Rodando Sur’s Interceptor 650 Turbo Bobber…
Introduced in 2018, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a retro roadster powered by the company’s air-cooled unit-construction 650cc parallel-twin. The bike has been praised widely for its value (~$6100 new), vintage style, and overall fun factor:
“The engine is lively without being intimidating, the handling is fun without being patronising, and the finish is good without breaking the bank.” –MCN
Many riders, however, would actually prefer the 47-bhp engine to be a bit more intimidating. Fortunately, the low barrier of entry makes the Interceptor (“INT650” in the US market) quite suitable as a canvas for customization.
Recently, we heard from our friends at Argentina’s Rodando Sur — a group of friends who hang out, build bikes, and organize events together in Buenos Aires. Like many a great build, this one’s inception came after a few cold ones between friends. In this case, Roberto Smigiel (@robert.smigiel) and Mauricio Gonzalez (@herreria_ayacucho):
“In a chat with friends over a few beers, Roberto said he would like to buy an Interceptor 650 to modify it, so Mauricio encouraged him and told him to do something extreme and unique in that style.”
Unique and extreme are exactly what they carried out, starting with a brand-new 2022 Interceptor 650, cutting off the back half, and building a softail-style bobber with a turbocharger, intercooler, and programmable FuelTech EFI.
The bike is now sporting a set of burly USD forks up front, while the entire back half of the bike is custom-built, running a fat 240/50-R18 rear tire. Despite running a conservative 300 g/cm² (4.3 psi) of boost, the turbocharged engine boasts a 79% increase in horsepower:
“Limited and planned for daily use in the city, 84 hp with 300 gr. turbo pressure. The weight is approx 227kg and there is still a lot to polish.”
Below, we talk to the team at Rodando Sur for the full details on this turbo bobber, nicknamed “Pili” after the owner’s daughter. Photos by Dalia Fotografía.
Interceptor 650 Turbo Bobber: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
We are Rodando Sur, a group of friends who, among other activities, modify motorcycles. Mauricio Gonzalez and Roberto Smigiel were the people that worked on this project.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, 2022.
• Why was this bike built?
It is a personal project. In a chat with friends over a few beers, Roberto said he would like to buy an Interceptor 650 to modify it, so Mauricio encouraged him and told him to do something extreme and unique in that style.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
It was planned from the base of a bobber with personality, including turbo and fueltech programmable injection.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
It was built from a 0km motorcycle. The chassis was cut in half — only half was used and the other was built entirely by hand.
In addition, the cross was made and the bars were changed, and a bobber-style saddle was made. The front wheel is 190.50.17 and the rear is 240.50.18 — for that the hubs and original rims had to be adapted.
It was fitted with a turbo intercooler and programmable injection, intake plenum, and the rear suspension was made in the softail style with monoshock.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
“PILI.” It’s the nickname of the bike owner’s daughter.
• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?
Limited and planned for daily use in the city, 84 hp with 300 gr. turbo pressure. The weight is approx 227kg and there is still a lot to polish.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
It is a comfortable and docile motorcycle to ride, but you feel the extra strength of those horses that we managed to add.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
That it could be built entirely in our workshop and among friends. But also, the level of the result achieved.
Follow the Builders
@rodandosur
@robert.smigiel
@herreria_ayacucho
@daliaphotograph
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Why are all bikes slammed, always with seats in the air, and no ground clearance for the pegs? YUCK.