It’s always helpful to watch reviews and speak to owners of a bike you’re considering buying. It can also skew your impressions of the bike when you ride it. There are a lot of inexperienced “experts” out there who will repeat things others have said about flaws with a bike. The tires and suspension of Enfield Interceptors and Continental GTs often get criticized by riders who don’t know if they’re bad or not, just because others have said negative things. I’ve got nearly 40 years of riding experience and have owned over 60 bikes, so I make my own conclusions about how a bike performs. I recently bought a used Interceptor with around 1000 miles on it. The tires are fine, and the suspension is fine given the design limitations of the bike. It’s not a sport bike, and only if you try to ride it like one will the tires and suspension be an issue. If my GSXR’s or one of my Ducatis had come with the tires or suspension of the Enfield, sure, I’d have complained. But the Enfield is what it is-a nice, relaxing retro-styled throw back that’s meant to be ridden that way. If you expect more from a bike, buy more bike. Don’t start trying to make the bike into something it’s not. You’ll never be satisfied. I enjoy my Interceptor because I knew what it was when I bought it. I’m over the race bikes and the risks they bring. I just ride for the pleasure of riding. Just what Enfields are designed for.
I have an Intercepter and a Ducati, too. I thought it was so funny when I went to pick up my Interceptor 650 how hard the salesman was pushing its “performance” capability. The Royal Enfield isn’t for speed or performance, which is exactly what I told him. I really enjoy my Ducati Monster that I’ve had for over twelve years, and it definitely satisfies that occasional “need for speed,” but for the daily I’m taking the Intercepter 650 every time.
After having rode motorcycles for 40 years my new Royal Enfield interceptor has put the biggest smile on my face, every time I even look at it just love the sound and ride,have fun my mate 👌🏍👍🇬🇧
@@1729krish royal Enfield means , bullet and classic. Meteor , hunter , interceptor, thunderbird , continental GT all these are a decade old thing. I am not saying they are bad, they are good very good , but the legendary symbol that carried the name of royal Enfield from past 40 years are bullet and classic. Everyone has their favourite choice mine is bullet 350 , because it has a lit and cool sitting position.
Great video, love the bike. I've just bought an Interceptor here in the U.K. Love watching you U.S guys as it's a joy to see the beautiful countryside you get to ride through and how clean and litter free your highways and road verges are, unlike here where litter is absolutely everywhere.
I am a harley guy with my share of different models for many years. I do have eyes on that same "Red GT 650" that you just purchase. I do like with RE is doing with there lineup and I can see me putting one into my garage soon. I just want a smaller bike for fun and that 650 is priced right to have fun with. Good luck and keep us posted on your likes and dislikes about the bike.
Frickin beautiful bike. My cousin had a red Royal Enfield I think 400cc in the 70s. He used to scrape the pegs all day around the village. I'm now quite addicted to the Continental GT 650 and would get the red if I can't resist.
Awesome! I'm a new rider and live in the USA as well but have a special place in my heart for Royal Enfields and their connection to A) my work designing trips to India and my many trips there driving 350s through Kerala, India, and B) my WWII P-51 pilot veteran grandfather driving them in Ealing, UK in 1942 where I lived many decades later for university. I have the same emotion connection to both the Classic 350 as well as the Continental GT - same colour scheme as you have on both bikes. Which would you recommend as a 'first' bike of my own? Both of yours are beautiful - thanks for the insight!
Either would make a great first bike. If you get in to the Classic understanding its a 55-65mph bike and its slow then I would say get it. If you need to cover any amount of ground or if you need to get on the interstate for any reason then get the GT. I bought the Classic first because it was less expensive and I could almost pay cash for it. After paying it off I decided that I could afford the payment on the GT so I went a head and bought it.
