I've had my Interceptor from new, 15 months ago, and have covered 7,000 miles. I really do love this bike and I agree that using it in winter is abusing this type of bike as she looks so nice when clean and well polished. Having said that I think the finish quality is better than my BMW 1200 which leaves something to be desired, considering the high price. The Interceptor is a bike that can readily be adapted by the owner to make it their bike. Like you I have made several changes, air filter, bell mouth, exhaust, crash bars tank pads etc. I was going to change the suspension but found the stock suspension adequate for the performance of the machine. This is something I may consider again though. As it does more miles and begins to wear I find that it does wallow a bit. I do load my bike up to go camping and a new pair of YSS shocks may make riding more pleasant. No issues so far with pillion, I think a lot depends on the mass of the person being carried. Lol, I have ridden quite a few miles with a lady on the back who weighs around nine and a half stone and she loves the bike. A larger person is going to bottom out that Gabriel suspension and cause them discomfort. All in all I really love this bike. My riding style changes when I am in the saddle and I take a more relaxed view. Riding country roads in Wales at fifty miles per hour is a pleasure on this bike. Riding motorways is also okay, the airflow is clean and legal speeds can be maintained for long distances. That said I avoid motorways as much as I can on a bike as their ability to filter through traffic makes A roads almost as quick to negotiate. I love my Interceptor and have no regrets about buying it. When I stop passers by love it too, I have never owned a bike that attracts so much attention. That brings a warm glow to my heart too and I enjoy little chats with strangers which makes for a lovely day.
Well written sir, me too have the same experience and second your write up. Interceptor gives me smiles always, a great bike trustworthy commuter for sure, never had issues, done 20000 kms on odo since I own it from Dec 2020.
Just found your comment mate . I'm after down sizing from 620lb Vulcan VN900 cruiser . So info from an owner rather than a reviewer is more important to me. Don't like gadgets even ABS is modern compared to all the bikes I've owned . Engine wise have you had any issues? I see it has 3000 mile service intervals. However outside the warentee I've always serviced my own bikes( tappets/ oil, brakespads, discs, chain etc) Anything you don't like? Cheers.
What a great reply and thankyou for that I am the 1200 G.S. moron. What a mistake went to the T.T. this year 2023 on the monster !!! Let me tell you and anyone else that reads this DONT GO THERE !! They are a marketing illusion nothing more nothing less The 1200 G.S. spoilt my holiday at the TT. Too big Too heavy and Too over rated... If you have a friend that can help you park Help you push up hill Help you pick it up if you drop it etc etc etc then ok go for it !!! The only part I did enjoy on this bike was the motorway and how many of us use the motorways WE DO NOT WE LIKE SCRATCHING AROUND COUNTRY ROADS DO WE NOT ?? IT IS ALSO LIKE DRIVING A LAND ROVER PLENTY PLENTY CLUNKS GRUMBLES AND MOANS but will probably go on for ever if you can take it ??????????? So my honest opinion is go for a mid range machine no more than 750 /800 in my humble opinion They will give you all you want need and can handle unles your name is Rossi !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think the style is pretty much what I remember growing up in America in the 1960's when Triumph, BSA, and Norton ruled the roads here. I think its beautiful.
I got a slightly used Interceptor based partly on your past videos and recommendations. I can’t imagine being more happy with my first bike. Its a great bike for a newbie like myself and has more than enough power for what I need. It’s easy to ride and looks amazing. I also did some of the same upgrades as you and your videos helped so much when I was changing out the throttle and controls.
I always use 90 weight gear oil on my chain always check the slack in chain becaus your sprokets depends on it. I keep 1/4 inch play And when u tighten chain make Shure both lines up on back on each side of tire
Another great vid. Had mine over a year close to 8k of miles. Similar mods to yours, seat, yss front and back, bars, leavers, bar ends, Hitchcock's big bore pipes, straight through slash cut cans. Its also had a diet by removing centre stand, grab rails, rear pegs and anything else non essentail that'll come off. Biggest and best mod difference came from getting shot of the zoom cruz tires and cheap tubes as they were awful. Now sporting pirrelis front and back with micheline tubes. Totally transformed the bike. Next mod is a "crooked motorcycles" numberplate holder that comes off the swing arm. These bikes are not for everyone I agree, but if you love to tinker/modify/customise and you leave your ego at home when you ride, it's hard to find much better without spending loads more.
Yes there are some budget components but nothing that can't be sorted. This bike is so much more than the sum of it's parts, you really need to ride one to see why it's so hyped. BTW good luck to anyone that calls me a hipster
One of the more informative programs on the Enfield 650. I like how you presented it focusing on what type of rider the viewer is and staying away from the hype. Also the changes you made on your bike and why. Also what type of riders would not find this bike to their liking. Helpful information.
I agree it is not for everybody but it is definitely for me. Been riding for 40 + years and this one is the sweet spot. Can’t wait to see what RE will release in the next few years in this range. Whatever it is it will be worth buying.
Great video, good to see you back on screen with the Enfield, I have had mine two years also . I sold motorcycles in the 70/80 and people forget how basic bikes were back then ie suspension, tyres brakes, I feel looking to the mods you have done and your one of the 1st to them it’s still looks great.The 650 is two to three years on and there is 100s of modified 650 , cafe racer, scrambler etc which to me is the joy of owning the RE you can do what you want with it . What i can’t understand is why people buy the 650 then spend a fortune on them only to sell them cheap 🙁 which only devalues the range , keep riding mate 😀
It’s a great platform for customisation. I can’t imagine why anyone would sell theirs, especially after spending money modding it. Thanks for watching.
I’ve spent a small fortune modifying my Interceptor, though considerably less than it would cost to modify most other bikes. I just got the S&S cam and 865 kit, which will necessitate a clutch upgrade and several other performance mods. I’ve easily spent enough to buy a T100 or even T120, but I didn’t want a Triumph. Had I purchased a T120, I would have certainly spent a fortune modifying it. I have no regrets and no intention of selling the bike.
@@blazesboylan7947 that’s the great thing with the Enfield you can make it your own personal design Love mine But still don’t understand why some people sell them so quick and at so low prices Ride safe 😊
@@blazesboylan7947 That's what people don't understand when you spend money on mods.It doesn't matter what bike it is you'll spend money on it.The big one is "Should of got a T100-T120".If you got a T100 or 120 you'd get a fork upgrade exhaust anyway.The R.E 650 is low buy in price is perfect for mods & it's fast enough & easily keeps up with Harley Davidson's & T100,T120 & tourqe delivery is great low down. I got S&S slip on's,air filter, Booster plug,Yss fork upgrade for $1700nz £800 & have a great handling bike for less than $1270nz & is still cheaper by 5k cheaper than the cheapest Triumph Street Twin.S&S slip on's increase mid range by 13% & 2hp max & 6kg lighter.I ride with Harley Davidson Fatbobs 1584cc & other 1340cc HD & T100,T120 & they said "Will keep up" & then shocked & impressed at how easily it keeps up & gaps them it the mean twisties.The bigger cc HD & Triumphs put 30-40meters on me at intersections but I catch up quickly & 2-2 Headers will close that gap at intersections.Also I carry more speed slowing down & quicker into corners & infact HD get in the way as they slow faster.Every time some new Harley owner rides with my bike thinks it slow & not keep up & compare it to a 60-70's Triumph that couldn't keep up are shocked when I blow by or sitting behind them or riding in the pack.Spend a bit more on Headers & rear shocks have a awesome bike for $2500 cheaper than a Triumph Street Twin which you need to put adjustable forks on & spend cash on anyway.
I sold my conti gt 650 with s&s cam, 2into1, dna filter amongst other things. I started riding further distances with harley guys but found more than an hour uncomfortable. I currently have a stage 4 sportster 1200 which I love buy i will always hanker after the gt650. When I can I might well buy an inty and do similar mods as well as keep my sportie. RE twins are fantastic bikes, even more so with a couple of mods and are easy to live with and enjoy In the real world.
Soon celebrating a year with mine, loving it more and more with time. The combination of air cooled with touches of ECU + ABS technology is simply a winning recipe on my opinion.
Now that Yammie Noob has given the Interceptor his full-throated endorsement I guess you could say there's serious hype around the bike. His assessment of the Interceptor's strengths and weaknesses is actually spot on and consistent with the majority of other reviews, including yours. That being said, your comparison to the R1250 is apt in so much as the handful of Interceptors I've seen on the used market tend to have very low miles--indicative of a buyer who got swept up in the hype and chose the wrong motorcycle. (The complaint is almost always that the bike is underpowered--even though no one ever claimed it was a beast.) I suspect it's the affordability and the visual appeal that sucks people in, and the fact that it's so easy to ride. As for the hip factor, here in New York I see vastly more Bonnevilles (and even Guzzi V7s) than Enfields, which in some ways makes the Interceptor even hipper.
@@neosmith166 Yep agreed he's first class wanker of the highest order - the fact that he has so many subscribers speaks volumes about the general decline in IQ levels............how anybody can give any credence to the bullshit he spouts is beyond me.
Hello Wildlife Moto, Having just returned from our first family holidays in 5 years, I followed the family down on the Interceptor 650, I think I can safely say the following. What should have been just over 250ish miles to get there and back,,, I got a bit carried away and clocked just over 350 miles. Keeping to 50 to 60mph I got just over 70mpg My point? Apart from the 'relative' peace and quiet, having fun and not being squashed in a hot car with the family and the dogs on the M25, etc etc, this bike is simply fantastic to own and ride, especially given the price. In my case I PX'd my 2011 Mag wheel Bonneville 865 so only needed 1.5k balance to pay. Having owned the bike now for around 9 months and maintained it myself, I begrudgingly have to admit,,,, the Interceptor is for me the better bike (sharp intake of breath)!!!
