Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 First Impressions Review // As good as everyone says?!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 เม.ย. 2023
- Hey Everyone!
Here is my Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 first ride impressions.
Really loving having some modern classics in the garage at the moment.
Legitimately has me thinking about selling my track bike to do some kind of project with one for myself.
We will see!
Enjoy!!
Usernamekate 🏁
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I've had mine for over 3 years now and done over 7,500 miles on all roads on including quite a bit of motorways. I have found the Interceptor to be a very enjoyable capable machine with ample usable power unless you want to lose your license or kill yourself!! Easily copes with modern traffic conditions, and because they are so reasonably priced you can do plenty of upgrades and still be quids in, and who needs gadgets anyway ??😊
Howdy, I’m a olde biker who lived in a small state called California. My years of riding bikes started in the 60s, I rode and owned just about every British bike made. Norton and Enfield was my favorites. I’m 80 now and still up on two wheels. Love the freedom of riding. I just wish Enfield would go back to the place were these bike companies stop the cheap look of “Black Out” bring back the chrome and polished metal plus chrome spoke wheels. Sorta like Enfield’s 350cc cruiser but a 650cc. Black crap paint just cheapens the look of a fine bike. Triumph and others think this black out stuff is what’s happening. Just a cheaper way to produce than polished cases and chrome. See ya on the road…
The model showcased in this video is the one with Chromed out engine. Royal Enfield sells the GT and The Interceptor with aluminum wire wheels and chromed engine and exhaust. They look a million bucks but are a pain in the rear to maintain and hence these all blacked out ones are a boon to us folk who are in a mad rush to commute to office daily.
Plus these blacked out models have alloy wheels with tubeless tires unlike the chrome ones which come with tubed tires. Having a flat on a sub 200 kg bike with two exhausts is a puncture repair nightmare...so yeah there is practical side too.
Royal Enfield's are affordable and have soul !!
We love a bit of soul!! 😁
@17:50 - This is why I fell in love with the RE. I ended up on the GT650 rather than the Interceptor, as coming from sports bikes for the last 25+ years, I preferred the sportier riding position. But I actually felt I was back riding a proper bike again. The last Jap litre plastic rocket has all the bells and whistles, and was stupidly fast, but didn't fill me with excitement anymore, it was too good, I know that sounds daft. The RE makes you work for the thrills, you can bury the throttle without finding yourself 6ft under or losing your licence. It reminds me of the bikes I rode when I first started out, and I love it for making the ride a grin fest.
Anyways, great review!
Well said 👌
Course I was watching Kate! It was an Interceptor video!! Thrilled to get a shout out - thank you for your kind words…Andy
No worries Andy! 🥰 love your vids so been following the build!
Thank God we have a motorcycle that looks like a motorcycle and doesn't have a gear indicator, heated grips, traction control, rain mode etc etc.
This is a beautiful bike, an affordable bike that allows working class folk to commute to work and will be happy touring from Brighton to Edinburgh at the weekend.
We can add heated grips and saddle bags and different stuff.
Great Review 👍
For me, the Interceptor, like other similar bikes, is for someone who enjoys a bimble.
A nice summer ride, out with friends, a spot of lunch, some nice roads and scenery.
Just enjoying the ride.
Really nice bike, and another great video, well done Kate.
Great review Kate, nice to see you again on a RE
Thank you!! 😊
My 70's T500 had about 47hp as well, pulled like a train never felt slow!
Because it is significantly lighter than Interceptor.
@@ggrandcz I’m considering one because I can’t find a Kawasaki W650 in the U.S. . We only had the 2000 & 2001 and they’re not easy to come by. Crazy to think that a 2001 W650 (if you can find a decent one on your side of the country) costs about the same as a new RE Int650. There are plenty of ads , but they seem to be about 99% old/sold .
Love mine ! It is what it is. A modern day classic. It's the sort of bike that always puts a smile on your face to ride it. Capable, Sunday spin, ride out with mates, or a few days camping, and 70 plus to the gallon. It works for me. Had it 4 years now it's a keeper. Hope you enjoy riding it too don't expect too much just relax ride and enjoy.
