Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | 1,000-miles of love and hate!

The Royal Enfield Interceptor I’ve been riding the last few months is going back soon so I thought I’d do a look back at what I’ve learned about the bike in the 1,000-plus miles I’ve covered on it. It’s certainly been a journey, that’s for sure!

In terms of links to things mentioned in the video you can see my previous videos on the bike here:

#motorcycle #motorcycling #motorcyclereview #motorbike #motorbikes #motorbikereviews #midlifecrisis

[rosswootton]

I’ve had a Continental GT for 3 years now and love it but I was disappointed with the handling when I first had it. A YSS fork kit was fitted together with Hagon shocks on the rear which made a big difference but the fitting of Avon Roadriders seemed to make the biggest improvement. The original Indian Ceats were in my opinion quite poor, far too hard and lacking grip - not exactly confidence inspiring. The bike overall is now lovely to ride thanks to good handling, a characterful engine, superb gearbox and slipper clutch. I look forward to every ride.

[Mckaye]

For me… the raw feeling of it, the kind of 90’s level quality is exactly what I was looking for. Plus the truly old school elements. It’s the least pretentious way to be pretentious… that’s key.

[RichardWilliams-kfvw]

I test rode one exactly like that last week. I loved it…a beautiful bike to ride (apart from the foot pegs).
One point though…. there’s no reason to be paying £6500 for one. You can pick them up for £4999 brand new, if you go for the base colour option. Granted it will have the older style grips/switches/headlight, but it’s only £5k 😃

[joelear]

Excellent. You have a superb way of communicating those messages that give a fair and honest experience. You have a natural flair for bikes

[martyndunn]

Great video, really like your style of videos. They were some great roads you were riding, I'm kind of guessing up north somewhere? nothing like those roads down here in Oxford. Keep up the good work and ride safe

[clausentumsoton]

Good honest review, I think most people would agree the OEM Pirellis are rubbish and the suspension barely adequate.. I would add that the OEM DID chain isn't like a real DID chain and many people complain about the hard saddle (not me). My interceptor has done 43000km from new and it's a very good and reliable bike.. just get decent suspension front and rear, a high quality chain and decent tyres and I don't have much to complain about. Been all over eastern Europe on it most trips being 2500-3500kms.. I trust this bike! P.s. Change the front sprocket to a 16t to have a more relaxing time on motorways .

[RRRRefuelRideRace]

A very detailed video. Enjoyed. All budget bikes have also a budget suspension. With the Interceptor it is all about styling. It is a classic bike and for being that it is just nice and fine. :) Rode it.

[davidskogley]

Good video! I hope you have lots of good experiences as your experience and confidence grows. The Interceptor is a great choice of bike.

[foxface]

Thanks a lot for this video. I live in northern Thailand and have had a scooter for the last few years for ease, but I'm itchy to get out into some of these twisty mountain roads on a RE. I am looking at the interceptor because having the extra ccs for the hills is useful, as is having the extra hps to get out front at the lights where it's safer to be. Also, some of the roads can be potholed and rough. If you (all) were considering a RE for this purpose, what would you all go for? I am qualified and licenced to ride a bigger bike if that's a question.

[nicholasjarrold]

Good video I haven’t looked at them yet but seen a lot of videos about them and I think RE are improving like from the Himalayan they say it’s a fantastic bike but I think they will just get better and better and will sell plenty but not to me as I’m so much into triumph and maybe a Harley later this year but keep up the good work enjoy your riding

[gary]

I own a Royal Enfield Continental GT650 in Rocker Red. I think that it is beautiful. One area surprised me - the weight! It is stable on the road with the weight. I notice the weight when I jump on and straighten it up off the sidestand.

[robertshilliday]

Yes you give a fair view on this bike, It's all boils down to just how much you want to spend on a bike, or give your money away, You as a young rider Most definitely learn off road or motocross and or trial's & track day's for road bike's, I do own a Interceptor, some info Air in and out, Air filter, down pipes & can's, & a little work with the engine, Front & rear suspension.

[PhilipBallGarry]

Those Pirelli tyres are a bit scary. I had them on my T100 where they too were OEM fitment. Trouble is they're cheap versions of the same - but genuine tyre you might buy here. I'd much rather have a genuine Ceat than a fake Pirelli.

[jamesnoonan]

Would you recommend this bike to a new pass A2 rider. I've just passed my test and am searching for my first bike !

[RTFLDGR]

I bought the bike. I am pleased. You can toss the bike around with your thighs and hold-on lightly with your hands. Stock is fine until you have money to burn. Then tires and suspension would be priority.

[JustPityHD]

I almost pulled the trigger on a brand new Royal Enfield interceptor, but im glad i didn't and continue searching. The Interceptor (or royal Enfield in general) has its strong point on the looks and engine, but every other aspect is just bad and im tired of people saying "for the money is more than enough" or "thats the part of the vibe" when it shouldn't be, things like the fuel gauge being absolutely garbage and unreliable, electronics in general being so fragile and the quality of some aspects like the brakes being bybree (no they are not brembo) makes this bike not worth 6000€/£, plus the biggest issue being the lack of reliability on the long term and the services being so close between them. Of course Triumph is better and way more expensive, but you also have the japanese offering fairly close prices which more reliability and service. Obviously they are not exactly the same (look at the z650rs and the interceptor), but i personally think Royal Enfield should step up on the reliability department, they are better now that before, i know, but still 6000€/£ for this bike is too much money, even more depending on the economy of the country

[dannyvan]

ok nice bike, but no tubles tyers and see on you tybe elekt problems on the r enfield

[muttineni]

Haven't watched complete video yet but its unfair comparing Triumph 400 with Interceptor, Interceptor riding quality is much better because of that parallel twin and i wont even compare it to 400 just because oh bhp.

[sammitpotade]

Triumph 400 are much smaller when you test ride them and they are not in same performance level.. its a 400cc single 39-40BHP vs 650cc twin 48 BHP.. so not exact the same

[sscbkr]

Cool bike, it's a time machine that's also a blast to ride. Nonconformist 1st class, reporting for duty. 😆👍