Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 - Best First Bike for New Riders | Why?

[@Bornfree-ontwowheels]

well, i have be´n riding bikes for over 40 years and i would love to have one also !

[@thesundayrides]

It’s a fantastic machine!

[@artiecisneros4691]

Yesterday, the 4th, I went to test drive the Interceptor here in San Diego but when I sat on the bike, the pegs were located where i kept hitting my shins, so that was a deal-breaker. I test drove the Super Meteor instead and after the ride, I put a deposit for the Astral Green Super Meteor. Should arrive late December or early January God willing. Thank you for sharing. 😎

[@thesundayrides]

Yeah, pegs require a bit of getting used to, you are right. But after a while I got used to it and didn’t even remember it during the review! Congratulations with the purchase! San Diego area must be fantastic to ride.

[@artiecisneros4691]

@maxkumskoy Thank you, the weather is hard to beat.

[@sscbkr48]

I made my own peg relocation kit.. much better!

[@artiecisneros4691]

@@sscbkr48 Is there a way I could see them?

[@motormikeb1047]

I'd agree a great " first " big bike. It can handle and perform as well as its nearest competitor ... I enjoy my Interceptor.... (20 bikes and 2 scooters in the stable) Yes, the bigger Triumphs are faster but how often do you cruise pass 75mph...? A new rider should spend time on a learner bike.... apply the basic's learned at the cycle safety class...get real world experiences. They don't toss the keys for a F-15 to a new pilot... he started with a small prop job. Other countries require this system of motorcycle license requirements... here in the states any kid with a motorcycle permit can buy the fastest bike on the showroom floor. The local record from " hand the keys to the kid to it's over " is from the dealer parking lot to the first traffic light. 😎

[@thesundayrides]

Absolutely agree! Not only you need to learn how to ride, but also how to ‘read the road’ and other people minds. I spent a year on 125 to get some understanding of what’s going on. I drive cars for 20 years, but reading the road as a biker is very different.

[@silentlurcker]

In the USA, i sometimes slow down to 75 mph on the interstate. Having said that, i try not to ride interestate, but back roads

[@thesundayrides]

@@silentlurcker "slow down to 75 mph" made me smile :) this is nearly the top speed of this little fella :)))

[@MotoChase]

I’ve got a 2022 GT650. 3000 miles on the clock, I’ll be doing my own oil change soon. Love this bike as a first bike. Extremely forgiving and still has decent get up and go. I will admit it is ROUGH on American highways where the speeds are averaging 80mph+. The 650 can do it, but it’s working pretty hard. Twisty mountains, beach rides, and bopping around town is perfect for this bike.

[@thesundayrides]

Hey! Seems that you have a decent experience with the bike! I am looking around my area if I can rent a garage or something so I can properly work on the bike and service it. Since I leave in the the apartment building I only have a space in the underground car park, and I don’t dare to do it. Hopefully, I can find something more suitable. Great to hear you are enjoying your GT. it seams that there are plenty of nice roads and great destinations in your part of the world. Cruising above 80mph is definitely not this bike feature. My main problem is head wind and noise.

[@MotoChase]

@@thesundayrides I do love it! I’ve heard from multiple friends who have ridden it that it’s one of the smoothest bikes they’ve tried. And it’s always nice to get a nod of approval from the older gentlemen, and sometimes even strike up some good conversation! Hopefully you’re able to get some form of a garage or work space going. Not only would it make for some good videos, but it’s just generally nice to have your own space. Cheers!

[@TheContiGT]

Did 3000 miles from spring up until today and it's had no problems whatsoever. Really good so far.

[@thesundayrides]

Same here! Glad to hear that you are having a great time with the bike! I absolutely love it too

[@thesundayrides]

It seams that we got our bikes almost at the same time. Mine is 2019 model.

[@TheContiGT]

@@thesundayrides It's a dream. You're bang on the money about the power but I feel like it's a compromise worth making when that's not part of the daily routine. I'm on a 21 Continental GT. Handlebars have been swapped out for some uprights for London commuting/urban riding.

[@thesundayrides]

@@TheContiGT so true! Funny enough, having an upright interceptor, I am planning another mod to try more cafe-racy lean forward bars

[@TheContiGT]

@maxkumskoy also, did you get around to your solution for the wiring after headlight removal. I think of all the customisations I'd like to do, the headlight is the number one priority as you mentioned in a past vid as it's just not bright enough for me on country lanes. Love your channel, thanks for your reply 👑

[@paulfoster5432]

Excellent bike I've owned my Interceptor from new over two years 👍, But you do realise that your rear numberplate is totally illegal,at that angle, you might get away with it for a while, but if you get pulled for anything else, the cops will do you for that plate, Cheers Paul

[@thesundayrides]

Hello Paul! Thank you for stopping by and dropping a comment! Yes, I know about the number plate, thanks! Unfortunately, that's how it came from the manufacturer. After I heard it 3 times (now 4) from people on this channel I knew it was time to fix that! My imminent solution was to fix it with a hammer, but I came up with a better option - I ended up swapping it with another part from another supplier (Bonvent). It is now much better. Please check one of my latest videos to have a look. What do you think? Also I wonder, what is actually wrong. It is a legal size, it is perfectly visible from behind and cameras should have no problems reading it. So why this wierd angle makes it illigal? Cheers, Max

[@apereeira]

Great coontent! I've been watching alot of your videos and they definitely helped me decide to get an interceptor 650, went for a test ride and I really enjoyed it! I've had a 125cc since I was 16 and due to multiple reasons haven't done an upgrade but this just feels super right! Next year I'm sure I'll get one!

