Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is one of the best motorcycles that offers immense value for money. It currently sits below the Continental GT 650 which is essentially the same as the Interceptor 650 but gets a cafe racer design. A modified Interceptor 650 recently broke the land speed record at Lake Gairdner, Australia. The motorcycle was modified by HRA Geelong and Hallam Cycle Works for Mid Life Cycles. The motorcycle clocked an astounding top speed of 212.514 kmph, setting a new land speed record for the class. Mid Life Cycles, call the motorcycle “Sabre” out of affection.
The motorcycle was ridden by Charlie Hallam, who is a first-time salt racer. The Interceptor competed in M-F 650 class which is a 650 cc, unstreamlined motorcycles that are supposed to be running on commercial unleaded fuel. The event was annual Speed Week, which was held at Lake Gairdner in Australia. Before this, the record was four years old which stood at 193 kmph. The record was broken on the first go that Hallam took. On the first day, Hallam clocked 195.989 kmph and 198.917 kmph pass which set an average speed of 197.452 kmph. On the second day, Hallam hit 207.530 kmph and on the way back he touched 209.543 kmph, averaging 208.523 kmph.
The record was already broken, but the team gave one last try in the afternoon and hit 209.810 kmph. The back run was done the next morning. The weather was stormy but still, Hallam hit 215.296 kmph which averages 212.514 kmph setting a new record.
The Salt Racer Sabre is a 2019 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. The modifications were done to the engine, frame and other parts so that the motorcycle complies with the M-F 650 class. The cylinder head, throttle body, crankshaft, valves, gearbox, intake manifold and conrods have been modified. The engine now uses forged pistons because they are more tolerant of high temperatures, are more durable and efficient. There is also a new camshaft and the counter-balancer has now been removed. This modified engine was developed to test the performance parts and mods that Mid Life Cycles will be making. They will also be selling these performance parts and mods to the customers who want more performance out of their Interceptor 650 or the Continental GT 650.
The motorcycle is using more sticky Pirelli Diablo Slicks as the front and rear tyre. The stock spoked rims have been removed in favour of lighter alloy wheels. Then there is a longer swingarm, custom front and rear chain sprockets and the suspension has been sourced from Ohlins. If you look closely, you would notice that the motorcycle does not even have any lighting element and even the front disc brake which has been removed in favour of weight reduction. The handlebars are really low and the footpegs are mounted with the rear wheels so that the rider can seat as aerodynamically as possible. This also means that motorcycle is very aggressive and not at all comfortable. During the speed runs, the motorcycle was running on 98 RON fuel, which was mixed with additives. The Sabre was initially built for the Royal Enfield’s “Busted Knuckles Build-Off” programme.