Great looking bike. Just wish RE would fit spoked tubeless rims as standard. They'll soon have as legislation is moving in that direction. From a safety and practicality point of view its an absolute must. Like your mods but I also like the bike in standard trim.
Gotta love the Twin 650! Thanks for giving it’s due riding & showing you continued appreciation. It sure does look fantastic! I prefer this than the Indian actually. There is something special about your RE!✅🙌
Having just retired, I decided to get back into motorcycling after many years of absence. I had no idea what bike I wanted, but had to be very aware of my age and my diminished riding skills. To cut a long story short, a friend sold me his 2020 Interceptor with only 1400 miles on the clock. I have no need for speed and a modern classic was something new. The bike is stock except for fitting a touring seat and I have found it a fantastic machine. It is powerful enough for my needs. It looks so nice, it sounds great, and no matter where I go, it turns heads and brings nothing but admiring remarks. Most of all, it's brought a huge smile to my face, and I have fallen back in love with biking. I'm not a serious rider, but next year I plan a few longer trip 👌👌
I've been on my factory new Interceptor for 3 years now. Done 37K kms - commuting and touring. Out on twisty B-roads this bike will keep up with 600 sports or older 1000s (depending on rider capability). I'm running Bridgestone BT46s for the last 2 sets and they help with the corners significantly compared to the OG Pirelli's. Its not for the track as such, but its a lot of fun. The front will give way when you try too hard. But other that that - it'll do everything. Topped out at at indicated 185 kmph before the speed wobble got too much. Good dealer and service network, parts are well priced (I'm in Auckland, New Zealand). Has surprised a few big lads on hogs and 600s. Mines a ravishing red and always starts conversations with strangers with people approaching asking if its vintage, which is a great factor.. :) Check out this video (average quality) th-cam.com/video/mG_sB4gsvRc/w-d-xo.html
In those 37k have you ever had a flat tyre? It's been so long since I've had tubed tyres and I remember having a couple but they may have been my fault with low tyre pressure due to laziness and going on dirt roads. Are they going to inevitably leave me in the middle of nowhere or is it quite a rare occurrence?
Well done! I've had mine just shy of a year and I couldn't agree more. It's a simple bike, what you see is what you get. I decided on the 650 because I wanted primarily a backcountry bike that had a classic bare bones look, was easy to maintain, easy to customize, reliable, and overall fun. Not disappointed in the least bit! True, it's not a track bike, it's not flashy, and it's pretty low on tech...but what it DOES do, it does well. Don't see myself giving this one up anytime soon. Hope to see more vids with it in the future!
Real glad to see the Interceptor making its way back to the channel mate. A lot of your videos helped bridge the knowledge gap for me when it comes to working on my continental gt. Many thanks to you and looking forward to whats in store.
Nice bike indeed! Yep, I've been there. On the hypetrain. Bought an MT07 which I sold after a year. I went against the stream and bought a used KTM 690 Duke and that bike makes the angels sing! Decat, Mivv endcan, DNA airfilter and a Boosterplug. Runs sooo gooood! LIke the RE, the KTM needs a calibration time on tickover. The KTM needs 600 seconds and then turn it of. Turn it on again but no start. Open the throttle slowly and close it again. Ignition off. Now it is ready! (Yep, no powercommander)
Riding since 1976, had Bonneville 865 for 5 years. Whilst riding RE Interceptor felt like 1969 Bonnie if their got everything right. A nice place to be. Have 5 bikes and new addition 3 months ago was a Himalayan. Fun bike , fun brand.
"Whilst riding RE Interceptor felt like 1969 Bonnie if their got everything right. A nice place to be." Spot on...my thought was 71 BSA Lightning, but with 2 more gears, no vibration, electric start, no oil leaks, better brakes etc etc. All the 'good' of the 1960s/70s Brits, but none of the bad. The one thing that's no better is absolute performance...it produced less power outright that the 750 Bonne and 650 Yam of the 1970s, but will run faster for longer without shaking itself or the rider to bits.
I personally feel like the parts which are more budget feeling are so carefully chosen by RE. I believe they've saved a fair chunk of their cost on items that most users will replace such as the levers and lights etc. The bike is a perfectly good bike to ride day to day, but to make it a great bike or even the perfect bike for yourself, a little customisation can make it that for you and still say below the price of the more expensive modern retros. And to be honest, a lot of the things I have changed on my Interceptor are parts I'd change on any bike such as the exhaust, the levers, the foot controls, indicators, tail tidy etc.
disagree. sure i've done all of those to my ducati as well (exhaust/levers/lights). what you cant change is the cheap royal enfield frame. on my ducati i can completely remove the modular rearsets for the passenger footpegs. instantly deleted at least 20lbs of weight. you can't do that with the RE since the passenger footpeg mounts are literally welded to the main frame. thats cheapness that you can't easily 'mod' away. on the RE, all you can really do is replace the exhausts or go for the cheap, crappy TEC 2-1 or something. other than that, you're pretty much still stuck with a relatively heavy bike for such low power. i'm not a horsepower chaser, but this bike should really have been 50lbs lighter in stock form.
@@notstevelam Calling the RE frame cheap is just plain wrong. It's genuinely a phenomenal frame, regardless of the fact that the rearsets aren't modular! the fact that you can remove the rear sets from your bike for a 9kg weight saving is great for you! The wet weight of my RE right now, with all the weight saving I've done, is probably very similar to the wet weight of a ducati scrambler too and my RE also outputs more power. But I'm glad you're happy with your bike, because I'm ecstatic to be a Royal Enfield owner and customiser. Having already done a lot more than just add a "crappy" exhaust :)
@@rythagoras1136 i highly doubt that unless you somehow shaved off over a 100lbs from the RE650 which is almost physically impossible lol. the RE frame is definitely cheap. is it functional? of course. doesnt mean it wasn't built to a price though. how does your RE output more power unless you've done the entire bore/pistons kit? i have a 2021 GT650. i like the bike. but this bike gets WAY too much love and fake hype for what it is.
@@notstevelam According to online reviews, the Ducati Scrambler wet weight is around 180kg. RE is around 205kg. Getting rid of the stock exhausts alone will drop up to 14kg, spare bits like grab rails etc. comes to around 8kg. That's already a decent weight saving and almost the same as the Scrambler from the factory. My RE is outputting around 52hp now with the upgraded air filter and removal of the constricting air filter cover as well as a straight through exhaust. But I don't really care about exact values, I had massive fun on my bike before those upgrades, I just wanted to counter what you said. (Source is the TEC bike dyno run you can watch on youtube) But man, you seem to be really hateful for the RE, my main point was all opinion based and yet you seem super mad because you think that your bike is better. I hope it is for your sake, but I'd rather have mine :) I'm making it into MY perfect bike, I hope you can make your bike that for you too
@@rythagoras1136 ok i already know you're full of BS. you think you gained 5 hp just from air filter and exhaust swap? you barely get that from pistons, cam, pipe swap WITH a dyno tuned PCV. we're talking THOUSANDS of dollars of mods and you think you got there with an air filter and exhaust swap? come on man. not only did you fall for hype, you also fall for shitty exaggerated dyno numbers. absolutely NOBODY believes TEC dyno numbers. are you even on any RE forums? literally every single mechanically minded folk will make fun of their numbers. secondly, congrats, you got your bike down to stock weight of a scrambler. except the scrambler can drop down to 160kg easily because you can actually remove modular parts of the frame, which is what i did. and try sitting on a stock scrambler vs an re650. the re650 feels SIGNIFICANTLY heavier regardless. and no, i like my gt650. i just dont like it when people bullshit about it.
RE are making motorcycles, not soulless washing machines that need a computer engineer to fix when they break down . Don't see many 'hipsters' on YT channels with RE owners - more older blokes who like riding and maintaining motorcycles, have gone through the gamut of riding everything and anything, and want a motorcycle similar to what they grew up on...........
Probably the most honest owner review. A lot of people who don't have experience with high quality bikes are singing the enfields praises because it's all they really know other than their learner
Totally agree with you on the stupid ADV bike craze. I see many of these giant monstrosities riding around New York. They're not for the city, people! The dealer lied to you!
Great video and comments. Ive got upgraded exhaust pipes and put a softer seat on my interceptor. My wife rides pillion regularly and loves it. Its totally fun to ride and gets plenty of attention. For me its the perfect weekend and commuter bike. And yes i too cant stop looking at it...beautiful.
The SOUND ! , My 2021 ' Orange Crush ' Interceptor with aftermarket slip on's sounds amazing ! and people like it ! The above slip on's , K&N air filter = 50 hp , and the SOUND ! plenty enough Thanks for a great review .
Totally agree with your comments AND I have just put a set of ‘grip puppies’ on mine, as you suggested in another of your videos and what a difference they do make for such a small outlay!
I have one same color 2021. Great value for the price. Kind of reminds me of my 1968 triumph 650, without the vibration with disc brakes and fuel injection. Just love it for short rips around Nice review sir
Nice vid as usual! I am glad you're not a passenger on the hype train, and i am sure your honesty about it is appreciated (by more people than me) Was actually thinking yesterday after a ride on the Tuono that maybe a machine that scares the shite out of you every time you give it more than 1/3 throttle isn't the wisest choice either. :) Cheers!