[@thesundayrides]

Hi! Thanks! I am glad to hear that, man! Best of luck with the upgrade, I hope you get a decent one, mate!

[@CaseyJones88]

It can hit a "ton", it is enough for me

[@thesundayrides]

Sorry man, I am a bit slow, didn’t get it. What u mean?

[@CaseyJones88]

@@thesundayrides 160 km/h

[@thesundayrides]

@@CaseyJones88 got it! Haven’t tried though.. max I did was 85mph

[@russzitaruk9702]

Very nice looking bike. Loved color of the seat with the tank.

[@thesundayrides]

Thank you very much, Russ!

[@heldersantos1621]

Hy friend. Congratuletions for the videos. Keep then coming. The clock its a no no, enjoy the Ride and dont wory about the time 😁

[@thesundayrides]

Hahaha, I haven’t thought about it from that perspective! You are absolutely right! Let’s count it as an advantage then!! Thanks for your kind words!

[@silentlurcker]

Im looking at this bike for my 4th bike. Time to downsize and simplify

[@thesundayrides]

4th bike! Wow! What other bikes do you have? You won't be disappointed by its simplicity that's for sure!

[@silentlurcker]

@@thesundayrides started with a 72 500cc, moved up to a 81 650, moved up to a 2000 1600. Looking at a 4th

[@thesundayrides]

@@silentlurcker oh, got it! I thought you had 4 at once, interceptor included!!

[@sscbkr48]

Simplify.. what's that? 😄

[@sideburnz77]

Great videos mate and a Nice bike love the handle bars. it's definitely the bike I will go for after passing my test. 👍

[@thesundayrides]

Thanks man! I passed my test in June this year! Good luck!

[@thesundayrides]

P.s. the handlebars are Flat Tracker bars from BAAK. Absolutely fantastic! But since recently I am thinking about making an experiment and installing Ace Clubman bars :)

[@kennethheldreich6604]

Another great video max gorgeous looking motorcycle 🇬🇧🏍🙂👍

[@thesundayrides]

Thank you, Kenneth! Thanks for the compliment! I share all details about all mods in my videos and if you are interested in anything and want to put on your bike as well, just let me know how can I help!

[@den2ofoz]

I bought the hunter b/c interceptor are just too heavy for a newbie rider like me. Was deciding to buy it, but I can only tip toe. It's heavy so scared me. But this bike is a good one for taller and heavy built people.

[@thesundayrides]

I think that is the best way to choose the bike - you choose what makes you comfortable. There is nothing to prove to anyone!

[@doughoffman9463]

It is a great motorcycle and not just for new riders. As to power, I accidentally went 85mph on the freeway (70mph limit) because my Interceptor is so smooth and fast. The bike will go far faster than you need and get there plenty quickly enough.

[@thesundayrides]

Absolutely agree with you! I wanted to share with others that they don’t need to be afraid starting on this bike. It is new rider friendly, even with some of its compromises: like weight and seat height. Of course, you should have at least some motorcycle experience, like a year on 125. I agree with you on all your points!! Ride safe!

[@doughoffman9463]

@@thesundayrides I forgot to mention that the bike has the best/smoothest foot shifter I have ever experienced. Better than Honda.

[@thesundayrides]

@@doughoffman9463 my bike is a bit clunky though. nothing major, but not butter smooth either

[@doughoffman9463]

@@thesundayrides I think that is the exception. Every review I've read (and my own bike as well) reports flawless shifting going up or down with easy to find neutral. Maybe you need to further break it in.

[@thesundayrides]

@@doughoffman9463 Yes, I think so. I don't believe there is anything wrong with my bike. Neutral is easy to find, 100% true.

[@RichardParsons65]

Excellent and informative video, as ever. May I ask - are those the original tyres?

[@thesundayrides]

Thank you, Richard, for the compliment! Yes, those are stock tyres from ceat. I am happy with them, didn’t experience any need for anything more. I might be not pushing the bike hard enough, that’s true

[@LessAiredvanU]

Although I understand most of your points, I am confused by the last regarding the brakes; a new rider to the upper mid range bikes will not have the experience of larger capacity bikes to have the feel for progressive brakes. A new rider should not be pushing the limits of performance that require a more nuanced braking set up. The brakes are good enough stock for a stock bike, t suggest..

[@thesundayrides]

Good morning! Thanks for your insights! I simply mean that there is no progressive feeling that the braking power increase if you pull the leaver harder. They are quite linear and not too strong. I am comparing with Yamaha mt07 for example. You seem to have much more experience than I do, so I trust your words!

