Is this my next bike? || Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 First Ride Review

What do you think should be my next bike?
For those that missed it, the Scrambler 1200 is up for sale. In this video i'll give some context as to why I'm selling my dream bike and we will take delivery of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 in stunning Cali Green, for a few weeks to put it through its paces.
[0:00] Preview
[0:31] Intro
[01:34] Bike delivery & walkaround
[03:30] First Ride
[05:20] Context - why sell?
[10:20] First Impressions
[14:08] Loading up
[15:30] Can anyone afford a bike in London?
[19:09] Help me decide!
[23:58] Final Summary
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Follow me on instagram: @willies_wheels
Thanks to Royal Enfield Europe / Shellwood Blake for the loan.

[@user-ek7mq8up5q]

The way that you ride a bike it won’t matter what you choose. You won’t be around long enough for it to matter.🙁

[@andy3d1]

talking with your hands while you ride! lol

[@-waz-773]

I agree

[@mrnoisy4883]

Rides like an absolute idiot.

[@marchettejw]

I run an interceptor here in the states, the sheer number of times I’ve had people stop and ask me about it is incredible. Most people here only know 2 types of bikes.. they’re either crotch rockets or harleys.

[@Willieswheels]

So true! I had someone on a recent ride ask if it was from the 60’s! It’s got that vibe

[@relevation0]

Same, everybody ask me what year is that?

[@marchettejw]

@@relevation0 seriously I was on the ride home with it from the dealership, rode around the block and stopped at the gas station and had a guy ask me what year it was. He about lost it when I said it was a 2023 with now 3 miles on it.

[@cjn80]

Glad to see so much interest in Royal Enfield motorcycles lately! I own a 2021 Continental GT 650 (Rocker Red) here in the United States and it’s a fun bike. There’s so many ways to modify these motorcycles ~ here’s what I’ve done to my GT 650: * Booster Plug * PowerTronics FuelX Lite Autotuner * NGK Race Ignition Cables * NGK Iridium Spark Plugs * K&N Air Filter * Stage 2 Air Cover Eliminator * Metzeler Roadtec Tires * 140 Rear Tire upgrade * S&S Exhaust Slip-Ons * MK Designs Shorty Tail Kit * Royal Enfield Premium Touring Seat * Royal Enfield Bar End Mirrors * Royal Enfield Black Magic Flyscreen * Hitchcock’s 16 Tooth Front Sprocket * HealTech GIPRO X-TYPE G2 (Gear Indicator * Royal Enfield Rocker Red Fuel Tank * Royal Enfield Rocker Red Solo Seat Cowl * Verex Brushed Stainless Steel Headers * Trip Machine Leather Grip Wraps * Heavy Duty Relays * LED Turn Signal Lights * Turn Signal Relay * LED Headlight * EVAP System Delete * AIS Delete Looking forward to your Royal Enfield 650 Twin journey 🏍️

[@2752us]

Happy owner of a 2022 INT650. Great bike on a budget. No issues so far except the speedo cable that was replaced. Easy to maintain. Cheap spare parts, perfect for city riding, and the best part, fun to ride!

[@paulmorris7989]

I think the Interceptor would be perfect for you. Due to my age (71) and reduced body strength I am reluctantly having to sell my 18 month old Interceptor in Canyon Red. I have added a multitude of extras to it including a lovely sounding TEC exhaust system and it only has 2000 miles on the clock. I’m going to advertise it this coming week however let me know if this is something you would be interested in exploring.

[@mattdog1982]

What are you going for next? Perhaps the hunter or the triumph 400 may be worth a look at. Both smaller physically.

[@paulmorris7989]

@@mattdog1982 You’re absolutely right, I’ve just bought the Speed 400 which is so much lighter and a good little bike, just right for me

[@markxt2]

Royal Enfield has brought soulful motorcycling into the present time and it’s just fantastic, I had the interceptor for the last 3 years , love it , and now I’ve just bought the 2024 Meteor 350 in Aurora Green , these 350 engines have stolen my heart , I’ve had R1s , Zx10r etc for 30 years and they are fantastic in there own right , firstly Royal Enfield aren’t powerful, once you know you ain’t buying for that reason , these bikes are hard to beat 😎

[@Willieswheels]

Agreed! My dad after seeing the interceptor has booked a test ride on a meteor ☄️

[@SteliosPapagrigoriou]

I really enjoy your videos and the general vibe! Have fun on your INT 😁

[@Willieswheels]

Thank you! Will do!

