Royal Enfield Interceptors - Review after one year

Two very different Royal Enfield Interceptors reviewed by their owners

[@johnsamson-snell9558]

Thank you! You rode along some of my favourite roads in the Yorkshire Dales. I've a problem! I bought at the beginning of the lockdowns a good but a little tired Triumph Bonneville T100. My wife asked why? I said its just a project to keep me busy. £4,000 later I've got a much modified T100 with just about everything changed and upgraded. It is amazing! Its the bike that Triumph should have launched understand why they didn't. It's putting out 70bhp+ with all the bits I've added and taken off. I've changed the gearing also and now it tops out at over 110 mph! (indicated) . But! there's a big but! Its still not a Royal Enfield Interceptor. I want one! I'll probably buy one soon despite the fact that I cant afford to sell my now £6,500 T100 Bonneville. Plus I wouldn't anyway. So here's lesson to anyone thinking about a modern classic. Just save yourself a fortune and but a RE Interceptor. Spend a little amount on it getting it to be the bike you want and just enjoy it!!!!

[@markrigg7038]

I put Hitchcock's 30mm risers on my interceptor, no mods needed, stright fit, made a massive difference 👍

[@chrisweeks6973]

When accelerating, the aural and visual difference between the two bikes was quite noticable. 👍 Re handlebar feel and position, sometimes even just rotating the bar forward can make a significant difference. I've done that on my Suzuki Invader and it's made it feel quite different to my daughter's otherwise identical bike, as my hands now sit higher and my back is therefore a bit straighter; at 77, that's a help!

[@longjonwhite]

London calling! Great roads up your way, thanks for the ride. Very wise to stay your side of the Ribblehead viaduct; you don’t want to run headlong into Mr. Fillingham comin’ t’other way!

[@thebingleywheeler]

😂😂😂

[@JohnSmith-xw5qe]

Excellent video Dave love the 2 Interceptors riding around the countryside & the sound was terrific not to obtrusive,I think your be doing a riser video soon too lol!

[@Argo-F-Ur-Sef]

I am coming up on 1 year as well. I have the Orange Crush color. I added Enfield Precision slip on pipes that are low and parallel to the ground. Much better rumble than stock and I perceive a slight power increase. Mainly so I can put larger saddle bags on it. I live at 4’600 foot elevation and ride in the mountains of Idaho. The Int650 just screams up the passes while accelerating no problem. I love it. I added the Madstad quick release screens. I can switch the small flay screen with a full size touring screen by pulling two pins. Also a Corbin seat upgrade. Being 6 foot, I’d like to add the bar riser for a slightly more upright position as I’m getting older. Maintenance has been a breeze myself so far. I may put bar end mirrors on later possibly. Couldn’t be happier with the bike.

[@thebingleywheeler]

They’re a great bike and the Enfield Precision pipes are top kit with a deep rumble….cracking choice👍🏻

[@janeharris9879]

Absolutely stunning scenery and a great video. I have a Himalayan but would love to try an Interceptor, especially as the raised bars would be great.

[@thebingleywheeler]

Raised bars big improvement 😎😀

[@EDCtexan]

Beautiful country side Its on my bucket list to go ride thru the interceptor look amazing thru there

[@tomstockell9481]

You do have some of the best roads to ride on ! greetings again from Sydney

[@someoldude7578]

I also put my Hitchcocks risers on myself, needed no new cables at all..easy fit. Made a lot of difference to my comfort. 👍 Great Vid yet again, very enjoyable. All the best.

[@stevecoppin4278]

Good Morning Dave ,Belting video mate them pipes sound awesome tbf , you would'nt think something as simple as bar risers would make all that difference , that care & ride safe

[@thebingleywheeler]

Morning Steve and many thanks 🙏

[@melvinpackham7490]

Hopefully taking delivery of a new RE Interceptor this week - the same model (Chrome-Red) as yours. Let's hope we have a great summer.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Those roads around Dent are amazing as is the Ribblehead to Hawes one but unfortunately it's very busy on a summers weekend and full of police whereas during the week no such probs. My GoldStar just loves thumping along giving me plenty time to take in the drop dead scenery.

