[BlackIce619]

First I want to say hello. Joined the forum to learn a bit more of the new toy I purchased. I have had various previous motorcycles and something about this got my attention.

Previous motorcycles:
1999 Suzuki SV650 (The commuter)
2000 Honda CBR 600RR (Track Bike)
2000 Harley Davidson FXDS Conv Dyna (Dads bike I rebuilt after his passing)
2006 Suzuki SV650s (Got for free, rebuilt, and sold)

I love motorcycles and have never looked at or had an interest in a Royal Enfield. I was at a local shop about to purchase a Yamaha MT09. As I am in the middle of negotiating a price on a 2020 MT09 the Royal Enfield motorcycle below pulls in to the shop as the shop just acquired. I saw it roll in and my attention went straight to it. After multiple hours and days of negotiating the MT09, I was about to pull the trigger. I was distracted by Royal Enfield and told the sales rep, "tell me about that bike that just rolled in".

The end of the story is that I walked out as a new owner of a 2019 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. Learning now that it has a couple of upgrades on it.  Ready to learn more and have fun. Looking forward to learning about this community and the motorcycle specifically.

The shop is doing a quick maintenance check to release it and I should have it later today. Looking forward to learning from you all and using this forum as a resouce. Maybe you all can teach me more about what I just purchased. hahaha

I am located in San Diego California and may see you guys around sometime.

[Gremlinsteve]

Welcome

[gizzo]

Welcome mate! Congrats, great choice. SV is good, too.

[Bilgemaster]

First of all, welcome to the Horde! As for your impulse buy of that GT, I doubt you'll regret it. I have one of the older original style "Iron Barrel" 500 Bullet singles, but have been hanging around these Forums long enough that if there was anything really "dicey" about these new 650s, I'd have heard about it by now. In short, I think you're gonna be extremely pleased with that new ride. In fact, as I've often said here before, one day when those 650s start finding their way into the used bike listings on Craigslist in my price neighborhood (the one with the broken malt liquor bottles, meth baggies and one-eyed cats lurking around), I'll likely be getting one too. For now, one hardly ever finds them for sale used, since I'm guessing almost all who get 'em are holding onto 'em.

If you want to watch an Italian fella toss one of those GTs around Italy with a bit of "verve" while learning about a few swell mods, then check out this "The Ice Queen POV" YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/c/TheIceQueenPov. For example, here's just one of his many bracing jaunts through that glorious Italian countryside: https://youtu.be/1E6G7w2n2-I.

[BlackIce619]

Welcome

Thank you!

Welcome mate! Congrats, great choice. SV is good, too.

Yes, my 1999 SV650 is one I miss the most out of all I have owned. The 2006 my intent was to flip.

First of all, welcome to the Horde! As for your impulse buy of that GT, I doubt you'll regret it. I have one of the older original style "Iron Barrel" 500 Bullet singles, but have been hanging around these Forums long enough that if there was anything really "dicey" about these new 650s, I'd have heard about it by now. In short, I think you're gonna be extremely pleased with that new ride. In fact, as I've often said here before, one day when those 650s start finding their way into the used bike listings on Craigslist in my price neighborhood (the one with the broken malt liquor bottles, meth baggies and one-eyed cats lurking around), I'll likely be getting one too. For now, one hardly ever finds them for sale used, since I'm guessing almost all who get 'em are holding onto 'em.

If you want to watch an Italian fella toss one of those GTs around Italy with a bit of "verve" while learning about a few swell mods, then check out this "The Ice Queen POV" YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/c/TheIceQueenPov. For example, here's just one of his many bracing jaunts through that glorious Italian countryside: https://youtu.be/1E6G7w2n2-I.

I have been known to do a little impulse shopping at times. I will check out that video for sure! I did laugh after I found out the model was called "Ice Queen". I don't like any of my motorcycles to be stock, so now I am trying to find and learn all about the essential upgrades. I currently know the motorcycle has SS exhaust. I have not had a chance to open her up and see if it has an aftermarket air filter. What else do you all recommend?? Any tips for a motorcycle to run smoother after exhaust and air filter. In my other motorcycles with carbs, I needed upgraded jets. With FI I got a power commander. I don't know what options are common for RE.

