Posh Pipe Dreamin’
Performance parts prove perfect preliminary project
I’m still in the honeymoon period with the Interceptor, loving every single ride, but if my back was against the wall, I’d say that my biggest criticism was its soundtrack. It’s just a little flat. Thankfully, there are myriad options for remedying this, and my search for a set of new slip-ons found me lusting after this pair of beautifully crafted pipes from S&S Cycle – a firm that works very closely with Royal Enfield (and Harley-Davidson, and Indian…). USA-based S&S produce a range of performance upgrades for the Interceptor aimed at improving rider enjoyment. More smiles-permile sounds great to me, so it was time for some heavy breathing. What’s on the menu? This little project took the form of the pair of pipes (£548), which save around 6kg over the hefty standard items, and also a new high-flow air filter kit (£62.50) complete with restrictor removal plates (£27.28). I’m told these latter two additions mean 95% better airflow into the engine, which should ensure improved throttle response as well as a subtle power boost.
It was an absolute cinch, too – a simple job with big returns. I did the filter first, which involves removing the seat and opening the airbox to get at the restrictor plate. Unbolt that and the standard filter is exposed. You simply remove, then replace with the S&S filter, and bolt the trio of restrictor removal plates on to keep the new element secure. Next up were the pipes, once
I’d finished drooling over their brushed steel finish – their build quality really is exceptional. I needed a set of gaskets from Royal Enfield (£12.52) sourced from Cooperb in Wellingborough, as the standard ones crumbled in my hand when removing the stock pipes. Past that, you simply unbolt the bracket and then unbolt the pipes from the bike’s frame and pull them away. Then reverse the process to
So what do you reckon?
install the new pipes. Easy. The result, once the ECU had sorted its fuelling out, is a dramatic improvement. The throttle feels so sharp it’s almost telepathic, and the twin’s new music is just fantastic. It’s not too loud until around 5000rpm, but still every single combustion event is like a party in my lid. It’s going to take a while to wipe this grin from my face…