First ride on my Interceptor 650!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2024
- Fist time out and general impressions of my newly purchased Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, 2023 model. I went for the blacked out model after pondering the polished engine version. Riding around the lanes in Barnsley South Yorkshire this bike is perfect. I'm very impressed overall and it does exactly what I expected it to do, and it does it very well. An ideal bike for both newer riders and experienced alike with just the right amount of power for general road riding. The handling is good, I found the suspension ok, set up on the softer side but generally very comfortable, and the brakes are more than adequate. If you're looking for a sporty type bike then look elsewhere, otherwise if you're looking a very decent honest motorcycle that will do everything you need it to do, then you can do a lot worse than the Interceptor 650.
Nice Interceptor. I have a ‘21 in the Orange. I’ve put about 6500 miles on mine in the past 2 years. A lot of the miles with my wife on the back. It’s a little small for two, but we make it work. I’ve had no real issues. I did have the gummed up relays, but they never caused a problem once I cleaned them out. I wish mine had tubeless tires, but no flats so far. I replaced the stock tires at 6000 miles with Bridgestone BT41’s. Better at high speeds and on grooved roads. I’ve had other 650 parallel twins, including a Kawasaki W650. None could match the refined feel of the Enfield. The combination of this engine with the smooth transmission is one of the best I’ve ever had. The stock seat is the only letdown for me. I tend to ride several hours at a time, and the seat really causes pain after a few hours. I tried a mesh cover that helped a little, mainly to reduce the heat from the engine. I then bought a deluxe touring seat that was a little better, but not a complete solution. I put the mesh cover on it with limited improvement. I finally put an air cushion I already had on top of the mesh. It’s tolerable, but I’m still not satisfied with the comfort. I think the frame rails are just too narrow, and seats try to conform to the frame. Makes the seat too narrow. Anyway, congratulations on your purchase and happy riding.
@@alvindavenport5657 thanks for a great review on the Interceptor. Mine has the gummed up relays too, that's a job I need to get around to before it causes any issues. I have to agree on the seat, it's very narrow and I imagine it could cause comfort issues over long distances. I'll try to live with it as long as I can and hopefully I'll get used to it. If not I'll have to look at other options. I love the bike that much already I've decided that it's a keeper, the only time I'd consider a change is if Royal Enfield releases a massively updated version. That being said I got the bike because of its simplicity I'm not really into TFT screens and loads of tech. It has its place of course but I wanted a back to basics bike and the Interceptor wins hands down on that front! Enjoy your bike and safe riding.
As you say, who needs 100hp? these Royal Enfield twins are perfect for today’s roads, ample power, beautiful engine and gearbox, what more do you really need. Really fast bikes will sooner or later get you into trouble and won’t be any more fun to ride.
@@rosswootton8825 correct they are perfect. The Tracer 900 in comparison is worlds apart. Still a great bike and incredible engine but the Interceptor is much more relaxed in my opinion and you don't have to watch the Speedo as much! The Tracer isn't going anywhere, it has it's place but for more sedate riding the Interceptor wins hands down
You’ll enjoy this bike. I’ve had mine for three years now. Great.
I honestly do wish I'd known they were this good before! I love the simplicity and it rides much better than I ever thought. Thanks for the comment.
@@paulkiley4667 I’ve just had a good ride out on it inspired by your video. My only complaint about the bike would be that it’s quite heavy. I put the 2 into 1 exhaust on mine which made quite a weight saving.
@@mattdog1982 Great to hear! Yes it is quite heavy I suppose but I don't mind that. It adds to the planted feeling I reckon, good call with the 2 into 1 though. Personally I prefer the look of twin pipes, that's one of the features that drew me to the bike as well as it's overall looks. I just love the classic style with modern technology.
I have a Royal Continental GT650 in Rocker Red. I think that it is beautiful.
@@gary1477 yes the Continental is a lovely bike. In fact I reckon Royal Enfield have got it nailed with ALL their bikes from what I can see
Lovely bikes aren't they. I've had mine just over a year and have put almost 8k miles on it. Did a trip to Wales for a week, from Norfolk and bike was perfect. 70 plus miles to the gallon as well. Heated clothing is a game changer for me as the weather gets colder.
@@simongarey8575 yeah they are I have to agree. I honestly regret not looking more closely at these before. It's got under my skin already, I've always loved the modern classics but as I've got a bit older I was more drawn to them. I'll still be keeping my Tracer 900 as I do like that bike but the Interceptor is something else entirely. I agree on the heated clothing, I may have to invest in some 👍
Cracking bike in a lovely colour and she sounds great nice run enjoyed that .Cheers👌👍
@@crumblymal8479 Thanks very much. Keep a look out for future videos, I'll do as many as I get time to do 👍
Lovely bike.... enjoy
Thanks
Nice bike…good luck👍
@@hectorshouse7348 thank you
“Dropping that bollock”😂😂😂
@@nomesky 😂😂I know someone that did it with his bike, cost him a fortune!
@@paulkiley4667 great review and that comment alone deserved a follow! Keep ‘em coming.
