Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | 1,000-miles of love and hate!

[@theoldhobbit3640]

I have recently retired and am coming back to motorcycling after 10+ years, having ridden motorbikes from 1986. I was offered a fantastic deal from a friend who is buying a new Triumph, on his RE Interceptor 2020 with only 1400miles on the clock. I have never ridden an Interceptor but took a chance. It factory standard with the touring seat fitted. Having now owned it for about 6 weeks, I'm loving it. It is powerful enough for my needs and it turns heads wherever I go. I can tour all day or if needed get past slower vehicles. It's gloss black and I can't wait to get winter out of the way. This bike is brilliant and God willing, will serve me well. The smile on my face says it all.....

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

Perfect, and the kind of feelgood thing the Interceptor does so well. Enjoy!

[@Mckaye82]

For me… the raw feeling of it, the kind of 90’s level quality is exactly what I was looking for. Plus the truly old school elements. It’s the least pretentious way to be pretentious… that’s key.

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

Nicely put!

[@arthurramm8664]

That's the nail firmly hit on the head. After the faff of putting on all the essential biking gear, listening to that engine while you shut the garage door puts a smile on your face which lasts for a few hours after you get home again. The interceptor feels ok bumbling along at fifty or when you're in more of a hurry. How many interceptor riders have ridden past their house just to get another ten, twenty or whatever minutes on the bike. I do frequently.

[@Root_boy]

The bike has character and excitement at speeds that other bikes just don't deliver at. I used to have a 120hp+ sport tourer. I couldn't get it out of first gear without risking prison time, let alone really wringing it's neck like I can on the interceptor. It's just a great bike with a fabulously usable range.

[@rosswootton8825]

I’ve had a Continental GT for 3 years now and love it but I was disappointed with the handling when I first had it. A YSS fork kit was fitted together with Hagon shocks on the rear which made a big difference but the fitting of Avon Roadriders seemed to make the biggest improvement. The original Indian Ceats were in my opinion quite poor, far too hard and lacking grip - not exactly confidence inspiring. The bike overall is now lovely to ride thanks to good handling, a characterful engine, superb gearbox and slipper clutch. I look forward to every ride.

[@RichardWilliams-kf5vw]

I test rode one exactly like that last week. I loved it…a beautiful bike to ride (apart from the foot pegs). One point though…. there’s no reason to be paying £6500 for one. You can pick them up for £4999 brand new, if you go for the base colour option. Granted it will have the older style grips/switches/headlight, but it’s only £5k !!!!! 😃

[@clausentumsoton]

Good honest review, I think most people would agree the OEM Pirellis are rubbish and the suspension barely adequate.. I would add that the OEM DID chain isn't like a real DID chain and many people complain about the hard saddle (not me). My interceptor has done 43000km from new and it's a very good and reliable bike.. just get decent suspension front and rear, a high quality chain and decent tyres and I don't have much to complain about. Been all over eastern Europe on it most trips being 2500-3500kms.. I trust this bike! P.s. Change the front sprocket to a 16t to have a more relaxing time on motorways .

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

Thanks for sharing such detailed and informative feedback on your own bike, really interesting reading. Nice one!

[@joelear2320]

Excellent. You have a superb way of communicating those messages that give a fair and honest experience. You have a natural flair for bikes

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

Thank you, really appreciated! And more where this came from!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

A very detailed video. Enjoyed. All budget bikes have also a budget suspension. With the Interceptor it is all about styling. It is a classic bike and for being that it is just nice and fine. :) Rode it.

[@martyndunn1905]

Great video, really like your style of videos. They were some great roads you were riding, I'm kind of guessing up north somewhere? nothing like those roads down here in Oxford. Keep up the good work and ride safe

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

Thanks! And yes, these are my local roads. The one over the dam and over the moors is literally on my commute to Manchester from my home in Calderdale. Beats taking the M62 but, rest assured, it’s not always blue skies and dry tarmac!