I had the 535 Continental GT and a 650 Continental GT. The 650 was strides better in terms of performance and actual build quality compared to the 535. The 535 has the better styling and looks to me, no doubts about it. But everything else simply goes to the 650. Great bike and the engine, trans is extremely smooth. I'd say still probably one of the best throttle responses I've ever felt out of a stock bike, as well. Near instant response and no weird lag or dead spots in the throttle. Only issue I had was when I bought the bike, it came with an out of round front tire and I didn't realize it until once I hit freeway speeds to get home. Jackhammered like hell all the way home. Dealership was awesome though...told me to get the front tire replaced and email them a copy of the invoice, they mailed me a check to pay for the tire. Pretty cool of them. I know this video is about a year old but only thing I could ever think about really needing to upgrade is the chain to something a bit more quality. Kind of a PITA with how much it would stretch and need adjustment.
When the description says 150 mile ride home, but you only live 20 minutes from the dealer 🤦♂️🤣, you absolutely have to love the freedom of the road. God Bless brother, enjoy the bike be safe and keep the videos going 👍.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 it's ok Brother, I thought you were taking the long way home, due to the fact the bike is freaking awesome! I'd probably take the 200 mile scenic route myself. Be safe out there. Excellent choice by the way.
Thanks for the video. I've got one of those bikes but the Mr Clean version from a couple of years ago. The earlier bikes had problems with an off-white grease around the connections of the relays (all relays are the same type on these bikes). I don't know if that problem has been fixed (surely it would have been by now) but just in case it has not be prepared to clean the plug and sockets of the relays and maybe replace them with a better brand. I love my bike, I'm sure you will too.
Another great RE video! I started on the GT (Chrome MR. Clean) and ended up on the Classic 350. The GT was wonderful around town, and yes, it is easy to get in trouble with the speeding tickets! 😂 I would have kept it longer being able to deal with the weight on my wrists and shoulders. However, for me, my hips would cramp up making a few stops at the lights a little dicey. Great bike, but my old bones no longer suit something like that. With the Classic, no aches or pains or cramps whatsoever. Totally agree with everything you said about this bike! Congratulations!!!
It is a beautiful bike and as-you-say , that's a big deal . You want a bike that makes-you smile, parked as-well as riding and it's not too-hard to squeeze a few more HP out of them either . Dave nz
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 I went with Blue my dealership did not have candy red. The price tag for mine is $4,995 its the last 2022 they have so the price is definitely right $1,000 less then the 2023.
Hi, I've been riding almost 40 years. I've had everything from a WR250 to a BMW S100rr - Guess what I bought yesterday? RE Conti GT! Who knew 47hp could be so much fun? Nice review, Ty
Great vido. I have the 650 Dr. Mayhem and love it. It's a true throw back bike. Best part for me is everyone loves it and not many around. Best of luck with it.
I'd heard happy comments about improvement in handling, using Michelins, in this bike, when replacement time rolls-around. I do NOT know which MODEL of those Michelins, Might wanna check the forums.
The red is it..... The muffed the British Racing Green INHO, because if you want a British Racing Green bike, you want a British Racing Green bike. That white eye sore? The white touches off the red, but the white stripe on the Green, busts up the Green IMHO.
The dudes in the comments are killing me 😄 "I bought one and put it next to my Ducatis (plural of course) and my BMWs and my two Harleys"... Shut up mate, you own none of those bikes, you're watching this video because you don't have the money to buy a Triumph and this is a great alternative. And cheap Another great video brother, thank you 💪
Bought my Classic 350 in December '23. 3 weeks later I bought a leftover ' 22 Red GT. Will be dropping the Classic off this Friday for its 1st service and bringing the GT home. I'll be looking out for the police also. I have a R1250RS but the R E's are real head turners. 👍👍5🏍🙋♂️
Tyres will be fine at regular speeds they would legally have to be. The continental is a great looking bike, the interceptor was my chosen RE and damn I love mine so much. I also own a GS1250 but that's for longer journeys and loading up with luggage. when it comes to a great old school bike with none of the technical gadgetry about to bankrupt you the RE can't be beaten
According to my web search, this bike weighs in at 440 lbs which is just 10 pounds more than the Classic 350 you bought. That's just friggen awesome... I will search to see if you've posted an update to how your liking this bike. It looks good, if you like Chrome, which I believe you said you didn't like Chrome,,, but attitudes change quickly - pending H.P.