[@thebingleywheeler]

Love the Goldstar….I want one 😊

[@itsallrc-interceptor650]

Hi ,love the roads up there ,perfect interceptor territory. I've also fitted the fuel x lite and instantly notice the difference. They definitely pull harder and rev easier.also run a lot smoother and cooler.i could cook an egg on my silencers,whereas now after a good ride, you can place your hand on the silencers without fear of loosing your finger prints😂.Great vid🖖

[@stevef8763]

25mm risers fitted to my interceptor with no need to extend cables, great mod as I could sit more comfortably , just need to improve saddle which is a tad too firm. I think I'll take tip re fuel x. Thanks and regards

[@chrismurphy4724]

The FuelX will definitely affect the bike's willingness to respond as you have leaned out the mixture with your DNA air filter and end can mods. It adds fuel thereby correcting the fuel/air ratio. A booster plug does the same thing, however neither will give you more power, they simply enhance the mixture to that required improving throttle response. The TEC Cannons sound wonderful.

[@ianhughesroyalenfield]

Morning, nice to see you on very familiar roads to me 😊.

[@thebingleywheeler]

Morning Ian yes it’s cracking up there 😊👍🏻

[@GapBahnDirk]

Great stuff! I am a huge fan of the Interceptor as it suits my type of riding. I do not have a fuel-X installed, but I have free breathing headers and silencers and a DNA filter kit. I get lots of pops and crackles and I wonder if they would disappear with a Fuel-X installed.

[@thebingleywheeler]

Pops and crackles all good 👍🏻

[@chrismurphy4724]

If you remove that stupid secondary air system your pops and bangs will disappear......

[@morrisminor56]

I put Motone's risers on mine, one inch higher and one inch back.

[@paulmckell7726]

Heyup Dave and Baz ,nice to see you went over Barbon instead of going to Hawes with all the biker droids.

[@josephdonzanti7966]

Thanks!

[@thebingleywheeler]

Thank you so much Joseph much appreciated

[@worldofameiso5491]

Aye, ‘‘tis reet champion lad.

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

Thanks

[@thebingleywheeler]

Cheers Dave much appreciated 😊👍🏻

[@13ahab]

I put Motone bar risers on mine and no mods are needed all the cables were ok. Which fuel X did he fit as there are a few?

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

Hello, you mentioned protecting and polishing engine cases. Have you heard of this product? KZbin video: You Need This Tool - Episode 16 | Sharkhide Metal Protectant

[@paulmckell7726]

Heyup Dave and Gaz,, can you tell me where I can buy an Occams razor ? my electric shaver isn't that good . TommyTickle

[@melfzs]

Had my Interceptor for three years and 10,000 miles, no issues with it mechanically, just got fed up with the poor seat comfort over distance and the annoying position of the footrests, I traded it in for a classic 350 in gunmetal grey ,and for me it's a way better bike comfort wise and manoeuvrability . However if they do a good job of the 650 classic, I may be tempted to get a 650 again! Cheers 🍻

[@thebingleywheeler]

@melfzs Didn’t you get the touring seat?

[@melfzs]

@@thebingleywheeler no , I looked at a few reviews and some said there wasn't a great deal of difference, and after looking at them in the flesh, I wasn't convinced myself either, so I wasn't chancing the money to be disappointed, but I got fed up of the spongey suspension and footrest positioning anyway.

[@thebingleywheeler]

I can tell you the RE touring seat makes a massive difference 👍🏻

[@melfzs]

@@thebingleywheeler thanks for your input Dave, if I get an Interceptor again I'll try one with the touring seat, as for now I'm very happy with my classic and don't regret my move , cheers 👍

[@thebingleywheeler]

Quite right too buddy the Classic is definitely a more comfortable bike than the Interceptor (even with the touring seat)

[@collyernicholasjohn]

Mine has ~ 12000 miles and 3yrs old. No issues n runs like a top. Did u see the Fortnite vid comparing Enfield 650 engine particulate matter versus other major brands at first oil change? Enfield cleaner/less worn than Honda, Yamaha, or any brand. Italians and Chinese makes @ the bottom 😢

[@thebingleywheeler]

Not seen that but very interesting 👍🏻

[@longjonwhite]

Fortnine

[@user-cp3zj5oc7q]

What’s that to your left hand on the bike? Is it a gear monitor?

