Building the GRID Interceptor 650 Signature Series

GRID Motorcycles – Royal Enfield’s Gold Coast based dealer, have created an Interceptor 650 that offers the best of both worlds — the confidence and ownership experience of buying a new motorcycle, combined with the character and individuality of a genuine custom build.

That idea became the GRID Interceptor 650 Signature Series. As a standalone dealership on the Gold Coast, we design, build, fabricate and service our motorcycles from our own facility. The Signature Series is a limited-run custom build created by the GRID team, with each motorcycle individually numbered and backed by genuine parts support and the applicable Royal Enfield factory warranty.

But this isn’t simply a cosmetic package.

GRID set out to create a motorcycle that looks, sounds and feels different — while retaining the reliability of the proven factory engine, fuelling and running gear.

And by the time they were finished, 23kg was removed from the stock Interceptor’s tare weight. The result is a lighter, cleaner and more purposeful Interceptor 650, with a freer-flowing exhaust and a deeper, more characterful exhaust note.

A Gold Coast build, from Grid

The Signature Series is genuinely built at GRID’s Gold Coast dealership.

In-house fabrication, customisation and servicing, allowing GRID to control the build from the initial concept through to the finished motorcycle.
For this project, GRID worked alongside Dylan Brown of Brawldonny Metalworks, who operates from the facility, with Jesse Robinson of Robinson Engines also involved in the fabrication and modifications.

Fellow Gold Coast businesses Purpose Built Moto and Timeless Auto Trim, also chipped in with locally made components and upholstery in the builds.

The brief was straightforward:

Create the individuality of a custom motorcycle without compromising the reliability, support and ownership experience of buying new from a dealership.

That philosophy guided every decision they made.

Restraint over reinvention

GRID has already explored just how far the Interceptor platform can be pushed.

Their previous collaboration with Dylan and Jesse produced the RE1000, our Busted Knuckles Build Off winner. That bike featured extensive engine development, taking the 648cc parallel twin out to 1002cc and housing it in a custom chromoly chassis.

The Signature Series was never intended to be another RE1000.

This time, the challenge was knowing what not to change.

Rather than completely reinventing the motorcycle, GRID focused on the areas that could make a meaningful difference — reducing unnecessary weight, improving proportions, refining the details and giving the bike a stronger visual identity.

The factory engine, fuelling and running gear remain untouched.

What GRID changed

Starting at the rear of the motorcycle – the factory rear subframe was shortened and re-welded to create a cleaner hoop, while the original tail assembly was removed in favour of a compact tail tidy.

It’s a relatively simple change, but it makes a significant difference to both the weight and the proportions of the motorcycle.

Up front, GRID fitted a Brawldonny Metalworks shorty guard, reducing more of the visual bulk around the front end and giving a chunkier, more solid looking stance.

Lighting was upgraded with Purpose Built Moto Dome three-in-one LED units, combining running light, brake and indicator functions into a compact housing at both ends of the bike. Purpose Built Moto Scrambler mirrors complete the setup.

GRID also replaced the factory side covers with K-Speed Diablo side covers. Their smaller, vented design exposes more of the Interceptor’s frame and adds to the thicker feel of the bike.

Throughout the build, GRID deliberately retained the recognisable Interceptor silhouette, just enhancing what was already there.

The finishing touches

The seat is another important part of the Signature Series identity.

Timeless Auto Trim creates each seat using combinations of black diamond cross-stitching and distressed brown ribbed upholstery. Each seat is shaped specifically around the shortened tail section, creating a clean finish above the rear wheel.
Every Signature Series motorcycle receives its own paint scheme and individual number.

GRID also offer different combinations of cast or spoked wheels, polished or blacked-out engine finishes and upholstery, meaning each motorcycle can have its own personality.

No two builds need to look exactly the same.

The exhaust — and the weight

One of the biggest mechanical changes GRID made was the exhaust system.

The bulky factory silencers were removed completely and replaced with a custom header system, routed into very short outlets tucked underneath the engine.

On the dark Interceptors -the system was finished in Cerakote for improved heat and corrosion resistance.

The freer-flowing arrangement reduces backpressure and gives the 648cc parallel twin a noticeably deeper, throatier exhaust note.

But GRID weren’t chasing a peak horsepower number.

The focus was the other side of the equation:

Weight.

23kg lighter

Across the complete conversion, GRID removed 23kg from the Interceptor’s tare weight.

That’s a substantial reduction on a motorcycle of this size — and importantly, GRID achieved it without opening up the engine.

The standard 648cc parallel twin doesn’t need cams, high-compression pistons or head work to make the Signature Series feel quicker.

There is simply less motorcycle for the engine to move.

Combined with the reduced backpressure from the new exhaust, the result is an Interceptor that feels noticeably more responsive off the line than the standard motorcycle.

And because these motorcycles are built and sold directly by GRID Motorcycles, customers aren’t buying a standard motorcycle and then taking it to a custom shop to be modified. The Signature Series is created by GRID as a complete motorcycle, with GRID providing the ongoing dealership, servicing and support.

Knowing where to stop

For GRID, that’s what makes the Signature Series different.

This project was about a different kind of discipline – focused on fabrication, weight, proportion and detail — leaving the best parts of the Interceptor untouched.

As a standalone, independent Gold Coast dealership, GRID is proud to build these motorcycles in-house, alongside Royal Enfield stock offerings, Service and official Parts.

• A numbered Interceptor 650.
• 23kg lighter.
• Customised and fabricated by GRID Motorcycles.
• Built and supported from the Royal Enfield Gold Coast dealership.
• Backed by the applicable Royal Enfield factory warranty.
• And available at $18,000 ride-away.This is the GRID Interceptor 650 Signature Series. Check them out here.