Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 - 2022 Ultimate Review - The Definitive Modern Classic ?

[@frederickwoods5943]

My 2020 650INT has 25,000 miles in two years' time, upgraded the front suspension with YSS front fork kit and changed to a full stainless-steel exhaust very early. The fuel mileage is superb at a bit over 73mpg and the handling and shifting are the icing on the cake. This is one of six in my stable (3 Triumphs) and it gets ridden the most; I am 72 years old.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Frederick. Yes it is a fantastic, great everyday bike 👍

[@americancolt4585]

Frederick, if you had the choice between a 2022 650INT and a 2022 Triumph Bonneville T100 , which one would you choose? Taking price out of the picture.

[@frederickwoods5943]

@@americancolt4585 taking price out of the picture....Triumph; I own 3 of them; 2012 Bonneville SE and Thruxton 900 plus a 2020 Speed Twin 1200cc. Still, could buy 5 R.E. 650's and have money left instead of the 3 Triumphs. All super nice bikes.

[@americancolt4585]

@@frederickwoods5943 thanks, I’m stuck between the two. I figure I’ll get the triumph first and if I get a chance down the line get a 650INT. I appreciate the reply from someone who owns both.

[@andyrussell2873]

I've owned one two half years 4500 miles loved owning it completely reliable. definitely recommend to anyone.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Andy. Yes it it a great bike. Its a pleasure to ride and It’s unbeatable on quality and price 👍

[@joecamel6835]

Suspension though ?

[@andyrussell2873]

@@joecamel6835 changed front fork oil 10 weight motul oil . hagon rear shocks . like a different bike.

[@joecamel6835]

@@andyrussell2873 Guess what ? I just bought one today ! Canyon Red , don't have it home yet but in a few days after loan paperwork etc .

[@andyrussell2873]

@@joecamel6835 Hi Joe how are you getting on with interceptor

[@sscbkr48]

They say you can never go home again.. until you throw your leg over an Interceptor and you're back to 1968. No frills, no gadgets.. The simple pleasures never get old. It's the closest thing to a time machine.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi John. Quite right 👍

[@oldgeezerproductions]

Yes, my 2022 (2K miles already) reminds me so much of my beloved Triumph 650 I had in '68 on Guam. I only wish it had a kick starter and a four speed transmission like my old bike. Six speeds are a bit much, but they do make the bike take off like a scalded cat.

[@photographyjourneywithpriy4612]

I am riding Int 650 since 2019 . Took my moto in Himalaya and different highways in India . Love this machine

[@alexisiiflores7342]

I love this! The Interterceptor is definitely number one on my list after 20 years of riding dirtbikes and nakeds. and your delivery is very fresh like someone talking about how to make cake.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Alexis. Thank you for your kind comments 👍

[@denchua]

"It's the parts you don't see that show the quality of the manufacturer." Me, as a 3rd party mechanic that specializes in Royal Enfields: Fuel pumps, relays, ignition coils, and other electrical gremlins. 😅They skimped a lot on electricals. Granted, the actual mechanicals of the engine is solid. Only seen an internal issue once, and it wasn't that bad. The Himalayan is a whole nother headache. It's like the 2 bikes aren't even made by the same factory.

[@joecamel6835]

Don't say that I aint even got it home yet 😬.

[@bikahjoeUK]

Can the fuel pump be replaced with a better quality unit? Not sure how these things work, being a true old-school biker with carburettors! ;)

[@GapBahnDirk]

I quite agree. I think that my Interceptor is all the bike that I will ever need for public roads.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you for watching the video. 👍. It’s just a great all rounder and so forgiving 👍

[@SLB4523]

My 2019 GT has 6000 great kilometres on her. Sweetheart of a bike, she’s beautiful just to look at . The fact that she’s a great ride is a bonus. I’ve had some nice bikes, and this GT is probably the NICEST to ride out of them all.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Steven yes it’s a great bike. A true modern classic 👍

[@tomstockell9481]

Very enjoyable, relaxed review thanks Jack

[@americancolt4585]

I’m a beginner rider and I’m stuck between the 650INT and a bonneville t100. I’m leaning more toward the Bonneville but not by much. I love these bikes and I’m just interested in cruising about town and country. Great review , has more more confused than ever on what I want.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Nshhs Interesting I get asked that all the time and I am just compiling a guide that will be released next week. It basically depends on two things what you can afford ie from new the t100 is about half the price again ie £3k here in the uk and do you need the extra power of the t100 over the interceptor. Build quality is not much different but the quality of some parts used is better on the Triumph. Both are excellent bikes. Try both 👍

[@americancolt4585]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles looking forward to the guide. Thanks for the info!