Thanks in advance!!!

[BlackIce619]

If you want to watch an Italian fella toss one of those GTs around Italy with a bit of "verve" while learning about a few swell mods, then check out this "The Ice Queen POV" YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/c/TheIceQueenPov. For example, here's just one of his many bracing jaunts through that glorious Italian countryside: https://youtu.be/1E6G7w2n2-I.

As I am new, I have always enjoyed doing my own work on my motorcycles. You all may be aware of this but I found a youtube channel that is a GEM, so I had to share.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAyF6pMAaK7gkKzjdzTwaw

[gizzo]

Thank you!

Yes, my 1999 SV650 is one I miss the most out of all I have owned. The 2006 my intent was to flip.

I never had one but I've ridden a few SV650 and 1000. They'd be a great "only bike".

Feel free to hang around this quiet corner of the forum as much as you like but it's aimed at the 535 single cyl CGT. There's separate page for the 650 GT and interceptor, one heading up on the main menu. Plenty of talk about modifications there, plus the usual arguments about who's the rightest. It's fun.
https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/index.php?board=30.0

[Bilgemaster]

[...Snip!]

Feel free to hang around this quiet corner of the forum as much as you like but it's aimed at the 535 single cyl CGT. There's separate page for the 650 GT and interceptor, one heading up on the main menu. Plenty of talk about modifications there, plus the usual arguments about who's the rightest. It's fun.
https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/index.php?board=30.0

As you can see, I've taken the liberty of punting this topic over into the right "GT section".

In other matters, I don't know if folks are aware that many, if not all, of those names used for the various color schemes of the 650s are based on real people, so "Ravishing Red" is a tip o' the hat to a guy named "Ravi" on the British development team, while "Ventura Blue" was named in honor of the late Paul Ventura. For more info, see: https://www.royalenfields.com/2018/10/ventura-blue-continental-gt-650-is.html

I cannot say for whom "Ice Queen" may have been named, but I'd like to think it was some unapproachably lovely blonde Leicestershire gal in their Accounts Receivable Office that others gathered at the water cooler just to gaze furtively at. But with my luck it was just some bloke named Bruce with assless chaps out on the loading dock. Though, to be fair, you could have a worse Tuesday evening.

[Jack Straw]

Welcome BlackIce619

Congrats on the bike. 

I lived in San Diego for 28 years.  I remember well the great roads in east and north county.  Just curious, what shop did you buy from?

There are plenty of knowledgeable and helpful members here.  You just may get more "help" than you can stand.

[Karl Fenn]

Hello and welcome, you have found the right place if you own royal enfeild, lovely bike looks great in white.

[Roshiba777]

Welcome

[hadujorganic]

After multiple hours and days of negotiating the MT09, I was about to pull the trigger. I was distracted by Royal Enfield and told the sales rep, "tell me about that bike that just rolled in".

The end of the story is that I walked out as a new owner of a 2019 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650.

That's a great story and a sharp looking bike, congrats!
Four simple and tasteful mods already completed from what I can see - bar end mirrors, S&S pipes, leather grip wraps, and the rear plastic mudguard delete. Please post pics when you add your own mods.
I suspect you're going to dig the new ride and hanging around these pages, too.

[BlackIce619]

As you can see, I've taken the liberty of punting this topic over into the right "GT section".

In other matters, I don't know if folks are aware that many, if not all, of those names used for the various color schemes of the 650s are based on real people, so "Ravishing Red" is a tip o' the hat to a guy named "Ravi" on the British development team, while "Ventura Blue" was named in honor of the late Paul Ventura. For more info, see: https://www.royalenfields.com/2018/10/ventura-blue-continental-gt-650-is.html

I cannot say for whom "Ice Queen" may have been named, but I'd like to think it was some unapproachably lovely blonde Leicestershire gal in their Accounts Receivable Office that others gathered at the water cooler just to gaze furtively at. But with my luck it was just some bloke named Bruce with assless chaps out on the loading dock. Though, to be fair, you could have a worse Tuesday evening.