Think enfield are knocking it out the park at the min , with the interceptor, 350 classic the meteor scram , and himilayan. All great bikes at ridiculous prices you got to love royal enfield!
I bought mine august/21 and have being using it for commuting and i love this bike, in Brazil there wasn't any options quite like this for the price range, tbh the price is going up and i don't think it will be as worth it anymore, buying a new one, since it's starting to match up with the prices of better motorcycles, not as niche as RE Interceptor but lets be honest, Honda cb500x, Kawasaki Versys/ninja/z 400cc, BMW G310 R and GS, Yamaha MT03/R3 and so on, and one up the budget a bit you could even reach for the street twin, specially here RE gets its fair share on the maintenance, having the 10k km maintenance more expensive than something like the Suzuki GSX750, comparing to what my friend paid to the dealership comparing to what i paid, it's pretty nuts for just 2 cylinders... it pains me even more when i look at the himalayan prices But anyway, i already have mine Interceptor and i absolutely love it, but i do think about someday trading it in for a Triumph Speed twin or Kawasaki z900rs but i'm in not rush about it
It is not a bike for everybody. But, it is a wonderful twin cylinder standsrd style street bike. It is a bike you either love or you don't. Maintenance costs, if you don't do your own, may be higher than average. But it is such a delight to ride.
Had mine a year, 3000 miles covered. Loved it. Just changed my Aprilia for a Japanese commuter thing which is great on fuel but not fun. Looking to get a Continental GT650 soon. Tubed Tyres make it a no no for commuting for me.
I just put a deposit on the new blacked out version of the Int 650. I was going for the Super Meteor but after test riding it, I changed my mind and decided for the Interceptor instead. Thank you for sharing, your bike looks and sounds great, be safe. 😎
You made the right choice for sure. The Interceptor is 100% the bike to get in the range. I like cruiser style bikes, but if you’re going that route they should be big American V-Twins. The Interceptor is a thing of beauty, a classic Brit style parallel twin, easy to ride, easy to work on, easy to make your own. Enjoy.
I quite agree , I've had my 2020 Glitter &Dust Int for 2yrs and like you have changed a few things to make it my own , one thing I copied off you was the Baak side covers except in aluminium which I've polished and backed with red mesh so you can't see through the slots and being polished and the red matches my tank ! there is a long list of other parts I've changed from Motones and Hitchcocks but the couple I'll mention here are the DNA filter Booster plug and S&S mufflers (a bit more bark)
Your channel and videos about the 650 were definitely key in my purchasing one in April 2021. Have made some mods (risers, "tall" windscreen, Baak side panels, tank pads, Givi rear rack, touring seat) but still keen to do more to it (better tyres, change mufflers, mod the suspension) to get it to where I want it. And I think that's the joy of this bike, it's well-priced and parts/mods are relatively cheap and fairly easy to do by yourself. I even went and bought a Shoei Glamster at the same time as I got the bike for the full "retro" look. I find the helmet very noisy though with a lot of wind running up that channel between the cheek pads and the neck roll and right up behind the ears. Do you find that an issue and if you do, have you fixed it somehow? Keep up the great work!
Sounds like you are enjoying the 650. The Glamster is such a good looking kid, but sadly it’s very noisy for me too. I have to wear earplugs. It’s the downside of the low profile design.
Got a Husky Vitpilen 401 whilst on my Ls here in Australia, thinking of getting one of these, love the classic looks and the bit bigger engine thats still LAMs approved.
I tried out the Rebel 500 and immediately wrote it off. Good bike but NOT for me and my riding. Down to CB500F and the Intercepter after viewing some long-term ownership reviews, test rode the Intercepter, fell in love with it and am now be reading it in. As I upgraded from a 250, the standing weight was initially a challenge. But, I feel the standing weight is not that big an issue. I stand 5' 6.5" and come just shy of flat footing the bike.
You summed it up beautifully. I have changed to YSS shocks & front fork kit, Hitchcock's Enfield slip-ons, Grip puppies and added tank pads to mine. I have found that riding with my wife on pillion through the mountains worked well for us (we are 80+50Kgs). I love the bike and it has all the power that I need for public roads. I would like to ask if you had to make any changes to the ECU/fuelling after changing to Hitchcock's headers and slip-ons, or if the stock ECU coped OK. Mine is a Euro 4 Interceptor. Thanks for a great review!
I sold my conti gt 650 with s&s cam, 2into1, dna filter amongst other things. I started riding further distances with harley guys but found more than an hour uncomfortable. I currently have a stage 4 sportster 1200 which I love buy i will always hanker after the gt650. When I can I might well buy an inty and do similar mods as well as keep my sportie. RE twins are fantastic bikes, even more so with a couple of mods and are easy to live with and enjoy In the real world.
I am entertaining the idea of purchasing one. My first bike was a 1984 Kawasaki GPZ 550. Though Kawasaki has a line up that goes back to that era. I think the RE Takes me back more to that time of simplicity. Just so happens the power is very similar. Looking for a used one . Simply because I can’t stand paying for a bike in a crate that is basically put together yet the dealers want to charge an extra 600 just to un crate and install a handle bars or so.
@@WildlifeMoto I know, lol! Yesterday there was a Porsche club getting fuel at an Exxon up here in the N GA mountains. Some of them walked over and one said, ""Old New or New Old?" I had to think for a second- hope I answered right 😂
There are a lot of guys thy have a 200 hp bike in USA or Australia, with all this low speed limits and run this power-bikes most time on 20% of the power range. That is boring or not?
A honest review of the Royal Enfield. At the age 51 and a few bikes under my belt . I did have a test ride last year on RE 650 and my bike bike at the time was Honda CB 500f ( all year round biker in all weather's, expect snow and ice ) . The RE is not a bad bike but compared to the Honda it was lacking . The stock tyres could have been better ( Chinese make )and name I know if you spending the money on a new bike . The welding on the main frame ( I TIG weld steel Sculptures for a living ) was hit and miss . Also in the summer time my partner goes on the back and it would have definitely crippled her with the rear foot pegs . So I had a good think where to spend my cash . Should I get RE 650 and replace tryes , suspension, relays , etc ,etc or go for a Honda again. Now I own Honda cbr500r 2019 with 390 miles on clock from Honda dealership . Also it cost me less than going for new RE 650 .
Great as the RE is, it won’t come close to Honda for build quality out of the box. Personally I have loved the 650 as a blank canvas project bike, but if you want a bike to jump on and ride, the Honda will never let you down.
Thanks for the two year owner's subjective review. As you say, it is up to you to go test ride the bike and make up your own mind. I loved it after two test rides, DW was with me and allowed me to put a deposit down March 2019. New was NZ$10,650. Arrived September and the DW says there was no room for her on the back! Bought an R1200RT for $6,500, so we can both go for rides. I still prefer the RE650 for rural fun rides as you did, without suspension or exhaust mods but with the DNA Air Filter. It still does it for me!! I had ridden road bikes for 15 years, 33 years previously, so it was a perfect returning to ride bike for me to regain my confidence. Have a test ride, go see for yourself. :)
Bought a 2021 at 74 to knock around the northern MICHIGAN back roads which there are plenty. Havnt ridden since the 70s and just bought this a month ago with 350 miles on it looks same as yours paint wise. I'll probably put on the tec canons this summer.
Congratulations on getting back on the road! Personally I would avoid TEC products as i've been less than impressed with the quality of the items. A full stainless system from Hitchcocks really brings this bike alive. I have the Hitchcocks freeflow headers and Scorpion Red Power mufflers.
Here in the Netherlands the Kawasaki W800 costs 9,999 Euros against a bi-colour Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 8,899 Euros. Supposedly the RE is a very good buy and I am not disagreeing. But what do you get extra with the W800 over the Interceptor for this 1100 Euro price difference? Well, the 800cc engine doesn’t need oil-cooling to pump out 48 hp. The camshaft is bevel driven. The switch gear is all metal (aluminium). The mudguards and side panels are metal. The clocks are of higher quality, as are the indicators. The bike comes with nice details as a helmet lock and baggage hooks. The riding experience is more old-school, the whole idea of Kawasaki was to recreate the feeling of a (British) 60’s bike, not to make a modern handling bike with retro looks. I think they did very well, in fact I think they did it the best of all manufacturers (well, actually there are only 3: Triumph, RE and Kawasaki, with BSA jumping on the band wagon). And I say that as a Triumph Bonneville and RE Classic 500 owner. But maybe this is not what you want and of course Kawasaki does not have the pedigree of a Royal Enfield.
For the first reason about this bike is not for daily usage 24/7, It depends, I love to ride motorcycle and Interceptor 650 is perfect for me. cosmetics wise is secondary for me, the experience is.
Hi wild life motto, great to see the vid up date on the intersepter and you getting with it up till now and your thoughts on it and that after two years you have had it you won't keep it and use it . It's all way good hear your thoughts and how you have found it till now , I am still thinking about getting one and as you I need to go for test ride and find out if it's is me as you said . Thanks for the great vid and will keep in mind what you said when I go for a test ride and see if it's for me and as you said it's so easy to get caught up with all the hype and get sucked in and go along with it thanks very much again
It is what it is, it exists in it's own box. To compare it to the Bonneville Street Twin or the W800 is not really what it's about. The RE is an inexpensive relatively reliable mid weight machine that many people around the world find to be quite satisfying. I would add one but I have no room, my brother bought one he loves it all three of us in the family have been riding since the 60s so there is that special plce these bikes fit perfectly.