How you getting on with it, still happy ?? I'm waiting for delivery of mine, same colour. Upgrading from a bullet 500 trails, just needing a bit more go. Great price on these atm.
I ended up trading the bike off. It was great and doing fine but I just ever ride street. I am much more of a dual sport rider. I still recommend the bike and I still love the looks but I dont ride pavement unless I have too.
I was thinking the same thing. I actually have to pick up my new one tomorrow and I'm 145 miles from the dealership. I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to go about doing this. I'm thinking about keeping it under 60mph (even though the book says to keep it under 50mph) and stopping every 15 to 20 miles to let to bike cool off for 15 minutes.
I have seen photos online but I haven’t seen one in person. The nearest dealership is about 150 miles from my house which means I’m not able to just stop by and check things out.
too bad Hatfield's would not let you take it for a decent test ride. I live 50 miles northwest of Joplin and can just as easy shop in Kansas City at Engle's.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 You may be happy with the bike but it makes my decision to look for a GT in Kansas City at Engles an easy choice. I have dealt with Hatfields in the past and no decent test ride is a deal breaker.
Ceat is the oldest motorcycle tire maker in the world. Most people in this hemisphere only think they know every tire company. If you lived in India your thoughts might be different.
wtf kind of dealer only lets you ride in the parking lot before you give them 10g.......i would have went else where after telling them since they are too cheap to buy a demo model then they do not deserve your biz. Cheapness doesnt exactly inspire confidence in a dealer that you might need to stand behind the product they sell. Plz post the name of the dealer so we all know to avoid them.
It’s always helpful to watch reviews and speak to owners of a bike you’re considering buying. It can also skew your impressions of the bike when you ride it. There are a lot of inexperienced “experts” out there who will repeat things others have said about flaws with a bike. The tires and suspension of Enfield Interceptors and Continental GTs often get criticized by riders who don’t know if they’re bad or not, just because others have said negative things. I’ve got nearly 40 years of riding experience and have owned over 60 bikes, so I make my own conclusions about how a bike performs. I recently bought a used Interceptor with around 1000 miles on it. The tires are fine, and the suspension is fine given the design limitations of the bike. It’s not a sport bike, and only if you try to ride it like one will the tires and suspension be an issue. If my GSXR’s or one of my Ducatis had come with the tires or suspension of the Enfield, sure, I’d have complained. But the Enfield is what it is-a nice, relaxing retro-styled throw back that’s meant to be ridden that way. If you expect more from a bike, buy more bike. Don’t start trying to make the bike into something it’s not. You’ll never be satisfied. I enjoy my Interceptor because I knew what it was when I bought it. I’m over the race bikes and the risks they bring. I just ride for the pleasure of riding. Just what Enfields are designed for.
I have an Intercepter and a Ducati, too. I thought it was so funny when I went to pick up my Interceptor 650 how hard the salesman was pushing its “performance” capability. The Royal Enfield isn’t for speed or performance, which is exactly what I told him. I really enjoy my Ducati Monster that I’ve had for over twelve years, and it definitely satisfies that occasional “need for speed,” but for the daily I’m taking the Intercepter 650 every time.
This is what im saying to those so called "expert reviewers", Enfields are not a sports bike and people buying Enfields are enthusiasts. Thanks bro.
After having rode motorcycles for 40 years my new Royal Enfield interceptor has put the biggest smile on my face, every time I even look at it just love the sound and ride,have fun my mate 👌🏍👍🇬🇧
If you get a chance to come to India. Then you must ride bs4 bullet 350 royal Enfield at least once. You will be amazed.
@@himanshuthakur6233 my bro, the interceptor is way better though. Different league
@@1729krish royal Enfield means , bullet and classic.
Meteor , hunter , interceptor, thunderbird , continental GT all these are a decade old thing. I am not saying they are bad, they are good very good , but the legendary symbol that carried the name of royal Enfield from past 40 years are bullet and classic. Everyone has their favourite choice mine is bullet 350 , because it has a lit and cool sitting position.