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

@@americancolt4585 Ive just put it on now 👍

[@oldgeezerproductions]

Have a Interceptor I bought at the first of the year and already have 2K miles on it. Love the bike, but had some serious worries regarding the bike stalling and failing to start. Took the relays out and was amazed at the amount of white (lithium?) grease just plastered everywhere (for water-proofing, I assume). Cleaned as much of the grease out of the sockets as possible, put them back in and my electrical problems went away. A simple problem easily solved by someone who knows about these things (like me), but could give RE a serious black eye if the word gets out that their electricals are unreliable.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi, I’ve not seen that before. Wonder if the dealer did it on a pre delivery inspection 🧐 I wonder if anybody else has seen that on their new interceptors I will ask about.

[@oldgeezerproductions]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Hi Jack. A search of the internet and here on KZbin will show that this grease problem is quite common all over the world. I can't know for sure, but I greatly suspect it is something done in India since even the break-in oil is already in the bike when the crate is open (according to the dealer). I'm sure it is done to water-proof the connectors and sockets, but the kind of grease and the amount is apparently wrong for the application. Never had problems with water-proofing connectors with clear electrical silicone grease, but I don't trust this white stuff. Anyway, enjoyed your video so please keep it up.

[@critterIMHO]

This is where we need to be using dielectric grease as it’s both non-conductive and waterproof. Of course, a little goes a long ways.

[@henryhartley9993]

I think this is my next bike, hopefully in the next week or two...

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Henry. It’s a great bike. Have a good test ride. You won’t be disappointed 👍

[@critterIMHO]

I thought I wanted an orange interceptor, but the orange is a little too popular, and while I’m not normally one for red, that particular shade appears to be stunning. And the one you took for a ride would appeal to me if not for the green lettering.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Keith. I like the chrome. 🤔lots of polishing though 👍

[@Amos1965]

Haven’t a few owners / riders had issues with this particular model cutting out on deceleration, or the engine cutting out at traffic lights 🤔. In the market myself for a modern classic, I will need to investigate further to see if this issue has been ironed out by RE

[@jaydiggy86]

Yes. Issue is with poor quality relays with too much grease. Easy problem to solve

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

I’ve heard that on odd forums but not sure how much of an issue it really is. Once the plugs are changed and or sometimes tappets adjusted then it cures it most times. It wouldn’t worry me to be honest 🤔👍

[@Amos1965]

@Wesley Conyngham , wow 😮, not that’s not good, it’s safety issue that’s needs urgent attention by RE

[@TAYM]

Marvellous, just reviewed one myself, lovely

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you 👍. Yes I was really impressed with it and surprised how much RE have upped their game 👍. Thank you for watching 👍

[@wltrlg]

I rented this bike on Fuerteventura this week. Excellent ride as you describe. Still love the rumble on the T120 slightly more 😄

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Yes I was really impressed with it. I love my T120 as you know but I will be totally honest. It’s not twice the bike at almost twice the price. That said I did make the same decision in 2020 and purchased the T120 🤔 but the Interceptor E5 bike has improved so much 🤔 👍 since then

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Ps I meant to ask how’s Fuerto. I’ve missed it since CoVid. I used to go twice a year and should have been going for a month when CoVid hit us in 2020 👍

[@wltrlg]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles it's quite nice actually being here for the first time. But I must say that I have also been to Tenerife in December to ride an Interceptor and the year before that on Gran Canaria. I like these two islands slightly more, but Fuerteventura does not disappoint haha

[@nikos-giorgos]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Well, it's almost twice the price but also almost twice the power.(plus quite a bit heavier of course). You can't buy that more power, even with the extra money you need for the t120.

[@joecamel6835]

The T120 cannot be reasoned with Sara Conner !

