Written by Justin W. Coffey. Posted in Bikes

When we set out to build the Royal Enfield INT650 Budget Scrambler, we updated the INT650 in key areas so it could tackle the tasks and traveling we planned to throw at it. Simple upgrades, nothing custom aside from cosmetics, so we could showcase the Interceptor as a platform for adventure with bolt-on accessories. We put the bike together in a cramped garage in Arizona, where we house numerous motorcycles and lots of riding gear. We do not, however, have the capability or know-how to weld. Turning wrenches is about all we’re good for. That's where The Wheel Shop in downtown Phoenix came in. While we didn’t have the need for custom welds, we did need a few parts installed.

The first, most obvious change was upgrading the tires from OEM-spec road-going rubber to something more knobby. We opted for Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41  (Click HERE to read the Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41  Review) tires, with massive lugs to push us through deep sand, and a rounded profile that allows us to still ride the Budget Scrambler on the street at a brisk pace without losing too much traction. The Battlax Adventurecross is considered a 40/60 (on-road/off-road) tire intended for use on modern dual sport and ADV motorcycles; so far, we’ve been really happy with how they’ve performed on the INT650.

With knobby tires fitted, we decided the stock suspension probably wasn’t suitable for the terrain we intended to conquer, so we tapped  EPM Perfromance who imports YSS Suspension for a set of remote reservoir piggyback rear shocks and front fork cartridges. These components raise ride height slightly but are fully adjustable, and considerably more robust than the stock bits. A necessary upgrade if we're going to take the Budget Scrambler to Baja!  Stay tuned for more detials on how the new suspension changes the ride.

When we started this project, one of my biggest concerns was protecting the bike’s important parts while off-road riding. Luckily, ADV Tribe out of India offers a line of bolt-on accessories, including a Radiator Guard made from 2mm T6  6061 aluminum that will keep the brush and cacti from ending our adventure prematurely. We also grabbed a Kickstand Foot Enlarger to help us keep the bike upright in sand and silt.

Along with protective parts, ADV Tribe also offers an aluminum tail rack that we’ll likely install before we head south. There aren’t many luggage options for scramblers, so a sturdy tail rack will go a long way toward helping us carry some camping gear and tools.

After searching the Internet for inspiration, I came across a few INT650 scrambler projects that caught my eye. One of them had a factory-tinted flyscreen installed above the headlight, offering some protection from the wind while also complimenting the overall aesthetic of the Budget Scrambler. Turns out this is a factory Royal Enfield accessory and it bolted onto the bike in a matter of minutes!

We also ordered the Silver Sump Guard , Tall Tinted Flyscreen and Black Fork Gaiters from the Royal Enfield  accessories catalog, which make the bike look a bit more Steve McQueen. We added a Trail Mirror from Doubletake so we can see who we’ve left in our dust, as well as a RAM X-Grip phone mount so we know where we’re going next.

In the previous installment of our Budget Scrambler build, we showcased the custom paint job from our friend Asher Emerson out of Tempe, AZ. While this was not a necessary upgrade, it makes the INT650 stand out in a crowd. But there was something missing. The custom paint, knobby tires, adjustable suspension, and off-road protection parts screamed scrambler, but the exhaust definitely didn’t.

So, a call to our friends at S&S Cycle had us set with a two-into-one exhaust system very similar to the kit used by Royal Enfield’s American Flat Track team. To say it changed the look, sound and feel of the INT650 would be a massive understatement. At idle it’s not noisy, like a predator waiting for its prey. But open the throttle and bang through the gears, and the 650cc twin screams a glorious sound somewhere between big-twin and Grand Prix bike. Like our custom paint job, the full two-into-one exhaust system wasn’t an absolute upgrade, but it is certainly worth the coin if you can swing it!

So, what’s next? I went over just about every part or accessory we’ve equipped our INT650 with, and why we chose those upgrades. Simple stuff, to show how you can transform a traditional parallel twin from mild motorcycle to proper scrambler with just a handful of changes.

But this isn’t about bolting on parts and staring at the bike. We need to test the theory. Take the Budget Scrambler to Baja, load it up with a little kit and head south in search of beaches and burritos, dusty roads and epic views. That’s the plan at least, to see how our updates handle under pressure. To explore a bit of Baja the way my father might have, with two wheels, twin shocks and some knobby tires! Stay tuned for that story.

Total with custom paint work: $3,670 est.

Pinstripe Shop custom paint work:  $500

Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 tires: $350 est. (Available on Revzilla.com , Motosport.com , Amazon )

EPM Performance Imports  - YSS Dual Shock and Front Fork Cartridge Kits: $1100 est.

ADV Tribe Radiator Guard and Sidestand Foot : $150

Royal Enfield Sump Guard, Tinted Windscreen and Fork Gaitors : $175 est.

Doubletake Trail Mirror : $25 (Also available on Amazon )

RAM X-Grip Phone Mount : $70 (Available on Revzilla.com , Motosport.com , Amazon )

S&S Cycle Two-into-One Exhaust System : $900

The Wheel Shop labor (tires and suspension install): $400

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