Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Vintage Royal Enfield => Topic started by: ace.cafe on December 16, 2008, 03:03:11 pm

Title: Interceptor Mk3 800cc prototype photo
Post by: ace.cafe on December 16, 2008, 03:03:11 pm
Lads,
I came across this rare photo of the ONLY Interceptor Mk3 800cc motorycle that RE ever completed. It's the only one.
Currently owned by Steve Linsdell in the UK.
Tested to be capable of 128mph.

Here's the link to the photo.
The Mk3 is the bike on the right.
Click below.
http://www.burtonbikebits.net/800%20Interceptor%20MK3.jpg (http://www.burtonbikebits.net/800%20Interceptor%20MK3.jpg)

The Mk3 differed from the previous Mk2 in that it was 800cc, and here are the tech specs and details of history.


Technical Spec.
Engine: 800cc OHV Vertical Twin 4 Stroke
Bore & Stroke: 73 x 93mm
Carburettors: Twin Amal Concentric 32mm Choke Diameter
Ignition: 12v. Lucas Capacitator System With Twin Coils. Automatic Advance
Rear Suspension: Pivoted Fork with Girling Oil-Controlled Damper Units
Front Fork: Telescopic with Two Way Hydraulic Damping
Hubs: Full Width 8", Light Alloy. QD Rear
Brakes: 8" Twin Leading Shoe Front, 7" x 1" Rear

Differences from Standard MKII
The Bike was fitted with different Crankcases, Barrels, Heads, Camshaft, Thin Stem Valves, Ball Tappet Adjusters, TLS Brake, Oil Cooler, 19" Rear Wheel, Skid Plate, Splined Clutch & Different Crank Balancing.
Also, Standard Fibreglass Petrol Tank, Side Panels and Rear Mudguard Mounted Toolbox.
   Factory Test at Mira - 128MPH
     
Steve Linsdell is currently in possession of the bike, which he has owned since 1975. He is known for his success in racing Royal Enfields, coming 2nd on his 500 Seeley Bullet in the Manx GP Newcomers Race in 1981. Beaten only by a TZ 500cc 4 Cylinder 2 Stroke! Also holding the lap record in the Southern 100 on his 350 Bullet. Steve also raced a 700 Twin, with a great deal of success, beating the Triumphs and Nortons etc.

Steve Originally purchased the MKIII in 1975 and shortly after, attended an Enfield Rally in Holland where he first met Mick Page. (See Picture)

Steve says the bike is capable of around 60 miles to the Gallon.

The Bike's engine had to be rebuilt when it developed a bad oil leak, caused mainly by a broken oil pipe which blocked oil ways, seized the Drive Side main bearing and cracked the crankcase. The crankcase was then taken to Rolls Royce to be welded.
Title: Re: Interceptor Mk3 800cc prototype photo
Post by: Cabo Cruz on December 16, 2008, 05:44:44 pm
Awesome, Ace... thanks for sharing all of this with us lads!
Title: Re: Interceptor Mk3 800cc prototype photo
Post by: hutch on December 16, 2008, 05:49:23 pm
Ace, great job finding that picture. That is the 800cc Interceptor motor I was talking about in another thread. Sure wish it was mine, the lucky dog.   Hutch
Title: Re: Interceptor Mk3 800cc prototype photo
Post by: ace.cafe on December 16, 2008, 08:07:40 pm
Yeah, I thought it was real cool to see that bike!
Glad you liked it!

As soon as I saw it, I rushed right over here to post about it.
Title: Re: Interceptor Mk3 800cc prototype photo
Post by: Indiana Josh on December 22, 2008, 12:26:54 am
Wow, that is absolutely amazing! What a lucky guy...