[@giuk1987]

If you were 175 cm, you'd be able to flat foot the bike especially with your moc toe boots. The way you had to sort of tip toe I'd say you are 170-172 cm, which is 5'7.

[@thesundayrides]

Hahahaha brother it’s the best height measurement estimation I’ve seen.. oh boy

[@giuk1987]

@@thesundayrides no hate my guy. It's just that I'm 175 myself and could flatfoot the stock seat, so when I saw your shot from the front it made me kinda second guess myself. I've literally seen most of your videos and love the bike and your mods on it.

[@thesundayrides]

@@giuk1987 okay no problem, sorry, I didn’t understand the intentions of your original comment! All clear now. I think the differences may be that I don’t use the standard seat, I might have different boots, all this adds up and make that 2-3 difference. In anyway, there are not many scenarios when I need to put both feet on the ground. One foot on the floor, one on the brake. Thanks for being here with me on this journey!

[@giuk1987]

@@thesundayrides tbh I don't even know why I harped so much on your height there lol. You and chirs konings are literally why I want an int so bad. Might get a used one this summer if I'm fortunate enough and if I do I'll definitely try to change the stock handlebars to a flat tracker too. The tec exhaust might be a little out of my budget rn tho

[@thesundayrides]

@@giuk1987 I got a used one too, they hold a lot of value if they were stored inside and a dry space. Bike is fantastic as is, but with any custom part you make it more “yours”

[@eastsidebadger8416]

Great video..love the upgrades!

[@thesundayrides]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@dope3651]

Brother love ur work and can u mention the helmet that ur using.

[@thesundayrides]

Thanks, Brother! I am using Bell Bullitt. It's good for the city, as it has a wide opening and you can talk freely. If you do a lot of riding at higher speeds, it becomes rather noisy. To much wind through the ventilation holes. Quite cold during the winter months too. Other than that - it is fine.

[@dope3651]

Can u recommend other retro helmets

[@thesundayrides]

@@dope3651 no, as this is the only helmet I owned. I am a new rider mate, not enough experience. I suspect all retro are similar in terms of these issues. I recommend to choose a full face though. The more protection the better

[@Itspako8]

Beautiful bike mate! Is the seat high stock or did you made it taller yourself? If so what mods have you done to make it taller? Cheers

[@thesundayrides]

Thanks mate! The seat is from Bonvent. Really good one. I have it for half a year now. I also had another one from them, modular seat that transforms to a single seat with a rack. I have a short video about it too. Cheers!

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

A good low mileage 2 nd hand Japanese motorcycle is a much better bike to learn on,as well as much cheaper than a brand new motorcycle.

[@thesundayrides]

Why?

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@thesundayrides More power cheaper price, better features like shaft drive. Accessories that the previous owner put on the bike like touring gear. It is better to drop a cheap bike when you are learning than a new one. When you are learning how to ride you will drop the bike it comes with the territory. If you fall down either you quit riding or you dust yourself off and learn from what you did wrong and keep on going.

[@sscbkr48]

Opinions are subjective.. it's a great bike! I'm of course being objective. 😆

[@Motobrummie]

Hi max Great videos The Bonvert seat I can’t see it on there website , you you have a code or something Thanks very much

[@thesundayrides]

Hi! This is the same model but I don’t see the same colour: bonvent-motorbikes.com/leather-seat-suede-royal-enfield-650/ I asked them, I will get back to you as soon as I hear from Bonvent.

[@thesundayrides]

Bonvent put the seat on their website: bonvent-motorbikes.com/seat-flat-classic-brown/ Check it out

[@abhijitkundu1879]

Car is for my long a very long trip and it is possible when my entire family is accessible and my motorcycle is only n only for me for my freedom a freedom of wings 🪽 yes I am a Unicorn 🦄 🙏🌹

[@thesundayrides]

that's 100% so, buddy!

[@stanleylawson9015]

nice review Max

[@thesundayrides]

Thanks, Stanley!

[@amritkangjam9951]

where can i get the rear and front fender

[@thesundayrides]

Personally, I can recommend three places: Bonvent Sold out motorcycles Baak

[@thewolstenbeast7965]

Hey buddy, one question. Since riding Int 650 for a month now, I feel some pains on my wrists area and numbness. Is it because of the stock handlebar? Have you felt pain before with stock handlebar before? Thanks.

[@thesundayrides]

Hey! I swapped the bars immediately after I purchased the bike. I love the new bars ever since. No problems what so ever. May be other owners who use the stock bars can share their experience?

[@karlmatthewpimping5359]

Done subscribing :)

[@thesundayrides]

Thanks, Karl!

[@jabnewark8638]

When you say first big bike, do you mean you did your license and then went straight for the Int? Or did you ride on a 125cc before? Thanks

[@thesundayrides]

Hey bro! I mean that I rode 125 for about 9 months and as soon as I got my full license I got an interceptor. First big capacity bike. I’ve never ridden bikes before , I wound not dare ride 650cc as a first bike ever

[@thesundayrides]

You can see my first bikes in my early videos on the channel

[@jabnewark8638]

I appreciate the reply 🙏

[@thesundayrides]

Always!@@jabnewark8638