Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | An Owner's Practical Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- Fellow bikers, the purpose of this video is to share with you some of my insights on my Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. I also wish to start by apologizing to you in advance for my rather long-winded video. I hope that I have not wasted your time.
Thank you for stopping by 🙏. ✅ .Please subscribe for updates and future videos, 👍 , 👎, or leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.
Be well and ride safely wherever you are!
Instagram Link: / rbikernyc
A lot of effort goes into your reviews. Very well done. I blame the internet for stampeding the herd from one bike to the next.. buyers are always searching for the unicorn but come up short. Spending $ is easy, not losing it is difficult. I sense the winds of MC change are blowing.. maybe you'll end up back on a TU. 😁 I'm at the age where anything beyond a stupid grin on my face is more bike than I need. I still have the TU, a Himmi and the Interceptor. They're different enough, the Interceptor has been referred to as a grown up TU.
I do agree about the awkward peg location, so I moved them dwn and fwd.. the pillion pegs too, my wife agrees. Being well balanced with enough clearance, the Interceptor is pretty good at navigating potholed PNW logging roads.. mr. Himalayan would of course disagree, that's his domain. 👍👍
Ah, John, you are so right in so many things. First, I hope all is well with you and your family, and I hope you are having a wonderful summer.
I just got to say that I love your unique and perceptive observations 😀. Always appreciate your comments. This years has been a rather hard one for me on a personal level, and I have been thrown off completely. I am guilty in that I have been seeking the perfect bike, the "unicorn" :) one that not only does everything well, but it also puts a smile on my face and just makes me a bit happy, and in the process I have squandered quite a bit of my hard-earned money. Ce la vie!
I really wanted to love the Z900RS, but it did not love me, so that is that. And yes, you are equally right when you say that "the winds of MC change are blowing." Well, they have already blown 😁, and you will be shocked (maybe not at this points with my track record) when you learn where they have taken me. I promise you one thing, though, this is it. Done. No more searching for the unicorn. There is no such thing :).
Finally, you write, "the Interceptor has been referred to as a grown up TU." Yes, yes, yes! I think I made that point in the video as well. I agree 100%. Royal Enfield did something that Suzuki failed to do, and did it very well. I am very impressed by the quality of the work of the RE. Well done. (By the way, this is not my best work. I had a lot of technical issues with the sound.)
Be well, John, and thank you for your wonderful insights. Always appreciate them! Later.
TU?
@@BLUESBOYBENFIELD No, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
I looked at the Guzzi. I agree, the Guzzi fit & finish is superb. But, for the price, the Int 650 is just fine. My pocketbook had a ceiling, so I went with the Int. I don't need power. It is fast enough. Big enough, smooth enough. Confort? Yes.
I totally agree with you, ronold! Thanks for stopping by. Be well and ride safely.
This is a perfectly good motorcycle and there’s nothing really to complain about. Check. Also, this WILL be my next bike. No doubt. This is all I need.
It will, indeed, not disappoint. All the best, and please let me know how it goes. Be well.
6th gear is merely an over drive to lower the revs to save fuel.
Its a true Ton-up bike folks i own one also and have has it for years now a 2019 model. Its light and zippy it has the Slipper clutch which is great as it won't lock up the rear wheel if too lower gear is accidentally selected.
A lumpy 270 degree twincam air cooles fuel injected 2 cylinder motor that has been detuned via factory mapping so near impossible to stress beyond its limits mechanical wise. Nice suspension if set up right for the rider an if correct riding methods ie trail braking etc are practiced.
Beautifully designed and styled with the twin cradle chassis where the under rails can be removed to lower and remover the entire motor for bench work. The tank design with the Monza style cap and easy cable seat removal are great a nice practical tool kit comes with the bike. Yes it will wheelie if thats your thing, Yes it can wheel spin if thats your thing. Its a comfortable ride for me at 5'11". Mods ive done are- Hooligan cans, High flow DNA air intake filter and a booster plug.