Excellent assessment Kate. It’s a bike for people with nothing to prove. Royal Enfield have created their own market. I know quite a few guys who would only buy a bike over 30 years old. Along come RE and offer them a familiar 350 single and a 650 twin which they can service themselves, and they can’t buy enough of them.
Today, I did Bolton to Maryport and back, including over Birker Fell, not hanging about, and it was as much fun as any bike I’ve ridden.
Good to see you back out riding Kate hope the fingers are on the mend and feeling better , great 1st impressions ride touching on pros and cons of what is a great bike , I love the wide range of custom parts this bike has I`ve done too many to list on mine but I absolutely love it , its never going to set your hair on fire , but that sweet spot for me is between 40-60 through some nice twisties , keep up the great content , safe riding.
Good to see someone riding and having a great time.
Yeh back out there. And on a modern classic. Glad your all healed up and enjoying the sun. Yes I watched Colin’s video on his one and did feel for him but he has ended up with a lovely bike. Great video stay safe. 😂😂👍👍👍
Good to see all digits back in full working order! I imagine after a while your familiarity with the bike would increase, and you’d be able to stretch it’s capabilities, but as you say this is not a high-end bike. Good review. 👍😎❤️
Kate , your reviews and your enthusiasm are simply superb , you should be very proud of what you are doing , good on you 👏👏👏
Thanks Andrew! I appreciate that 😊
Nice pragmatic review. I've had my Interceptor for a couple of months and absolutely love it, it always makes me grin and is an absolute hoot. Yeah, the suspension does show as being a bit budget, when pushed, but the rest of the bike is superb, so I'm quite happy to pony up for some Hagon/YSS suspension for it
Nice review... great motorbike! These Royal Enfields represent a marvelous value. Great looks, nice performance, and good reliability!
the important thing is to keep the spirit, continue to work very well, high quality and always think positively to work, I am very happy to see you
Been looking at this bike for a while and now I'm even more tempted by it
I agree with you , a clock and a gear indicator is a must , nice video.
Great review Kate. Nice to see a review on a bike that's been out a few years. While its good to see reviews from recent bike launches as viewers we are deluged with dozens of reviews from the usual suspects all at the same time & apart from you of course (addictive jibber jabber) its easy to zone out. Be good if you & LCR etc etc could spread things around. You would never ever lose subscribers/patreons just cause your not the first to get the latest new release bike vlog out first. Just a suggestion.
Thanks again Kate for the trip around memory lane. Do miss the views and roads around Rivington and Belmont. Not as picturesque here in Perth Western Australia.
The audio you get using that new helmet is excellent. Your is voice nice and clear (sometimes it can get a bit muffled) and the background noise is minimal. Always learning and improving. 👍
Ive liked the look of the Interceptor for a long time. Rode my brothers fopr the first time yesterday and as well as being stunning looking its a real pleasure to ride.
I think you articulated perfectly why these bikes are so popular, they hit the sweet spot of fun and value for money. I have had mine just over a year and ride all year round and find the seat ok for just over an hour on the motorway if you are not moving around much, but if out for a ride round the lanes I can ride for two hours with out noticing the seat.
Great review thanks. Considering buying one atm. This helped 😁🇦🇺
Awesome review and thanks for sharing big love from Australia 😊😊😊
Nice bike, good review Kate👍👍
Like the look of the newer range of which you posted photos on previous video
Great video with tech analysis and humour thrown in. My 2011 Harley Nightster is a hoot to ride, no road rocket but I commute on it and do Yorkshire Dales etc. It can do a bit of everything and is fast enough for me.
Nice review Kate and some nice riding by the nags.
Another great vlog Kate looking forward to seeing your next one on a sportsbike wearing your leathers and new swanky helmet and dark visor ride safe lovely 😂
As a Frenchie I had this bike in Canyon Red color for only one month, 1500km on board, it's a firecracker, all eyes on you here on the French Riviera, good brakes, the gearbox is like butter, you feel really great on this beauty. The seat is awfull for my wife's b*tt but it's easy to have a good one with a decent saddler. The tires (CEAT) are the second stuff I could change. Anyways thanks for the video, your voice is so sweet (but I have some struggles with your accent NO OFFENSE it"s my fault !). Bless you and big (V) on the road !