[@gary1477]

I own a Royal Enfield Continental GT650 in Rocker Red. I think that it is beautiful. One area surprised me - the weight! It is stable on the road with the weight. I notice the weight when I jump on and straighten it up off the sidestand.

[@davidskogley3570]

Good video! I hope you have lots of good experiences as your experience and confidence grows. The Interceptor is a great choice of bike.

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

Good video I haven’t looked at them yet but seen a lot of videos about them and I think RE are improving like from the Himalayan they say it’s a fantastic bike but I think they will just get better and better and will sell plenty but not to me as I’m so much into triumph and maybe a Harley later this year but keep up the good work enjoy your riding

[@robertshilliday4476]

Yes you give a fair view on this bike, It's all boils down to just how much you want to spend on a bike, or give your money away, You as a young rider Most definitely learn off road or motocross and or trial's & track day's for road bike's, I do own a Interceptor , some info Air in and out, Air filter, down pipes & can's, & a little work with the engine, Front & rear suspension.

[@foxface6719]

Thanks a lot for this video. I live in northern Thailand and have had a scooter for the last few years for ease, but I'm itchy to get out into some of these twisty mountain roads on a RE. I am looking at the interceptor because having the extra ccs for the hills is useful, as is having the extra hps to get out front at the lights where it's safer to be. Also, some of the roads can be potholed and rough. If you (all) were considering a RE for this purpose, what would you all go for? I am qualified and licenced to ride a bigger bike if that's a question.

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@foxface6719 Hello and thanks for the kind comments! Excited for you that a 650 Enfield may be on the cards but if you’re riding potholed roads I’d advise a bit of caution with the Interceptor or Conti GT given the suspension is a bit basic and lacking in travel. Good news? I’ve heard rumours there’s another 650 coming soon that could be absolutely perfect for the riding you describe. I’d expect it to be revealed before the end of the year so keep an eye out for that!

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Those Pirelli tyres are a bit scary. I had them on my T100 where they too were OEM fitment. Trouble is they're cheap versions of the same - but genuine tyre you might buy here. I'd much rather have a genuine Ceat than a fake Pirelli.

[@jamesnoonan7450]

Would you recommend this bike to a new pass A2 rider. I've just passed my test and am searching for my first bike !

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

Absolutely! It’s the top end of the power bracket but very easy to ride and, personally, I liked the fact it didn’t have the distractions of rider modes or a TFT screen. So, for learning the fundamentals of riding a motorcycle, it seems just the job. If you like the retro vibe it’s a great choice.

[@RTFLDGR]

I bought the bike. I am pleased. You can toss the bike around with your thighs and hold-on lightly with your hands. Stock is fine until you have money to burn. Then tires and suspension would be priority.

[@muttineni03]

Haven't watched complete video yet but its unfair comparing Triumph 400 with Interceptor, Interceptor riding quality is much better because of that parallel twin and i wont even compare it to 400 just because oh bhp.

[@sammitpotade]

Triumph 400 are much smaller when you test ride them and they are not in same performance level.. its a 400cc single 39-40BHP vs 650cc twin 48 BHP.. so not exact the same

[@leeinwis]

I like the 400

[@Brettmotorcycles]

The triumph 400s are a more premium product and significantly less weight with around the same top speed

[@JustPityHD]

I almost pulled the trigger on a brand new Royal Enfield interceptor, but im glad i didn't and continue searching. The Interceptor (or royal Enfield in general) has its strong point on the looks and engine, but every other aspect is just bad and im tired of people saying "for the money is more than enough" or "thats the part of the vibe" when it shouldn't be, things like the fuel gauge being absolutely garbage and unreliable, electronics in general being so fragile and the quality of some aspects like the brakes being bybree (no they are not brembo) makes this bike not worth 6000€/£, plus the biggest issue being the lack of reliability on the long term and the services being so close between them. Of course Triumph is better and way more expensive, but you also have the japanese offering fairly close prices which waaaaaaay more reliability and service. Obviously they are not exactly the same (look at the z650rs and the interceptor), but i personally think Royal Enfield should step up on the reliability department, they are better now that before, i know, but still 6000€/£ for this bike is too much money, even more depending on the economy of the country