[@arancioimpulsivo]

Smart choice to be honest. Enjoy your new bike!

[@CaseyJones88]

One of the best looking bikes on the market. It will be my first bike and I will mod it into scrambler with time.

[@timothybrockbank7474]

That green looks great

[@markc7469]

I ordered the Cali green. Picking it up this Friday.

[@Willieswheels]

Oooooh baby! Enjoy it mark

[@TheSpectre223]

I used to own a T100 Bonnie and it was a hard choice between a brand new Interceptor, or a used Bonnie. In the end I went with the Triumph and I do stand by that choice, but also I'm sure I'd have been happy either way. That green is lovely too as you say.

[@Willieswheels]

In the sun the green is absolutely majestic, it took my by surprise! I'm leaning more Triumph at the moment, but it's a tough one.

[@tomkingham3074]

Tough decision mate but a fine predicament to be in 😊. Id probably swing towards the T100 for that extra bit of grunt but the interceptor looks 👌🏼. Good luck man ✌🏼

[@Willieswheels]

Thanks Tom! Yep it's a tough one, the RE really spoke to me over the last few weeks, i'm trying a T100 and will weigh up the two, very similar prices but as others have mentioned the power & service intervals as un-sexy as they are, might swing it in favour of triumph.

[@benjamin.f.b.]

​@@Willieswheelsget a quote for your service costs, my guzzi cost 2.5x as much as my enfield, both on 10k km service intervals

[@Willieswheels]

That’s a big difference… thanks for the tip!

[@michaelwatts224]

Pop some decent slip-ons on that, and it well sound proper BAMF (I had the Lextec ones from hiscocks). Baffles out!

[@Michaelkg]

Wouldn’t suggest most Ducati Scramblers except specifically the 2021 Nightshift. That thing is 🔥

[@Watch_Papa]

Dude you have such a nicely modded 1200xe. Do the decat, if you need a cat for emissions get the 2020 mufflers. Decat and leg saver and the heat is not bad at all. Ride the dream bike, ignite the loins, you don’t need to do off road on it just cuz it’s capable. Plus it looks awesome I had the same problem as also 6 foot 3. I loved the speed twin but felt tiny. Have a look at the r9t too, the scrambler, great alternative On money problem, you just gotta make more $$ 😂 Insurance is crazy I’m in nyc and it’s $500 a year

[@Willieswheels]

I know, it’s been a hard decision to make, but need to be sensible. Working my ass off currently and not making enough, maybe one day 😅

[@FunWithAJ]

T100, t120 or scrambler 900 (all used) would likely be well suited for your next bike.

[@Willieswheels]

Ohh yea agreed 👍🏻

[@scripteaze]

So, in my looking into the same things because im looking for a first bike. I've come to the realization that the T100 is about 25 lbs heavier than the Int 650. I can get a 2014 for $4000 in the US, sure they are asking for about $5400, but i can see some of these bikes have been on facebook marketplace for about 25 weeks. When i offer them 4000, the will accept it. so for just 25lbs more weight, you get a legendary Triumph T100 and more power. I think it's clear to me that im getting the T100 as a first bike.

[@naturalforlife6741]

I do think that a 650 is a better long term bike. You may want more power then you need once in awhile but you will have enough power for what you need most of the time.

[@Willieswheels]

I only really wanted more when I was in 'the mood' - for all the riding I did it was plenty and an engaging ride for sure. More on that in my full review. Thanks for the comment!

