Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 VS Continental GT - Which One Is Right For You?

I've been asked way to many time to do this comparison, so here is the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 VS Continental GT - which one is right for you? This is just a basic discussion on the differences between these two motorcycles and what makes one better than the other for your own riding enjoyment.
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[@genegoodwin8925]

For me, I'd go for the INT650 because of the sitting position. I guess I'm too old for clip on bars and rear set foot pegs. I grew up in the 50's and 60's and started riding in the early 60's. I think I would go for the touring seat option and I'd add fork gaiters to protect the fork tubes (and fork seals) a tall fly screen, and luggage rack for trips. I'm vertically challenged (nice way of saying short) so I'd have to lower the bike by sliding the forks up through the triple trees an extra inch or so and installing shorter rear shocks. Thanks for the video, ride safe and enjoy every mile. By the way Alex, you need to toss the Yamaha hat and get a RE hat. hahaha

[@TheIceQueenPov]

The main difference between the two models is the ergonomic setup. The Continental GT has café racer clip-on handlebars, rearset foot controls, and a fuel tank carved for tucking knees in during more aggressive riding. In contrast, the Interceptor is more of a standard bike. The handlebars are upright, two-person seat is thicker and more comfortable, the foot pegs are positioned more directly under the rider’s knees, and the tank is a teardrop shape, with a gentle indent. I chose the first 🥰

[@benfennell6842]

The continentals bars are cleverly upswept to provide full bar comfort, but can be lowered on the forks to go into clip on position if you want them to.

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

Just bought a Continental GT in Ventura Blue and had to ride it 80 miles from the dealer to my home. I'm 68 years old and have had everything from a Harley Electra Glide to a Ninja ZX14. The looks of the Continental sold me but that danged seating position is going to take some getting used to. In stop and go traffic no fun but on a two lane country road with ocassional shade it's bearable. Don't have it broke in yet so maybe after 300 mile breakin I'll be broke in too.

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Haha sorry to hear you had a trying first ride Michael! keep at it, the seating position will take getting used to if you're not accustomed to the "cafe racer" position. I find the seat comfy for me now, but I've always liked that position personally anyway as well!

[@stevemiller1203]

I'm 68 also and like you I've had Harley's, Triumphs......I really like the looks of the Continental GT but not sure it would be comfortable to ride. I'm 5'8" if that means anything.

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

@@stevemiller1203 if it had it to do over again, I'd buy the INT 650 and not the Continental GT 650 . Riding position on GT is just too uncomfortable for me .

[@stevemiller1203]

@@michaeljoesmith3977 I'm looking at the Moto Guzzi V7 also but no dealers close by.

[@fredzuccarelli]

@@michaeljoesmith3977 you just convinced me to go back and test ride the int650. My concern, at 55 yo, is the same....comfort!!! Still have my bmw r1250rt for long rides....just looking for something to putter around town (Naples, FL). I'm also considering a moto guzzi.

[@praveencristy78]

For me I like both .. and it feels like Kawasaki z900 is split into two continental gt 650 and interceptor 650 . like you get that feel like your doing a horse race in con gt 650 and in inter 650 more of a bober or a scambler or even mite be a choper kind a feel but I have decided to get continental gt Dr Mayhem bro thanks for you help Appreciate

[@AlexSimmons11c]

No worries, Dr. Mayhem is awesome choice, thanks!

[@danmajumder8298]

Thanks Alex for sharing your thoughts 🙂👍 Looks wise I like Continental GT

[@garyives1218]

Anyone else think they got the names mixed up? As many times as I see these bikes with their names, I'll always get them wrong because I hear Continental and think crossing continents and vast distances in comfort and I picture an upright riding position. I hear Interceptor and think sporty and aggressive and a more aero tucked riding position.

[@briangrover873]

yes, I think you're right.

[@christopheratwood6487]

Great video. Thank you for your explanation and advice. I test rode both of these yesterday and I was surprised at how much I preferred the Continental GT. I prefer its seat & ride position: I felt confident and connected to the bike and road

[@hershchat]

Subscribed. Answered my key questions directly.

[@AlejandroJaramillo9]

Great thoughts, and explanation! You've helped me make my choice.

[@richardsimpson3792]

The Conti GT is more comfortable at speeds of over 30 mph. The extra weight on the bars helps the handling, too.

[@GunCollector007]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@SgtBrewdawg]

Good video. Thanks for sharing and the insight 👍

[@DanFlint]

Since they use the same frame, can you move the clips and adjust the bars to make it more neutral? Tank designs, seat and black rims are nicer on the cafe racer model. IMHO

[@erich.4305]

As I said I am planning to get an RE 650 in the next year. I like the look of the Continental 650 better then the Int. I have sat on both but haven't ridden either one yet. I am thinking I would be comfortable on the continental, I am thinking the position is similar to my last bike a 1983 Kawasaki GPz 750 (which I was comfortable on). Would you agree the position would be similar the GPZ?

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Yes the position should remind you a lot of the GPZ!

[@erich.4305]

@@AlexSimmons11c thanks. I really appreciate your videos and your responses to your viewers. Thanks and keep it up.

[@SouravAcharya9444]

i like the Interceptor for everyday city use & for tour & travel we dont need a cafe racer 24*7

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Very true!

[@vibhs19851]

Cafe racer has its charm and feel like sports bike who needs old school interceptor of 60s

[@oussamak2683]

@@vibhs19851 that's why i like gt

[@fredzuccarelli]

Love your content. Subscribed! Love the ergo of the INT....but Love the tank on the GT. Can you swap a INT tank for an after-market GT tank?