I only modify other things as they wear is when i decide to upgrade things like pistons and cams etc. I don't do anytbing else unless its needed anyway. So stage 1 is where it will stay for a long time i imagine.
Its a pleasant machine to ride and you can most certainly lose your licence on it if that is your thing, the hardest stunt these days imo is keeping that bit of plastic (License) and your cash in your wallet.
I work on my own bikes so i know to well the consequences of abuse and showing off etc. Id much rather ride them then be working on them.
This bike will go down the highway all day long for sure at Highway speeds and beyond. Its the rider who has limitations not the bike. Raise the front gaurd and put knobby tyres on it and it will also go off road but ABS may be an issue there so be carfull off road. Most riders should be able to do 5-6hrs plus on this bike with a couple of stops for fuel and a break. I could do a 10hr ride on this but i would have to call it a day after that for sure, I know and i have back issues already amoung other health problems. But when im riding i don't think about it all. I enjoy the moment and the journey and the spirit of it all. Thats what riding is about. Its not the destination is the journey, aif taht means a few extra rest brakes take em and enjoy them. I do have a mini screen on mine and im sure it helps. You still get the breeze in your face but not against your body so much and it to would be a slight fuel saver so worth doing. This bike was designed to give the vintage feel and that nostalgic vibe and beats the hell out of buying a rusty old barn find for $10,000 + that doesn't even go.
Eazy Riders, I'm impressed by your lengthy comment, and I really agree with many of your observations. Much obliged! I hope your season is going well. Thanks for your feedback!
Hi. I just bought the same bike used 2020 with low miles. I also live in NYC. Your review covered every point precisely.
Glad it was helpful, @sarelli! It is a lovely bike! Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy the bike!
Thanks for the review very informative. The upper speed limitation took it off my list. Its not that I am riding 75-80 all the time in TX but when you are on the freeway you need the option to have it. I may consider it as a second bike later.
I switched bikes with a friend one weekend, he took my Ducati I took his INT650 for a short trip from MA to Brooklyn. I was pleasantly surprised how well it did. he did have some mods that gave it a little more pep. and the wind screen was very helpful.
The Touring seat did well and it was enjoyable .
Hi Pedro! The INT 650 is truly a good bike all around. I actually regret getting rid of it, but you are right, it is best as a second bike if you are hitting the highway often. What kind of bike do you currently ride and what kind do you have in mind as you next?
Sorry, but you are talking absolute Rubbish,
I have owned one since August 2021
And its capable of 105 mph
And it will cruise all day at 70/ 80mph
And I have a 16 tooth cog replacement fitted as well, 😊
You are selling it short,
It's brilliant.
Best bike I have had in 48 years of riding motorcycles.
Bye the way,
Mpg average is closer to 61mpg
Not what you are telling people I'm afraid.
And
Royal Enfields are Out selling Triumph,
Just thought I'd let you know. 😊
Cheers Paul
Hi Paul. It’s strange that you accuse me of talking rubbish when you clearly agree with my assessment of the bike for the most part 😀. It also appears that a few RE owners seem to report that they’re getting considerably higher mpg on their bikes than the company that actually makes the bike claims it gets. It’s rather bizarre. Thanks for your feedback.
@@ReluctantBikerNYC
It's mainly the performance,
Even a standard one would perform better than you are claiming?
Even the new Classic 350 Royal Enfields are capable of speed's above 70mph!
The Interceptor is capable of cruising at 70/80mph no problem, and fly screens such as a Puig one I have fitted are more than enough to help put the wind off your chest at high speeds, as for handling, try the mid setting on the rebound rear setting, it does for high speed solo, or two up lower speeds.
Either way the Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor is one of Greatest motorcycles I have rode in over 48 years of riding motorcycles in my experience Cheers Paul 👏
Not using 6th is not very economical, the bike can manage 40mph it 6th with ease. I get 80mpg UK gallon regularly. And cruzes at 80mph.
