[Keef Sparrow]

What was that GT 500 like on performance, l got to ride the 380 but not the 500, l also tried the kwaka 500 which was a bit rubbery but went like hell.

Very flexible but no top end. Very fast from a standing start though because you could use ALL the power without wheelspin or wheelies. It was heavy and struggled to make the ton - although mine was low mileage I suspect the previous owner had thrashed it to within and inch of it's life from new before he wrote it off (and himself I heard later) in a crash. My older T500 was effectively the same bike but with a drum TLS front brake and heavier steel (instead of alloy) fork sliders. The engines were identical apart from CDI ignition on the GT which theoretically might have slightly increased power although both engines were quoted at 47 BHP but my T500 was noticeably faster than the GT even though it was around five times the mileage. They were the only 2 stroke 500 twins ever built and not as powerful as the Jap 500 triple strokers.

[Blazingatom]

Sure the bimota v due would argue with that last point

[greentrumpet]

Perhaps he should have said sold, did Bimota actually sell any? Anyway, Scott sold lots of lovely 2t twins but they were nearer 600 so perhaps don't count either!

[Blazingatom]

Yeah they sold them, back when in the 2000s someone in Italy found a storage container full of them. They go for silly money now though

[CPJS]

 I belonged to a trackday club, one member had a V-Due. It didn't run well on the diesel the trackday organiser accidently put in the petrol cans. Bit of a smokey day that one. Rather expensive apparently.

[zimmemr]

Perhaps he should have said sold, did Bimota actually sell any? Anyway, Scott sold lots of lovely 2t twins but they were nearer 600 so perhaps don't count either!

How about the Silk? I know it's a 700, but they did build a 500cc twin that never made it into production. 

[om15]

Managed to have a couple of runs this week, the work on the front forks has been successful, after some time reading reviews and taking advice on here I have upgraded the rear shocks, I discounted the TEC shocks due to adverse comments on here, don't like the look (or price) of YSS and decided against Hagons.

Fitted these, very good quality, excellent service and retain the look of the bike, will report further when I have a few miles on them

https://normanhyde.co.uk/royal-enfield/650-interceptor/ikon-rear-suspension-for-royal-enfield-650-interceptor-gt-continental.html

[GravyDavy]

Those look perfect on the bike.  I had 7610s on my last BMW airhead and they worked nicely.

Managed to have a couple of runs this week, the work on the front forks has been successful, after some time reading reviews and taking advice on here I have upgraded the rear shocks, I discounted the TEC shocks due to adverse comments on here, don't like the look (or price) of YSS and decided against Hagons.

Fitted these, very good quality, excellent service and retain the look of the bike, will report further when I have a few miles on them

https://normanhyde.co.uk/royal-enfield/650-interceptor/ikon-rear-suspension-for-royal-enfield-650-interceptor-gt-continental.html

[greentrumpet]

How about the Silk? I know it's a 700, but they did build a 500cc twin that never made it into production. 

Yes, that too. But it was an updated Scott, very nice apparently but expensive.

[zimmemr]

Yes, that too. But it was an updated Scott, very nice apparently but expensive.

Expensive say's it all. I really wanted one of those, but in the US they were all but impossible to get, and the price was way out of my range. Of course most of the bikes I've lusted after have been out of my price range but what can you do?

[gizzo]

They were the only 2 stroke 500 twins ever built and not as powerful as the Jap 500 triple strokers.

Husky did one in the '60's.

[Keef Sparrow]

Husky did one in the '60's.

Wow - didn't know about that! I thought they only made singles. I got my info from old literature.

[5SpeedRacer]

Managed to have a couple of runs this week, the work on the front forks has been successful, after some time reading reviews and taking advice on here I have upgraded the rear shocks, I discounted the TEC shocks due to adverse comments on here, don't like the look (or price) of YSS and decided against Hagons.

Fitted these, very good quality, excellent service and retain the look of the bike, will report further when I have a few miles on them

https://normanhyde.co.uk/royal-enfield/650-interceptor/ikon-rear-suspension-for-royal-enfield-650-interceptor-gt-continental.html

Like the look of these, very "in keeping" with the bike's style. Looking forward to the updates.

[om15]

Went for a 60 mile spin this morning, the IKON shocks are a huge improvement, takes out the jarring bumps and manhole covers, also keeps the back end exactly on track round bends, vastly improved the ride.
The bike sits about 10 mm higher at the back, but that may settle down in time, it isn't that important, I have set the rebound on setting 2 which works pretty well on sole riding.

Recommended, also looks in keeping with the 1960s look of the bike, very pleased with them.

[5SpeedRacer]

They look superb, far better than the original Gabriels. Never thought the remote reservoir (dummy?) looked in keeping at all.