[@cerfvolant11]

You forgot the 'F' word? It's fun! (especially in Orange Crush!)

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Your right I did 😄👍

[@joecamel6835]

Only canyon red was left but it's nice and multi layered in person .

[@garrysmith9246]

Thanks great video, really interested in the Interceptor loves the looks. I may have to go second hand one so what would say are the noticeable differences between the E4 and E5 bikes? Thanks

[@KNBNT]

Great review! I have one question, did you have confidence in the CEAT tyres? Are they stable under breaking, on cornering and on the motorway at higher speeds? Thanks a lot!

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Koen. Yes the tyres were fine. They were new and I was respecting it was a new bike but I had no fears with the tyres at all. 👍

[@KNBNT]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Thanks a lot for the answer! I ordered a Continental GT this weekend. Can't wait to ride it! 😎

[@arnav1314]

@@KNBNT Congrats mann!!!!

[@96bharatc]

I booked it the mark 2 customized RE Interceptor 650 yesterday. Excited to recieve it soon in 45 days. How's your experience?

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Bharat. It’s a great bike 👍

[@mikepopelka2349]

Still waiting for my dealer gets his supply of REs. Already have a commitment to try a 350 and a 650 but they are still not in, supply line and demand problems for new dealers her in the US.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Mike. Yes I’ve heard supply is slow to the US although I do believe demand in Asia and Europe was really high and then there are the worldwide transportation issues over the past almost 2 years 🤔👍.

[@johannesstoiber5319]

Great video! Are there slip ons for the euro 5 models which are road legal?

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Johannes. I think there are a few aftermarket exhaust options. 👍

[@markb3180]

Beautiful bike and doesn't the sound from the exhaust sound great!

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thanks Mark. I was really impressed with it. And yes it sounds great 👍

[@denisg4288]

Hi Jack So, money no object. This or the T120. You can only pick one. Over to you and why? Asking because the T120 might be my next bike (or T100 haven’t test ridden yet). Regards Den

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

A good question mmmm. Money no object it would be the T120. Based on that extra power and it’s a prestige bike with just a bit more. That said the T120 is not twice the bike at almost twice the price. It’s better but not that much better. Quality and build is just a nudge a head for Triumph and the Triumph’s engine is a bit more refined. On another note. T120 V T100. The T100 is a fabulous prospect if you are not doing much motorway cruising ie no 6 speed and a tad less power. If you don’t miss all the chrome of the T120 and ride mainly ride on town and city roads then the T100 is probably for you and about 3k cheaper. 👍 But then again is the T100 £2.5k better than the interceptor 🤔 ?

[@denisg4288]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles food for thought 🤔

[@sscbkr48]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles I've learned not to interfere with a persons biases.. for me it was an easy choice to buy an Interceptor for a bunch of reasons that would mean nothing to someone set on a Triumph. I could afford either.. but being somewhat practical, which is one of my biases, I went for the RE.

[@robertadams4415]

I know I have one a2021 intersepter mk2

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Kind of a short kick stand it seems. Not much else not to like.. Mirrors maybe could be switched out .

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Kevin. The kick stand isn’t too bad and they also fit a centre stand as standard 👍. Thank you for watching 👍

[@thecrank7199]

You sound like JD

[@canuck81]

Why does every motorbike video have this annoying song on it?

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Just another RE 650 commercial. Heavy and under powered full of cheap parts.

[@geraldscott4302]

Sadly it's all an illusion. Kind of like CGI. Its not a real bike, it's a computer on wheels. EFI, ABS, and catalytic converters in the exhausts. I have a 2013 RE B5 Bullet 500 that I converted to an Amal Concentric MK1 carburetor, and put an aftermarket exhaust on. I love it. Sadly that is not possible with the newer computer bikes. I'd just as soon play a video game as ride one of those things. The reality is about the same.

[@shanec8224]

If you want a track machine, then I understand your point of view. But this is a bulletproof commuter..Coming from carbureted bikes the last 10 years I love the reliability of EFI on the RE. Carbs are great when they are tuned but they can be some finicky bastards. ABS, still haven’t felt it, but good to know it’s there if need be. And the catalytics are coming off as soon as my new pipes arrive, problem solved!

[@mariag2902]

apreta el acelerador ratòn!!