Yes, you make a good point, thegwhitehouse! I forgot to mention that in the video. Thank you for pointing it out. 80mpg? Wow! Even RE does not cite such figure. Did you do any mods?
87mpg best yet, slightly moded pipe filter ecu map.
Nice review mate I get 70mpg here in Western Australia
Overall 81mpg on a 600 mile tour of Wales recently. Interceptor is a great, simple all round bike.
The day you sell this bike it will be a Huge Mistake! Mark my words! Great review
i agree, i have been looking and all RE's are not in stock
John, the mistake was made, alas! I totally understand you, but I’m a vain human being 😀 (and yes, I know that I am so!), so I have moved on to a Harley. I would have kept the Interceptor if I had space for both, for in truth, this is one bike I cannot find fault with in any way. I have had a very restless year in terms of motorcycles. Now I think I have found what I was looking for. Thank you so much for your feedback!
@@ReluctantBikerNYC Thanks for taking time out to reply to me! I highly respect your decision after all its YOUR CALL YOUR WISH! Hope you have many enjoyable moments with the Harley Dude! Ride Safe!👍🏻
@@JohnSmith-xw5qe a HD is a quantum leap from a TU. This is morphing into a MC psychology channel.. it certainly isn't boring. In the meantime I'll be going between my interceptor, himmi and TU and wait for the RB's evaluation of the low rider.
i find the 650 interceptor very unstable at speeds above 80km/h im not sure if this is the bike fault or me because im a new rider. do you find the same? there is just so much wind buffeting at those speeds it doesnt feel comfortable at all
It's the bike, not you. This bike is not made to cruise on speeds above 65 I believe for the rider to be comfortable on it. But it can do it, and that earns this bike a lot of respect. I absolutely loved it.
I took a 2019 for a test ride today, just under 3K miles, and committed to buying it. Pricey Corbin seat. It was still solid and smooth at 80 mph, faster than I usually go on the interstate. Some twisty back roads, including packed gravel. Just a lovely modern classic. I have my Road King for the long hauls, but this is ideal for the country road scoots. I was impressed. I’m paying half of what a Triumph T100 of the year would cost me (yes, it’s fit and finish is better on the Bonny, but not $4K better). As they say, horses for courses.
Interesting video. I had really planned on getting one, they're beautiful bikes and a lot of what I want to do is just noodling around back roads, but I also intend to do some touring, and my thing there is kind of 6 to 10 hour days on 75 MPH interstates. I think maybe I'll up my aim to a Triumph Tiger Sport 660.
Hi @John_Ridley! For touring, the Tiger sounds just perfect. I have heard great things about the Tiger. At one point last year, I believe that I even considered the 900. Again, the two are very, very different bikes, so go for the one you lie the most. Wish you well.
@@ReluctantBikerNYC Well I've shifted around and I'm heading to the dealer tomorrow to pick up a CFMoto 700 CL-X. Really want cruise control. I use throttle locks now for long trips and they suck.
Awesome review and thanks for sharing big love from Australia 😊😊😊
Thank you so much! Hope all is well.
Отличный,обстоятельный обзор!Удачи!!!
Спасибо!
1994 BMW K 100
2014 Guzzi Grisso
and this one special Classic is my next addition .
Enjoy! All the very best to you. All sound good additions.
Cool bike. For a quick second I thought you had got another TUX. I have a 2015 and considered selling a few times, I always then recall previous TUX owners say they wished thay hadn’t sold. Thus, mine is still with me and I love it.
Keep videos coming. You gotta nice relaxed style.
Right on! Thank you for visiting and for your feedback.
could you link the LED headlamp ?
Best review of this bike ever. Thank you.
Thank you, brother! I appreciate your feedback. Thanks for checking the channel.