I argree with you about over hiped bikes paying £18000 fir a second hand BM is just crazy , it is just people getting sucked into some brand marketing. Ps great review
I would ride the Interceptor. Much better power and I would expect comfort also than my Falcon 400. Short on money right now so no new bike. Waiting for the ADV version with luggage racks and larger front wheel. Bikes are extremely expensive in Argentina but Royal Enfield built an assembly plant to avoid much of the taxes. I can get an Intercepter for around $8,000 dollars. A KLR is $18,000 and a BMW R1250GS is about $65,000. Royal Enfield is the best deal going here.
That was a really useful and balanced video. Thanks for posting. The only thing I have a real issue with is the rear shock replacement. I know just what you are saying about the suspension, but those shocks are eye wateringly expensive. If you have to spend that kind of additional money on the bike to make it comfortable then there was a flaw in the bike design from that perspective. Otherwise I like the look and review of the bike, I just need to go test ride on now.
I’d planned to buy an Interceptor & watched a ton of your vids. Then, I had a bloody stroke which kinda knocked me out for a year. Now, I want a Super Meteor 650. Please, PLEASE, do a review & help me with my dilemma!
Sorry to hear that. Hope you are on the mend. The SM looked amazing when I saw it at Motorcycle Live. The riding position wouldn’t be my choice but mainly because I already have an Indian Scout. Personally I prefer the Interceptor.
Looking forward to test riding and hopefully filming all the Enfields this year🤞 P s But an interesting point re a workhorse type bike. Thing is as am not sure what am gonna do after my test but do want to tour abroad...
I had to laugh at about 9:35. That's exactly why we bought the Interceptor. It's our going out to tea rooms and coffee shops bike. I do use it for solo riding too, as it's a blast without getting you anywhere near trouble with the law. Funnily enough I also ride a GS that I've had for the last 13 years, that's the tourer and does it's fair share of green lanes too but it hasn't visited many cafés. Hipster? It would be the first time I was ever up to date with any "look" or "identify"🤣
Agree with most of what you said especially the stuff nobody else goes into, great to hear it. You are not afraid to say what you think, thats me too! I have one of these and absolutely love it, should have got one ages ago. It suits my riding and my routes. Interested from a customising point of view, what are those switches you have? There are a lot of cheapish ones on the marketplaces. I think they are the best looking ones I have seen, are they the Roadpower Custom (RPC) or the cheaper versions? Also, is the indicator switch easy to use? Keep up the good work and thanks for the video.
Hi. Thanks for the feedback. Appreciate it. Those switches were from a company called Remmoto. They are “okay” but the indicator switch is a bit fiddly to be honest.
@@WildlifeMoto Thanks thats what someone else said. Got some low peashooters from Hitchcock's and wondering about adding the header pipes that you have.
I have had mine for Three years the only problem i have had is the speedo which is unusual but it was replaced on warranty and i replaced the battery but it has been great
I’ve been seriously researching this model RE , I am close to pulling the trigger on one then I saw yours , Love the tank color scheme , what year is it ?
I did buy the hype, and I’ve just sold it. For me it was a bit tiring ( even with the.touring seat) being on it all day. I did/do love the Interceptor though. I loved the minimal look, the smooth power delivery, the brilliant clutch, the sound! Not sure I did the right thing 🤔…..note the booster plug will not work on the Euro 5 models. Cheers
@@scott_itall8638 not weight, it’s not a light bike but doesn’t feel heavy once you’re moving. For me it was the constant buffeting (which you’d get on any naked bike) especially on a dual carriageway. We had long days riding too 8+ hours on my last tour. At least I slept well!
@@WildlifeMoto I know! I was hoping the guy who bought it wouldn’t like it and I could buy it back. Canyon red, scorpion red power silencers , Hagon shocks etc, no chance of that!
Have you thought about a tubeless conversion on the rims? I'm very happy with mine for weekend bimbles, the odd business trip and some 2-3 day tours with a little luggage on the back and c200 miles max every day.
The tubeless conversion probably isn't something that i'd do. Having said that, the thought of having to fix a tube on the side of the road fills me with dread. Not fun.
hi, i bought the gt, i would agree, the engine is great, the suspension is not good enough for the roads where i live, the front can feel as though the wheel is loose, the rear bouncing you out of your seat, its a heavy bike for its capacity, so somewhere on a par with 1960,s british 650,s,you can see why even the fuel cap weighs a lot, hopefully this means it will last, cheers
spot on review = the enfield is the oldest and most original of the brit style bikes , a lot of hype but good price , the other brit bikes are just name users ;
I think it deserves the hype , does exactly what they told us it'd do ! BUT as you said it's not necessarily for you ! Interestingly just bought a Moto Morini XCape and the dealer had 4 GS sat there for sale low mileage !
Should I buy an Interceptor & spend months modifying it to my liking or for the same end price a KTM 890 Duke that will give me a better grin factor even riding it sensibly. With the interceptor, it's all about the journey. Can you say what was the total cost with all the mods?
Your comments about the BMW GS are 100% spot on . Lets be honest the success of the GS is the greatest marketing con in motorcycling ( harsh word maybe ) . I have lost count of the number of people I've known over the years who have fallen for the B/S that its the best bike in the world and the only bike to aspire to , only to realise sooner or later that its nothing of the sort !! Its an overweight , over complicated , overpriced and in recent times particularly , unreliable behemoth . A niche motorcycle that is in no way an "everyday" bike .
How many miles do you have on it? I've considered buying one of those bikes, but worry about my tendency to rack up miles. I currently run about 400 or so miles a week.
Only thing you really have to do if you want to just change the front sprocket up one and that’s just because of our 75 mile an hour highways it relaxes the bike a bit alas I haven’t yet, yet.
I currently own a 2019 cb500x and over the 3 years I have owned the bike it’s been great used for touring and just weekend ride outs don’t have have to commute as work is very close and easier to pull the car off the driveway. I did after buying the Honda sit on the royal enfield and just didn’t feel oh I must have one on these as a second bike but when I sat on the Himalayan if felt more substantial more comfortable so one would assume ok adventure is the only bike for me, then I sat on a triumph T100 this felt premium but i guess it should cost twice as much as the Honda. As I get older I feel more drawn to lower seat height,lighter more manageable motorcycles. Currently looking at cf moto maybe the 700 twin as like the idea of light motorcycle with cruise control which don’t cost too much as my wife also rides.have you had any experience with cf moto ?
Just to reassure everyone, my helmet is not unstrapped, it’s the mic wire 👍
I've had my Interceptor from new, 15 months ago, and have covered 7,000 miles. I really do love this bike and I agree that using it in winter is abusing this type of bike as she looks so nice when clean and well polished. Having said that I think the finish quality is better than my BMW 1200 which leaves something to be desired, considering the high price.
The Interceptor is a bike that can readily be adapted by the owner to make it their bike. Like you I have made several changes, air filter, bell mouth, exhaust, crash bars tank pads etc. I was going to change the suspension but found the stock suspension adequate for the performance of the machine. This is something I may consider again though. As it does more miles and begins to wear I find that it does wallow a bit. I do load my bike up to go camping and a new pair of YSS shocks may make riding more pleasant.
No issues so far with pillion, I think a lot depends on the mass of the person being carried. Lol, I have ridden quite a few miles with a lady on the back who weighs around nine and a half stone and she loves the bike. A larger person is going to bottom out that Gabriel suspension and cause them discomfort.
All in all I really love this bike. My riding style changes when I am in the saddle and I take a more relaxed view. Riding country roads in Wales at fifty miles per hour is a pleasure on this bike. Riding motorways is also okay, the airflow is clean and legal speeds can be maintained for long distances. That said I avoid motorways as much as I can on a bike as their ability to filter through traffic makes A roads almost as quick to negotiate.
I love my Interceptor and have no regrets about buying it. When I stop passers by love it too, I have never owned a bike that attracts so much attention. That brings a warm glow to my heart too and I enjoy little chats with strangers which makes for a lovely day.
Well written sir, me too have the same experience and second your write up. Interceptor gives me smiles always, a great bike trustworthy commuter for sure, never had issues, done 20000 kms on odo since I own it from Dec 2020.
Belle synthèse 👍
Just found your comment mate .
I'm after down sizing from 620lb Vulcan VN900 cruiser .
So info from an owner rather than a reviewer is more important to me.
Don't like gadgets even ABS is modern compared to all the bikes I've owned .
Engine wise have you had any issues?
I see it has 3000 mile service intervals.
However outside the warentee I've always serviced my own bikes( tappets/ oil, brakespads, discs, chain etc)
Anything you don't like?
Cheers.
What a great reply and thankyou for that I am the 1200 G.S. moron. What a mistake went to the T.T. this year 2023 on the monster !!! Let me tell you and anyone else that reads this DONT GO THERE !! They are a marketing illusion nothing more nothing less The 1200 G.S. spoilt my holiday at the TT. Too big Too heavy and Too over rated... If you have a friend that can help you park Help you push up hill Help you pick it up if you drop it etc etc etc then ok go for it !!! The only part I did enjoy on this bike was the motorway and how many of us use the motorways WE DO NOT WE LIKE SCRATCHING AROUND COUNTRY ROADS DO WE NOT ?? IT IS ALSO LIKE DRIVING A LAND ROVER PLENTY PLENTY CLUNKS GRUMBLES AND MOANS but will probably go on for ever if you can take it ??????????? So my honest opinion is go for a mid range machine no more than 750 /800 in my humble opinion They will give you all you want need and can handle unles your name is Rossi !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree. If your girl doesn't fit on the bike its not the bike's fault. She needs to spend time working out instead of looking like Jabba the Hutt.