That is awesome! Love the story behind the names, and your Ice Queen story had me cracking up. 

Welcome BlackIce619

Congrats on the bike. 

I lived in San Diego for 28 years.  I remember well the great roads in east and north county.  Just curious, what shop did you buy from?

There are plenty of knowledgeable and helpful members here.  You just may get more "help" than you can stand.

Yes, we have a ton of great roads here in San Diego. I purchased from Fun Bike Center. While I did go to Triumph San Diego to speak to Isaac (General Manager), our conversation was only about the Triumph Thruxton RS. Had some negotiations and he was AWESOME. I went home and then thought.... I could get a MT09 for much cheaper and modify it some more and save money. That is when the negotiation at Fun Bike Center started, in addition to multiple other shops near by. I never spoke to Isaac about RE even though there was about 8 of them at his shop, it was just not on my radar because I was so focused on Thruxton RS. I called Isaac and said... "Give me price OTD on a Ice Queen". He is truly AWESOME when it comes to customer service. He was always straightforward with me and gave me straight up numbers OTD, while other shops did not. I had my price by Isaac, while I was at Fun Bike and he also said... "remember our price includes 3 year warranty and road side assistance".

The sales rep at Fun Bike returned and since I had already negotiated with him for so long about MT09 he knew I was ready to pay cash and walk out. His price was cheaper by over $2K. I dont have 3 year warranty, but motorcycle came with a couple upgrades and my favorite part of the deal is I have no debt.

Keep in mind, I have never test rode the Ice Queen. My inpulse purchase was just on looks and sound.

Picked up the motorcycle yesterday afternoon and WOW. It has character when you ride it. The power does not feel like 47hp+ because it feels a bit more responsive. It has a little pep to it. The sound as you ring it out is just awesome. My ride home which was about 20 miles had me with the biggest smile ever. The twin-engine reminds me of my older SV650 feeling, but this motorcycle is so much better and I cant wait to make further changes to it.

Sorry for long post, but I am a little excited about my impulse purchase and just truly happy I do not regret it. @Bilgemaster you were RIGHT!

[wachuko]

Congratulations!!  I agree.  When I took a test ride everything about the bike felt great. 

The first curve it felt it did not wanted to turn but that was just me not used to it, plus I was going faster than I thought... 5 minutes later it all felt normal...

Now, after a few hundred miles, it is just getting better and better.

I very happy with my purchase.

Wishing you many happy and safe miles on your new ride!

[BlackIce619]

Hello and welcome, you have found the right place if you own royal enfeild, lovely bike looks great in white.

Thank you for the warm welcome. Yes, the white had me at first glance. Well to be honest the sound had me first as it thumped across the showroom floor.

Welcome

Thanks!

That's a great story and a sharp looking bike, congrats!
Four simple and tasteful mods already completed from what I can see - bar end mirrors, S&S pipes, leather grip wraps, and the rear plastic mudguard delete. Please post pics when you add your own mods.
I suspect you're going to dig the new ride and hanging around these pages, too.

The S&S exhaust on this motorcycle makes it sound greater than what it is. Some of the salespeople at the shop had no idea it was a 650. All they stated was "that sounds awesome".

Next upgrades:

• S&S Air Filter or DNA ? (need to open her up and see if one already is installed)
• High-Flow Intake Eliminator Kit (S&S or DNA version)
• LED Headlight (debating as it takes away from retro look) thoughts?
• Cafe Racer Front Fairing (MK Designs)
• Black Rubber Tank Knee Pads - British flag version
• I need your recommendation on a 2 up seat that is the comfiest?
• Is there a 3/4 turn throttle available?