[@thesundayrides]

Interceptor is a great bike and a great platform for customization. But better not to start with it. It sucks you in and leaves you without socks. I recently calculated how much I spent on upgraded parts (I really should have not) and I was shocked. The bike looks really good though and also rund really well. Good luck with choosing the next bike

[@Willieswheels]

No bike ever stays stock for long 😂 it’s a curse

[@chriswatts6161]

The tank colour on that is sweet, perhaps a brown seat would go nice with that

[@Willieswheels]

It honestly looks amazing in the sunshine, well impressed

[@michalnemsak7886]

Congrats on 4k mate! Next week on Tuesday I'm going to register and put down money for an A licence course. I've never sat on a bike, but it is a big dream of mine and this year I turned 30 and I'm finally in a place where I can afford it. And Interceptor is number 1 on my list of bikes I want to try and eventually get. Simple, old school, as little electronics as possible and affordable to buy and maintain. Absolute star of a people's bike. Love your vids!

[@Willieswheels]

Thanks Michael and congrats on starting the journey! It's a wonderful experience and can highly recommend the RE to you, it's a forgiving and fun bike you'll love it. Stay safe!

[@andy3d1]

love dials on a bike!

[@romeogolfbravo]

What a bike! Join the club!

[@Tobias611]

No matter which bike I look at, I can never get past the tiny voice screaming "ROYAL ENFIELD" in my brain. Whether it's the Hunter 350, Conti GT 650, Interceptor 650 or Scram 411. Their bikes scream character for an affordable price. Yes, quality is nowhere near Triumph (though plenty good enough especially if you're a home mechanic), but you also pay half the price up front and it'll take years of riding until you'd break even. It's one of those "follow your heart" brands, you know reliability and overall quality is not necessarily on par with the biggest brands, but who cares if you end up looking back at the bike after parking? If we wanted the most cost effective option we'd all drive a Honda Civic or Toyota.

[@Willieswheels]

So true! And it really is amazing how a bike speaks differently to each rider. Something boring for some can be exhilarating for another.

[@benjamin.f.b.]

newsflash, quality and reliability are top notch 2018 onwards. The super meteor s got the premium finish even

[@davidskogley3570]

I'd also have to say that quality is not an issue anymore with RE. I put 10k km on a Himalayan in one year and had no problems except for the steering head bearings, which were replaced as part of the warrenty. My Meteor has been flawless in 5k Kms.

[@Tobias611]

@davidskogley3570 Yeah, it's probably some form of survivorship bias. They're selling millions of bikes. Obviously, some are going to break, and you only hear about those. Genuinely? I don't really care about Honda reliability as long as I like the bike.

[@UncleLongbeard]

I never tried interceptor, but I tried the shotgun and quite liked it

[@Willieswheels]

They’ve massively upped their game in the last few years, loved riding some of the RE’s

[@ralfybaby]

Inty for me. Good to see that you fit at 6'3" at 6'2" myself. For how cheap they are I would just go for new and pick out the colour scheme etc that I want. As a former Z1000 owner a z900rs is on the wish list but that may just be too much bike for me and at 61 I don't need the high BHP excess anymore. If you need more power you can always get the bigger 850cc cylinder heads and then you should have plenty.

[@ralfybaby]

And I am surprised that the car drivers don't flip out when you filter across them like you do. It seems they are used to it. I used to filter back in the day but only between lanes going the same direction. And only at low speed. Here in the US people go crazy if you filter, they will try and run you off your bike. And blame you. Or worse, since they all have firearms here.

[@Willieswheels]

Filtering in the UK is legal and very common especially in London. Riding in town is different to the rest of the country, I wouldn’t ride like that out in the countryside/smaller towns because drivers are no where near as aware & most likely will get angry if you’re filtering past them constantly. Pretty much everyone in London (minus Uber drivers mostly) have their head on a swivel and look for bikes. Most people who get pissy about it have never ridden in London 😅

[@sattvicvelo3506]

Going sub 1000cc you'll miss the low end grunt of the twin; riding everywhere in 3rd will no longer be an option. Depends how and where you like to ride of course - I've turned lazy and like to put it in third and just enjoy the views and roads in the mountains. The new Tiger 900 isn't exactly a classic, but I reckon you'd really enjoy that triple engine - it has a nice twin feel down low and you can still rev it. Also it sounds amazing too.