Thanks for the insight on the int650. I have not rode in 18 years but looking to get back in. Interesting comment on wanting more power. I also was looking at the Moto Guzzi V7 III do to it being unique and different with a larger motor. Previously Ive had a vstar 650 and ninja 500. The Vstar 650 was very comfortable however I wanted more within a few months of ownership. I'm thinking now it might just be bettter to stick around the 800 - 1000CC range. I'm not a speed demon but its nice to have the power when you need it. Also I'm sure the resell market is not very hot for these bikes yet. Do I buy it right or buy it twice? Going to sit on a MG V7 again this week. Cheers from FL
Yes, I agree with you. It's a good idea to stick around the 800 - 1000CC range. That's what I found out through all my experiences this year. I went through 4 motorcycles in less than 7 months looking for the dream one only to realize that I really feel comfortable with bikes within the 650 - 900cc range, and that is exactly what I am currently looking for. Cheers, brother from FL!
Good review! Once the engine has 3-4 thousand miles on it, and has broken in, any vibration presently felt in pegs, grips, mirrors, or seat will be significantly reduced. I have a plastic clip-on device on my Himalayan that let's you use your lower palm to roll throttle on and off, and it has removed 90% of the throttle wrist cramps, that are primarily due to the small diameter of the hand grips. " Grip puppies" removed this issue on another friend's Int. With regard to fuel mileage, play this gentle man's review back at 2x speed, and you will quickly hear (and see) that riding in New York traffic is nothing like in my case riding in Wyoming, where I can often ride on state highways for 20 miles without encountering another vehicle. Frankly comparing the Interceptor to a Moto Guzi is like comparing hot dog, to a T-Bone steak.
I agree with you completely. It’s a bit unfair to compare it with the Guzzi. Thank you so much for your feedback and for sharing your experience with it. Hope all is well in Wyoming!
If you still have your Interceptor, I think some shortcomings can be turned into great opportunities. For example, I know that it has very thin grips, but these have a very useful texture to receive an overgrip, which I imagine twisted, like a tennis racket, but made of leather, suede or some synthetic material that looks like those materials, so In this way, you give the grips more thickness, while adding personality and, above all, comfort in those situations of constant acceleration over long distances. Another aspect to mention is that with the same criteria of adding detail, quality and a functional solution, a guard can be placed from the seat to the tank cover, which on one hand protects the tank from scratches and on the other can hold the cap when refueling. This way you can find many more solutions to small problems and even increase the aesthetic, visual and sentimental value of your motorcycle. I hope my comment is useful to you, unfortunately one year after this great review! Greetings from Argentina!
Hi there! I'm sorry for not getting back to you. I have been a bit busy at work. I sold the bike, and I have to admit, I regret selling it. I miss it. Hope life is good in Argentina. Be well, and thank you so much for your wonderful comments.
The brakes are not consitant. I have watched many review videos of this bike. Sometimes the they are great like you have reported and sometimes they are very squishy and this has been reported in both the front and the rear. Luckily it was only one of another.
Thank you for your feedback. I’m glad yours turned up it well.
Hello, Reluctant Biker, Cheers from Brazil. I´m into the process of getting myself a 2023 RE Interceptor 650 and I´ve been looking for some customization itens on the web. I really loved your LED front light. would you please share with me where did you buy it at ? Thanks
Hi Renato! My apologies for the late reply. The dealer where the bike was purchased ordered and installed the LED front light for me. I did not ordered it myself, so I do not know where my dealer ordered it from. I suggest you reach out to an RE dealer and check if they can order the light for you. I also suggest that you check on Ebay: www.ebay.com/itm/404251895273?itmmeta=01HT4354HK2V1N0MG9G63XAM56&hash=item5e1f4a65e9:g:3XkAAOSwTmpkP4B~&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAABAP%2FtZqibItjTKl%2Bwctz1Fya%2BfQAbAbuvYJWxGUtulNhWEJqZG%2BQM8tvxt%2FV5Iw0EJvN5locblsdFRRP%2BcblgrUv6C3oPjmCl7LzTFu%2BJQIbMaCx40fyxlr4oq9GPRV6FGf2SDma0db%2F3bHqqojZqXMCBi0X3H5z4evEhxZ1%2FcwktSqunmE37q%2FT6Fj5hFdUkwx%2FX81GtlBd9500Esg8wCGLP%2FbVpZO6ajf%2Bb8Ac%2BTYT%2Fn4WMAlIgHhPUJ0RcGYiGguSahIzdE%2FooTmsY2YEk5VzIAzzY0gdEjH7eHZlA1ul6PGNIQLrD7b1WZ6qQFJ9DjKCaI2fl8ID15xIKDbdHGkI%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_LIlIPRYw
@@ReluctantBikerNYC thanks very much for your reply and intel on the led lights !! cheers !!