[@Root_boy]

It really depends on your needs. I've had mine for 4 years now without a single issue. Fantastic machine that turns heads everywhere I go and is just an absolute joy to ride. I've had powerful 120hp+ bikes before but couldn't be happier with the 40 odd HP that the Enfield puts out.

[@sscbkr48]

Cool bike, it's a time machine that's also a blast to ride. Nonconformist 1st class, reporting for duty. 😆👍

[@stillshakin2125]

Prices have crashed on these, £4995 plus otr for some colours now, bargain.

[@OlManShit4Brains]

G’day bloke, it’s tickety boo hearing from a fella from down under 👍😁. The 120 anniversary models are Royal Enfields limited editions celebrating their 120 years of continuous production. Only 240 interceptors & 240 G.T. Continentals were produced. Very rare, as you can probably imagine. You tube has some videos of them. It’s probably easier for you to find some you tube videos as it would take some time to describe them to you. If you happen to be somewhere in Victoria you could possibly catch up & see mine in the flesh. I hope this is of assistance to your inquiry. Please feel free to contact me some more if you want. Take care, ride safe. Hooroo for now 👍🏍😁😮

[@dannyvan5792]

ok nice bike , but no tubles tyers and see on you tybe elekt problems on the r enfield

[@Gearsandgrease]

Lots of dead air in the on board "vlog" maybe prepare your thoughts before hitting record?

[@jimmyb4982]

What a pathetic comment.

[@auldflyer]

The only thing that connects the current pile of crappy Royal Enfield cachu to the heritage of a once great British marque is in its name. Yes it is true that Royal Enfield Bullets were "Made in India" even for a long time before RE shut it's doors in the UK, but at least those early Madras Motors Bullets had some looks and a real connection with the RE heritage, whereas current plethora of RE bikes only connection with that heritage is only in the names of those once great models such as the Interceptor, no doubt soon to be joined by the Constellation & Crusader. Today's RE's are the modern equivalent of the Russian inspired Trabant, Lada & Moscovitch cars.....To the real Royal Enfield's may you Rest in Peace.

[@flamintasty]

Hey Karen, nobody cares 🙄

[@devonbikefilms]

Bit like Triumph then. Or any other old brand with the possible exception of Harley Davidson. No one cares to be honest. The bike is a decent honest bike, that’s enough.

[@OlManShit4Brains]

G’day from Australia . I have both RE interceptor & G.T.Continental 120 anniversary models. I think the 120 anniversary models are put together with more care , or perhaps use better quality parts in some areas. I have owned a standard interceptor before purchasing these 120 anniversary models, therefore I have some idea of the difference between them . I have fitted yss suspension, front & rear to both bikes as I agree with your opinion on the original units. I have owned v7 Moto Guzzi’s, the suspension was about the same as the RE original suspension, really needs swapping for better units, I feel most bikes at this price point suffer from similar suspension issues. Overall I love my Royal Enfields, even though I am a Harley bloke. Looking forward to seeing more of your content. Shiny side towards the sky. Hooroo mate🏍👍😎

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

G’day back and thanks for sharing the extra insight, really interesting. If I were buying and RE offered a model with upgraded suspension I’d happily pay the extra but, as you demonstrated, there’s always the aftermarket option to make already good bikes great. I’m getting the Shotgun in soon and that has half decent Showa kit on it so interested to see how that feels. Watch this space for a vid on that in due course. Cheers!

[@nigelfisher6896]

What's the 120 version? Can you tell me more? I'm in Australia 🦘 too. Thanks in advance