New 2022 Interceptor. Downtown Drag

[2LZ]

Not sure, but Rustoleum makes a pretty comprehensive line of medium to dark metallic greys. I have most of them for different trim projects on cars and household pieces. If you went to Lowes or Home Depot, you can no doubt find something that is pretty close. You're trying to match to parts that aren't immediately adjacent to the tank, so if it's not perfect, it's not going to be a glaring difference.

Off the top of my head, I'd look at "soft iron grey", which is a flat. The frustrating thing is that their colors in those greys run from flat to gloss.

Thank you for the input, Gi60. You being a detailer will be a handy guy to have around! .

I think I may run to town tomorrow for some errands, and paint will be one of them. I'm hoping I may be able to get a decent pic with my phone....at least close enough to grab a couple/three cans of something close. I'd like to try to find more than a satin, than a matte. Give it a tad of glow. My first thought was to black them out, but I've "murdered out" so many black bikes, I want some contrast for a change. Going black is the easy way out.

I'll be looking for some treatment for this satin/matte finish also. Once Summer gets here, as you know, our CA sun can be brutal on finishes.

 

[Gone in 60]

I just had to run across the street to Home Depot for some stuff, and checked the spray paint aisle. For some reason, my store now does not have that line of Rustoleum metallic greys on the shelf all the sudden. Weird, but you'll find something close. Keep in mind that you can top-coat anything with clear matte if you find a color that's close but with more of a gloss finish.

 

[smilespergallon]

You might get the results that you are looking for by applying paint in the color that you want and then (just like RE does) shoot that over top with a matte clearcoat once it has the hue and tone that you are looking for.

When pulling badges off my Classic I noticed that underneath some of the decals was a gloss black finish, complete with ridge where the matte came off with the sticker. If I ever get to the point of a complete tear down for cleaning I'll probably be spraying matte on all the accessories that only came in shiny.

 

[Woodstock]

I let someone else select the tank color of my Interceptor, Ventura Blue, and never really noticed the gloss versus matte or headlight color versus other. I wanted the tank badge, even if it is plastic, and I did believe the color would be more standout going years forward if it proved less popular. But a year in, every time I approach it in a parking lot I just think what a good-looking machine it is. The sum of the whole far exceeds the parts. It is beautiful.

 

[2LZ]

I let someone else select the tank color of my Interceptor, Ventura Blue, and never really noticed the gloss versus matte or headlight color versus other. I wanted the tank badge, even if it is plastic, and I did believe the color would be more standout going years forward if it proved less popular. But a year in, every time I approach it in a parking lot I just think what a good-looking machine it is. The sum of the whole far exceeds the parts. It is beautiful.

Indeed. The Ventura blue was my second choice (tied for first?) I was originally wanting the Orange Crush. It looks almost edible. The dealer wasn't budging on any of the popular colors, and the Mark II was even more. The great thing about the RE is replacement parts, like tanks, are very inexpensive and readily available if change is desired.

 

[Woodstock]

Indeed. The Ventura blue was my second choice (tied for first?) I was originally wanting the Orange Crush. It looks almost edible. The dealer wasn't budging on any of the popular colors, and the Mark II was even more. The great thing about the RE is replacement parts, like tanks, are very inexpensive and readily available if change is desired.

One other thought overnight, several weeks ago there was suddenly a glut of replacement Interceptor tanks showing up on my eBay feed in various colors and finishes. I wondered why other than a new model year and if it had happened in prior years before I was conscious? I would really like to know what Enfield plans for the next five years. I would prefer another Enfield for all the reasons I bought my Interceptor, if they bring out the "right" next bike for me.

 

[Landisr]

Hi, 2LZ. Thanks for starting this great thread. Do you have a link for the door/tank trim/seal?

 

[2LZ]

One other thought overnight, several weeks ago there was suddenly a glut of replacement Interceptor tanks showing up on my eBay feed in various colors and finishes. I wondered why other than a new model year and if it had happened in prior years before I was conscious? I would really like to know what Enfield plans for the next five years. I would prefer another Enfield for all the reasons I bought my Interceptor, if they bring out the "right" next bike for me.

All good thoughts and I know what you mean. I'm pretty smitten by the Interceptor. Super nice bike. I'm not much of a Himi guy, just due to the fact I don't ride that adventurous anymore. Playing with a Scram would be more my style....more of a scambler type. Mostly road, some dirt roads.