I’m using mine 24/7 and also for very long journey across France and I’m very happy with it !
Curious how the cross France tour went. I’d like to buy one and tour on it.
I think the style is pretty much what I remember growing up in America in the 1960's when Triumph, BSA, and Norton ruled the roads here. I think its beautiful.
I got a slightly used Interceptor based partly on your past videos and recommendations. I can’t imagine being more happy with my first bike. Its a great bike for a newbie like myself and has more than enough power for what I need. It’s easy to ride and looks amazing. I also did some of the same upgrades as you and your videos helped so much when I was changing out the throttle and controls.
I always use 90 weight gear oil on my chain always check the slack in chain becaus your sprokets depends on it. I keep 1/4 inch play
And when u tighten chain make
Shure both lines up on back on each side of tire
Me too. Three rides in and I’m loving it.
Another great vid. Had mine over a year close to 8k of miles. Similar mods to yours, seat, yss front and back, bars, leavers, bar ends, Hitchcock's big bore pipes, straight through slash cut cans. Its also had a diet by removing centre stand, grab rails, rear pegs and anything else non essentail that'll come off. Biggest and best mod difference came from getting shot of the zoom cruz tires and cheap tubes as they were awful. Now sporting pirrelis front and back with micheline tubes. Totally transformed the bike. Next mod is a "crooked motorcycles" numberplate holder that comes off the swing arm. These bikes are not for everyone I agree, but if you love to tinker/modify/customise and you leave your ego at home when you ride, it's hard to find much better without spending loads more.
Yes there are some budget components but nothing that can't be sorted. This bike is so much more than the sum of it's parts, you really need to ride one to see why it's so hyped. BTW good luck to anyone that calls me a hipster
Hipster.
what will you do if someone calls you a hipster
He will send negative vibes
I read it that if we call you a Hipster we get good luck. LoL 😆😂 😜 Hipster. Haven't heard that for a while and I'm almost 39.
Hipster ❤
One of the more informative programs on the Enfield 650. I like how you presented it focusing on what type of rider the viewer is and staying away from the hype. Also the changes you made on your bike and why. Also what type of riders would not find this bike to their liking. Helpful information.
I agree it is not for everybody but it is definitely for me. Been riding for 40 + years and this one is the sweet spot. Can’t wait to see what RE will release in the next few years in this range. Whatever it is it will be worth buying.
100% in the sweet spot for me too.
Great video, good to see you back on screen with the Enfield, I have had mine two years also . I sold motorcycles in the 70/80 and people forget how basic bikes were back then ie suspension, tyres brakes, I feel looking to the mods you have done and your one of the 1st to them it’s still looks great.The 650 is two to three years on and there is 100s of modified 650 , cafe racer, scrambler etc which to me is the joy of owning the RE you can do what you want with it . What i can’t understand is why people buy the 650 then spend a fortune on them only to sell them cheap 🙁 which only devalues the range , keep riding mate 😀
It’s a great platform for customisation. I can’t imagine why anyone would sell theirs, especially after spending money modding it. Thanks for watching.
I’ve spent a small fortune modifying my Interceptor, though considerably less than it would cost to modify most other bikes. I just got the S&S cam and 865 kit, which will necessitate a clutch upgrade and several other performance mods. I’ve easily spent enough to buy a T100 or even T120, but I didn’t want a Triumph. Had I purchased a T120, I would have certainly spent a fortune modifying it. I have no regrets and no intention of selling the bike.
@@blazesboylan7947 that’s the great thing with the Enfield you can make it your own personal design
Love mine
But still don’t understand why some people sell them so quick and at so low prices
Ride safe 😊
@@blazesboylan7947 That's what people don't understand when you spend money on mods.It doesn't matter what bike it is you'll spend money on it.The big one is "Should of got a T100-T120".If you got a T100 or 120 you'd get a fork upgrade exhaust anyway.The R.E 650 is low buy in price is perfect for mods & it's fast enough & easily keeps up with Harley Davidson's & T100,T120 & tourqe delivery is great low down.
I got S&S slip on's,air filter, Booster plug,Yss fork upgrade for $1700nz
£800 & have a great handling bike for less than $1270nz & is still cheaper by 5k cheaper than the cheapest Triumph Street Twin.S&S slip on's increase mid range by 13% & 2hp max & 6kg lighter.I ride with Harley Davidson Fatbobs 1584cc & other 1340cc HD & T100,T120 & they said "Will keep up" & then shocked & impressed at how easily it keeps up & gaps them it the mean twisties.The bigger cc HD & Triumphs put 30-40meters on me at intersections but I catch up quickly & 2-2 Headers will close that gap at intersections.Also I carry more speed slowing down & quicker into corners & infact HD get in the way as they slow faster.Every time some new Harley owner rides with my bike thinks it slow & not keep up & compare it to a 60-70's Triumph that couldn't keep up are shocked when I blow by or sitting behind them or riding in the pack.Spend a bit more on Headers & rear shocks have a awesome bike for $2500 cheaper than a Triumph Street Twin which you need to put adjustable forks on & spend cash on anyway.
I sold my conti gt 650 with s&s cam, 2into1, dna filter amongst other things. I started riding further distances with harley guys but found more than an hour uncomfortable. I currently have a stage 4 sportster 1200 which I love buy i will always hanker after the gt650. When I can I might well buy an inty and do similar mods as well as keep my sportie. RE twins are fantastic bikes, even more so with a couple of mods and are easy to live with and enjoy In the real world.
Soon celebrating a year with mine, loving it more and more with time. The combination of air cooled with touches of ECU + ABS technology is simply a winning recipe on my opinion.
What’s there to even celebrate about that?
@Cerne Right back at ya.
@@i_observe9846you’re a dilch
Now that Yammie Noob has given the Interceptor his full-throated endorsement I guess you could say there's serious hype around the bike. His assessment of the Interceptor's strengths and weaknesses is actually spot on and consistent with the majority of other reviews, including yours. That being said, your comparison to the R1250 is apt in so much as the handful of Interceptors I've seen on the used market tend to have very low miles--indicative of a buyer who got swept up in the hype and chose the wrong motorcycle. (The complaint is almost always that the bike is underpowered--even though no one ever claimed it was a beast.) I suspect it's the affordability and the visual appeal that sucks people in, and the fact that it's so easy to ride. As for the hip factor, here in New York I see vastly more Bonnevilles (and even Guzzi V7s) than Enfields, which in some ways makes the Interceptor even hipper.
I never cared for that poser’s endorsement. He lost validation the second he started criticising before actually riding one.
Don't forget lots of peaple have found real Money Problems in the last couple of years so their bikes had to go!!
@@neosmith166 Yep agreed he's first class wanker of the highest order - the fact that he has so many subscribers speaks volumes about the general decline in IQ levels............how anybody can give any credence to the bullshit he spouts is beyond me.
Hello Wildlife Moto,
Having just returned from our first family holidays in 5 years, I followed the family down on the Interceptor 650, I think I can safely say the following. What should have been just over 250ish miles to get there and back,,, I got a bit carried away and clocked just over 350 miles. Keeping to 50 to 60mph I got just over 70mpg
My point? Apart from the 'relative' peace and quiet, having fun and not being squashed in a hot car with the family and the dogs on the M25, etc etc, this bike is simply fantastic to own and ride, especially given the price. In my case I PX'd my 2011 Mag wheel Bonneville 865 so only needed 1.5k balance to pay. Having owned the bike now for around 9 months and maintained it myself, I begrudgingly have to admit,,,, the Interceptor is for me the better bike (sharp intake of breath)!!!
You lucked out on that trip. Squashed in the family car vs riding the interceptor - nice! Glad to hear you made the right choice on the bike.
I bought one and...I am happy. It is just what I wanted. Until now no changes...it is just right for me❤.
Great looking bike. Just wish RE would fit spoked tubeless rims as standard. They'll soon have as legislation is moving in that direction. From a safety and practicality point of view its an absolute must.
Like your mods but I also like the bike in standard trim.
Gotta love the Twin 650! Thanks for giving it’s due riding & showing you continued appreciation. It sure does look fantastic! I prefer this than the Indian actually. There is something special about your RE!✅🙌
Cheers Steve.
A well done video. Rode it. To me it feels a very British bike that has the great styling. :)
Thank you 🙏
Having just retired, I decided to get back into motorcycling after many years of absence. I had no idea what bike I wanted, but had to be very aware of my age and my diminished riding skills. To cut a long story short, a friend sold me his 2020 Interceptor with only 1400 miles on the clock. I have no need for speed and a modern classic was something new. The bike is stock except for fitting a touring seat and I have found it a fantastic machine. It is powerful enough for my needs. It looks so nice, it sounds great, and no matter where I go, it turns heads and brings nothing but admiring remarks. Most of all, it's brought a huge smile to my face, and I have fallen back in love with biking. I'm not a serious rider, but next year I plan a few longer trip 👌👌
Congrats on getting back into riding. I have fast bikes, but this is still my fave. It's just so relaxing and easy to get along with. Happy travels.
