Interceptor 650 Desert Scrambler Kit from Bonvent Motorbikes…
Since 2018, we’ve witnessed the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (INT650) charm even the most hardened riders and motojournalists with its vintage style, good manners, and affordability. The retro middleweight is powered by Royal Enfield’s air-cooled, fuel-injected 650 parallel-twin, which begs the question: how could a bike with one quarter the power of a new GSX-R1000 be so damn fun?
The secret seems to lie in the 650’s riding experience, which manages to hark back to the air-cooled machines of yesteryear…without all the headaches.
“On my first ride aboard the INT650 I received for review, I was absolutely smitten. What magic was this…? On the boil, the INT650 engages all your skills and senses, just like my vintage bikes used to do. It’s just a better (and safer) overall experience.” -William Roberson, Forbes
Royal Enfield has also embraced the custom and aftermarket community, offering a machine that’s relatively easy to customize — much like the BMW R nineT. These bikes offer more traditional lines, frames, and layouts, and they eschew or simplify many of the rider aids and complex electronic wizardry that makes it so difficult to customize many of today’s OEM bikes.
A number of builders have been developing plug-and-play parts and even full kits for the Royal Enfield 650 twins. One such workshop is France’s Bonvent Motorbikes, established by Marius Paijens after a formative transcontinental trip aboard his ’88 Honda Transalp:
“I made the decision to embark on a motorcycle trip from Paris, France, to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, riding a Transalp 600 from 1988. Throughout this journey, I had ample time for reflection, contemplating how to channel the creativity I had cultivated in music into my second passion — motorcycles. It was during this adventure that the concept of Bonvent Motorbikes took root.”
Not surprisingly, Bonvent Motorbikes incorporates that same sense of adventure into their parts and kits, which are “are meticulously designed to be 100% plug and play, as well as reversible.” Today, we’re excited to feature this Interceptor 650 built with the company’s “Desert Scrambler Kit” and other proprietary parts.
Highlights of the kit include a custom solo saddle, a high rear fender that goes over the stock frame loop (so it doesn’t have to be chopped), Euro-compliant rear light and license plate light, and a license plate holder with turn signal mounts.
This build also features the company’s high front fender, black engine covers, gauge relocation mount, rally side covers, a set of gorgeous old school enduro bars, and an exhaust made by Dustland Moto.
Marius says the comfortable saddle, higher bars, and minimalist cockpit gives the sensation of riding a vintage scrambler, and all of the parts are plug-and-play. We think the rear fender setup is pretty ingenious, and Marius concurs that he and his team take special pride in that part of the kit.
“We are particularly proud of the design of the high rear mudguard that extends over the rear frame loop, creating an effect as if the rear loop has been cut.”
Below, we talk to Marius for the full details on this INT650 “Desert Scrambler,” with more photos from Pierre Semere (@pierresemerephotography).
Royal Enfield Desert Scrambler: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
I am Marius Paijens, the French founder of Bonvent Motorbikes. In 2018, after working for 10 years in the music industry in France, I made the decision to embark on a motorcycle trip from Paris, France, to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, riding a Transalp 600 from 1988. Throughout this journey, I had ample time for reflection, contemplating how to channel the creativity I had cultivated in music into my second passion — motorcycles. It was during this adventure that the concept of Bonvent Motorbikes took root.
As a French company, we have been in existence for less than a year, and our vision revolves around the creation of special parts and kits. These products are meticulously designed to be 100% plug and play, as well as reversible, with the aim of enhancing the style of motorcycles. Our focus centers around the theme of adventure, incorporating a vintage touch into each creation.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
Royal Enfield Interceptor 2019.
• Why was this bike built?
This build is for the promotion of our parts.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
This build draws inspiration from the classic trails of the Paris-Dakar.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
Equipped with our latest “Desert Scrambler” kit, this motorcycle features a mono seat, an elevated rear mudguard positioned atop the frame loop, a tail light, a license plate light, and a license plate holder complete with turn signal mounts.
Additionally, this build incorporates our high front mudguard, meticulously crafted engine covers made from high-temperature vinylester resin, our speedometer relocation mount, our vintage rally side covers, and a larger handlebar. This kit and those accessories are sold on our website. The exhaust is made by Dustland.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 “Desert Scrambler” Kit.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
Riding this bike completely transforms the riding experience. The enhanced comfort from the seat and the straightened posture facilitated by the handlebar contribute to an overall improvement in comfort. The absence of the speedometer lends a minimalist touch to the front, creating a general sensation reminiscent of riding a vintage scrambler.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
We are particularly proud of the design of the high rear mudguard that extends over the rear frame loop, creating an effect as if the rear loop has been cut.
Follow the Builder
Website / Shop: www.bonvent-motorbikes.com
Instagram: @bonvent_motorbikes
Tiktok: @bonvent_motorbikes
Youtube: @Bonventmotorbikes
Facebook: Bonvent Motorbikes
Credit photo: Pierre Semere (@pierresemerephotography)
That is a good example of what a motorcycle should look like. There is no such thing as a universal motorcycle but this looks like a good try at it.