100 years of family riding tradition meets Steve McQueen iconology—how Will turns his daily commute into an air-cooled desert escape on a modified 2021 Royal Enfield Twin.
For Will, motorcycling is in the bloodline—a century-long family tradition anchored by his father’s passion for custom machinery. A year ago, Will acquired a 2021 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 to serve as both a dependable seven-day-a-week daily commuter and an open canvas for his dream build: a modern tribute to the legendary 1960s California Desert Sleds popularized by Steve McQueen.
WILLs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
„It gives me that old motorcycle feel that lets me for a brief moment be like Steve McQueen.“
Will
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Siphoning off custom funds (much to his fiancé’s amusement), Will overhauled the Interceptor's aesthetic and ergonomics. He fitted Ace Classics Desert Sled handlebars, high-rise Stibnite Moto exhausts, a minimalist BAAK speedometer, a polished alloy front fender, period-style off-road rubber, and an Xmoto 3-in-1 LED setup to eliminate the bulky factory tail section. The result is a bulletproof daily machine that brings timeless, McQueen-style escape to every wet morning commute.
THE RIDER
Name: Will
Base: UK / Global Community
Garage / Life: Daily commuter, 4th generation rider, custom builder, and Steve McQueen enthusiast.
THE MACHINE
Model: 2021 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Spec & Mods: Ace Classics Desert Sled handlebars, high-mounted Stibnite Moto exhausts, BAAK slimline speedometer, polished alloy front fender, classic off-road tires, Xmoto 3-in-1 rear indicator/taillight delete, custom scrambler ergonomics.
IN CONVERSATION WITH Charly
RWN MOTOZINE: Who are you, where are you based, and what do you do when you’re not out riding or in the garage?
Will: I bought my 2021 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 a year ago. Since then, I’ve been spending most of my money—not entirely to my fiancé’s liking—modifying it to be a tribute to the spirit of the desert sled machines used by my icon, Steve McQueen.
RWN MOTOZINE: What is the exact make, model, and year of the bike, and how did you get your hands on it?
Will: It’s a 2021 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. It’s the perfect bike for me because it offers the reliability I need as a 7-day-a-week, rain-or-shine daily commuter, while still giving me that old motorcycle feel that lets me briefly channel my inner Steve McQueen.
RWN MOTOZINE: What have you modified, restored, or tailored on the bike? Was there a specific challenge along the way?
Will: Modifications include Ace Classics desert sled bars, high-rise Stibnite Moto exhausts, a slimline BAAK speedo, polished alloy front fender, off-road tires like the original desert sleds, and an Xmoto 3-in-1 taillight/indicator setup to delete the bulky rear stock unit.
There's still a lot I want to do, but it will have to wait until after my fiancé and I have our wedding—as apparently that is "more important", but we shall see!
RWN MOTOZINE: Is there a specific memory, road trip, or moment with this bike that stands out to you?
Will: Motorcycling has been in my family for a hundred years, but my biggest inspiration is my dad, who always customized his bikes. Growing up, I wanted to be just like him, and now I’m finally building my dream bike.
To me, motorcycles are an escape from daily routine, turning my morning work commute into something I genuinely look forward to.
RWN MOTOZINE: Will, thank you for the craft, the time, and for keeping the raw spirit of the culture alive.
Photos : Will - Story by Sascha Köhmstedt