I've been on my factory new Interceptor for 3 years now. Done 37K kms - commuting and touring. Out on twisty B-roads this bike will keep up with 600 sports or older 1000s (depending on rider capability). I'm running Bridgestone BT46s for the last 2 sets and they help with the corners significantly compared to the OG Pirelli's. Its not for the track as such, but its a lot of fun. The front will give way when you try too hard. But other that that - it'll do everything. Topped out at at indicated 185 kmph before the speed wobble got too much. Good dealer and service network, parts are well priced (I'm in Auckland, New Zealand). Has surprised a few big lads on hogs and 600s. Mines a ravishing red and always starts conversations with strangers with people approaching asking if its vintage, which is a great factor.. :) Check out this video (average quality) th-cam.com/video/mG_sB4gsvRc/w-d-xo.html
In those 37k have you ever had a flat tyre?
It's been so long since I've had tubed tyres and I remember having a couple but they may have been my fault with low tyre pressure due to laziness and going on dirt roads.
Are they going to inevitably leave me in the middle of nowhere or is it quite a rare occurrence?
Well done! I've had mine just shy of a year and I couldn't agree more. It's a simple bike, what you see is what you get. I decided on the 650 because I wanted primarily a backcountry bike that had a classic bare bones look, was easy to maintain, easy to customize, reliable, and overall fun. Not disappointed in the least bit! True, it's not a track bike, it's not flashy, and it's pretty low on tech...but what it DOES do, it does well. Don't see myself giving this one up anytime soon. Hope to see more vids with it in the future!
Spot on. Yes, more videos on the way soon. Cheers.
Real glad to see the Interceptor making its way back to the channel mate. A lot of your videos helped bridge the knowledge gap for me when it comes to working on my continental gt. Many thanks to you and looking forward to whats in store.
Cheers Michael. Glad the videos helped.
Nice bike indeed! Yep, I've been there. On the hypetrain. Bought an MT07 which I sold after a year. I went against the stream and bought a used KTM 690 Duke and that bike makes the angels sing! Decat, Mivv endcan, DNA airfilter and a Boosterplug. Runs sooo gooood!
LIke the RE, the KTM needs a calibration time on tickover. The KTM needs 600 seconds and then turn it of. Turn it on again but no start. Open the throttle slowly and close it again. Ignition off. Now it is ready! (Yep, no powercommander)
Riding since 1976, had Bonneville 865 for 5 years. Whilst riding RE Interceptor felt like 1969 Bonnie if their got everything right. A nice place to be. Have 5 bikes and new addition 3 months ago was a Himalayan. Fun bike , fun brand.
"Whilst riding RE Interceptor felt like 1969 Bonnie if their got everything right. A nice place to be."
Spot on...my thought was 71 BSA Lightning, but with 2 more gears, no vibration, electric start, no oil leaks, better brakes etc etc.
All the 'good' of the 1960s/70s Brits, but none of the bad. The one thing that's no better is absolute performance...it produced less power outright that the 750 Bonne and 650 Yam of the 1970s, but will run faster for longer without shaking itself or the rider to bits.
I personally feel like the parts which are more budget feeling are so carefully chosen by RE. I believe they've saved a fair chunk of their cost on items that most users will replace such as the levers and lights etc.
The bike is a perfectly good bike to ride day to day, but to make it a great bike or even the perfect bike for yourself, a little customisation can make it that for you and still say below the price of the more expensive modern retros. And to be honest, a lot of the things I have changed on my Interceptor are parts I'd change on any bike such as the exhaust, the levers, the foot controls, indicators, tail tidy etc.
disagree. sure i've done all of those to my ducati as well (exhaust/levers/lights). what you cant change is the cheap royal enfield frame. on my ducati i can completely remove the modular rearsets for the passenger footpegs. instantly deleted at least 20lbs of weight. you can't do that with the RE since the passenger footpeg mounts are literally welded to the main frame. thats cheapness that you can't easily 'mod' away. on the RE, all you can really do is replace the exhausts or go for the cheap, crappy TEC 2-1 or something.
other than that, you're pretty much still stuck with a relatively heavy bike for such low power. i'm not a horsepower chaser, but this bike should really have been 50lbs lighter in stock form.
@@notstevelam Calling the RE frame cheap is just plain wrong. It's genuinely a phenomenal frame, regardless of the fact that the rearsets aren't modular! the fact that you can remove the rear sets from your bike for a 9kg weight saving is great for you! The wet weight of my RE right now, with all the weight saving I've done, is probably very similar to the wet weight of a ducati scrambler too and my RE also outputs more power. But I'm glad you're happy with your bike, because I'm ecstatic to be a Royal Enfield owner and customiser. Having already done a lot more than just add a "crappy" exhaust :)
@@rythagoras1136 i highly doubt that unless you somehow shaved off over a 100lbs from the RE650 which is almost physically impossible lol. the RE frame is definitely cheap. is it functional? of course. doesnt mean it wasn't built to a price though.
how does your RE output more power unless you've done the entire bore/pistons kit?
i have a 2021 GT650. i like the bike. but this bike gets WAY too much love and fake hype for what it is.
@@notstevelam According to online reviews, the Ducati Scrambler wet weight is around 180kg. RE is around 205kg. Getting rid of the stock exhausts alone will drop up to 14kg, spare bits like grab rails etc. comes to around 8kg. That's already a decent weight saving and almost the same as the Scrambler from the factory.
My RE is outputting around 52hp now with the upgraded air filter and removal of the constricting air filter cover as well as a straight through exhaust. But I don't really care about exact values, I had massive fun on my bike before those upgrades, I just wanted to counter what you said. (Source is the TEC bike dyno run you can watch on youtube)
But man, you seem to be really hateful for the RE, my main point was all opinion based and yet you seem super mad because you think that your bike is better. I hope it is for your sake, but I'd rather have mine :) I'm making it into MY perfect bike, I hope you can make your bike that for you too
@@rythagoras1136 ok i already know you're full of BS. you think you gained 5 hp just from air filter and exhaust swap? you barely get that from pistons, cam, pipe swap WITH a dyno tuned PCV. we're talking THOUSANDS of dollars of mods and you think you got there with an air filter and exhaust swap? come on man. not only did you fall for hype, you also fall for shitty exaggerated dyno numbers. absolutely NOBODY believes TEC dyno numbers. are you even on any RE forums? literally every single mechanically minded folk will make fun of their numbers.
secondly, congrats, you got your bike down to stock weight of a scrambler. except the scrambler can drop down to 160kg easily because you can actually remove modular parts of the frame, which is what i did. and try sitting on a stock scrambler vs an re650. the re650 feels SIGNIFICANTLY heavier regardless.
and no, i like my gt650. i just dont like it when people bullshit about it.
RE are making motorcycles, not soulless washing machines that need a computer engineer to fix when they break down . Don't see many 'hipsters' on YT channels with RE owners - more older blokes who like riding and maintaining motorcycles, have gone through the gamut of riding everything and anything, and want a motorcycle similar to what they grew up on...........
Probably the most honest owner review. A lot of people who don't have experience with high quality bikes are singing the enfields praises because it's all they really know other than their learner
Thank you 🙏
Totally agree with you on the stupid ADV bike craze. I see many of these giant monstrosities riding around New York. They're not for the city, people! The dealer lied to you!
Had mine just under 2 years now and still loving it no regrets what so ever , and still want to upgrade the exhaust system , hope alls good J
Good to hear from you Dale. All good over here mate :)
It’s a proper Motorcycle, with after market exhaust’s. The engine becomes a musical instrument. The Power is perfect for rural Oxfordshire
Great video and comments. Ive got upgraded exhaust pipes and put a softer seat on my interceptor. My wife rides pillion regularly and loves it.
Its totally fun to ride and gets plenty of attention. For me its the perfect weekend and commuter bike.
And yes i too cant stop looking at it...beautiful.
The SOUND ! ,
My 2021 ' Orange Crush ' Interceptor with aftermarket slip on's sounds amazing ! and people like it !
The above slip on's , K&N air filter = 50 hp , and the SOUND ! plenty enough
Thanks for a great review .
I really appreciate your candid review of this bike. You are one of the few that are spot on 28thyour opinion. Love it Thank you.
I bought this same Ravishing Red 650 in June 2019. Today above 5,000 ft on Palomar Mt California i turned 40,000 miles.
Love your honesty.great review Mate!
Cheers Brett. 👍
Totally agree with your comments AND I have just put a set of ‘grip puppies’ on mine, as you suggested in another of your videos and what a difference they do make for such a small outlay!
Love them.
I have one same color 2021. Great value for the price. Kind of reminds me of my 1968 triumph 650, without the vibration with disc brakes and fuel injection.
Just love it for short rips around
Nice review sir
Nice vid as usual! I am glad you're not a passenger on the hype train, and i am sure your honesty about it is appreciated (by more people than me)
Was actually thinking yesterday after a ride on the Tuono that maybe a machine that scares the shite out of you every time you give it more than 1/3 throttle isn't the wisest choice either. :)
Cheers!
I absolutly love the Tuono, but yer, it's scary as hell. I'm happier on slower bikes.
Good point about the GSA, I’ve always wanted one but also think I might not use it enough to justify keeping it.
Think enfield are knocking it out the park at the min , with the interceptor, 350 classic the meteor scram , and himilayan. All great bikes at ridiculous prices you got to love royal enfield!