Uncle Stu discusses a possible 750cc unit coming up to maybe replace or upgrade the current 650cc??? The biggest problem is the new Enviro standards. It was the death of the 500cc and now they have to make the best of a small 350cc single. I was actually thhinking of adding a 500 Bullet to the herd but they are now history. I'd have to go used and sudden;y, according to FB marketplace and CL, they became expensive. As much as the Classic 350 in gunmetal would look great in my shop, it would struggle mightily hauling my arse up and down our Canyonland here. Everything is vertical and twisty. It will be interesting to see what Mr. Lal does over the next couple years. I know he's heavily concentrating on the open market now.

 

[2LZ]

Hi, 2LZ. Thanks for starting this great thread. Do you have a link for the door/tank trim/seal?

Thanks for coming along! It's been fun. Ask and ye shall receive!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JMM66HB?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[smilespergallon]

As much as the Classic 350 in gunmetal would look great in my shop, it would struggle mightily hauling my arse up and down our Canyonland here. Everything is vertical and twisty.

Fourth gear pulls hard on steep hills. Third gear on a Classic 350 and you're climbing straight up a caldera, she's got torque for days.

 

[2LZ]

Fourth gear pulls hard on steep hills. Third gear on a Classic 350 and you're climbing straight up a caldera, she's got torque for days.

That's really good to know! I balked at the 20-ish HP. I have a little 200cc dual sport with about 20hp after mods, and when I get up to my "bad weight", the poor gal struggles. Granted, its not a torque machine. More top-end.

 

[2LZ]

On a different note, I FINALLY got the Interceptor out today! It warmed up enough. I bundled up and actually have 100.3 miles on it now. 1/3 of the way to break-in! Really lovin' this bike. The tire are now scuffed, and the power delivery so incredibly smooth only using a third of the throttle. Need more miles......

 

[Woodstock]

All good thoughts and I know what you mean. I'm pretty smitten by the Interceptor. Super nice bike. I'm not much of a Himi guy, just due to the fact I don't ride that adventurous anymore. Playing with a Scram would be more my style....more of a scambler type. Mostly road, some dirt roads.

Uncle Stu discusses a possible 750cc unit coming up to maybe replace or upgrade the current 650cc??? The biggest problem is the new Enviro standards. It was the death of the 500cc and now they have to make the best of a small 350cc single. I was actually thhinking of adding a 500 Bullet to the herd but they are now history. I'd have to go used and sudden;y, according to FB marketplace and CL, they became expensive. As much as the Classic 350 in gunmetal would look great in my shop, it would struggle mightily hauling my arse up and down our Canyonland here. Everything is vertical and twisty. It will be interesting to see what Mr. Lal does over the next couple years. I know he's heavily concentrating on the open market now.

Please define "open market" and how you see Siddhartha moving production. I live in hope of what Siddhartha will do. I stopped watching Fillingham when one of his vlogs was too out to lunch. Which is a shame because he had some good points amidst a lot of the chatter. I'm also in the camp of bigger capacity in that 650 engine. I watched a Biker Torque the other day and someone made the point that there are enough 865 big bore kits in road circulation to prove the big end bearings can take a larger displacement. Would it be enough for me to buy one if it came from the factory at 850? I loved the old Nortons but I would not part with my Interceptor for a new one and they are too close in how I would use each one to have both. I'm still inclined to that V-twin 838 with 90 horses that appeared at a bike show a few years ago. That would probably be enough for me to write the check if I liked the frame. The frame would have to be something classic versus what was at the bike show. Bigger than 838 cc would really sell me on the idea.

I also went out today. Just 70 miles or so. 70 degrees before the storm hit. Tomorrow it is back to 44. I added the few items I have purchased and wanted to try them out so will update those threads. If there had not been a storm on the horizon I would have kept going until dark. It was a day to ride without bundling up for the cold. Rare for April first I venture.

 

[smilespergallon]

That's really good to know! I balked at the 20-ish HP. I have a little 200cc dual sport with about 20hp after mods, and when I get up to my "bad weight", the poor gal struggles. Granted, its not a torque machine. More top-end.

The RE 20 HP comes along with 20 lb-ft that kicks in under 2000 RPM and doesn't drop off until after 4000. Shift it like a truck and it'll climb like one, just don't ask for speed.

