[Gypcmechanic]

I’m a Harley guy. Always have been. Loved my Sportys. My fave was a 1975 kickstart Ironhead that I built from the ground up. I still miss her (so much so, a while back, I put out a Craigslist add in North Texas looking for her. However, no joy. So I bought a 1200 Custom that needed some love. I gave it to her but realized I no longer loved Harleys. It just didn’t feel right. So I sold it with every intention of taking a break from bikes and focusing on my 1950 Ford project. That didn’t last too long. Started to get the itch to ride. But, I wanted something that I could ride and really enjoy it. I’ve always loved Bonnes. My dad had a long Triumph when he came back from Nam. So I went looking. I found a nice previously loved street twin. Just looking the first time. So I convinced myself to go and ride it so I did but, while I was waiting I hadn’t really noticed the Enfields all lined up. Well, I noticed a sexy little number sitting there. Then, I flipped over the price tag. WOW! I couldn’t believe it. So I had to take her for a spin. Now you can’t really compare the Twin to the Intercontinental but, why would you. Can you guess which one followed me home?

So, any suggestions on parts? I already have bar end mirrors and grips coming. I’m open to anything. I think the exhaust sounds a little weak. I would love to update that first.

 

[Bweighmaster]

Welcome to the forum , and to the other world of motorcycles ... There are other than hardlys , I got over that back in 1989 . Been a Honda fan ever since . Have'nt tried the R Es yet , None around my area ... ,

 

[nataraj hauser]

... Then, I flipped over the price tag. WOW! I couldn’t believe it. So I had to take her for a spin. Now you can’t really compare the Twin to the Intercontinental but, why would you. Can you guess which one followed me home?

Welcome! The RE Interceptor/Continental stack up pretty well against the 883 Sportsters (and possibly your '75 as well) and for a LOT less money. I took a quick spin over to Zeroto60times.com and did a comparo (as close as I could) of the RE Conti 650, the Honda NC700X, and the Iron 883, and their 0-60 and 1/4 mile times were all very close. HD doesn't refer to horsepower, but other sites do, and they list the Iron 883 at "about 49", and the RE and Honda both make 48, so yeah. My '21 Interceptor (in Orange Crush livery) has 7,100 miles on it, mostly comfortably (that 400-mile day was too much on the standard seat). I hope you enjoy it, and find the right farkles to make it yours.

 

[bsouza10x]

If it weren't for the inherently flawed engine, I might be in board with the whole HD cult. I just don't get the genius of having to pistons firing one right after the other causing such hellacious vibration bolts have to be retightened weekly if locktite isn't applied.

 

[Bweighmaster]

I just can't stand the vibration ...., Spoiled by Kawasaki in about 78 with the KZ 1000 ... SMOOOTH .....

 

[Gypcmechanic]

If it weren't for the inherently flawed engine, I might be in board with the whole HD cult. I just don't get the genius of having to pistons firing one right after the other causing such hellacious vibration bolts have to be retightened weekly if locktite isn't applied.

Eh, I wouldn’t say flawed. It’s basically a 2 cylinder radial engine. Even on my Ironhead I never had anything come loose or off And it never left me stranded anywhere. The Enfield vibrates too. Just at a different frequency. I’d definitely own another Ironhead, shovel, pan or flattie.

 

[bsouza10x]

Just can't look at this without wondering what drugs they were on when it was designed. And no, the RE 650 does not vibrate. Not with a 270 degree crank.

 

[Bweighmaster]

It worked 100 + years ago , and has'nt been upgraded much ...., Pretty stuck in thier way ...,

 

[bsouza10x]

My research reveals the reasons for that back-asswards design were 2 fold. One, in an era where horsepower and torque was measured in single digits, it provided just enough extra torque to get down the road a little easier. Two, the single crank pin allowed for a narrow engine, to better fit into the bicycle sized frame.

However, its a hundred years later. Everyone else has moved on to much better ideas!