Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Having owned the Interceptor for circa five weeks, I today past the 500 miles milestone and this enabled me to use an extra 2000rpm, taking the available revs from 4000 to 6000rpm or three quarters of the available 8000rpm to the red line. With the extra revs I now feel able to provide an initial ride review. So here we go..... Ride and comfort. I set off from home heading for the A49 and then south towards Witchurch. The road winds through the Cheshire country side and into north Shropshire and provides a good test on the bikes cornering and ride ability, and the bike does not disappoint. The upright riding position, the handle bars and the position of the foot pegs is for me spot on meaning a lovely relaxed ride. The bench seat at first glance does not look that comfortable, but spending 30 minutes on the road I did not feel any problems or fatigue at all and felt that I could go much longer before having to take a break. The tyres worked well and the steering is light and responsive and at the national speed limit (60mph) the bike provides reasonable confidence in the sweeping bends. Controls. The twin clocks of speedo and rev counter provide a very pleasant and authentic look to the bike, with only an odometer, trip meter, not a lot to have to think about. The control button is between the clocks which means using it on the move, is difficult and best left well alone. The clutch is extremely light and responsive and this and the front brake lever are functional if not quite basic looking. The switches work well, with a starter and kill switch on the right handle bar and horn, indicators and light high/low and warning/flash switch on the left handle bar. These with many other features on the bike are reflected in the budget cost of the bike. Engine and gearbox. The gearbox is one of the really endearing features on the bike. It is light and extremely smooth when engaging first gear and then quiet and silky through to sixth gear. You only hear and feel a click in the gear change, both changing up and down. The engine provides sufficient power from the 47bhp power plant to enjoy the ride. And whilst the acceleration is not stunning, with careful planning of your overtaking you can make good progress through the traffic on busy roads. Overall look and feel. The overall finish on the bike is acceptable and it just looks fantastic. It rides well and wherever I park, it attracts a significant level of attention from young and old riders. And this along with folk that know nothing about bikes tells me it has been a cracking purchase. I love my triumphs but the Interceptor brings a different riding experience to my garage. An added bonus is that when riding the Interceptor I’m finding that I’m riding much slower than I do when on my triumphs. So all in I enjoy riding the Interceptor, but I’m happy to have my Tiger and Thruxton in the garage. Would I recommend the Interceptor, heck yes it is a good all round package for new inexperienced riders and the more experienced that are looking for something to slow them down..
Sounds like you really enjoy the bike. They've definitely caught my eye but can I ask what changed your mind as I thought you didn't seem too impressed with your test ride in this thread https://www.thetriumphforum.com/threads/royal-enfield-continental-650.17803/page-7 ?
Yep when I test rode the continental gt last year it was against the speed twin, Thruxton r and a number of other bikes. I have since had a speed twin and now have Thruxton r and tiger sport. I didn't want another cafe racer, so the interceptor is filling a space in the garage for when I want to go out for a bimble. It just adds another dimension in the garage
Thanks for the report @Wessa your bike is a stunner and the Interceptor is on my list and it's easier to maintain than the Bonnie, keep up the reports as you pile on the miles mate.
Its always good to hear fellow forum members views on their bikes. Perhaps when you have got a few more miles on the Enfield you will return to this thread with Part 2? Nice one mate.
I'm just an amateur when compared to you my friend and could never assume your elevated position of professional bike review writer
Interesting post. I rode an Interceptor last year when considering a retro and whilst I enjoyed it I thought it just needed a little bit more power, which moved me on to the T100 Bonneville. When I tested the T100 before lock down it convinced me that was the bike for me. Of course I've paid more for the Bonnie, but in my case (and I do stress that) the T100 was the better choice.
Hi @Riggers I have to agree that the bonnie does have a little more power than the interceptor, but for me I have the Tiger and Thruxton in my garage so the drop on power is not important.
It looks well in that colour wessa much better than the cheaper colours, I’ve just looked on eBay for second hand 650s interceptors and there’s a nice one for £4400 with extras so some real bargains to be had, I’ve also just watched a mcn video we’re he puts some after market exhausts on which sounds very nice.
Great review @Wessa ! Too bad, my garage is filled to the rim with all kind of toys for there is a Royal Enfield dealer just about 6 miles from here... Great color scheme too! Please let us know, how the bike behaves in the long run... Have fun! Daniel
Thanks Daniel, I will definitely keep you all updated. If the weather holds for this Wednesday I will be riding out on the interceptor with @andypandy and @Tigcraft in Wales. Not really done a full days riding on the bike so this should provide some useful feedback.
Yep there are some real bargins out there. And yes after market exhaust do add to the rich sound of the twin. I'm happy at the moment with the stock bike, but who knows what may come in the future...
You and @Wessa ought to consider teaming up, Steve! Then I could consider canceling some of my motorcycle magazine subscription. Um, nah... But you two do excellent reviews!
What a lovely review of you new Royal Enfield, @Wessa! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I particularly enjoyed the Engine & Gearbox paragraph. Your last comment--"the more experienced that are looking for something to slow them down"--reminded me of the old adage, "It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than to ride a fast bike slow". Thanks for taking the time to post your review.
