Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 vs Continental GT - 2 classic bikers review

In this video we compare and contrast the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 against the Continental GT motorcycles. We had these bikes on loan from Royal Enfield for just over a month so had enough time to get used to them and produce a good honest review.

// ABOUT THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CHANNEL
The Classic Motorcycle Channel is for people who love classic, vintage and antique motorcycles. We are passionate about classic motorcycles and produce high quality motorcycle profile videos, restoration videos, restorer profile videos and also anything that takes our interest.

// CHANNEL PARTNERS
- Alex Rollings - director and producer for the channel.
Instagram: @motofilmer
- Dave Mitchell - in house mechanic, presenter and producer. Dave also owns and runs a classic motorcycle workshop called Mitchell's Classics.
- John Oakes - presenter and producer. John is a classic motorcycle enthusiast, rider and restorer and works closely with us on all our video content.
Instagram: @classicbikeman

// TEC BIKE PARTS
Facebook: @TECBikeParts
Instgram: @tec_bike_parts
YouTube: TEC Bike Parts

// A BIG THANK YOU TO
- John Oakes for presenting and helping produce this video.
Instagram: @classicbikeman
- Dave Mitchell for presenting and helping produce this video.
- Alex Rollings for filming and editing the video.
Instagram: @motofilmer
- Lucy Crabbe, Caroline Blake and the rest of the team at Shelwood Blake PR for arranging these bikes for us with Royal Enfield.
Instagram: @shellwoodblake
- Matt Milburn and the team at Tec Bike Parts for allowing us to use some of their footage in our video.
Facebook: @TECBikeParts
Instgram: @tec_bike_parts
YouTube: TEC Bike Parts

#royalenfield
#interceptor650
#continentalgt650

// PHOTO CREDITS
- Royal Enfield Constellation - Reg Mckenna - no changes

[philreadman]

I've had my interceptor for 2 years now and absolutely love it, the only problem I have is the amount of interest the bike gets people just love them even none rider's and really like to talk about it so if you're in a hurry it's probably not the bike for you.

[mikelight]

I recently passed my test in my late 30s on a Yammaha MT-07. After passing I went straight out and put my deposit on an Interceptor. I ride it to work every day and nothing about it is disappointing. I really do love it. For my first bike everything about it is simple and straightforward. It looks like a bike. It sounds like a bike. It has bags more character and soul than the yamaha. I've chucked a couple of oxford heritage panniers over the seat and it's perfect for everyday riding. I serviced it myself for the first 300 mile break in service because its so straightforward.

[adediver]

Agree completely, I'm 72 and have done 12k miles on my Interceptor which will be due its first MOT later this year.
Fitted TEC exhaust, adjustable levers, replacement air filter with larger inlet.
Suits me fine.

[jamesfairmind]

The important thing to remember about both these bikes is that the header pipes have a lot of restrictive sound deadening in them so if you want to make them go properly, don't just replace the cans, replace the lot. BS of Italy make a complete system at a reasonable price which looks fantastic and saves a ton of weight.

[charlesemerson]

I have the Continental GT which I've owned for about a year. First off I changed the mufflers to SMW mufflers, these were supplied by RE. Chrome finish on these Indian made mufflers was excellent and the sound is great. I replaced the standard levers with short adjustable ones, fitted the air deletion kit, fitted the center stand and that was a lot of fun, booster plug, fly screen with the embellisher, new bar end mirrors with new bar ends, paddock stand bobbins, and LED blinkers, also have the single seat with hump. My bike being a 2020 model has the alloy rims which I prefer to the black ones. They kind of remind of Borrani alloy rims from the seventies. All the parts apart from the mufflers were purchased through Hitchcocks and service to Australia, even during the worst of the pandemic was excellent and everything fitted exactly like it said on the box. Overall I love my GT. It's not the quickest but it certainly gets the looks when you pull into a service station, even from the boys in blue.

[diksh]

Royal Enfield pride of India 🇮🇳❤️ for us RE not just a bike it's an emotion for all of Indian ❤️

[lenonmelricdsouza]

I say this is the best comprehensive review of all! None of the other reviews go so deep into the daily usage and the road presence part as this video! Really enjoyed the content and effort put in the video. Also, this made my decision a final one to choose my bike! Thank you!

[taylodl]

Best review of any bike I've ever seen! Even down to the details of doing an oil change and valve adjustment! I was already pretty set on the Interceptor, now I'm sold! I'm pulling the trigger next Spring!

[paulnunn]

Had my 650GT for 3 years now, just had it's first MOT and sailed through, no issues at all. 6500 miles covered now and not a blemish anywhere. I like to keep Autosol in business.! I did junk the silencers for a nice TEC 2-1 system, saves a lot of weight and feels more nimble now.