Great video, love the bike. I've just bought an Interceptor here in the U.K. Love watching you U.S guys as it's a joy to see the beautiful countryside you get to ride through and how clean and litter free your highways and road verges are, unlike here where litter is absolutely everywhere.
Thanks for watching!
Great video. I also bought the Rocker Red in Brazil 🇧🇷. I am excited to start to Ride it. Ride safe and diserve it. Waiting for new víideos. 🏍💪
Beautiful bike on beautiful roads around a beautiful countryside❤
It really is!
Fun to find a review showing my hometown dealer and your ride home passed my old house just south of Joplin. Nice review.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Beautiful bike enjoy your days with him my friend
Thank you, I will
I am a harley guy with my share of different models for many years. I do have eyes on that same "Red GT 650" that you just purchase. I do like with RE is doing with there lineup and I can see me putting one into my garage soon. I just want a smaller bike for fun and that 650 is priced right to have fun with. Good luck and keep us posted on your likes and dislikes about the bike.
Frickin beautiful bike. My cousin had a red Royal Enfield I think 400cc in the 70s. He used to scrape the pegs all day around the village. I'm now quite addicted to the Continental GT 650 and would get the red if I can't resist.
Thank you! I agree that she sure is pretty!
Awesome! I'm a new rider and live in the USA as well but have a special place in my heart for Royal Enfields and their connection to A) my work designing trips to India and my many trips there driving 350s through Kerala, India, and B) my WWII P-51 pilot veteran grandfather driving them in Ealing, UK in 1942 where I lived many decades later for university. I have the same emotion connection to both the Classic 350 as well as the Continental GT - same colour scheme as you have on both bikes. Which would you recommend as a 'first' bike of my own? Both of yours are beautiful - thanks for the insight!
Either would make a great first bike. If you get in to the Classic understanding its a 55-65mph bike and its slow then I would say get it. If you need to cover any amount of ground or if you need to get on the interstate for any reason then get the GT. I bought the Classic first because it was less expensive and I could almost pay cash for it. After paying it off I decided that I could afford the payment on the GT so I went a head and bought it.
Wow that is so cool randomly watching this video from Kerala, happy to know you enjoyed your time here❤
She's a beaut bud! Enjoy with love and pride. Cheers from British Columbia!
She really is pretty.
I'm looking at one now, same color. Very excited at the idea of owning one!
I had the 535 Continental GT and a 650 Continental GT. The 650 was strides better in terms of performance and actual build quality compared to the 535. The 535 has the better styling and looks to me, no doubts about it. But everything else simply goes to the 650. Great bike and the engine, trans is extremely smooth. I'd say still probably one of the best throttle responses I've ever felt out of a stock bike, as well. Near instant response and no weird lag or dead spots in the throttle. Only issue I had was when I bought the bike, it came with an out of round front tire and I didn't realize it until once I hit freeway speeds to get home. Jackhammered like hell all the way home. Dealership was awesome though...told me to get the front tire replaced and email them a copy of the invoice, they mailed me a check to pay for the tire. Pretty cool of them. I know this video is about a year old but only thing I could ever think about really needing to upgrade is the chain to something a bit more quality. Kind of a PITA with how much it would stretch and need adjustment.
The 650 with a little work looks tons better than factory. The factory is still sexy as hell but it can be improved upon.
When the description says 150 mile ride home, but you only live 20 minutes from the dealer 🤦♂️🤣, you absolutely have to love the freedom of the road. God Bless brother, enjoy the bike be safe and keep the videos going 👍.
Sorry I must have misspoke or something. I live 150 miles from the dealership. I rode from Joplin MO to my home near Fort Smith AR.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 it's ok Brother, I thought you were taking the long way home, due to the fact the bike is freaking awesome! I'd probably take the 200 mile scenic route myself. Be safe out there. Excellent choice by the way.
wow ! I love the Continental GT 650 ! especially in Rocker-Red 😀🤩
Me too!
Enjoy the new ride, liking the red!