[@Willieswheels]

It’s true, but I just love revving through the gear range. And all the perks of a smaller capacity. I’m a huge fan of the tigers! But you’re right, it’s not my vibe as my daily bike. Maybe one day.

[@philipmillen4271]

Mid size bikes are the way to go, and I've come from a 1290 ktm

[@michaelcollins9271]

Hi great video. Looking at one of these myself. Could you do a close up of the tank colour as this is the colour I am keen on, but not seen in the flesh. I would really appreciate that. Thanks

[@Willieswheels]

I have a few shots from my upcoming full review so stay tuned! I’ve got lots of stills, message me over on instagram I can send some your way!

[@michaelcollins9271]

@@Willieswheels cheers will do

[@LEB1978]

I’d say the Interceptor, it would be a newer bike for around £4K than an 865 Bonnie. MPG from the RE will be around 75-80, compared to about 45mpg from the 865, and you can easily service the Interceptor at home.

[@Willieswheels]

That's a good point - one thing i missed was tracking real world mpg on my loan. I'll dig into some numbers from owners.

[@benjamin.f.b.]

While the INT650 is probably the "coolest" customization base motorcycle bang-for-your-buck wise, and definetely a great choice.... given your rambling about "shooting" and equipment, as well as your location and offroading, the new Himalayan 452 might carry all your equipment, even offroad, and it is very droppable

[@Willieswheels]

Great shout - although I didn’t really gel with the previous Himi at all

[@muttineni03]

Interceptor is a brilliant bike, i got one recently Mark II. First thing you need to change is the stock seat and get touring one, much better than stock. your gloves link please?

[@Willieswheels]

Gloves are from Fogy Garage 🙏🏻

[@electrobob1]

I like the finishing of your gloves! What brand are they? I have zipper style gloves which broke and need a replacement. kr, Erik

[@Willieswheels]

Thanks Erik! They are from Fogy Garage. They feel really nice.

[@electrobob1]

@@Willieswheels Woah that's a nice website! I have a white Guzzi Griso "gentleman cupracer" and Roland Sands leather jacket and gloves (similar retro style) but lately I noticed leather really does keep me off the road when wet or cloudy and ended up with a hangar queen LOL!! Fogy's cloth line could suite a RE classic 350 (handles soo light the 200kg isn't noticeable) I have been eyeballing on as well. However... I did some research on lightweight motorcycles because the Classic 350 isn't the lightest and found the vitpillen (poor sound IMO) and the Honda CRF300Rally. This bike might be of interest for you being in the 150kg range, manageable power, good top speed and milage , lots of plastic panels (cheap) and quite big. I'm 5'9" and at 51yrs I'd consider one of these as a last purshase being the CF300Rally considered to high next decade for me and the Classic350 without pillion an easy bike to climb on. I'm pretty sure the Griso will be outsourced someday with it's 250kg when get I aged and speed or power is irrelevant. Even the Classic350 can be on scrambler tires which many do. Read up on the CRF300Rally! kr, Erik

[@zwarst]

Try a Fantic Caballero 500 Scrambler or SWM 500 Six days

[@gauravsatalkar3292]

Why are you not considering RE Shotgun 650?

[@Willieswheels]

Great question. I’ll be honest, it looks like an awesome bike I just never fell in love with the styling. Great base for mods though.

[@CR4ZYHOR5E]

Interesting - I’m thinking of going the other way. Currently have an Interceptor and considering a Scrambler 1200. I love my Interceptor, trying to figure out how to keep it but the boss has a ‘one in one out’ policy. Did you sell your scrambler yet?

[@Willieswheels]

Yep it’s sold! Moved onto a T100 and it’s great. Was very close to an interceptor but found a deal on an older Bonnie and couldn’t say no

[@LEB1978]

Hey Will, how’s the Bonnie? I’m going to possibly part ex my interceptor for one if one comes up locally which it may do soon. Anything I need to be aware of or look out for? I keep deliberating over keeping the Int but then I also keep looking at T100’s so maybe it’s the itch I need to scratch?!

