differently to you Peter is that I perhaps rev it a bit more than you when pushing on. Extremely well thought through and considered review. 👏👏👏👏 👍😎
I think that a booster plug is the best improvement you can make to these bikes. I never got round to it before I sold the bike but the science is convincing me that it is much kinder to the engine whether it makes a noticeable difference or not.
Great review mate, great photography I've subbed. 😊
I've had my Continental for 4 years and it's a keeper. I'm short and light so it is plenty of power for me and as you say the rev range is 'creamy'. I've ridden a friends Bonneville 850 and although the seat height and comfort is better than the Continental, it only has 5 gears
and feels too 'refined". The Continental to me has a bit of 'danger', it has loud wrapped pipes
that bark and crackle and pop on decel, it feels like I'm riding an older vintage bike. I can get all my camping gear on the back with saddle bags that don't need racks. The only slight negative is the unchromed engine covers, they didn't have a blacked out version when I bought mine (I don't bother polishing the cases). I originally had my heart set on the Interceptor but the foot-peg position was the deal-breaker, too awkward for a shorty like me.
Good review I’m also 64 and have 3 others bikes xj900 fjr1300 and a 955! Daytona. My 650 has a good few mods and I find it so much fun great all round bike.
Very true what you said 7:45-8:30...none of the external changes to the RE 650s engine make additional power. At 3 years on my 2020 650 Interceptor I went inside the engine; installed 83.5mm Weisco 11:1 pistons and an S&S camshaft. Coupled with the full stainless-steel exhaust and the reduced weight (down to 195kg/429-pounds) and the additional 95cc's the bike is quicker than either of my 2012 Triumphs (Bonneville and Thruxton). It now has "900cc throttle authority" even though it is 743cc. Anyone thinking about the "big-bore kit" should grasp the opportunity to own a 750INT. This bike turned 45,000 miles yesterday and has been the best in 55+ years of riding since 1967...
Wise words!
14:07 I`ve found that the "Mahle OC 458" oil filter is a perfect fit and reasonably priced.
@@Vinkelsag Many thanks. I wish i had known that before o sold mine.
This is a extremely odd review..... it is odd because I agree with all you say.
The bike is a fabulous bike just as it comes, and does not "need" modifications.......
I have done all the normal weight saving things, exhaust silencers and down pipes. Also some that I have done just because I can like making tatanium axles, nuts and Spacers. I have also fitted a Stratos Performance sprocket combined savings 1ib 15oz of unsprung mass from the rear wheel.
I have Nitron R1s on the rear and Nitron TVT Cartridges in the forks.
A Beringer 4 pot caliper with a 16mm Brembo master cylinder to improve braking, mainly internal bite.
I have recently changed the wheels to alloys, not for esthetics but to aid possible puncture repairs on the go. These are silver, Lavada Jota style? I actual prefer spokes for looks.
For personal comfort i have a GT Touring seat and GT foot controls.
THE IMPORTANT BIT....
None of thes modifications are necessary as the bike is a good one out of the box. They are became they make small but incremental improvements, and because I can and it amuses me to do them. Apart fro fitting a Booster Plug (2019 euro4 owned from new) air filter and snorkel i have not felt the need to touch this sublime engine.
I am of a similar age and experience to you. The only thing I do differently to you Peter is that I perhaps rev it a bit more than you when pushing on.
Extremely well thought through and considered review.
👏👏👏👏 👍😎
I think that a booster plug is the best improvement you can make to these bikes. I never got round to it before I sold the bike but the science is convincing me that it is much kinder to the engine whether it makes a noticeable difference or not.
@@peterclatworthy3695 It is not a performance aid, the bike goes no faster but the bike does pick up better at low revs and in the mid range.