I had to go red on the cafe racer style. I think red paint adds like 5 hp and 3 cool guy points LOL
Thanks for the video. I've got one of those bikes but the Mr Clean version from a couple of years ago. The earlier bikes had problems with an off-white grease around the connections of the relays (all relays are the same type on these bikes). I don't know if that problem has been fixed (surely it would have been by now) but just in case it has not be prepared to clean the plug and sockets of the relays and maybe replace them with a better brand. I love my bike, I'm sure you will too.
Thanks for the info.
Fantastic review and great video and great bike thank you from the UK
Thank you kindly!
Another great RE video! I started on the GT (Chrome MR. Clean) and ended up on the Classic 350. The GT was wonderful around town, and yes, it is easy to get in trouble with the speeding tickets! 😂 I would have kept it longer being able to deal with the weight on my wrists and shoulders. However, for me, my hips would cramp up making a few stops at the lights a little dicey. Great bike, but my old bones no longer suit something like that. With the Classic, no aches or pains or cramps whatsoever. Totally agree with everything you said about this bike! Congratulations!!!
Check out my review of my Classic. I got it before the GT and I really like it too.
It is a beautiful bike and as-you-say , that's a big deal . You want a bike that makes-you smile, parked as-well as riding and it's not too-hard to squeeze a few more HP out of them either . Dave nz
I get my Int650 Saturday. I can't wait.
Cool! What color did you choose?
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 I went with Blue my dealership did not have candy red. The price tag for mine is $4,995 its the last 2022 they have so the price is definitely right $1,000 less then the 2023.
Hi, I've been riding almost 40 years. I've had everything from a WR250 to a BMW S100rr - Guess what I bought yesterday? RE Conti GT! Who knew 47hp could be so much fun? Nice review, Ty
Thanks for watching
mine in Dux Deluxe looks so much different after 16 months of me tinkering on it
lol good stuff! subbed
They really are awesome bikes!
Great vido. I have the 650 Dr. Mayhem and love it. It's a true throw back bike. Best part for me is everyone loves it and not many around. Best of luck with it.
Dr. Mayhem is a good color too
Nice bike and ride. So many RE bikes to choose from. Kind of want them all.
Me too. So far I have collected 2 of them LOL
I'd heard happy comments about improvement in handling, using Michelins, in this bike, when replacement time rolls-around. I do NOT know which MODEL of those Michelins, Might wanna check the forums.
Will do thanks.
Nice. I live pretty close to Joplin. Thinking this might be my next bike. Good review!
Cool, thanks!
Didja have to ride it back 150 miles for the 300 mile service! lol.
LOL no I serviced it at home. Super easy to do, even adjusting the valves.
The red is it..... The muffed the British Racing Green INHO, because if you want a British Racing Green bike, you want a British Racing Green bike. That white eye sore? The white touches off the red, but the white stripe on the Green, busts up the Green IMHO.
The bar end mirrors will act like bar end weights eliminating some vibration. Enjoy I have a thruxton dig the retro.
damn ! this is a good looking bike.
Yes it is
The dudes in the comments are killing me 😄
"I bought one and put it next to my Ducatis (plural of course) and my BMWs and my two Harleys"... Shut up mate, you own none of those bikes, you're watching this video because you don't have the money to buy a Triumph and this is a great alternative. And cheap
Another great video brother, thank you 💪
Thanks for watching
Congratulations, I bought a Royal Enfield Continental GT650 in Rocker Red four days ago. Like you, I love the looks of the bike.
Right on!
You could swap the handle bars with the Interceptor’s handle bars, that something owners tend to do when riding for a few hundred kilometers.
Yeah but I prefer the cafe bars
Nice ride, and an awesome adventure. Enjoy yourself....
Thanks, will do!