The best bike to ride is the bike that brings you the most joy. You can get joy from different types of bikes. Finding the bike that gives you the most amount of joy that you want is key. I needed a bike that gives me some excitement and chill. I own 2 cruisers now and an MT07. I know there is a redundancy with 2 cruisers but one is a sportster which is so different then my Heritage. I owned a 2012 Bonnie for about 6 years and I was just needing the MTO7.
Not bad Kate. Definitely a chill out bike. Iwould think it's the perfect bike for someone that has just passed their test.
I'm currently debating between the Interceptor and the Continental GT as my next bike. I will be watching your next couple of vids in earnest. As a "cough" more mature rider I think this platform is ideal for me to enjoy the peak district etc on my doorstep. thanks Kate. Keep safe
Same, im leaning towards the interceptor because the continental is a tad bit more expensive and also the sporty posture is uncomfortable for long rides. But god they both look gorgeous.
nice honest review kate
Glad to see you well and in the saddle 🙏 I hope that bench was easy on the botty! 🙃
Squiggley at 60 ish is less when the rider weighs 96kilos honest my experience . I love mine 3 years on. MT09 used to say go on, go on take on the world .The Enfield iwill do what ever YOU want at the pace you dictate. Honest review good vid.
Nice looking bike, love the paint. I think I would have to have the suspension sorted though, especially with the roads we ride in the uk
A great review of the Intercepter 😀. Less is more!
Great vid and nice jacket
It's good back to basics biking, you can have a lot of fun on it for little money a d it's a great affordable gateway into biking for new bikers. I really like what Royal Enfield are doing. I was able to keep up with bigger bikes at road legal speeds on my Himalayan and that only has 24hp, so the Interceptor will be more than capable 👍
GREAT to see you back! Now lets talk about your new helmet! Review?
It sure is fun to listen to you talk :)
I've found that if you're fortunate enough to put a lot of miles on one of these, the cost of more frequent required servicing to maintain the warranty way more than negates the low "sticker price". I'm not sure RE is aware of how much their dealers are charging for this in some parts of the globe. I think it could start having a huge negative impact unless they start incorporating some early servicing into the price or something if they stick with the current maintenance schedules. That service after 300 miles is a real bite in the ass especially after most of us I think pay for "dealer prep" on new bikes. The longer service intervals on a bit more pricey bikes of other manufacturers I think would kinda balance costs out. Just some info to consider based on how much you might ride.
This is a topic that should be adressed way more. I keep hearing this and it’s holding me back to buy one
What's your mum like 😂..... fantastic video Kate 👍😁 really enjoyed your musings about the bike 🥰
Great thoughts on the bike. Sounds pretty nice for sure. Prob even better live. How is that FORCITE helmet?
I’m tempted to return to motorcycles and this bike might be the one. Nice size engine that should do everything you need.
The interceptor, stock, is very good about town. On the twisties, on the highway, on the expressway. It is well balanced.
Plenty of power without overpowering. On rough roads, you can ride the pegs a bit.
Easily modifiable. Shifting is easy. Clutch rrlatively light. Not s trsck bike, not a rocket or mobile couch. Just a good no frills ride.
The review was fair and good.
Had mine 2+ years , a few mods including touring seat , headers slip ons , bòoster plug ect , 15,000 km Very Happy with the ease power build , Just right
Fork-kit, rears , better-breathing (= a tad-more hp) transforms them , couple of grand turns them into a wee-beast (eats all the retro-competition and still cheaper than a thai-umph) , a great old-school-bike that doesn't cost a fortune to transform into whatever you want within the boundaries of this style of machine . I can see you owning one , simplefun bikes ,like riding used-to-be, are addictive . Dave NZ
This bike is a bit like a four stroke version of a Suzuki T500 two stroke twin from the 1970's, which also had 47 BHP, was a pretty decent all rounder, and, on recollection gave me about 48 to the gallon. It was a fair bit lighter but with a frame that felt like it was trying to tie knots in itself if cornering above 90 MPH.
I defo need to sort the front forks on mine, under heavy braking the fork dive is shocking! That said, i love the bike and would never sell it. Can't wait for the himalayan 450, as long as they have sorted out the lack motoway speed i'll two bikes that ill be very happy with. Cheers!