Interceptor price is very attractive and its easy to maintain.........how much is your motorcycle insurance in NYC?
Actually, for the Interceptor, I paid a hefty price: $550 full. A bit too much, I think.
@@ReluctantBikerNYC do you have comprehensive and theft protection ? Why is it so much
@@seemantobarua2527 Yes, I do. It's a must in NYC :).
@@ReluctantBikerNYC Wow! 480/ year in Wyoming for a 2020 Himalayan AND a 2023 Interceptor with HUGE additional coverage for panniers, contents, towing, lodging, etc.
Awesome video, thank you! Can you share which bar end mirrors you use?
Thank you! These were purchased and installed by the dealer, and I have no recollection as to their brand. I'm sorry.
Love the goose a bit
Hahaha! I loved and lost, again! Alas, I already moved to greener pastures, or at least I think so. Of course, I'm kidding. I did move on but not necessarily to something better; just to something that spoke to me more than the Interceptor. I have been on a wild goose chase this season, restless and anxious, with the result that I seem to have disappointed all my fellow riders who visit this channel. I'm sorry for that. That said, I really couldn't find anything to complain about the Interceptor. It's a fantastic bike! Thanks William, for stopping by. Hope all is well.
This is such an honest review. 💪
Thank you so much!
Do you still have the bike? Are you planing to sell it? I’d love to buy it from you!
Hi Laert! I sold it a while back. Made a big mistake🤦♂️! A superb bike!
I bought a second hand Sunset Strip. Can’t believe I waited 20 years to get my next bike.!
What is the headlamp you had installed? Was it bright enough?
Muchas gracias. Muy instructivo. Respondió algunas de mis dudas
Perdón por la demora en la respuesta. Me alegra saber que la información fue útil y que pudo responder algunas de sus dudas. Si tiene más preguntas, no dude en preguntar. ¡Estoy aquí para ayudar!
The 'bars look a bit higher than on my bike, Are they standard? my bike does worst mpg 68, best 83 [English]
Hi Kim! Yes, they are standard. 68? That’s still pretty good. Mine did 55 at best. Hope you’re enjoying yours.
Why are you reluctant though?
Good question. Grew up being told bikes are dangerous, you will die, etc. That stuff, coupled with the way drivers drive in NYC, tends to make you a bit reluctant, no matter how much you love bikes. And I love them very much
What an awesome review thank you very much. I'm in New Jersey I'm looking to pick up an Interceptor in about a week.
You definitely helped me make my mind up. Amd the insurance full coverage $125 in NJ
125$ full insurance? Wow, you cannot go wrong by choosing it then! I absolutely adored it, and now I kind of regret having parted with it. Thanks for stopping by and all the best to you!
So do you still have the bike, great review
Made the terrible mistake of selling it. Big, big mistake. It's an absolute gem!
What do you have now
Great review - dont be too quick to sell it, if you havent already and if you did what did you move on to ? cheers
Hi there! Unfortunately, I sold the bike, and I have attempted, albeit poorly, to explain here why: th-cam.com/video/TpYjtzdufjw/w-d-xo.html. Of course, it goes without saying, I miss my RE.
Absolutely great and unique review with a wide range of biker soul criteria!
Thank you kindly!
Thank god i found a NYC review of this bike. How was the break in process in the city?
Hi there! Sorry for the late reply. I have been a bit busy. The break process in the city was just phenomenal. I have zero complaints about that. This is an almost flawless bike. I really couldn't find anything to complain about. RE did a fantastic job! Now I wish I had never sold it. Looking to get it back :).