[@luisloya1120]

I'd like an Interceptor with a Continental GT seat.

[@artiecisneros4691]

Great and informative 👍review, thank you.

[@NoobMachiavelli]

I would like if you make video of riding on your bikes & then putting your commentary over it, I guess it would be more engaging. Not trying to say it's not already engaging enough.

[@baoh29able]

I agree. I'm almost not sure if I enjoy seeing the GT650 static behind him more or if I would enjoy a motovlog style camera angle more.

[@AlexSimmons11c]

I've been thinking of doing more ride style videos, I actually thought that people would get "tired" of seeing me ride in every video haha

[@NoobMachiavelli]

@@AlexSimmons11c I mean you can sometimes change bikes & sometimes change routes.

[@shaanehind4455]

@@AlexSimmons11c Not tired exactly but that would bring novelty. Plus, If I may, it would also make for great 'refreshing' thumbnails too.

[@pmdinaz]

Nice overview!

[@ultimatemassive9501]

Seems like you could build a hybrid of the two by swapping out foot controls/tanks. I've considered getting an INT 650 and putting a GT650 tank/seat/fairing on it since that's the primary asthetic advantage the GT has to me.

[@briangrover873]

yes, if you are just talking aesthetics, it be fairly simple to dress up the INT to look more like the GT. But, the rear set foot pegs and different tank angle make the riding position feel dramatically different on the GT (even more so than the lower bars in my opinion).

[@vibhs19851]

GT is best love the sporty riding position

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Awesome hahaha, I agree!

[@colinmore7352]

Alex, do you think the Interceptor is any good for a guy my size... 6’6”? Looks like a nice roomy Seat!

[@AlexSimmons11c]

I have a friend around your height that was very comfy on one, at the end of the day it'll depend on what it feels like when you sit on it, but I think you'd be plenty comfy enough on it!

[@The3dsGeek]

To be honest 6'6" is too tall for 99% of the motorcycles. Best fit for such height comes at a cost, harley davidson fatboy, triumph thunderbird or rocket.

[@danielwilliams8397]

Hello Alex - I like your KZbin page. Thanks for all the information I just purchased a Continental 650. I was surprised it did not have a center stand. I see that the Interceptor does. Do you know why they did not include a center stand on the GT 650? but put one on the Interceptor? Its hard to check oil and do oil change and overall maintenance. Do you think it is a good idea to put one on the GT? I see they have some for sale from India. Thanks - Daniel

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Hi Daniel! I think they did it just to save a little weight and add to the overall cafe look personally, also the difference in footpeg placement may have cause some issues. So far the lack has not cause me any maintenance issues...I did the on camera oil change it was a breeze. Would be nice to have it for chain adjustments though...

[@danielwilliams8397]

@@AlexSimmons11c Thanks so much Alex! I will look at your oil change on KZbin! Thanks again!

[@Rexory_]

How do these bikes fair on the Highway and what's the top speed?

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Mine does great on the highway, don’t know what top speed is I’ve had it a little over a hundred with plenty of room to spare, I try not to ride so fast any more haha

[@bhagat6127]

Pretzel Position FTW :3

[@AlexSimmons11c]

F#*K yeah

[@indominous1917]

@@jeffdean7666 "For The WIn" brother.

[@johnlenart597]

I must be a weirdo also. I've always had BMW RS's and S's., so I'm comfortable with my GT. By the way I'll be 71 in July. Just take a pain pill before you leave home. Lol. 👍👍5🏍🙋‍♂️

[@genegoodwin8925]

The sitting position of the INT 650 would be my choice. I guess I'm too old for clip on bars and read set foot pegs. I grew up in the 50's and 60's and started riding in the early 60's. I think I would go for the touring seat option.

[@madness5693]

love from India

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Love back from America

[@maichellourembam4478]

Which one is more aggressive

[@chapitany]

is the continental good for a 5'2 person?

[@AlexSimmons11c]

As long as you are comfortable with not having your feet flat on the ground when stopped it should be fine!

[@dogphlap6749]

The continental GT has a lower saddle height than the Int(erceptor) but still high for me and I'm a little taller than you. Best take one for a test ride and see what you think. I've been told the optional solo seat is lower than the dual seat the bike comes with (I've got a solo seat on order, when it arrives I'll know for sure). TEC Bike Parts sell rear shocks that let you lower the bike as well (I'll order a pair when they have the chrome option in stock again). The GT weighs almost 200kg with a high centre of gravity (a consequence of the generous ground clearance) so if you drop the bike it may be hard to right the bike again (depends on how strong you are I guess). But don't let me talk you out of a GT, I love mine.

[@harshshah614]

Hi. Would like to speak to you more about Royal Enfield. Doing research on them.

[@crabjoe]

Which is better for shorter legs?

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Generally speaking the Interceptor would be better for shorter legs

[@crabjoe]

@@AlexSimmons11c I thought the seat was lightly higher and the pegs were slightly lower?

[@manojchhetri7569]

@@AlexSimmons11c I also had the same question. The seat height for INT is slightly higher than CONT according to specs. So, why would INT be better for shorter legs. I am 5' 5" and willing to get one of these but can't decide which one to choose.

[@Pk-talks-777]

Nice content 👍 but yamaha cap 🙄

[@behzadkhosa2769]

Good video but what's up with all the air quotes? Are they necessary?

[@IrishPizzaMan]

First!