Going to place an order soon on some stuff... appreciate all your help in advance. So much information on this forum and knowledgeable people. THANKS EVERYONE! Just found another post about DNA vs. Stock Air Filter and the members went to town on the information. This forum is GREAT.

[BlackIce619]

Congratulations!!  I agree.  When I took a test ride everything about the bike felt great. 

The first curve it felt it did not wanted to turn but that was just me not used to it, plus I was going faster than I thought... 5 minutes later it all felt normal...

Now, after a few hundred miles, it is just getting better and better.

I very happy with my purchase.

Wishing you many happy and safe miles on your new ride!

Yes! I had to get used to the feeling. I dont know if its just the more narrow tires or me never trusting "stock tires". Either way, I have not checked reviews on the stock Pirelli tires, but my guess is that they should be able to handle my hooligan moments.

I am interested to see how these Pirelli's hold up. I ultimately want a tire that can do well for mileage, but also but just sticky enough to push limits. I know the bike is not a track bike, but when you see a turn or freeway onramp sometimes you just have to play....

[Jack Straw]

Many of us noticed a significant improvement in overall handling behavior after replacing the Brazillian Pirellis. Three popular choices have been the Bridgestone BT 46, Michelin Pilot Activ, and the latest Michelin Road Classic.

[BlackIce619]

Many of us noticed a significant improvement in overall handling behavior after replacing the Brazillian Pirellis. Three popular choices have been the Bridgestone BT 46, Michelin Pilot Activ, and the latest Michelin Road Classic.

Sweet! Thanks for the info. Glad to keep the notes on this post so that I can make use of the tires I have not and begin to adventure with those options listed.

[SandSquid]

Sweet! Thanks for the info. Glad to keep the notes on this post so that I can make use of the tires I have not and begin to adventure with those options listed.

I kept the stock Pirelli tires on for quite some time, but never really felt confident enough with them to get more aggressive. My chief complaint with them was that they tend to track every parallel line it can find on the road, which feels odd and shaky at times when it shouldn't feel odd and shaky; like they have a mind of their own. Finally, I replaced them with the BT46 Battleax tires, and the difference has been night and day. The Bridgestones let the bike handle the way it's supposed to.

I can't speak for the other two that Jack mentioned, but he mentioned them for a reason.

[Voun]

A warm Welcome BlackIce619 !

About the color's names, I'm still wondering why they have called my chromed Interceptor  "Glitter and Dust" ? Why not for Glitter, but Dust ?? Maybe an Indian joke   ...

[Jack Straw]

Voun, I've wondered about that.  I had the impression Glitter and Dust would be polished chrome with chrome over bead-blast or something.

Sorry to hijack the thread BlackIce but we do that alot here.

[Karl Fenn]

I think the front fairing would be a good upgrade for stabilility, l road tested my intercepter yesterday despite its ability to climb to a ton it did become very light on front end and a bit stressful on the arms, you could not keep that up for to long, but with the right fairing and bars the front end would stay down a lot better with the front end being forced to the ground, l think a bike designed and reworked in that direction would make a noticible difference being much more manageable at high end, that is of course if you are in to that kind of thing, but based on my tests l think it would be good for at least 105.

[NVDucati]

I think the front fairing would be a good upgrade for stabilility, l road tested my intercepter yesterday despite its ability to climb to a ton it did become very light on front end and a bit stressful on the arms, you could not keep that up for to long, but with the right fairing and bars the front end would stay down a lot better with the front end being forced to the ground, l think a bike designed and reworked in that direction would make a noticible difference being much more manageable at high end, that is of course if you are in to that kind of thing, but based on my tests l think it would be good for at least 105.

Karl, I think you will find agreement among the owners who have done it that single biggest improvement to handling is to replace the stock tires. I have not seen one comment that did not remark in terms of "transformative", "grounded" confidence building", etc. Personally I took my OEM tires off at about 1500 miles. I could not see struggling with it for another 4000 miles just to get my money's worth efficient in any way. That is the same logic I would apply to paying a cover charge to a musical the turned out to be bad. I just leave.