Stop the bike in the middle of highway to rest your hands as they become numb? Really? An outrageous view certainly! Not an experienced biker it seems! A city kid perhaps! We would have thought you clever if you had kept your mouth shut!
Hi V! I have never stopped in the middle of the highway in my life while on a bike, and I don’t say that here. Just wanted to make a point that going on long riders does take a toll on the wrist. I’m, indeed, not an experienced rider; I’ve been only riding for seven years. And I learn every day I ride, and in fact, I have discovered that I probably need to sharpen some of my skills a lot more. I’m also very far from being a city kid, though I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that or can’t even see how that relates to motorcycles. But I like your passion, though misguided. Anyway, thanks for visiting the channel and hope all is well with you.
What highway has a speed limit of 55 mph in NYC???
Was referring to the ones around the city, give or take 5 miles.
Great video
Thanks for the visit! Glad you enjoyed it, brother! All the best.
Good review..might go for it
I'm sorry for the late response. You would not have been wrong if you have already gone for it. I would love to know which bike you chose.
@@ReluctantBikerNYC no worries, I choose the Interceptor650. its has been one year now and i m loving the ride every moment. Cheers!
Black mudgaurd?
Yes, it's metallic. I replaced the plastic one in silver.
so - how does the harley dyna compare to z900rs power wise? feels less scary? smoother?
Hi Nick! Good question. Harley definitely looks more daunting, but feels less scary. It’s definitely smoother. I absolutely love, love it. For all that, this Harley is very, very powerful. The torque on this Harley scares me very much. I plan to post a video, but my day job consumes me 🤦♂️, so I have very little time right now for this, but I do want to talk a bit about this. The bottom line is that I love riding the Dyna more than I have loved riding any bike, but I’m finding out that its torque might be a bit too much for me.
@@ReluctantBikerNYC thanks for the reply. reason im asking is , i have only had 2 bikes - a rebel 500 - and then a 88ci harley road king. was wondering if z900rs would be to big of a step up power wise compared to my road kind currently
A good budget bike
Yes, absolutely
How is the seat height compared to the TU250X?
Hi Sophia. I believe that the Interceptor’s seat stands a bit higher, just a little. It’s taller but not by much, but sometimes that little bit makes a difference. Hope this helps. Be well.
Drop or change the rear shocks.
The engine is the best part of the RE .
The suspension is absolutely terrible unless you are on very smooth roads.
It doesn't take much of a bump to bounce you off the seat.
Don't compare gas tank size . I get 65 mpg.
A throttle lock that sits on the brake lever is a must.
As far as comfort, if you have rode 60s and 70s bikes and liked them you may not mind the ride. I've owned over 50 motorcycles since the late 60s . This bike is comparable to the old bikes. But it does have a smoother engine.
You obviously don't know what a slipper clutch is.
Thanks Steven for your comment. But I wish you would be a bit more constructive. Did I confuse the two, the slipper and the wet clutch, in the video? I don’t remember. Please do enlighten us.
@@ReluctantBikerNYC You said the slipper clutch helps when caught in traffic, the slipper clutch stops the rear wheel from locking when changing down too fast from high speed. I don't see how you can't use 6th at 55 mph, mine does it easily.
@@stevepalmer5670 Thank you for your reply, Steve. You have made some very valid observations, but I think we have misunderstood each other. By that comment, I meant to say that the clutch is easy to pull and thus easy on the hand when caught in traffic. I really didn’t mean to expound on the function of the slipper clutch. Also, my point about the 5th and 6th gear was not that the 6th couldn’t be used at speeds of 55mph, but rather I wanted to emphasize for those concerned about the spreed limitations of this bike that it can do highway speeds with ease, and the fact that it has 6 gears has to be thanked for that. That’s all. But I truly appreciate your observations because they keep me honest 😀 and may help other fellow bikers. Be well and ride safely.