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Bike should have hydraulic valve adjustment and belt drive.RE650 valve adjustment is easy compared to a New Triumph which has shim under bucket valve adjustment that requires dealer servicing. All l do to my Sportster is change the fluids and filter in 30 minutes in my driveway.25 years of great enjoyment. Still on the original engine.

[@jlrutube1312]

25 years is good but how many miles? It's impressive if you have 90,000 miles but not impressive if you only ride 1000 miles a year and have just 25,000 miles on it.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@jlrutube1312 I have roughly 400,000 mi + on my Sportster that I have had 25 years is it gone through 37 back tires and 18 front ones and I just put a new front tire on along with new brakes and changing the brake fluid as well as the fork seals. The bike is all original shocks front end everything except the exhaust which is a aftermarket at the previous order put on the bike when he had 25,000 mi on the bike in the 2 years that he had it before me I've had it since 2001 and it is my everyday ride and I don't have a car. The evolution motors Sportster is Harley-Davidson most reliable engine and I am happy the line continues with the svm stormbreaker model

[@jlrutube1312]

@@frankmarkovcijr5459 That's amazing. Has the motor had new rings or bearings?

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@jlrutube1312 nothing was done today engine except to replace the skater at 250,000 MI. The engine is all original know we ringing no valve jobs no bearings no nothing, same thing for the primary all original clutch after 25 years. Just did fork seals brakes and a new front tire. Best 7,000 I ever spent.

[@phil031066]

If the insurance company watched your filtering on this video they would be justified in the high premium. Both hands on the bars where possible

[@Willieswheels]

Thank goodness they’re too busy taking profits to watch KZbin

[@rejawasif8849]

You'd be at home out here on our Indian roads.... filtering is the ONLY way to ride

[@JohnInSale]

Why not try a Moto-Guzzi V7, truly a lovely bike 🏍️

[@motomeditations]

Have you considered trying the w800? Similar to RE in many ways, but with bulletproof reliability.

[@Willieswheels]

Funnily enough it was the bike I almost bought way back in 2017, but haven’t thought of since. I’ll have another look!

[@motomeditations]

@@Willieswheels I bought my w650 just in 2017, and am so impressed with the total trouble free 100 k km that my next bike will probably be a W too.

[@mattdog1982]

Do they still do those new? I always thought they were a little overpriced new. Im sure there are some great secondhand deals on them. Good bike

[@Willieswheels]

There’s quite a few knocking around at good prices, can’t say I love the styling but it certainly looks a cracking bike.

[@collyernicholasjohn]

The black an green 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@benschofield7565]

Great bike, definitely more than half a Triumph! Plenty of options for mods too without breaking the bank.

[@Willieswheels]

Couldn't agree more!

[@KELVINHAOBAM]

Have you tried the T100?

[@Willieswheels]

Checking one out this week hopefully!

[@widephil]

Interceptor... ahead of a lot more used T100. An Interceptor can be made far more perky...looking at your commute the extra power isn't really a massive requirement that an older more abused T100 gives you

[@barryrose4850]

Have you considered a bike safe course? Good luck bro

[@Willieswheels]

Hoping to organise one this year with a group

[@kanepokucinski5853]

Have you considered the Cabalerro scramblers?

[@Willieswheels]

I have zero experience with them… thoughts?

[@kanepokucinski5853]

@@Willieswheels I was between one of them and my scrambler 400x which I ultimately went with, very cool looking bikes though! Like you I’m quite a tall chap, so that’s always a big factor for me when looking at bikes. I never personally got the chance to ride one but from the reviews I’ve watched they’re very rad bikes

[@Willieswheels]

They do look very cool! Will watch some long term reviews and see what the verdict is. Lovely thing that 400x!

[@CeyhanCaglar]

I would consider Kawasaki z650rs or z900rs too

[@Willieswheels]

I’ll check it out thanks!

[@Paul_Lagane]

Agree with other comment, I would go 2nd hand t100 all the way rather than Interceptor. The interceptor service intervals are very short as well so will cost you more on servicing

[@Willieswheels]

great points, thanks Paul. Either one would be serviced at home most likely, so the longer the gaps the better!