 

[2LZ]

Please define "open market" and how you see Siddhartha moving production. I live in hope of what Siddhartha will do. I stopped watching Fillingham when one of his vlogs was too out to lunch. Which is a shame because he had some good points amidst a lot of the chatter. I'm also in the camp of bigger capacity in that 650 engine. I watched a Biker Torque the other day and someone made the point that there are enough 865 big bore kits in road circulation to prove the big end bearings can take a larger displacement. Would it be enough for me to buy one if it came from the factory at 850? I loved the old Nortons but I would not part with my Interceptor for a new one and they are too close in how I would use each one to have both. I'm still inclined to that V-twin 838 with 90 horses that appeared at a bike show a few years ago. That would probably be enough for me to write the check if I liked the frame. The frame would have to be something classic versus what was at the bike show. Bigger than 838 cc would really sell me on the idea.

I also went out today. Just 70 miles or so. 70 degrees before the storm hit. Tomorrow it is back to 44. I added the few items I have purchased and wanted to try them out so will update those threads. If there had not been a storm on the horizon I would have kept going until dark. It was a day to ride without bundling up for the cold. Rare for April first I venture.

Simply, really. Open market, as meaning competing with the globe, as opposed to being totally protected within the India market. It's an entirely different mindset for them.
Regarding what you may be searching for from RE, I'm now at the opposite end of the spectrum, and it's one of the reasons I'm so enamored with the Interceptor. Totally usable, tractable power. I'm no longer looking for something large displacement with big power like I used to. It has to do with more where we live. Tight, twisty canyons and very little open, flat road. If I really want to get my yah-yah's out, I have a modded DRZ400SM conversion. It's a hoot and does very well in the canyons and our dirt/gravel roads......but man, dancing with this Interceptor on the canyons is almost graceful......like a fine lady, and that's only after 100 miles! I can't wait for more.

i can't fault Stuart Fillingham too much. He's been a wealth of info for me in my search. He has his own opinions like everyone, but if it wasn't for his channel, it's a good chance I'd still be waiting for the new BSA Gold Star, instead of totally enjoying (and STILL ordering bling for) the new Interceptor. Plus, on some of my mods, his vids sure came in handy. The RE instructions are ridiculously tiny and take a microscope to read.

Back into the 40's here again tomorrow.....and possibly more snow on Tuesday. Sure glad I got out today.

 

[Woodstock]

Simply, really. Open market, as meaning competing with the globe, as opposed to being totally protected within the India market. It's an entirely different mindset for them.
Regarding what you may be searching for from RE, I'm now at the opposite end of the spectrum, and it's one of the reasons I'm so enamored with the Interceptor. Totally usable, tractable power. I'm no longer looking for something large displacement with big power like I used to. It has to do with more where we live. Tight, twisty canyons and very little open, flat road. If I really want to get my yah-yah's out, I have a modded DRZ400SM conversion. It's a hoot and does very well in the canyons and our dirt/gravel roads......but man, dancing with this Interceptor on the canyons is almost graceful......like a fine lady, and that's only after 100 miles! I can't wait for more.

i can't fault Stuart Fillingham too much. He's been a wealth of info for me in my search. He has his own opinions like everyone, but if it wasn't for his channel, it's a good chance I'd still be waiting for the new BSA Gold Star, instead of totally enjoying (and STILL ordering bling for) the new Interceptor. Plus, on some of my mods, his vids sure came in handy. The RE instructions are ridiculously tiny and take a microscope to read.

Back into the 40's here again tomorrow.....and possibly more snow on Tuesday. Sure glad I got out today.

Agreed, the Interceptor is magnificent. I will not willingly part with mine whatever else I may do. The NE is a very large place in which to play where one never has to go on a major highway to get anywhere. Enjoy.

 

[2LZ]

Warmed up a little today so I bundled up and took her out for another 40 miles around the neighborhood. Almost half way to my 300 service! Hoping to get another 50 or so tomorrow. Weather is supposed to cooperate. Really lovin' the bike. So graceful on the canyon twisties.

 

[2LZ]

Chalked another 50-ish today. Over 200 miles now. Got a little bored, dug through some boxes and found these. Think I'll keep them for a while. See if they grow on me.

 

[2LZ]

Ended up with the "Matte Deep Gray". We'll see how it goes.

In the meantime, added another touch of bling. Quartz clock between the bar mounts. Now I'll never be late for Beer-30!

 

[2LZ]

Had to stick around the house today, so I decided to do some tweeker painting. I went with Testors Gun Metal.