2020 Royal Enfield INT650 Review | MC Commute

The 2020 Royal Enfield INT650—also known as the Interceptor in foreign markets—is an unassuming, simple, fun roadster with a combination of classic authenticity and modern-day performance. But it deserves big, big attention, especially from less-experienced novice motorcyclists or those looking for a do-it-all machine that won’t break the bank.

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That’s because the INT650 offers a balance of approachability, style, and functionality in a stylish package for just $6,673.99 (as tested). Oh, and not to mention an unlimited-mileage, three-year warranty and roadside assistance that comes standard with purchase of this Enfield twin. Now that is a seriously impressive perk, regardless of riding experience or manufacturer. The INT650 is part of Royal Enfield’s push to re-energize the British-designed, Indian-built brand here in the United states, and its aggressive offerings represent confidence in the company’s products.

Powered by a 648cc, SOHC, air-/oil-cooled, eight-valve, parallel-twin engine that punches a modest 42.2 hp and 37.9 pound-feet of torque measured on our in-house Dynojet 250i dyno, the INT650 is a smooth-running and surprisingly wicked-fun motorcycle on the road. A 270-degree firing order results in a throaty rumble during low-end power delivery, while remaining almost vibration free throughout the rev range. It’s a seriously comfortable ride. Initial throttle response is crisp, yet mellow in delivery—a perfect match for less-experienced riders. But power is plentiful at nearly any rpm and rips with enough coaxing. The relatively flat torque curve means the Enfield has flexibility in gear selection of its slick-shifting and well-spaced six-speed gearbox.

And handling is delightful as well. The twin-cradle, tubular-steel frame built in collaboration with legendary UK chassis manufacturer Harris Performance offers neutral handling with light turn-in effort. It holds its line and pleasantly carves curves with confidence. The suspension offers a magic-carpet-like ride in terms of small-bump compliance, effortlessly gliding down the road, but light spring rates and internal damping settings struggle to provide big-hit support against unexpected large bumps.

The brakes also offer a great balance of performance and approachability. Braking power is plentiful enough to quickly bring the 470-pound INT650 to a halt in aggressive riding and panic situations, yet the initial bite is soft and progressive in a way that will instill confidence in newer riders, even if the lever lacks feel to understand just how much pressure is being applied at the caliper. And the Bosch ABS system offers relief just in case, but isn’t overly intrusive during hard brake application.

Part of what makes the INT650′s ride so pleasant is a well-balanced ergonomic triangle that offers comfort in almost every riding situation. The reach to the tubular, upright handlebar is relaxed and offers a great leverage point as is footpeg placement, while a relatively low 32.7-inch measured seat height and light clutch pull make navigating dense traffic a breeze. But being a standard roadster sans fairing means considerable windblast at highway speeds, which grows tiresome after more than a few miles. And while luxurious looking, the diamond-quilted seat is arguably too soft.

Regardless of the shortcomings that are few and far between, the 2020 Royal Enfield INT650 is an exceptional motorcycle. It is one that is absolutely worthy of attention from riders of all skill sets, as it just may be the rejuvenation the on-road market is looking for, all for an affordable price.

And for this racer boy, I genuinely enjoyed my time cruising on the simplistic, do-it-all roadster. Just a few more miles, please.

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Videography/edit: Bert Beltran
Photography: Bert Beltran

[peterwilson]

According to MOTOBOB, the interceptor is now the best selling motorcycle in the U.K. I think that it attests to the fact that it's the motorcycle a lot of us actually want.

[ewganhoff]

I saw an orange one parked up while working in Paris. It looks even better in person. The lines, the proportions, and the colour of that orange tank/silver rims combo are just drop dead stunning.

[-DC-]

Massive seller here in Europe really well sorted package and styled almost perfectly for a low entry price, A true Winner. RE have a big development center in England with a ton of ex Triumph guy's kinda show's in this product.

[drakemoore]

Already own a GT650. I see Royal Enfield, gotta watch it anyways lol.