[Karl Fenn]

Well l think if l were 30 years younger l probably would have bought a continental but personally l think these days l'm just to old, but in saying that l would have done a few transformations on the bike, tires, suspension, bars, cockpit race fairing, l would have given it a similar treatment programme to what l used to give the RDs, but as for now l am just an old plodder so tires are not part of the criterion for me, but in saying that the capabilities of the bike are perhaps untapped in standard format for sure, l tested it just to see if the alleged performance is true, to this l have no absolute doubt it is, l would say in the case of the continental more so. I agree you are right about top tires has been that way for decades and decades, but for my speeds l find the standards OK of course l will have to replace them at some point, but at least l know it will do what it says on the tin.

[BlackIce619]

Going to try and share this as it happened. (Having issues loading images appropriately, sorry NOOB moment here. My format of excitement was killed because now you have to see all images as attachments below.)

Kids went to sleep and I was ready to get on the computer last night to place an order on a couple of the items I wanted. Since the motorcycle was purchased used and I truly knew nothing about it or what it had, at the time when purchased, I went to my little motorcycle man cave. My thinking was that if someone went ahead and purchased and exhaust, chances they may have other goodies are possible. Before I "impulse" purchase again, let me see if I can find other items.

I walk into the garage and try to look through the cover where a filter would be.... This is what I see


Are those shiny things I see a high-flow intake plate? Lets take things apart and look closer....








BAM!!!

YES! It is what I thought I saw....

I decided to pull out the filter just to check the brand.

Sweet!!!

After futher inspection I then realize.... WTF IS THIS!!!


I jump on the computer in my little motorcycle man cave and my guess based on its shape is that it's a booster plug? If my motorcycle came from the dealer with exhaust, filter, and booster plug.... then the prior owner was a good man. I am super excited because I saved the money, but part of the fun is feeling the power gains or motorcycle improved response as you make the changes. Ok now its time to spend the money elsewhere.

Feeling happy that I had the couple upgrades I wanted, I decided to purchase a helmet that matches the motorcycle a little better. I had seen this lid at the store when I purchased the motorcycle and know my size. In person it has more of a PEARL color to it to match the Ice Queen. Order placed and should arrive soon!!!

Shoei GT-Air II Redux Helmet
https://ibb.co/KmqwkDX

[NVDucati]

After futher inspection I then realize.... WTF IS THIS!!!

That last image is a part of the BoosterPlug. It is the air temperature sensor.
A fair number of folks locate the temp sensor there because it is convenient. But it is not the best location because it is in the engine heat path. It is recommended that it gets placed as near to the front and in ambient air. After all that is the goal.
Attached is where I mounted mine. So the next time you have the tank off ... or if you want the full value reroute the cable and send it just under the rear tank perch up toward the front.

[BlackIce619]

That last image is a part of the BoosterPlug. It is the air temperature sensor.
A fair number of folks locate the temp sensor there because it is convenient. But it is not the best location because it is in the engine heat path. It is recommended that it gets placed as near to the front and in ambient air. After all that is the goal.
Attached is where I mounted mine. So the next time you have the tank off ... or if you want the full value reroute the cable and send it just under the rear tank perch up toward the front.

Truly appreciate that information, I will do that today!!!

Time to start looking at other mods to purchase. I am a fan of LED's (Headlight, Tailight, Turn Signals) so time to do some research on this forum and pull the trigger.

[Jack Straw]

Looks like you got some bonus parts there. Splendid.   It sort of figures that if the previous owner spent the dough for S&S mufflers he would also get the trick air filter and a booster plug.   Very cool.

[BlackIce619]

Looks like you got some bonus parts there. Splendid.   It sort of figures that if the previous owner spent the dough for S&S mufflers he would also get the trick air filter and a booster plug.   Very cool.