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Shim under bucket valve adjustment is not DIY friendly. The valves are easy to adjust yourself on the RE650. Get a Manuel for the bike,learn how to do it. Watch videos on the subject.Run crashbars on your own bikes for safety sake. Protects against damage. Buying a new bike in stead of adjusting your motorcycle will be more expensive. RE could have made it easier or had hydraulic valve adjustment and belt drive then all you have to do is change the fluids and filter. That's all l have to do with my Sportster. Hydraulic valve adjustment pays for itself 100 times over. Belts last me 100,000+ miles. Much cheaper and cleaner than a chain in the long run.

[@malemthounaojam5046]

Interceptor 650 is much better..... does everything.... better fuel efficiency...cheap running cost.....which saves lots of money.. With tec stinger 2-1 exhaust..Sounds amazing

[@Willieswheels]

Thanks for sharing!

[@scripteaze]

Your next bike will be the bonneville T100 and you will choose it because of your size. You will say that it gives you the room you need, while being lighter than your scrambler.

[@Willieswheels]

Do you have a crystal ball 👀

[@scripteaze]

@@Willieswheels I do, well, i did but i just dropped it and it shattered

[@Willieswheels]

😂😂

[@danscram]

Yamaha SCR950 ?

[@Willieswheels]

I’ll take a look mate!

[@skymningforelsket1302]

Yeah, it's a helluva thing to take a $12,000 object and ram it through mud. I mean, it's good to have a nice bike, but bikes get beat to snot in off road use. Weight as you point out, is the other issue. A DR 200 Suzuki is better to ride in 95% of off road use than an XCE 1200, I guarantee it!

[@Willieswheels]

So far the DRZ 400 I picked up has been everything I need - so much fun and no stress about dropping or damaging bits.

[@skymningforelsket1302]

@@Willieswheels DRZ will whip the 1200 EVERY time in the dirt. But I meant even a DR TWO hundred that you could buy for in your currency probably 2,000 pounds would whip it off road😄. Try not to feel too bad about losing the 1200. You're being a proper man and doing what's right for your family. Oh, and don't forget. It's not a permanent condition! Not too many years from now, it might be possible to buy a 2nd hand 1200XC if you want it and get it back

[@Willieswheels]

So true. Have to remember the bigger picture I guess! And as I said in the video, still massively privileged to be riding & enjoying life 🤘🏻

[@skymningforelsket1302]

@@Willieswheels It's all relative, my friend. I could never afford a 1200 Scrambler, and I'm older than you! I have an air-cooled Bonneville and I told somebody from India online that's my bike and they flipped! Like, the Bonneville is a super premium bike in India, like you've got to be a millionaire in India to own one. Which BTW, may I say, is a great alternative to the Interceptor. IMO 2001-2015 Triumph twins are better than Interceptors and I paid 42% less for the Bonneville than a new Inteceptor would cost and may I say this used Bonneville is mint condition. I'm looking forward to staying tuned and see how things develop for you , motorcycle wise!

[@MARTIN1668UK]

BSA Goldstar ??

[@Willieswheels]

Never seen one in the flesh! Have you ridden one?

[@MARTIN1668UK]

Not ridden one but had a good look around one in showroom, single cylinder but equal power to the interceptor and priced in between interceptor and T100 , worth a look !

[@Willieswheels]

Intriguing, will try and find a dealer and get a look.

[@wesleyjames.]

Tough choices mate, I’ve made it easier for you with the latest video on my channel 😉

[@Willieswheels]

Ooh I’ll check it out dude!

[@neilcauldwell4274]

Stop trying to talk yourself out of the ONLY sensible choice....The INTERCEPTOR. Swop the end cans for more volume and service it at home.Have you got all the techno kak you would need for a Thaiumph?

[@Rabbydabbydoo]

400 triumph scrambler is cheap. Be a good town bike.

[@Willieswheels]

Very true. I enjoyed it when I did a test ride!