[burtvhulberthyhbn]

Bought mine in June 2019. Nearly 13k miles now. Everything from below sea level in the California desert to 10, 236 ft in the Sequoia national forest. Even at 115 Fahrenheit oil temp doesn't exceed 190F.
As far as handling I've dragged pegs, center stand and pipes. It does handle.

[WildlifeMoto]

About time you guys featured this bike :) Great ride!

[krishnachaitanya]

RE nailed it with the 650 twins.
Hoping to get some more amazing & affordable machines from RE!

[clarkstreetcustoms]

Great review of a great bike. I agree with Tyler that no one should be put off by the ‘suited to inexperienced or novice riders’ comment. I have owned a ‘Glitter and Dust’ (Chrome) Interceptor for 18 months. I have multiple bikes including a 180hp Superbike and a 1750cc Cruiser and I find myself riding the Enfield the most! After 40+ years of riding, this bike has put the fun back into motorcycling for me.

[VarunSharma-cfir]

Booked my INT 650 yesterday. So proud to see an Indian Brand doing so well all across the world. 🇮🇳

[BlueRidgeRider]

I have had mine for just over a year. It has been flawless! That slipper clutch is also boosted for a light touch. One of my favorite things is the ability to personalize it. Everything can be changed with simple hand tools. I might have missed it but that S&S set of mufflers is awesome and should be mentioned.

[johngifford]

Best bike I've ever owned. Really enjoyed it.

[pauld.b]

This is the #1 bike on my list for next year. Makes about the same power as my Vulcan 500, but the standard style is my favorite, where you're upright but not cramped. There's really no other options for that. And the price and build quality is amazing. The sound reminds me of my old Honda twin also, which was my favorite sounding bike I ever owned!

[davidkiernan]

Nothing but pure pleasure and fun. I purchased the Himalayan first but sold it and move on to the Interceptor. I have nothing but great things to say about this bike. Thanks for the review.

[algypan]

I had a superbike and sold it and bought this bike, same paint job... no regrets. Love the bike.

[Danny_Handford]

Simplicity and functionality that is dependable! Looks great and is affordable! What more can you ask for!

[Porschedriver]

Cool bike. Great local commuter, college parking ha, PCH cruiser, and priced right with ABS. Big seat for the hotties to jump on! 👌🏽💯

[stevepatterson]

I've had my bum on an Aussie delivered RE Interceptor 650 for 8 months now. Royal Enfield can give themselves a huge pat on the back, unbelievably good bike.. even better with S&S mufflers and hi flow air filter kit. Easy servicing, great handling, what's not to like? love mine. 👍

[tylerburgess]

I hate how all these videos label anything smooth and responsible as a beginner bike. Some people like reasonable bikes.

[jgrc]

Michael, your mc commute vids have gotten very enjoyable, energy upped a bit and sound fixed, I now look forward to your commutes!! Thanks!!!

[huckfinn]

I absolutely love mine. It may be the most fun I've ever had on a road bike. It is remarkably well designed. I do wish it had a bit more thrust coming out of corners, but it's a responsive bike and has made me work on maintaining my cornering speed, which is making me a better rider. The more I ride it the more I appreciate it just the way it comes from the factory. I've added a tail rack, which is the extent of my modifications. The suspension is ok, but could certainly stand an upgrade. The fit and finish is quite good. The fuel mapping is spot on. The clutch and gearbox are buttery smooth and the gearing is just right. The ergonomics are wonderfully comfortable for an old man. I don't feel old and arthritic on it like when trying to make my body comply with the torture device known as a modern sport bike. It's easy to maintain. You can actually see the spark plugs and no plastic to remove before doing basic stuff like an oil change. The rockers are easy to get to and have screw adjusters for setting valve clearance rather than shim and bucket. It has a center stand, which to me is essential on a road bike. The price made it an easy choice. It has classic good looks unlike all this weird stuff you see so much of these days. I have a few other bikes in the garage, but it's this 650 twin that calls to me enticing me to go ride. I do really love this bike.