Tag Archives: Chad Cochran

Royal Enfield INT650 Accessories Review

Royal Enfield INT650 Accessories Review
We install and review 15 Royal Enfield INT650 accessories, including mirrors, luggage, protection, seats, mufflers, and more.

I’m the proud owner of a 2021 Royal Enfield INT650, which has the perfect blend of old-school charm and modern reliability. Riding my bike feels like traveling through time, minus the oil leaks, dodgy electrics, and outdated components of a true vintage motorcycle. The INT650 is beautiful yet simple, and the factory Royal Enfield INT650 accessories echo this aesthetic. They are not over-designed, just straightforward and high-quality, contributing to the bike’s timeless style.

My upgrade journey began with bolt-on parts, which required some time, effort, and tools for installation. I added the following to enhance the INT650’s curb appeal: Silver Oil Cap ($46.49), Handlebar Clamp ($44.49), Handlebar Brace Pad ($40.79), Heel Guard ($51.49), Intake Cover ($72.95), Bar End Finisher ($65.95), and Black Touring Mirrors ($239.95).

Royal Enfield INT650 Accessories Review Black Touring Mirrors
Black Touring Mirrors

Next, I sampled two different seats: the Brown Signature Bench Seat ($189.99) and the Black Premium Touring Dual Seat ($219.95). Both transformed the bike’s comfort and style, providing a noticeable improvement over the stock seat. Swapping seats is effortless, thanks to the INT650’s simple latch mechanism. The Brown Signature Bench Seat is ideal for in-town riding and short trips, while the Black Premium Touring Dual Seat is perfect for long-distance travel.

Emboldened by my early successes, I tackled the more time-intensive installations. The Black Aluminum Sump Guard ($115.95) required finesse due to tricky header fasteners. However, removing the exhaust mounts was easy. Keeping the fasteners loose during installation made a world of difference, allowing me to align the separate mounts.

Royal Enfield INT650 Accessories Review Handlebar Brace Pad and Clamp
Handlebar Brace Pad and Clamp

Next, I moved on to the Fork Gaiter Kit ($57.95). I’ll admit, I didn’t follow the instructions to the letter. Instead, I employed a quicker method I found online, which involved stretching the gaiter over the axle and fender mounts. While it wasn’t the recommended approach, it saved me time and frustration. After some wrestling, I successfully installed the gaiters, albeit with a few choice words uttered under my breath. In hindsight, following the instructions might have been the wiser choice, but the result looks great, and the gaiters retained their original shape.

The Black LED Indicators ($109.99, seen on the lead photo) were a breeze to install, thanks to clear instructions. Up front, disassembling and rewiring the light for the new indicators was a straightforward process. However, the rear fender and light components required more time and effort to disassemble and reassemble. Despite the extra work, the result was well worth it – the new LED indicators provide improved visibility and a sleek look.

The Pannier Mounting Kit ($67.99), which consists of matching tubular steel pannier rails, was straightforward, requiring minimal brain power and only some fastening to the rear mounts. The 8.5-liter Soft Panniers ($274.95) easily drop onto the mount and clip in, providing convenient storage.

Royal Enfield INT650 Accessories Review Pannier Mounting Kit and 8.5-liter Soft Panniers
Pannier Mounting Kit and 8.5-liter Soft Panniers

The pièce de résistance was the S&S Slip-On Mufflers ($899.99). When I first researched the INT650, one of the selling points for me was the potential for a deep, throaty exhaust note. I wanted a bike that would turn heads, not just with its looks but also with its sound. The S&S Slip-On Mufflers delivered exactly that. Using the original bracket, I simply connected the new mufflers and twisted them onto the pipes. The resulting sound – a rich, deep rumble – was music to my ears, the perfect complement to the INT650’s classic style.

Royal Enfield INT650 Accessories Review Brown Signature Bench Seat
Brown Signature Bench Seat

With all accessories installed, I took my INT650 for a spin. The accessories significantly enhanced the riding experience, addressing both practical and aesthetic concerns. The Black Aluminum Sump Guard and Fork Gaiter Kit provided peace of mind, protecting vital components from road debris and potential damage. This added layer of security allowed me to focus on the ride, knowing my bike was better equipped to handle the unexpected.

