[rajeevsulu]

Nighteye Led bulb

I swapped the original bulb out for the Nighteye Led bulb after reading about the conversion on this forum. The difference is phenomenal.

I ordered via Nighteye.in and the bulb was shipped home. It costs Rs.999-/ . It is a straight plug and play affair and takes 5 minutes. All you need is a philips screw driver.

I have attached a few pictures of the throw with the stock bulb and now with the Led bulb. I regret not going for this change much earlier.

Cheers

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by Growler86

Thank you for the perspective. I will keep it noted when I go for the test rides. In fact, I am really thinking of renting the twins for some time as you suggested.

Rent them and ride for a few days.
I was not so lucky. I bought the bike without a test ride.

For me, the riding posture didn't really pinch in the early days as I wasn't doing long rides. The bike isn't used at all for the City cycle. Its only over time that I discovered that the seating is cramped and not suitable for long distances. I'm shy of 6 feet in height. After a point, no matter how much you shift yourself in the saddle, it does not help improve on comfort.

Riding posture aside, the bike is not exactly a handlers delight. I like keeping things stock. I don't like meddling with the suspension setup. The bike does not give me anywhere near the confidence to lean like I could on my old Enfield 500 (I get it...its not fair to compare the two). To be clear, I'm not even bordering on peg scrapping or corner carving. That is not for me. Its basic vehicle stability that isn't as good as some other motorcycles out there.

I deal with an average 20kmph head wind. Sometimes it may go as high as 30 to 35kmph. The bike is all over the place in these conditions. This is less of an issue in India.

Speaking of positives. The highlight of this motorcycle is the engine. It is an absolute gem. No arguing that. Every time I take the bike out and open up the throttle, it is pure joy.

There are things you discover along the way. This applies for all motorcycles.

I did try sitting on a Super Meteor. Definitely more saddle area and heaps more comfortable. Not the kinda of bike I want though.

I did ride a Triumph T100 Bonneville much later. A little less committed than the riding posture of an Interceptor. The bigger difference being more seat surface area. You are sitting more upright. The engine is more relaxed. Had I ridden this bike around the time I bought the Interceptor, my decision on a motorcycle would have been different. You can't get a brand new T100 for the price of a Interceptor. A low mileage used one will be about 30% over the cost of a New Interceptor. Worth considering in every sense, in my part of the world. Is better equipped bike too.

The reason I was pushing you towards the New 350 is because you are accustomed to riding a motorcycle like that. It has a perfect riding posture. Comfortable. Fatigue free. You will miss that on the Interceptor. It won't be apparent immediately.

I get that you want to try something new. Maybe wait for the new Classic 650 to hit the showrooms. Definitely looks more comfortable.

[sab3r2th]

Originally Posted by rajeevsulu

Nighteye Led bulb

I swapped the original bulb out for the Nighteye Led bulb after reading about the conversion on this forum. The difference is phenomenal.

I ordered via Nighteye.in and the bulb was shipped home. It costs Rs.999-/ . It is a straight plug and play affair and takes 5 minutes. All you need is a philips screw driver.

I have attached a few pictures of the throw with the stock bulb and now with the Led bulb. I regret not going for this change much earlier.

Cheers

The Nighteye swap in the stock dome is horrible for people coming in the opposite direction, because the throw is all over the place. Not exactly the most socially considerate upgrade. That said, it is a good middle finger to the idiots driving with the high beam on (mostly Thars and Cretas) so there's that.
Do note that it is completely useless in the rain.

[rajeevsulu]

I noticed that. I have stopped being socially considerate regarding headlights. Nobody on the road is considerate to me. It does not matter anyway as my riding is exclusively on highways. I would not care much even otherwise.

PS I drive a Thar too :-)

Cheers

[aargee]

Originally Posted by rajeevsulu

Nighteye Led bulb

Sir, I hope you paid for the original one & not the duplicate ones that is flooding the market.

[rajeevsulu]

I ordered from the website nighteye.in . Infact I got the idea for a nighteye swap after reading your post.

I am not sure about the authenticity of the bulb . The packing was not like what you got .

Of all places,the courier originated from Chattisgarh. Now I don't know what to make of it.