Great review. BSA Goldstar next for good comparison? Cheers! 🇵🇹
Nice review - Upgrading the front suspension makes a massive difference - see YSS
Hey Kate i have the same bike the interceptor 650 it's actually a really nice bike
The reason it might feel a bit bumpy (or squiggly) is that you weigh a lot less than most bikers. I tried one today and it seemed fine but I am 13.5 stone
The only thing that I found was at 6' 1" it was a little bit small but loved it all the same.
More torque than my Transalp 750 and just as much fun and way cheaper.
If I get the INT650 will customise it quite a bit. Great video, keep it up.
I have a 2022 model, while they are brilliant bikes to ride, but due to the UK weather the alloy engine cases take ALOT of hours of cleaning to keep them mirror polished, so i just use my 2021 Himalayan all the time, i have only put 1350 miles on it in 13 months, the engine cases fur up even in my garage..I love it, but am going to trade it in for a 2023 KTM390 adv as i love the smaller engines now after giving up the 1000cc+ bikes after 32 years...i just love the bike/rider input that keeps a smaller engine bike up to speed..there is more fun in riding a lesser capacity bike fast, than a big bike slow in my opinion 🤣
at the end of day, if you buy a 2023 interceptor, you will not be disappointed as they have tubeless tyres, black engine cases and it would be a fantastic bike to own, ride every day and forget about the hours of elbow grease cleaning 💪
Nice video Kate, but for another grand would go for the Honda hornet lovely roads round rivington.
New Forcite helmet Kate? Looks nice 👌
Aye, send it to try out! Think I'm gonna do a video on it 🎥
I'd love a retro to go with my sports tourer (Tracer 9).......but it would have to be the new 80s style model with the cast wheels, blacked out exhausts in the denim blue 😊
I love retro style bikes🥂
Nice looking bike, if I were going to go for a retro I would give the BSA goldstar a go , something to compare it with....
Did you keep track of the gears.
Nice thing about the price is it leaves a lot of money to get geared up and buy gas to ride.
Hope you are having a good weekend too Kate.
This is a contender for a future bike for me. I just like having a chilled ride around the countryside & I love the classic style. I think I'll rather have 2nd hand Triumph though.
What triumph would you go for Adam?
@UsernameKate I've done a bit more research since and the Ducati scrambler 800 seems to give me everything I need.
I do the style of the bonnie or Triumph scrambler though.
17:10 Whoa! Is that a lovely Clydesdale?
Yorkshire riding on that looks a lot of fun.
Getting my new bike soon but gonna be plodding about on a Himalayan. Still insurance and if I drop it etc😉 (I wanted the Interceptor for a long time but want to see what adv riding is about n camping etc).
P.s Hope injuries are ok.
I am a novice who hasn't twisted a throttle in 40 years and I am taking my safety class to get my license this weekend. I considered the intercepter however I found there were too many parts I would want to upgrade right away. Also there are reports of squishy brakes abd I felt royal enfield could have installed proper Brembo brakes rather than the cheaper parts. I bought the z650rs. I know riding in America seems to be different than other places, I am amazed the Kawasaki I purchased puts out 67 hp and 10 more ft pounds of torque then the INT650.
I'm with you on my need for a 'what gear am I in now' indicator. I own the sibling bike to the Interceptor ie the GT. My bike seems happiest when above 4000 rpm. As a short guy I had to lower my bike before I could comfortably flat foot. How tall are you and did you find the saddle height OK ? Best regards.
That’s a lovely bike Kate.
Did you pass Atherton test centre?
The cheaper components like rear shocks are easily and reasonably cheap to swap out. You can tune this bike into your own version and enjoy. Simply to service.
That gear thing!! We all suffer from that :)
You need to ride a Honda xadv as something completely different, I'd love to know your thoughts on it 🤔😊👍🏻
I just test rode one yesterday and I find it a little weird that the brake lever is a shifter lever. I also didn't like the foot peg placement. Shin bangers. And, the biggest issue I have and what i haven't heard any review mention, it steers really heavy. Feels like its fighting me when I want to turn. Goes straight great. Has good power for its weight. But I'm not sure I can get used to the sluggish front end handling. I really wanted to love this bike from the first ride. It didn't put a smile on my face like others I have owned did (and still do).