The Black LED Indicators proved a substantial upgrade, emitting a brighter, more visible signal that catches the attention of fellow road users. Their enhanced visibility reduced the risk of accidents and increased my confidence while navigating busy roads. For long-distance travel, the Pannier Mounting Kit greatly expanded my carrying capacity, enabling me to pack essentials and comforts without compromising style or agility. Lastly, the new Black Touring Mirrors exceeded expectations, offering crystal-clear visibility and minimal vibration even at high speeds. Their sleek, understated design aligned perfectly with the INT650’s classic aesthetic, eschewing unnecessary embellishments for a clean, streamlined look.

Royal Enfield INT650 Accessories Review Black Premium Touring Dual Seat
Black Premium Touring Dual Seat

These thoughtful upgrades harmonized to create a more refined, enjoyable, and secure riding experience – one that showcases the INT650’s inherent potential and left me eager to tackle the next adventure.

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Throughout this process, I learned the importance of familiarity with the bike and acquiring the necessary tools for future maintenance. Royal Enfield’s accessories exceeded my expectations in terms of quality and installation ease. While some installs were challenging, online resources and forums provided valuable guidance. If I were to do it all again, I’d be more organized and prepared with the right tools. Nevertheless, the experience has been incredibly rewarding, and I highly recommend Royal Enfield’s factory accessories to INT650 owners seeking enhanced style, comfort, and performance.

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KTM Stacyc 12eDrive Electric Balance Bike Review

KTM Stacyc 12eDrive Electric Balance Bike Review
Boden ripping around a local bike track, getting ready for the Dakar Rally.

Soon after reaching out to my cousin about getting her youngest son, 3-year-old Boden, on a KTM Stacyc 12eDrive electric balance bike, we discovered his strong desire for two-wheeled freedom. He has ridden other training bikes, but riding a battery-powered throttle-controlled bike was totally new to him. After delivery, we threw the battery on the charger, giving Boden time to test out how the bike differs in weight and size from the smaller ones he had ridden.

The Stacyc 12e, which sports KTM factory replica paint and graphics, boasts a robust aluminum TIG-welded frame, 12-inch composite wheels with pneumatic tires, and a BMX-style steel fork. Designed for children aged 3-5 who weigh less than 75 lb, the 12e offers an adjustable seat height that starts at only 13 inches. The bike with the battery installed weighs 17 lb.

KTM Stacyc 12eDrive Electric Balance Bike Review

The 12e features three speed levels: Training (5 mph max), Transitional (7 mph), and Advanced (9 mph). The industrial-grade, 20V lithium-ion battery provides 30 to 60 minutes of runtime, with a comparable charge time. Adjusting the speed mode is straightforward but requires a simple series of steps that prevents it from being accidentally changed by the rider. 

With the battery charged and the speed mode set to Training, we got Boden back on the bike, and he immediately pinned the throttle all the way back. Though he was initially startled when the power engaged, that emotion quickly turned to excitement as he took off down the driveway. 

Boden has made rapid progress with the bike over the past few weeks, quickly becoming confident and comfortable with its operation. The throttle is intuitive and easy to use, although the brake presented an initial challenge due to the reach required for small hands. Adjusting the brake tension resolved this issue. The bike’s ergonomic design is an excellent fit for Boden, with a comfortable seated position and handlebar height, allowing him to ride for extended periods, both with and without battery power.

KTM Stacyc 12eDrive Electric Balance Bike Review
With Crocs in “sport mode,” Boden prepares himself for the bike’s Advanced speed.

As he gained experience, Boden began to explore various speed modes, opting for Transitional mode on pavement and Advanced mode on local dirt tracks. His favorite rides include cruising through the neighborhood, zipping around town, and exploring dirt tracks and mountain bike trails.

Boden’s riding style has evolved to reveal a thrill-seeker, eager to push the limits of the bike’s speed on paved roads with a gradual build in confidence when riding off-road trails. While the bike’s low center of gravity and weight have helped him recover from minor spills, his aggressive riding has resulted in a few mishaps (Mom makes sure he always wears his helmet). The bike, being very sturdy, has only suffered minor scratches, with no mechanical damage. Boden’s enthusiasm for speed is undeniable, and he’s thrilled to keep pace with his older siblings on their pedal bikes, affectionately referring to the Stacyc as his “motorcycle” or “fast bike.”

Safety on two wheels comes from experience, and this bike provides a great opportunity for young riders to develop their skills. Retailing for $829 (many dealers offer discounts), the KTM Stacyc 12eDrive is a durable, top-of-the-line electric balance bike for anyone looking to get their little ones familiar with the power and freedom of two wheels. Boden is continuing to hone his skills and is loving every minute of it.

Visit the KTM website for more information.

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The post KTM Stacyc 12eDrive Electric Balance Bike Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com