[@simonbowen6653]

Had a new 2019 interceptor, fitted DNA filter and a booster plug. Couldn't tell any difference in performance but the induction roar was great. Dealer showed me risers at the first service and fitted them for £49 with no modifications needed. I found it to be easier on my back and shoulders. If I'd kept it I'd have fitted Scorpion exhaust. Lovely countryside by the way.

[@thebingleywheeler]

Cheers Simon DNA filter makes a nice sound 😊

[@chrismurphy4724]

you wouldn't really be able to tell much difference without changing out the restrictive exhaust system

[@simonbowen6653]

@@chrismurphy4724 . If I'd kept it that was the next thing on the list.

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

I still keep thinking about an Interceptor but don't have the space for one.....yet! How do you get on with the riding position? I'm 6'1 with long legs and found the riding position cramped and the seat very hard inducing pain in my hips after a short while. I do very much like the styling and the character of that 650cc engine. That was some great roads you were riding, can you give me details so I can ride these when I come up to Yorkshire?

[@volt8684]

Your comfort points as I am same size one of reasons I didn’t buy and still got sneaking suspicion over reliability but plenty of evidence on here they are reliable

[@thebingleywheeler]

Just get the touring seat it makes a big difference. Just get to Kirkby Lonsdale and follow the signs to Dent

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

@volt8684 I did try a 22 plate that had literally just been traded in by the previous owner with about 2.5k miles on it. The bike felt 2/3rds size as I was perched on it and with that concrete filled seat it felt very uncomfortable. Shame as I like the style and the engine is a goodie. Suspension seemed a bit crude but I didn't have time to check the rear settings. The dealer had 3 used interceptors and 3 Continental GT that had been traded in. I've not heard much about the reliability of these but do know about Himalayan issues(I have one!) The super meteor doesn't appeal to me.

[@martinowl]

I’m 6’2”, with 35” inside leg. I don’t find it small at all, but an adjustable foot peg kit would probably improve leg comfort on longer rides. But I could say that about 99% of bikes.Agree the seat comfort could be better over longer distances. Reliability wise, mine has now covered 18,200 in 4 1/2 years, with 100% mechanical reliability.

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

@@martinowl A foot peg lowering kit and touring seat would probably make a big difference to the comfort of the bike. It's reassuring to know that the reliability has been proven.

[@volt8684]

You are very lucky with your roads and no safety interruptors spoiling enjoyment. The shove you refer to is why I. Cant buy an RE. I don’t fit on interceptor and himmy which I like is too shoveless. Do the “tuning” parts affect ur insurance?

[@thebingleywheeler]

No impact on Gazs insurance as far as I’m aware

[@markb3180]

One question, Moto Guzzi V7 Stone or Royal Enfield Interceptor one has to go which one would it be??

[@thebingleywheeler]

I don’t have an Interceptor though

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

You never answered my question about chain life.

[@TheRmoroni]

what is the box mounted next to the kill switch?

[@volt8684]

Heated grip controller or brake cylinder

[@thebingleywheeler]

Heated grips

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

All the places with great scenery are covered with snow half the time.

[@thebingleywheeler]

Not here they aren’t

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

How many miles did you get out of a chain?

[@DirkGentley42]

@@frankmarkovcijr5459 It will depend on how you look after it, the make of the chain, how you ride etc. I don't have one but I would have thought the interceptor would be quite kind to chains. I'm guessing the OEM chain isn't exactly top notch though. Your probably better off asking Stuart Fillingham, whos had one longer.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@DirkGentley42 When l had chain drive Japanese motorcycles the OEM chain would last 10,000 miles and the sprockets would last 20,000 miles. I have seen video of new Triumphs with chain and sprockets needing replacement at 6,000 miles. A belt drive on my Sportster lasts 100,000+ miles and l never replace the sprockets.

[@volt8684]

Thanks

[@thebingleywheeler]

Thank you so much that’s very kind of you 😀👍🏻