I have done 2 week 5000km ride on my Interceptor and a few 1500km rides on it. Loved every moment.
Nice!
I bought mine august/21 and have being using it for commuting and i love this bike, in Brazil there wasn't any options quite like this for the price range, tbh the price is going up and i don't think it will be as worth it anymore, buying a new one, since it's starting to match up with the prices of better motorcycles, not as niche as RE Interceptor but lets be honest, Honda cb500x, Kawasaki Versys/ninja/z 400cc, BMW G310 R and GS, Yamaha MT03/R3 and so on, and one up the budget a bit you could even reach for the street twin, specially here RE gets its fair share on the maintenance, having the 10k km maintenance more expensive than something like the Suzuki GSX750, comparing to what my friend paid to the dealership comparing to what i paid, it's pretty nuts for just 2 cylinders... it pains me even more when i look at the himalayan prices
But anyway, i already have mine Interceptor and i absolutely love it, but i do think about someday trading it in for a Triumph Speed twin or Kawasaki z900rs but i'm in not rush about it
It is not a bike for everybody. But, it is a wonderful twin cylinder standsrd style street bike. It is a bike you either love or you don't. Maintenance costs, if you don't do your own, may be higher than average. But it is such a delight to ride.
To be fair, I believe you’ve already answered my very recent ‘Super Meteor’ question, in your recent ‘Spring Shake Down Ride & Chat’ video.
Had mine a year, 3000 miles covered. Loved it.
Just changed my Aprilia for a Japanese commuter thing which is great on fuel but not fun.
Looking to get a Continental GT650 soon. Tubed Tyres make it a no no for commuting for me.
I just put a deposit on the new blacked out version of the Int 650. I was going for the Super Meteor but after test riding it, I changed my mind and decided for the Interceptor instead. Thank you for sharing, your bike looks and sounds great, be safe. 😎
You made the right choice for sure. The Interceptor is 100% the bike to get in the range. I like cruiser style bikes, but if you’re going that route they should be big American V-Twins. The Interceptor is a thing of beauty, a classic Brit style parallel twin, easy to ride, easy to work on, easy to make your own. Enjoy.
@@WildlifeMoto Thank you.
I quite agree , I've had my 2020 Glitter &Dust Int for 2yrs and like you have changed a few things to make it my own , one thing I copied off you was the Baak side covers except in aluminium which I've polished and backed with red mesh so you can't see through the slots and being polished and the red matches my tank ! there is a long list of other parts I've changed from Motones and Hitchcocks but the couple I'll mention here are the DNA filter Booster plug and S&S mufflers (a bit more bark)
It's a lifestyle bike ..... & Its serving the purpose very brilliantly 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Your channel and videos about the 650 were definitely key in my purchasing one in April 2021. Have made some mods (risers, "tall" windscreen, Baak side panels, tank pads, Givi rear rack, touring seat) but still keen to do more to it (better tyres, change mufflers, mod the suspension) to get it to where I want it. And I think that's the joy of this bike, it's well-priced and parts/mods are relatively cheap and fairly easy to do by yourself. I even went and bought a Shoei Glamster at the same time as I got the bike for the full "retro" look. I find the helmet very noisy though with a lot of wind running up that channel between the cheek pads and the neck roll and right up behind the ears. Do you find that an issue and if you do, have you fixed it somehow? Keep up the great work!
Sounds like you are enjoying the 650. The Glamster is such a good looking kid, but sadly it’s very noisy for me too. I have to wear earplugs. It’s the downside of the low profile design.
As a 70 year old, more HP will just get me in trouble
Got a Husky Vitpilen 401 whilst on my Ls here in Australia, thinking of getting one of these, love the classic looks and the bit bigger engine thats still LAMs approved.
I tried out the Rebel 500 and immediately wrote it off. Good bike but NOT for me and my riding.
Down to CB500F and the Intercepter after viewing some long-term ownership reviews, test rode the Intercepter, fell in love with it and am now be reading it in.
As I upgraded from a 250, the standing weight was initially a challenge. But, I feel the standing weight is not that big an issue. I stand 5' 6.5" and come just shy of flat footing the bike.
You summed it up beautifully. I have changed to YSS shocks & front fork kit, Hitchcock's Enfield slip-ons, Grip puppies and added tank pads to mine. I have found that riding with my wife on pillion through the mountains worked well for us (we are 80+50Kgs). I love the bike and it has all the power that I need for public roads. I would like to ask if you had to make any changes to the ECU/fuelling after changing to Hitchcock's headers and slip-ons, or if the stock ECU coped OK. Mine is a Euro 4 Interceptor. Thanks for a great review!
Hi. No changes to the ECU after changing the pipes. I checked with Hitchcocks too.
@@WildlifeMoto Excellent news. Thank you.
I sold my conti gt 650 with s&s cam, 2into1, dna filter amongst other things. I started riding further distances with harley guys but found more than an hour uncomfortable. I currently have a stage 4 sportster 1200 which I love buy i will always hanker after the gt650. When I can I might well buy an inty and do similar mods as well as keep my sportie. RE twins are fantastic bikes, even more so with a couple of mods and are easy to live with and enjoy In the real world.
I am entertaining the idea of purchasing one. My first bike was a 1984 Kawasaki GPZ 550. Though Kawasaki has a line up that goes back to that era. I think the RE
Takes me back more to that time of simplicity. Just so happens the power is very similar. Looking for a used one . Simply because I can’t stand paying for a bike in a crate that is basically put together yet the dealers want to charge an extra 600 just to un crate and install a handle bars or so.
When people see me on my INT650, they probably think that I've had it since the 70's and just fanatically keep it going year after year.
I’ve had people congratulating me on the restoration project. It’s painful to tell them it’s new.
@@WildlifeMoto I know, lol! Yesterday there was a Porsche club getting fuel at an Exxon up here in the N GA mountains. Some of them walked over and one said, ""Old New or New Old?" I had to think for a second- hope I answered right 😂
@@eldritchshiner now I'm curious about ur answer lol
@@luwangnganba5557 I ended up saying "New Old"... but Old New might make sense too, lol
There are a lot of guys thy have a 200 hp bike in USA or Australia, with all this low speed limits and run this power-bikes most time on 20% of the power range.
That is boring or not?
A honest review of the Royal Enfield. At the age 51 and a few bikes under my belt . I did have a test ride last year on RE 650 and my bike bike at the time was Honda CB 500f ( all year round biker in all weather's, expect snow and ice ) . The RE is not a bad bike but compared to the Honda it was lacking . The stock tyres could have been better ( Chinese make )and name I know if you spending the money on a new bike . The welding on the main frame ( I TIG weld steel Sculptures for a living ) was hit and miss . Also in the summer time my partner goes on the back and it would have definitely crippled her with the rear foot pegs .
So I had a good think where to spend my cash . Should I get RE 650 and replace tryes , suspension, relays , etc ,etc or go for a Honda again. Now I own Honda cbr500r 2019 with 390 miles on clock from Honda dealership . Also it cost me less than going for new RE 650 .
Great as the RE is, it won’t come close to Honda for build quality out of the box. Personally I have loved the 650 as a blank canvas project bike, but if you want a bike to jump on and ride, the Honda will never let you down.
Thanks for the two year owner's subjective review. As you say, it is up to you to go test ride the bike and make up your own mind. I loved it after two test rides, DW was with me and allowed me to put a deposit down March 2019. New was NZ$10,650. Arrived September and the DW says there was no room for her on the back! Bought an R1200RT for $6,500, so we can both go for rides. I still prefer the RE650 for rural fun rides as you did, without suspension or exhaust mods but with the DNA Air Filter. It still does it for me!! I had ridden road bikes for 15 years, 33 years previously, so it was a perfect returning to ride bike for me to regain my confidence. Have a test ride, go see for yourself. :)
Bought a 2021 at 74 to knock around the northern MICHIGAN back roads which there are plenty. Havnt ridden since the 70s and just bought this a month ago with 350 miles on it looks same as yours paint wise. I'll probably put on the tec canons this summer.
Congratulations on getting back on the road! Personally I would avoid TEC products as i've been less than impressed with the quality of the items. A full stainless system from Hitchcocks really brings this bike alive. I have the Hitchcocks freeflow headers and Scorpion Red Power mufflers.
Here in the Netherlands the Kawasaki W800 costs 9,999 Euros against a bi-colour Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 8,899 Euros. Supposedly the RE is a very good buy and I am not disagreeing. But what do you get extra with the W800 over the Interceptor for this 1100 Euro price difference? Well, the 800cc engine doesn’t need oil-cooling to pump out 48 hp. The camshaft is bevel driven. The switch gear is all metal (aluminium). The mudguards and side panels are metal. The clocks are of higher quality, as are the indicators. The bike comes with nice details as a helmet lock and baggage hooks. The riding experience is more old-school, the whole idea of Kawasaki was to recreate the feeling of a (British) 60’s bike, not to make a modern handling bike with retro looks. I think they did very well, in fact I think they did it the best of all manufacturers (well, actually there are only 3: Triumph, RE and Kawasaki, with BSA jumping on the band wagon). And I say that as a Triumph Bonneville and RE Classic 500 owner. But maybe this is not what you want and of course Kawasaki does not have the pedigree of a Royal Enfield.
W800 is a real stunner and it has real pedigree too. I’d be happy on either bike. As I wanted to mod the RE, I felt it was a better platform for that.