Yes, a win for sure. I had it on my to-do list and now I can look at other things. Still bummed I did not get to experience the difference of how it feels without these mods. (Maybe I can go to a dealership and ride a stock one...hahaha)

[Jack Straw]

Some will disagree but the differences are subtle IMHO which makes it all the better that you didn't spend your own dollars on those goodies.  Those mods are nice to have but just kinda like nuts on a banana split.

[BlackIce619]

Those mods are nice to have but just kinda like nuts on a banana split.

 

Yes, I am happy I did not spend any money on those upgrades as well.

[BlackIce619]

That last image is a part of the BoosterPlug. It is the air temperature sensor.
A fair number of folks locate the temp sensor there because it is convenient. But it is not the best location because it is in the engine heat path. It is recommended that it gets placed as near to the front and in ambient air. After all that is the goal.
Attached is where I mounted mine. So the next time you have the tank off ... or if you want the full value reroute the cable and send it just under the rear tank perch up toward the front.

@NVDucati - Done, but now that I see yours... I wonder if I should try and pull the cable a bit more forward?

[NVDucati]

@NVDucati - Done, but now that I see yours... I wonder if I should try and pull the cable a bit more forward?

Naw, I think any gain from the location you now have would be fractional. You have it out of the oven area.
I think you will benefit from what you have done, just fine. A couple of years ago, on another forum, I asked a half dozen folks who complained of feeling no difference where they mounted the sensor. All of them told me it was behind the engine. 4 of them eventually wrote back that they had moved it and now it works. That is a very high score on the "Forum Pride Scale"  .

[BlackIce619]

Naw, I think any gain from the location you now have would be fractional. You have it out of the oven area.
I think you will benefit from what you have done, just fine. A couple of years ago, on another forum, I asked a half dozen folks who complained of feeling no difference where they mounted the sensor. All of them told me it was behind the engine. 4 of them eventually wrote back that they had moved it and now it works. That is a very high score on the "Forum Pride Scale"  .

After going for a ride yesterday, I have to say there is a difference! You may have to adjust your story above from "4 of them eventually wrote back" to the NEW "5 of them eventually wrote back".

COUNT ME IN! 

[NVDucati]

After going for a ride yesterday, I have to say there is a difference! You may have to adjust your story above from "4 of them eventually wrote back" to the NEW "5 of them eventually wrote back".

COUNT ME IN! 

Thanks for the confirmation, BlackIce. Nice, huh.

[RalphG]

BlackIce:  I'm sure you're no stranger to my favorite San Diego County ride, when I lived in Oceanside:  Hwy 94 to Campo than up 79 (?) over Mount Laguna and down 78 through Julian and Ramona and in your case back on Wildcat Canyon road to 67 and back to San Diego. 

Your enthusiasm for your ContiGT will only increase over time.  Mine is an all black Interceptor.  I'll be out on it tomorrow in the Texas Hill Country, which offers more options than SD County, but please don't ask me about our Summer weather compared to yours!

Ralph

[BlackIce619]

BlackIce:  I'm sure you're no stranger to my favorite San Diego County ride, when I lived in Oceanside:  Hwy 94 to Campo than up 79 (?) over Mount Laguna and down 78 through Julian and Ramona and in your case back on Wildcat Canyon road to 67 and back to San Diego. 

Your enthusiasm for your ContiGT will only increase over time.  Mine is an all black Interceptor.  I'll be out on it tomorrow in the Texas Hill Country, which offers more options than SD County, but please don't ask me about our Summer weather compared to yours!

Ralph

Yes, extremely familiar with the backroads of San Diego! I am loving the motorcycle, but have not had a lot of time on it. Will go for a ride today for lunch with a friend and then on Sunday go through the roads you just mentioned.

This next statement feels like an AA meeting...
I have been watching every single type of video of Royal Enfield and 650's, even one about the manufacturing. Have bookmarked a ton of websites I have found with goodies and my list for upgrades grows, but after this weekend, I will have a better idea of the ones I really want first.

Will post a pic of the ride soon.