[eddielopez]

This is one of the best Review that I ever seen. Not like Yamie noob or chase on two wheels etc etc. that sometimes they don't know what are they talking about. Maybe when they have at least 35 plus years of experience as a motorcycle Rider their reviews will be better. I have 42 plus years of experience and I'm know when I see a good motorcycle review.

[bsimpson]

To improve handling, just change the rear shocks to Hagon's. I have fitted the YSS front fork kit but wouldn't bother again, the improvment is at the back. Mine is a delight to ride, rock solid on the road, standard tyres perfect.

[ronoldcross]

I am hour dad's age. I found the RE Int to be comfortable.I felt at home on the bike. It is reasonably priced and just a joy to ride.
Your analysts is good, accurate.

[GraemeRobinson]

I have ridden one of these for a few weeks - agree its a very sweet machine and the smoothness of the twin is something else. I want to get one when circumstances permit.

[elisabattle]

As far as motorcycles I have owned suzuki 500 and 750 two strokes, and the wankel rotary 750, kawasaki 1000, 750 four cylinders, ducati 860, moto morini 500 camel, laverda 3cl 1000, cagiva 650, and currently have a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 and a 2013 Moto Guzzi Stone 750. Have owned several German bikes to include BMW and Zundaps. Grew up with British bikes--meaning Triumph and BSA. Have never been interested in Harley. The Moto Guzzis have been my favorite above all the rest. Quirky, reliable, tractor-like in that the Japanese "refinement" is not there--but if you love just being connected to machinery and sound--Moto Guzzi. However, the Royal Enfields are absolutely gorgeous machines with a beautiful sound. At 71 years of age, I am not sure I can convince my wife that I need just one more bike, but the RE's are VERY tempting.--mike battle

[emericastereo]

Outstanding review! Covered all of the bases without any unnecessary fluff. Excited to get into a Continental GT this fall after a work bonus hits the bank. Just have to track down a Mr. Clean GT. Thanks again for the great review.

[nocigar]

This past summer I bought the 2022 650 INT in the sunset strip variation. After 2K miles and I couldn't be more pleased. Cheers from Phoenix AZ - Great review!

[chrisgraham]

I was interested to hear the comparison to the A65 BSA… When I test rode the Interceptor over 3 years ago, it took me right back to the old ’64 A65 I had in my youth. It had the responsive feel, and taut handling of that pre-OIF Beezer, but without the crap brakes, temperamental kickstarting, and vibration (not to mention the Joe Lucas and Wipac 60's electrics).
3 years on, my RE 650 still enchants me… yes, the bike sold itself on that test ride… I took it to my brother's place in SW France for a month (pre-covid) where it was the perfect bike for those brilliant Languedoc roads. It was able to sit happily at the French 130kph autoroute limit for as long as required, with an engine flexible enough to get away with the wrong gear on a mountain hairpin, and a chassis that got me out of trouble when braking got left a 'bit late' when chasing my brother's ’06 Thruxton on roads he knows too damn well.
Mines gloss black, with the 'natural' anodised alloy rims… I love the red and chrome option on the latest bikes, mimicking the last of the UK Interceptors, but not those black rims, which look out of place.

[jonyoung]

I'm in my 60's, bought one (Interceptor) 2 years ago. Couldn't be happier.

[oldgeezerproductions]

I very much enjoyed your detailed evaluations of both models of the RE 650. I agree, the Interceptor is the better looking model.
I bought an interceptor (blue) earlier this year (2022) and already have over 4K miles on it. Ride it every day about 25 miles on back roads out to my stables. When I was young and living on Guam in 1968, I had a 650 Triumph TR6 that transformed Guam from a hot, stinking, boring hellhole into a tropical paradise: I loved that bike. I bought the INT to remind me of my Triumph and it does in many ways and even more so than my late and lamented 500 Bullet. I am 76 and a very short guy (5'6") and my riding days may be numbered, but I want to ride my motorcycle (and my horse) as long as I can. I find the INT definitely top heavy (especially with a full tank) and if dropped, impossible for me to pick up by myself. I have the large crash bars, but even with them, the bike falls flat and there is no way to get your rear on the seat so you can use your leg muscles to right the bike. With a lot of practice (so important to practice) while thinking about what to do in unusual situations like emergency stops and uneven and slippery terrine, I haven't dropped the bike in some time now, so I am getting better. I greatly miss not having a kick starter and I wish somebody would make an after market one I could install myself. I wish the bike had a longer stroke and more low-end torque with fewer gears -- six gears makes it seem like I'm always shifting -- my Triumph had only four and that was enough for me. Finally, the design of the frame would preclude it, but I wish I could sit lower so that my feet could touch the ground with anything but my tip-toes. Again thanks for the informative and entertaining video.

[tonycat]

i got myself a chrome tank one, EVERY time i ride it, I'm back 40 renews my soul.