I disagree .I felt the w800 was cheap. the exhaust was thin poor chrome job. plastic headlight ,the engine is dated ,5 speed trans
Best review on YT! I also like what you did to your interceptor
For the first reason about this bike is not for daily usage 24/7, It depends, I love to ride motorcycle and Interceptor 650 is perfect for me. cosmetics wise is secondary for me, the experience is.
Hi wild life motto, great to see the vid up date on the intersepter and you getting with it up till now and your thoughts on it and that after two years you have had it you won't keep it and use it . It's all way good hear your thoughts and how you have found it till now , I am still thinking about getting one and as you I need to go for test ride and find out if it's is me as you said . Thanks for the great vid and will keep in mind what you said when I go for a test ride and see if it's for me and as you said it's so easy to get caught up with all the hype and get sucked in and go along with it thanks very much again
Thanks Paul. Glad the video helped. Get that test ride booked in :)
It is what it is, it exists in it's own box. To compare it to the Bonneville Street Twin or the W800 is not really what it's about. The RE is an inexpensive relatively reliable mid weight machine that many people around the world find to be quite satisfying. I would add one but I have no room, my brother bought one he loves it all three of us in the family have been riding since the 60s so there is that special plce these bikes fit perfectly.
Great videos! Picked up my Interceptor in September. Then the snow started in Salt Lake City. Was wondering what helmet you ride?
I argree with you about over hiped bikes paying £18000 fir a second hand BM is just crazy , it is just people getting sucked into some brand marketing. Ps great review
This is like a checklist of why I would buy this bike😁
The maintance schedule aint pretty man .
I would ride the Interceptor. Much better power and I would expect comfort also than my Falcon 400. Short on money right now so no new bike. Waiting for the ADV version with luggage racks and larger front wheel. Bikes are extremely expensive in Argentina but Royal Enfield built an assembly plant to avoid much of the taxes. I can get an Intercepter for around $8,000 dollars. A KLR is $18,000 and a BMW R1250GS is about $65,000. Royal Enfield is the best deal going here.
The bike sounds very good with the updated exhaust
That was a really useful and balanced video. Thanks for posting. The only thing I have a real issue with is the rear shock replacement. I know just what you are saying about the suspension, but those shocks are eye wateringly expensive. If you have to spend that kind of additional money on the bike to make it comfortable then there was a flaw in the bike design from that perspective. Otherwise I like the look and review of the bike, I just need to go test ride on now.
@Peter_Interceptor_650 Yes, I am looking at these for my SM650, but want to hear Teacher T's review first.👍
I’d planned to buy an Interceptor & watched a ton of your vids. Then, I had a bloody stroke which kinda knocked me out for a year. Now, I want a Super Meteor 650. Please, PLEASE, do a review & help me with my dilemma!
Sorry to hear that. Hope you are on the mend. The SM looked amazing when I saw it at Motorcycle Live. The riding position wouldn’t be my choice but mainly because I already have an Indian Scout. Personally I prefer the Interceptor.
wow 2 years.....still looks new. Muy Hermosa moto
I'm buying one when spring comes, I already know the upgrades I will make. I just want a weekend bike to ride my local canyons
Perfect weekend rider. Enjoy.
You’ve made a great looking bike a thing of beauty.
Thank you 🙏
Looking forward to test riding and hopefully filming all the Enfields this year🤞
P s But an interesting point re a workhorse type bike. Thing is as am not sure what am gonna do after my test but do want to tour abroad...
I refer to it as a "lazy" bike. Happy in any gear, in no hurry, but it'll go if you ask it
3 years with mine. I still think it has been a grear purchase.
I had to laugh at about 9:35. That's exactly why we bought the Interceptor. It's our going out to tea rooms and coffee shops bike. I do use it for solo riding too, as it's a blast without getting you anywhere near trouble with the law. Funnily enough I also ride a GS that I've had for the last 13 years, that's the tourer and does it's fair share of green lanes too but it hasn't visited many cafés. Hipster? It would be the first time I was ever up to date with any "look" or "identify"🤣
Agree with most of what you said especially the stuff nobody else goes into, great to hear it. You are not afraid to say what you think, thats me too!
I have one of these and absolutely love it, should have got one ages ago. It suits my riding and my routes.
Interested from a customising point of view, what are those switches you have? There are a lot of cheapish ones on the marketplaces.
I think they are the best looking ones I have seen, are they the Roadpower Custom (RPC) or the cheaper versions?
Also, is the indicator switch easy to use?
Keep up the good work and thanks for the video.
Hi. Thanks for the feedback. Appreciate it. Those switches were from a company called Remmoto. They are “okay” but the indicator switch is a bit fiddly to be honest.
@@WildlifeMoto Thanks thats what someone else said. Got some low peashooters from Hitchcock's and wondering about adding the header pipes that you have.
If you're a mature one that passed the era of chasing speed limits and just want a practical basic laid back bike, then this bike is for you.
Agreed. If you want to go fast, take it to the track where we’ll find out how fast you really are.
I have had mine for Three years the only problem i have had is the speedo which is unusual but it was replaced on warranty and i replaced the battery but it has been great
I’ve been seriously researching this model RE , I am close to pulling the trigger on one then I saw yours , Love the tank color scheme , what year is it ?
Mine is 2020. Do it! :)
What more do you need than EFI, ABS and a reliable fuel gauge?
I did buy the hype, and I’ve just sold it. For me it was a bit tiring ( even with the.touring seat) being on it all day. I did/do love the Interceptor though. I loved the minimal look, the smooth power delivery, the brilliant clutch, the sound! Not sure I did the right thing 🤔…..note the booster plug will not work on the Euro 5 models. Cheers
Noooooo!
@@scott_itall8638 not weight, it’s not a light bike but doesn’t feel heavy once you’re moving. For me it was the constant buffeting (which you’d get on any naked bike) especially on a dual carriageway. We had long days riding too 8+ hours on my last tour. At least I slept well!
@@WildlifeMoto I know! I was hoping the guy who bought it wouldn’t like it and I could buy it back. Canyon red, scorpion red power silencers , Hagon shocks etc, no chance of that!
Great bike, i have a GT650. What is the size of your tire? and can it fit 140 or 150 at the rear?
Hepco and Becker pillion peg relocator transforms the pillion experience!
Thanks for the tip!
Yep can confirm this too. My wife hated it as first but likes it now.
Can you walk us through your mods? Including your exhaust?? I would love to get my hands on the link.
Have you thought about a tubeless conversion on the rims? I'm very happy with mine for weekend bimbles, the odd business trip and some 2-3 day tours with a little luggage on the back and c200 miles max every day.
The tubeless conversion probably isn't something that i'd do. Having said that, the thought of having to fix a tube on the side of the road fills me with dread. Not fun.
Honest review. Thanks
I really like the Rack behind your seat. Who makes it?
And great video! Thanks
Hitchcocks Motorcycles rear rack. I made a full video about it on my channel. Cheers
hi, i bought the gt, i would agree, the engine is great, the suspension is not good enough for the roads where i live, the front can feel as though the wheel is loose, the rear bouncing you out of your seat, its a heavy bike for its capacity, so somewhere on a par with 1960,s british 650,s,you can see why even the fuel cap weighs a lot, hopefully this means it will last, cheers
I remember bouncing out of my seat with the stock set up.
spot on review = the enfield is the oldest and most original of the brit style bikes , a lot of hype but good price , the other brit bikes are just name users ;
I think it deserves the hype , does exactly what they told us it'd do ! BUT as you said it's not necessarily for you ! Interestingly just bought a Moto Morini XCape and the dealer had 4 GS sat there for sale low mileage !
Should I buy an Interceptor & spend months modifying it to my liking or for the same end price a KTM 890 Duke that will give me a better grin factor even riding it sensibly. With the interceptor, it's all about the journey. Can you say what was the total cost with all the mods?
Your comments about the BMW GS are 100% spot on . Lets be honest the success of the GS is the greatest
marketing con in motorcycling ( harsh word maybe ) . I have lost count of the number of people I've known
over the years who have fallen for the B/S that its the best bike in the world and the only bike to aspire to , only
to realise sooner or later that its nothing of the sort !!
Its an overweight , over complicated , overpriced and in recent times particularly , unreliable behemoth . A niche
motorcycle that is in no way an "everyday" bike .
How many miles do you have on it? I've considered buying one of those bikes, but worry about my tendency to rack up miles. I currently run about 400 or so miles a week.
Only thing you really have to do if you want to just change the front sprocket up one and that’s just because of our 75 mile an hour highways it relaxes the bike a bit alas I haven’t yet, yet.
a lot of wisdom said...good review
When the Countach came by:
“Huh, why are we in the seventies?”
I currently own a 2019 cb500x and over the 3 years I have owned the bike it’s been great used for touring and just weekend ride outs don’t have have to commute as work is very close and easier to pull the car off the driveway. I did after buying the Honda sit on the royal enfield and just didn’t feel oh I must have one on these as a second bike but when I sat on the Himalayan if felt more substantial more comfortable so one would assume ok adventure is the only bike for me, then I sat on a triumph T100 this felt premium but i guess it should cost twice as much as the Honda. As I get older I feel more drawn to lower seat height,lighter more manageable motorcycles. Currently looking at cf moto maybe the 700 twin as like the idea of light motorcycle with cruise control which don’t cost too much as my wife also rides.have you had any experience with cf moto ?