@@nomesky thanks for the sub! I'll do as many videos as time allows, and the weather of course because I don't do bad weather riding. I don't get any enjoyment from riding in crap weather conditions. I honestly wish I'd got this bike earlier in the year. It really is a gem.
@@paulkiley4667 I just got one, too - I’m a new rider and this is my first bike. Absolutely steal at the price, looks stunning and rides a dream. Looking forward to your fair weather videos!
@@nomesky nice one, a perfect first bike. In my opinion on today's pot-holed and speed camera infested roads it's the ideal blend of power and speed. With an added bonus that it looks and sounds well.
I had one, but changed for wind protection, thinking of going back to one.
I know what you mean about the wind protection. I thought that with the Tracer 900, I ended up taking the tall screen off in favour of a Puig sports screen. The wind buffet on the standard Yamaha screen was truly shocking. As for the Interceptor I'm tempted with the short fly screen, but if I go that way I reckon that could be the only mod I do (But don't hold your breath 😂) I really do like this bike "as is"
@@paulkiley4667 those exhaust pipes are not standard surely, mine weren’t like that. I’m 64 soon and am more suited to adventure bikes with better wind protection, but that interceptor is a unique bike.
Well spotted! As soon as I'd said that I realised. No the exhausts aren't standard. Those are Powerage pipes fitted by the last owner, and they sound epic. I like the adventure bikes but I just found them too tall for me, 29" legs! I even had to have the Tracer lowered by 20mm and a low seat. That's mainly due to the ankle arthritis though I like to feel planted on both feet. I won't ever fall off a lorry step again and break my ankle!
@@paulkiley4667 🤣happy riding
If you want the best wind protection available then you need to look to Madstad. Pick the screen height you want. I have the 22" Madstad screen (I'm 6' 0").
Hi Paul, I enjoyed the video. Just wondering how tall you are and how do you find the seating position? I’m very interested to find out. Keep the videos coming mate.
@@shanelacy6118 Hi Shane thanks for the comment. I'm 5' 10" with a 29" inseam. I find the seating position very neutral and comfortable. I can pretty much flat foot in my riding boots (TCX) Many owners have complained that the seat is too hard but time will tell on that score. Seats are pretty cheap for this bike.
Those Powerage exhausts sounds great. Are they the shorties or standard length do you know?
@@cosmiccabaret I think they're the shorties, they look as good as they sound too 👍
Hi, I enjoyed the video and have sub'd. I was wondering though, have you removed the stabliser / cross bar from the handlebars? Or are they selling them without these days ? I've had mine for 3 years and have just removed mine, I think it looks better without it. Thanks. P.s. If you're not sure what I mean feel free to see one of my older 650 Int'r videos which show the bar in question. Good luck with your channel. Best wishes ' Some Ol'Dude'. 👍
@@someoldude7578 thanks for the sub. I'll check your channel out. The crossbar I'm assuming was removed by the previous owner, I did toy with the idea of putting one back on but I think I prefer it without. I think it looks more retro. I'm amazed by the response from the video I really didn't expect that. I guess there's quite a following for the Royal Enfield brand. Thanks again👍
@@paulkiley4667 Yes that's probably it. I honestly do think it looks more retro without it. I have started using a chest cam as well as a chin cam and the bar was spoiling the view so I removed it a few days ago. I look forward to watching your adventures. 👍🙂
I wonder how it performs on a long ride? Is it comfortable enough? Does your back hurt after a few miles?
@@flaviobulgarelli5299 I wonder that too. First impressions are that the seat is quite hard to be fair but feels comfortable enough. As for backache, I do tend to suffer in that department as I'm a lorry driver so always sat. I reckon I could do a couple of hours easily by which time you'd be ready for a break anyway. I guess the real test is to do a longer ride and see what happens.
I tried one but didn't like the position of the footpegs.
I've heard a few mention that before. Yes they are in a bit of an awkward place but not enough to be of concern for me. I adjusted to them pretty quickly.
Lovely engine. I bought the newer sibling, shotgun 650. Loving every second on it. 😊
Great video! 👍
I agree, the engine is a gem. I looked at the Shotgun, I really like that bike. But I had to play the "justification game" with already having 2 bikes in the garage. I could easily justify the Interceptor. I always said I wanted a four, a triple and a twin and thats what I've done.
@@paulkiley4667 wonderful garage man!!
@@shubh2301 Thanks!
Can’t tell if it’s a new or used bike
And are the exhausts aftermarket
If used what year is it how many miles and cost please
Good luck and be safe
@@johnfountain8588 it's used, a 2023 plate model. It was described as immaculate and it truly is! It had 934 miles on the clock when purchased and it was £4999 from Appleyards in Keighley.
@@paulkiley4667 thanks for the response- I just bought a 2022 mint with many extra parts and it’s a great bike but here in Florida we have had 95 degree days with high humidity and I won’t ride in the heat I do like you bike and hope you have many great rides on it
Regards 🦩🦩🦩🦩
@@johnfountain8588 We're coming into Autumn (Fall) here in the UK so the cold and dark nights will be here soon. I'll get as many rides in as I can over the winter, weather depending, and look forward to decent weather next year. Enjoy your bike