Bought my Classic 350 in December '23. 3 weeks later I bought a leftover ' 22 Red GT. Will be dropping the Classic off this Friday for its 1st service and bringing the GT home. I'll be looking out for the police also. I have a R1250RS but the R E's are real head turners. 👍👍5🏍🙋♂️
They are really good look bikes for sure
Tyres will be fine at regular speeds they would legally have to be. The continental is a great looking bike, the interceptor was my chosen RE and damn I love mine so much. I also own a GS1250 but that's for longer journeys and loading up with luggage.
when it comes to a great old school bike with none of the technical gadgetry about to bankrupt you the RE can't be beaten
Very happy with my RE. Still rocking the factory tires until they get worn out. Then I'll try something new.
the tyres will feel better in about 500 miles or so at least that was my own experience
Thanks for the info
According to my web search, this bike weighs in at 440 lbs which is just 10 pounds more than the Classic 350 you bought. That's just friggen awesome... I will search to see if you've posted an update to how your liking this bike. It looks good, if you like Chrome, which I believe you said you didn't like Chrome,,, but attitudes change quickly - pending H.P.
I did a 1000 mile review on the bike.
Awesome bro,
Thank you
How you getting on with it, still happy ?? I'm waiting for delivery of mine, same colour. Upgrading from a bullet 500 trails, just needing a bit more go. Great price on these atm.
I ended up trading the bike off. It was great and doing fine but I just ever ride street. I am much more of a dual sport rider. I still recommend the bike and I still love the looks but I dont ride pavement unless I have too.
Question: Why did u go for the continental & not the interceptor?
I like the looks of the GT better.
Skipped the run in procedure then?
I was thinking the same thing. I actually have to pick up my new one tomorrow and I'm 145 miles from the dealership. I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to go about doing this. I'm thinking about keeping it under 60mph (even though the book says to keep it under 50mph) and stopping every 15 to 20 miles to let to bike cool off for 15 minutes.
@@cbillings6 sounds like a good plan. My dealership is only 10 miles away so no issue for me this spring. Enjoy your new bike.
@@soupdragon5555 thanks man. Really excited to be back on two wheels.
0:40 damn those MFers off to the side are having some heavy lofty convo and this dude's just like "damnnn look at that red"
LOL I never listened to what they were saying until you pointed it out!
Love your gloves … can you give details on it?
They are Mechanics gloves. Not really suited for riding but they were all I had at the time.
Have you seen Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (120 years edition)...
I have seen photos online but I haven’t seen one in person. The nearest dealership is about 150 miles from my house which means I’m not able to just stop by and check things out.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 try this video -(Chasing the Bullet - a Royal Enfield documentary)
love my ventura storm GT☺️
too bad Hatfield's would not let you take it for a decent test ride. I live 50 miles northwest of Joplin and can just as easy shop in Kansas City at Engle's.
Its ok. I am still happy with the bike.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 You may be happy with the bike but it makes my decision to look for a GT in Kansas City at Engles an easy choice. I have dealt with Hatfields in the past and no decent test ride is a deal breaker.
How many times did you say 'beautiful'
Not enough
nice bbike. u shouuld buy it
LOL
Is cuise control an option?
Maybe something for the secondary market but not from the factory.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 it is a Grand touring bike. It should hav that from the factory. Non the less, lovely color and beautiful bike
@@ZGoddessLola it's a cafe racer. No need for a cc.
J’adore ❤ ma Royal Enfield Continental GT ❤ absolument superbe.
I agree
This one has slipper clutch, right???
yes it does
Ceat is the oldest motorcycle tire maker in the world. Most people in this hemisphere only think they know every tire company. If you lived in India your thoughts might be different.
Im sure if I lived in India I would have a lot of different thoughts.
agree, guess what I ride? 😁
You know it!
" Hey! "
Hello, thanks for watching
Get the cowl
I kind of want to get one. I also kind of want to chop the rear end. Im going to wait until the warranty has expired before I chop the frame.
wtf kind of dealer only lets you ride in the parking lot before you give them 10g.......i would have went else where after telling them since they are too cheap to buy a demo model then they do not deserve your biz. Cheapness doesnt exactly inspire confidence in a dealer that you might need to stand behind the product they sell. Plz post the name of the dealer so we all know to avoid them.
Jay Hatfield in Joplin MO