A review on the charming royal enfield interceptor 650 kindly loaned by cw motorcycles dorset uk PLEASE LIKE,SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE THANKS :) music by bensound.com
Great video! Three cheers for India for bringing fun back into biking and putting two fingers up to the big corporates! I have a feeling RE is going to surprise the "mainstream" manufacturers by their ability to connect with the "heart" of what motor cycling is really all about (OMG, that was a bit bloody profound, surprising what you can come up with after a couple of pints of Guinness)! Still, having watched this, now I really WANT one of these 650's and that surely has to be what it is really all about? If not, then why do we ride bikes nowadays? Not because we have to anymore, but because they put a smile back on our faces.
Other people can argue until they're blue in the face about the apparent deficiencies of RE and what they perceive as the superiority of other marques but the Continental GT is the only machine that was able to coax me back into motorcycle ownership after giving up in 2016 after 30+ years. If it's not the most enjoyable bike I've owned then it's definitely in the top few.
I've had my Interceptor for a year now and I can't recommend them enough. They're fun to ride and cheap to run. The bike always grabs people's attention, complete strangers wanting to look at the bike and ask questions about it. One guy asked me if I'd restored it myself or did I buy it like that. They're worth every penny.
Oh, something else, these bikes are very scarce in America,at lease where I live, somewhere in the midwest. Do believe that there is a good market for them. I've only seen one Royal Enfield on the road and that was in 1969-nothing since.
@@karlfonner7589 It's now over three years since I bought the Interceptor and it's still going strong, I've had no problems with it at all. I bought a Himalayan last October so now the Interceptor has a friend. Ride safe
Back in college 1990 in India, RE came up with Relaunch of Bullets in a market under tremendous assault from the Japanese 100cc toys low on power but high on pick up and mileage. Have never let the punch line of RE ads outta ma mind till date - "Let the boys play with their toys, it always takes a man to ride a Bullet ". And by God, a couple of weeks later The Classic 500 Single graced my home and we have been happy, content BFF. Clocked more than 385,000 happy, soulful km's together. It's my Love Story.
@@craigpennington1251 Two things. They're indian because they're built in India. And Indian motorcycles are nothing whatsoever to do with Harley Davidson.
I bought one of these back in July. I previously owned a '96 Honda CB500 (a surprisingly good bike), so the performance envelope is similar. Where the Enfield wins is the availability of torque at low revs, making slow speed manuevering much easier than on the Honda. It's just as quick to get to road speed, despite being heavier. Mind you, you could almost steer the Honda by telepathy, with the Enfield, you need to ride it but she's really just as agile. The bike is, I'm sorry to say, just as badly affected by side wind as the Honda but that's not a big thing. I got mine in Ravishing Red, like the one you rode, when the mechanic delivered it, the first thing he said to me was "The red ones are faster, you know...".
@@PipeOPhile When I bought mine, I thought I was buying a dull, "riding school" bike (mine had some history indicating riding school use). The thing turned out to be much more fun than I thought it would be. There's a lump in the power delivery around 9500 revs which makes hooning around in 3rd and 4th stupidly hilarious. Watch out for the camchain tensioner which can fail anytime after about 50K miles, listen for rattles but it isn't an expensive fix. Otherwise, you can buy with confidence, assuming everything's kosher. Have fun and stay safe.
@@johnelrick8945 No known cam chain tensioner faults, 9500 revs in your dreams the limiter cuts in on the red line. You're thinking about the wrong bike.
Thank You so very much! This is the best review I've seen on any motorcycle. You showed and told everything I wanted to know. the revs at 40 mph, the revs at 60mph, told of whatever vibration it has at 40 mph and 60 mph. The stopping power, the pick up from 0 to roughly 60, roll on power from different speeds, the build quality, the stability at highway speeds, you covered all of it. You did as wonderful job of detailing the ins and outs of the Royal Enfield Int 650. Once again, THANK YOU!
Great review once again. Triumph take note, lots of us are looking for a basic middleweight twin, not something with fancy TFT screens, keyless ignition, expensive electronics & so much power that you need to lie in a darkened room at the end of the ride !
@@markpulling12 I ride a 675R Street Triple & I'm considering either the 650 Interceptor or the CB500X for riding in places where I don't want to take the Triumph. TEC on here did a series of video's where they turned a Interceptor into a 'Scrambler' ,well worth a look. The Triumph Scrambler has to much tech for me to consider.
