Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Mikko is turning into a courier on the Interceptor
Mikko has been using the Enfield to deliver PPE during the pandemic.
The Interceptor is not the sort of bike that you expect couriers to go for. But couriering is exactly what I have been using it for. Here’s the back story...
During the early days of lockdown, London’s Bike Shed Motorcycle Club had to close the doors of their restaurant, shop and exhibition spaces just like everyone else – but that didn’t mean that they just stayed at home and waited for the storm to pass. Very early on, as the situation developed, it became clear that volunteers would play an important part in helping the NHS through the pandemic.
This gave the Bike Shed folk an idea of how to keep busy during lockdown and help those most in need: they started a volunteer programme called Bike Shed Community Response. The idea was simple. A bunch of bikers delivering PPE and other essential items for the health sector and those who needed the support. They managed to modify an app used by couriers to help them organise and allocate the work, and they were ready to roll out the programme.
Motorcyclists in their thousands answered the call, and soon the programme was running across the country. It’s a fantastic initiative, and shows what nice people you meet on a motorcycle!
READY TO RESPOND
As soon as I heard about the scheme, I wanted to take part. But how to carry PPE on the Interceptor? I had the Ventura Evo pack that could swallow 40 litres of PPE, but I wanted to be sure that I didn’t turn up to a delivery job without the capacity to carry everything included in the job. That could lead not only to embarrassment, but also the essential kit not being delivered in time.
The answer to my problem came in the shape of SWMotech Legend Gear bags from Motohaus (www.motohaus. com). They are soft bags with a clever system for securing them on the bike which fits almost any motorcycle, and the retro-style of them suited the Interceptor.
My first target was the 10-litre saddlebags, which you simply attach to the bike with a bench holder that goes over the seat, and together with a couple of straps it holds the bags securely in place. But that was not enough. I also grabbed the 17-litre tail bag that could sit on the seat behind me.
As a final touch of convenience I added the Legend Gear magnetic tank bag for my phone (essential as the jobs are all allocated by the app, which also gives you directions to your destinations), keys, hand sanitisers and gloves so I had
easy access to everything I would need as I hopped on and off the bike.
Now I had the Ventura pack on the back rack, the Legend Gear panniers on either side, the tail pack sitting in the middle of it all, and all my essential items secure and handy in the tank bag. I was ready for action.
DELIVERING PPE
The way the Community Response scheme works is brilliant in its simplicity (I bet there are lots of people working hard in the background, but for the volunteer couriers it’s all nice and easy). You get a notification on your phone when there’s a job that needs doing. If you fancy it and the times and places work for you, you can just accept the job and get to your pick-up destination. You then load the items on your bike and head over to the delivery location where people are usually very happy and grateful for the delivery.
My first job was taking some face masks to a doctor’s surgery, then came a trip to a dental practice, sorting office, and so it went. Riding around on the Interceptor loaded with PPE has been a great excuse to get out and ride, and knowing that you’re helping in a small way for the health service to get over this dreadful time feels nice.
Naturally, I hope that this service will not be needed for much longer as that would mean that the health system is not so stretched and we’re getting the better of this nasty virus, but at the same time I will miss jumping on the bike, checking all the bags, and riding out to help those that need it.
OUT AND ABOUT
Whether I have been doing the volunteer jobs or just riding for fun, the Interceptor has been a joy to ride. I had its first service at 600 miles with the brake check that caused the recall a little while ago, and now I’m good to bimble about for many more miles before any attention is needed.
I thought that by now my patience with the low(ish) power output would have run out, and the basic suspension would have me lusting after more refined rides, but I’m still perfectly happy on the Interceptor.
After the first service I have been a bit more ‘progressive’ with my riding, and the bike seems to have more oomph than I realised. It’s still a plodder compared to many others, but if you need to get a move on, you can.
The same bags that served me well on my delivery runs have also been great for stashing all my kit in when I have been out and about. I know that the interceptor is not exactly designed as a touring bike, but now I feel like I could easily take off for a few days on it.
At the moment I can’t think of any modifications that are necessary for the full appreciation of the bike, but with more miles that may change. I’ll keep you posted.