Budget bikes for sure but for the money these offer a good retro style, question is for say 6.5k do you buy the RE new or do you buy a used Triumph Bonnie?
Hi Kate , love the cat you have.I Have not ridden a interceptor, or Triumph Thruxton.Out of ten how would you rate them and what is the biggest difference.Suspension,speed,quality of build.Great blog😎🏍🇸🇪👍
Go for the Triumph, it'll be finished off and quality checked, unlike the RE.
Thanks Kate. The way you describe the handling reminds me of my old GPZ500S - very bouncy also "budget" suspension.
I'm wondering how much you would have to spend to fully customize one? and would it then need to compete with a "next level" bike. However it appears to be very good for what it is and I'd definitely love to try one. :>)
@Pheeb Ouch! I was lucky and never dropped mine - despite the dealer covering the rear tyre with oil during the routine service. :>)
I think for the price difference the hornet be be my choice, I know they are different. But the hornet is a cb750 and an older 1970/80 cb what be style like the RE it's not a different bike it's just evolution.
Funny isn't it when you get used to heated grips you want them on most of the time until May - September.
Hi Kate it would be great to see you ride the z900rs that’s probably the best modern retro there is that’s only my opinion though. You don’t seem to ride many Kawasakis
Kawasaki don't really work with TH-camrs much - quite old school
@@UsernameKate that’s a shame because they have some really cool bikes ,perhaps they will read your comments 🤣
@@peteg2424
That really is a shame, I've a soft spot for the W800
We live on North Road I wonder if it's the same road. Maybe it goes all the way to Scotland
Is there any news in the bike world of the bsa concept scrambler that was st motorcycle
Show?
It is a retro bike to have fun on, it is not a modern sports bikes. With state of the roads now, you never know what is around the corner. Hagon can soon provide some after market back shocks to sort the back end out.
❤❤❤
Anyone here ridden one with the up-spec touring seat and have any feedback or input? My wife and I are considering getting this or the Meteor 650 later this year when it arrives in the US.
Ok 👍👌 Kate
Had a '22 Continental GT650, my particular bike was was complete tat with no end of issues. I contacted Royal Enfield numerous times - they responded to me 6 months later, by which time I'd gotten rid of the bike due to its issues. Never again will I buy another RE.
I've had mine for 2.5 years. I ride it hard and have never had a problem. Almost 13,000 on the clock. I know others with an RE, and they, too, haven't had any issues. It's a shame that you did.
Get the touring seat not expensive and its the perfect motorbike.
Re the suspension and ride quality at higher speeds, do you know what tyre pressures the bike is set to, and the rear spring pre-load ? It would be helpful to know the rider weight as I suspect you might be a far bit lighter than the average buyer for this bike.
A heavier rider will take away a lot of that higher speed bounciness.
It doesn't take much away at all. My partner is double my weight, he rides it at higher speeds here: th-cam.com/video/Ylw25uReol4/w-d-xo.html
I'd rather not be fenced in by a job needed for a Rocket3, when I could ride a 650 whenever and where ever whim takes me. When I want to impress a girl, I just gradually turn up the charm and get them to laugh. Nothing super about me, Happy Wandering.
Kate wishes she had more Cake 🎉
QUESTION: TRADE MARK OF YOUR HELMET ???😮
Hey Kate - Genuine question. Do you only review bikes you know you're going to like or are you obliged to like every bike you review for commercial reasons?
I review bikes I can get 🤣 but genuinely it's not often I ride something I don't get on with at all (so far) but I definitely point out things I don't necessarily like.
@@UsernameKate Thanks for the reply. Really appreciate it. You're great. Miss you riding your GS of course! (Coming from a GS owner)
Beep & Swerve for horses. Horses love surprises 😂
I think RE could have gotten 60bhp from that engine with no trouble, it's abit lacking on paper.
6:02 Or scalded weasel presumably.
Lovely looking bike and seems good fun, I can't watch TMF because I can't get past his first sentence, hello kids! I'm 63 lol. But that's my problem and delt with by un subscribing. Great review, more power to Royal Enfield.
Listen to the engine tone, you learn which gear from there.
It’s not the horses it’s wot you do with em that counts …😊