Hi there, it’s a great review for the bike. I’ve been riding this bike for the past 7 months now. There are things that you might have missed to mention. They have used the best possible brands for building the bike at the price like you said the tyres are from Pirelli, the brakes are from ByBre or the Brembo subsidiary, other than that the front and rear ABS are from Bosch with steel braided cable, the entire frame is from Harris Performance and the shock absorbers are from Gabriel. Now coming to the performance of the bike, it might seem low powered by the European or the American standards where people only crave for litre class bikes or performance bikes with 150 or 200 horses, but the USP here is that 80% of its power comes below 3000 rpm and that is great when you have really rough roads and altitudes of 18,000 feet or above. Here in India 🇮🇳 we travel in all sorts of terrains and it has never let us down anywhere! P.S. - The bike gives 26 kms to a litre and I’m not quite sure of Imperial gallons and miles.😊
I don`t know how a 900 cc bike is supposed to be as cheap as a 650 .On a £/cc comparison the Street Twin is as cheap. 18 bhp more for the Street. You pay your money and you takes your choice. Be interesting to see what price the new Trident will come in at. Probably use a hopped up 660cc engine from the Street Triple S. There is no point in doing it if it is not cheaper than the £8100 of the S. Twin. £7500 maybe? 70 -80 bhp ?. Steel frame?
@@markpulling12 Hey Mark just got news that R.E is trying to introduce a scrambler version of the 650cc gt and interceptor may be at the end of 2020 and a 800cc bobber with the collaboration of Polaris at early 2021( and this is a may be still can't be sure if you ask me). Is there a demand and will they appeal to the UK market?
@@michaelevans1658 Doubt it . The Street Twin is a certain type of bike, it sells and I can`t see the entrance point to the Bonneville range going. The Trident is chasing additional customers so why just replace one bike with another at a lower cost to get a few more of the same type. There are people who would buy the Twin and there are people would never consider it , and do not care what badge is on the tank. I think it will be trying to soak up people who would look to Japanese middle price bikes ,MT 07 and stuff like that. Triumph has currently nothing to sell in this large market sector and its existing bikes can only increase sales incrementally ,if at all.
I have had my interceptor for about a year now. Absolutely love it. It's my pride and joy. I have s&s pipes on it. Black handlebars, black clutch and brake lever by tec bike parts. Cafe racer mirrors. New grips. Only aesthetic things, really. I also did the DNA air filter upgrade. The bike is much lighter now and is just awesome! I think the original pipes sound great. The only downside is they weigh quite a lot each. Fuel economy is awesome. Haven't had a single issue with it. Smooth as butter to ride. You could buy this bike and do nothing to it and you'd love it.
Great bike… So much more than it appears on paper. I've had mine since last spring. Re. fuel consumption: I have to be really caning it to get below 60mpg, normal spirited riding with a 20 stone fat bastard (me) on board gives 60-70 mpg… Gentle pottering with a bunch of French vintage riders in the Languedoc, gave 90+mpg. The bike is the perfect machine for those roads, being forgiving enough to get away with the wrong gear on mountain hairpins, yet happily sits at the French autoroute limit (130kph/85mph) without complaining. Handling on those brilliant roads in South West France is excellent, yet it's narrow and nimble enough to mix it with the commuter scooters in the Béziers rush hour traffic too (I spent 5 weeks down there… my brother lives in a village a few miles from Béziers). One of its plus points is its 'standardness'… Bars, shocks, silencers etc., can be changed for easily available and cheap alternatives from other marques or the custom aftermarket to make it fit the rider. Likewise, shifter and brake pedal height can be adjusted by a turnbuckle on the linkages. By the way… that seat release is under the side panel you opened.
Been thinking of getting my motorcycle licence for a while now - as I'm sure many people do, I've been spending a lot of time thinking about what bike I'd love to get if I were to pass my test! I keep coming back to the Interceptor. I love the idea of it being a honest bike, without a lot of fancy electronics. There are few comment sections on RU-vid that are more positive than the comment sections under Interceptor reviews!!
just bought the orange crush Interceptor, a smashing bike. Very good for pillion after turning up the preload rear suspension. Keeping to the minor roads where it excels
Nice job as always Mark. I was at the local(ish) bike meet in Aylesbury a few weeks ago. All the usual exotic and high performance bikes were rolling in. Then one of these turned up and grabbed 80% of the attention. It really looks superb in the flesh.....a bloody bargain imo.