Cheers

[DexterLok98]

Originally Posted by tharian

Fuel efficiency on the twins depends quite a bit on the right hand. Even in city, if it is gentle riding, 25 kmpl is what I get. On the highway, most of the time I get around 30 kmpl with 32 being the highest. Windblast also affects it.
I hardly open the throttle more than 50%. One can say, I under utilize the engine, probably because I am used to riding a bike that doesn't need much revs, all these years.

I have been riding my Interceptor for almost a year and half and the highest figure I was able to get was 25KMPL.

My riding is mostly a mix between highways and city roads. 60percent city and 40percent highways. I rev match while downshifting and keep my RPMs below 4000. I rarely go above 80KM/H. On highways I stay on higher gears, but in cities its in 3rd or max 4th gear. All this while I was using regular fuel and the mileage I was getting was between 23 and 25KMPL. Just recently I started using HP95 fuel and the last estimate I got(18 march 2025) was 20.1KMPL.

I have measured this from full tank to full tank. Could you please suggest me some tips to increase mileage.

[tharian]

Originally Posted by DexterLok98

I have been riding my Interceptor for almost a year and half and the highest figure I was able to get was 25KMPL.

You really cannot expect higher fuel efficiency from a 650cc twin cylinder engine. 25 kmpl in a mixed environment is a good figure.

I get 20-21 kmpl in Bangalore traffic. On highways, if it is a 4 laned highway where I can keep a consistent speed of 90-95 kmph is when I can get around 30 kmpl. On state highways, it is probably 25-26 kmpl.

So what you get is actually good.

[GreyNomad]

While returning from work last evening, an autorickshaw jumped lanes and crashed into my bike. The bugger was tailgating an ambulance and then tried to overtake it! The impact was so severe that it almost ripped off the brake lever, bent the bend pipe and gashed the right side muffler. Luckily, though badly sprained and lacerated, nothing broke in my body.

I rode the bike gingerly to the service centre and upon inspection found that the brake lever and foot peg unit has cracked from the chassis. My SA has suggested a chassis replacement under insurance, stating that welding it could prove to be risky in the future especially since it would reduce the load bearing strength of the foot peg.

I’ve filed a claim already and a surveyor has also been assigned. Will keep the group posted on the travails of this - from the claim process to the work to the post op RC updation saga.
Meanwhile, advice and things to keep in mind always welcome.

And yes, a little unsolicited advice from me - even if not wearing riding gear, plz always wear covered shoes. In peak hour traffic I was at sub-20kmph while the auto must not have been more than 60/65kmph. But the impact was quite devastating. Had I been wearing sandals my foot would have been gashed and broken.

[sab3r2th]

Originally Posted by DexterLok98

I have been riding my Interceptor for almost a year and half and the highest figure I was able to get was 25KMPL.

Just recently I started using HP95 fuel and the last estimate I got(18 march 2025) was 20.1KMPL.

I have measured this from full tank to full tank. Could you please suggest me some tips to increase mileage.

XP95 is useless for an engine running on a 9.5:1 compression. You'd be better of staying with regular petrol or Speed/Power at most.

The only change that makes a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency is adding another tooth to the front sprocket. I've had an increase of 2-3kmpl but that might not be everyone's cup of tea.

Originally Posted by tharian

You really cannot expect higher fuel efficiency from a 650cc twin cylinder engine. 25 kmpl in a mixed environment is a good figure.

"Maybe it was born with it, maybe its the ethanol." But yeah, getting 25kmpl mixed is pretty good. I'm pretty happy when I get more than 22 on mine.

Originally Posted by GreyNomad

I’ve filed a claim already and a surveyor has also been assigned. Will keep the group posted on the travails of this - from the claim process to the work to the post op RC updation saga.

Afaik, RC updation will not be a thing as the new chassis will have the same number as the old one.

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by GreyNomad

While returning from work last evening, an autorickshaw jumped lanes and crashed into my bike. The bugger was tailgating an ambulance and then tried to overtake it!
…

And yes, a little unsolicited advice from me - even if not wearing riding gear, plz always wear covered shoes.

Very sorry to hear and glad to know it wasn’t worse than this. Share cab EECOs in SOBO, rickshaws in suburbs and scooters everywhere are being driven with complete lawlessness with no care or consequence. EECOs too on their standard circuit route dont even bother with signals very often cutting across traffic even during peak traffic hours.

Great advise there too. Aside from the obvious of helmet, the two rules I see through almost consistently on a bike are gloves and closed footwear. Your feet and hands are the most badly exposed in the event of a shunt or a fall.

