Forum

[Slimjim]

Gents, just about to go through the pain of importing a series 2 as not one coming up in the u.k, just one last plea to see if anyone has one that hey are thinking of moving on. Long shot but you never know!

[Norm]

Aren't we so lucky that so many were shipped to the States so we can get them back, bit like sending ice to Eskimos

[Mark M]

Norm, how right you are! If they'd all stayed here they'd be blown to bits; at least the Americans rode them for a bit and when something went wrong they parked them in a warm dry place. That's not to say they didn't bodge them and leave them outdoors on occasion but many more got the benign neglect treatment than they would have had here! I don't remember "Slimjim" being on here before but he hasn't showed on the specialist Interceptor site as far as I know so his research could be improved for starters. There have been several enquiries about buying S2s recently from previously unknown posters, I think this always happens in a recession when people look to spend their money on something that will be a hedge against inflation. Nothing against that (and apologies to Jim if he just wants a nice bike!) but it does lead to some silly pricing, eventually making bikes too precious to ride. Fortunately some of us do get out there, the Interceptor Rally is at Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power near Stow on the Wold this year, June 21-23. This is a Royal Enfield Club event but day visitors are welcome. Any Enfield is fine but bring a Twin if you have one!
REgards, Mark

[Norm]

Mark,
the problem with the Yanks is that so many bikes got chopped up into choppers/bobbers, a lot probably never saw the road again and all you end up that is usable is the motor and box but they want to sell you the whole bike.Shipping a bike to Aus generally costs $2000+ Luckilly a mate got hold of an Inter motor and box in the States yesterday (personally I believe it is a Super Connie, Graeme Scarth says it is an Inter but once again it has removable cam caps, your thoughts?) and with a lot of bargaining it should get to Aus for around $1000 fingers crossed.It needs rebuilding but most of it is there

[Mark M]

Norm, if Graham has the numbers you can be sure of what he says! Early (Mk1) Inters had the removable cam caps up until late 1965, the last Mk 1s (made late 65 and early 66,) and then all subsequent Inters did not have this feature. Let us know how the project proceeds, please? I'm trying to sort a low speed misfire on mine, have discovered an 8 thou difference in height between the firing points on the K2F cam ring!
REgards, Mark

[Slimjim]

Mark, just someone who wants a ride and have been struggling to land one for a while. I have networked through the club and Tom Bray has been kind enough to forward some details of bikes (only one series 2 unfortunately which was abroad) and have travelled miles and hit a bit of a road block. I want to hang out for a series 2 as I believe they are the better bike to ride. I have two classic bikes which I am going to move on to make space and fund the project but I do 3000 miles a year between them and want something that vibrates less than my spitfire (which means most bikes really) and I may be able to use two up. Could do with some guidance on price if you have a handle on it.

[Mark M]

Jim, good to hear you are the real deal, I wasn't joking about the investment types by the way, I've even had phone calls out of the blue from guys wanting to know exactly what to look for in a particular Enfield because "I know nothing about classic bikes"! I recommend joining the Interceptor Owners Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RE_Interceptor/ and introducing yourself, explaining your wants. Most of the regulars (who are easily the most knowledgeable Inter Owners anywhere,) are in the US or Canada where most of these bikes currently are and have good tips on bikes for sale, including known "hounds" that re-surface periodically and advice on which Classic Dealers to use and avoid. Look also at David Blasco's Blog http://www.royalenfields.com/ which is not only gently entertaining but he keeps a regular listing of REs for sale in the US, including Interceptors and Indians (REs badged as Indians from the 50s). Also, have a chat with Allan Hitchcock, bikes occasionally come up with them (although Allan is doubtful that there will be many bulk buys in the future,) but you should register interest anyway. Finally, don't neglect the 1A, it has most of the advantages of a S2 but is less well known and therefore slightly cheaper. I happen to know of one recently imported which sold for (about) £6k running but unrestored and unregistered. Full details of work needed yet to be given! A fully rebuilt (to a high spec) S2 recently went for £10k on Ebay and I think these prices are typical in the UK. Lastly, the much vaunted smoothness of Interceptors is variable, especially on late models, it would appear the crank balancing man had quite a few days off! I would say an engine rebuild (at least strip and inspect,) is vital on an unknown bike but needn't be too expensive with parts from our Hosts. A crank balance will be about £150, plus parts if required. Hope this helps, see you at the Inter Forum? Oh, and, RE Owners Club Interceptor Rally is at the Cotswold Farm Park near Stow on the Wold 21-23 June, day visitors welcome if you're not a Club member, lots of bikes to admire and interesting folk to get tips! Hope this helps,
REgards, Mark

[Norm]

Hi Mark,my Mark1 Inter is a 65 as per Burtons register and it doesn't have removable cam caps, the plot thickens

[Slimjim]

Thanks Mark, all good information. Bike I am looking at importing will be around 8000 all in but it has some issues, but mainly cosmetic. I know what will happen, the bike will arrive and one will appear locally, law of the sod and all that.

[Mark M]

Norm, removeable cam caps up until approx September 1965, then no caps for the rest of production so maybe no mystery! Mine is the same (approx December 65, REOC has no records for these so dates are based on production rates). Jim, you notice I referred only to prices here in the UK as other costs can only be guessed at. Bikes are relatively cheap in the US (although picking up in price,) but getting them here can be difficult and expensive, although not nearly as hard as a few years back. Good luck and let us know!
REgards, Mark