Take care.

[rajeevsulu]

Originally Posted by DexterLok98

I have been riding my Interceptor for almost a year and half and the highest figure I was able to get was 25KMPL.
Just recently I started using HP95 fuel and the last estimate I got(18 march 2025) was 20.1KMPL.
I have measured this from full tank to full tank. Could you please suggest me some tips to increase mileage.

I have noticed that XP 95 makes absolutely no difference on this bike. The first 15,000 kms I rode exclusively on XP 95 and switched to normal fuel because I could not find a pump dispensing XP 95 in Yercaud.

I have never filled 95 after that. That is Rs.7 saved per litre. 25 kmpl is very good. If you have a very heavy right hand,it should go down even more.

Cheers

[jomson13]

Originally Posted by GreyNomad

While returning from work last evening, an autorickshaw jumped lanes and crashed into my bike. The bugger was tailgating an ambulance and then tried to overtake it! The impact was so severe that it almost ripped off the brake lever, bent the bend pipe and gashed the right side muffler. Luckily, though badly sprained and lacerated, nothing broke in my body.

Sorry to hear that and wish you a speedy recovery. Its extremely frustrating to pick up such an injury for no fault of yours. Add to that the repairs to the bike - life is just not fair sometimes!

Originally Posted by DexterLok98

I have measured this from full tank to full tank. Could you please suggest me some tips to increase mileage.

If mileage is a concern then the only tip that would work is to get yourself a mileage oriented bike
But you could try maintaining tyre pressures, cleaning the air filter regularly to see if it helps.
My riding style is quite different from you, My usual upshifts are post 5k rpm, most of my braking is done by aggressive engine braking and the throttle is twisted open quite regularly.
Its a fun bike to ride like this, don't worry too much about the mileage.
I get a respectable 23-24 inspite of all this, so I'm not complaining in anyway!

Originally Posted by sab3r2th

The only change that makes a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency is adding another tooth to the front sprocket. I've had an increase of 2-3kmpl but that might not be everyone's cup of tea.

My bike is due for a chain and sprocket change. Are there any upgrades available for the interceptor? I'm interested in a larger sprocket in the rear to improve the initial pick up. Can the sprockets from one of the adv bikes (himalayan / KTM Adv 390) be used on the interceptor?

[sab3r2th]

Originally Posted by jomson13

My bike is due for a chain and sprocket change. Are there any upgrades available for the interceptor? I'm interested in a larger sprocket in the rear to improve the initial pick up. Can the sprockets from one of the adv bikes (himalayan / KTM Adv 390) be used on the interceptor?

So the Himalayan 411 and the Interceptor/Continental have the same 15T/38T sprockets, so no upgrade there. There's quite a few aftermarket shops like RPC, NMW Racing, even Way2Speed doing sprockets so you can take your pick.
The rear sprocket will need an extra link on the chain.

[DexterLok98]

Originally Posted by sab3r2th

XP95 is useless for an engine running on a 9.5:1 compression. You'd be better of staying with regular petrol or Speed/Power at most.

The only change that makes a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency is adding another tooth to the front sprocket. I've had an increase of 2-3kmpl but that might not be everyone's cup of tea.



"Maybe it was born with it, maybe its the ethanol." But yeah, getting 25kmpl mixed is pretty good. I'm pretty happy when I get more than 22 on mine.


Afaik, RC updation will not be a thing as the new chassis will have the same number as the old one.

Thanks for these details. But I dont plan on making any modifications in the chain sprocket. Maybe I may spend on the KNN performance Air filter but thats a long term plan. Im planning on doing interstate commutes often. Its from my hometown to Pune so the distance is roughly 440KMs. So if im getting even 28-29 on the highway that roughly makes a real world range of approximately 260 to 270 KM considering I only use 9 Litres of the fuel tank capacity.

Also, if any tips before making my rides would be greatly appreciated.

Originally Posted by jomson13

I get a respectable 23-24 inspite of all this, so I'm not complaining in anyway!

Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately I dont want to change my bike. I love her for how she is and I accept her whole heartedly. .
I do maintain tire pressure at 31 psi at the front and 35 at the rear.
I will also add a routine to clean the air filter as well when cleaning and lubing my chain.
I guess it does depend on riding conditions. But I will post an update on this thread.