Just watched your video review for second time a few weeks apart very Good .. Thankyou I'm test riding next week look forwards to it Looking at getting Chrome Glitter and Dust
Thanks for the review Mark. I test rode one just last week and was super impressed with the fueling and snatch free driveline. It really surprises in its sophistication for the price. So I’ve ordered a Baker Express with the S&S pipes, DNA filter and replacement intake cover plates. Haven’t been this excited about a new bike for a long time. It has less than 1/3 of the power of my Ducati but I know I’m going to love it just as much
Absolutely !....I spend all my time riding bikes these days with about 50 hp and love them to bits. Just as much as superbikes Great choice ...I fancy one myself oneday Cheers mark
Very nice review! One of the best I have seen! I love my Interceptor! Perfect bike for me. Not too big, not too small, can cruise on the freeway all day long, great around town, great on twisty mountain roads, what more could you ask for.
Such a great review. I'm currently doing a lot of research between this and the Triumph Street Twin. I appreciate you describing how the bike feels in such a detailed manner.
I bought a Street Triple RS this year so I'm tapped out for a while I'm afraid, but, if I had the funds I'd easily add this as a second bike. It's awesome fun to ride.
Bit late to the party, but thanks for taking the time to cobble together one of the finer reviews I've seen of these lovely new 650s. You get a "thumb's up" from me. Well, I'm off to check out your other offerings...
"Just like the bikes we grew up with" must be a big pull for lots of older riders. Very impressive for the price. Great review, tells me all I need to know before buying.
Another great and thorough review Mark, showing how you fit on the bike is a nice touch. I'd love one of these bikes, the only reservation I have is that I can only store a bike outside and I worry about all the chrome tarnishing and rusting.
Great review Mark, I have travelled 4,000kms on mine and get between 65 and 70mpg,or 4.5 to 4.0 L /100kms. Love the bike and fun and reliable in the twisties of back rural roads in NZ! I have a Tutoro chain oiler coming shortly. Fitted the DNA Air Filter kit and will change the end cans out soon.
Enjoyed your video and the report on the bike what I found especially interesting was when you threw your leg over the bike to show the seat height and stated your inside leg it is something a lot of reviewers fail to do I am only 5’ 6’ and it means a lot when considering a change of bike thanks
The seat release is a pull just above the to kit Mark😉. I bought one as a second bike because of all the hype, and is great fun. Haven't properly measured fuel economy but estimate roughly 65..70 to the gallon if you don't ride it hard. Not necessary to use more than 5000rpm to push on. 80 percent of the torque at 2500 rpm. I only find her hard work in turbulent wind conditions, or if you hit something like a cat's eye changing lanes on dual carriage ways. Think most people would be shocked at the quality of the engine/gear box... and the bike in general. Three other seats are available.... The possibilities to customise are massive and that's the idea of her really. Even in standard for the V twin noise is great (due to 270 degree crank). Can't compare those Honda 500s to this though. Great review.
Very nice Mark, just bought the Classic 500 but this one is up next. Wonderful smooth bike which is very nice to ride. Thanks for the tour in your beautiful countryside!
Another great review Mark...very well presented and all the important info required for a potential purchaser...keep up the great work...and the bike looks great...
You got my thumbs up just because EVERY bike review should have this "rider height" cutscene just to get the bike overall size idea!! Nice review!!! Love the bike!
Excellent quality of video that gives us a clear idea of the bike's looks, thanks. Also, lots of relevant commentary that focuses on the bike, and not on yourself (unlike one or two other youtube reviewers). One minor gripe, if I may: I would encourage you to go through this clip and count how many times you say 'nice'. It pops up with mind-numbing frequency. Otherwise, great job. Thanks for the quality review. I'm sold :-)
Hi Mark I've got the same bike. My mpg is 74 miles to the gallon best bike I've ever owned. Everything in your blog is pretty much what how I saw it so I went and bought one after my test ride.
Many in the west discovering the RE line up now but the fact is that its been popular in India from the last 50 years. They sell 60000 bikes in India every month and just around 3000 in the rest of the world . International sales are just good for publicity but they will always be built for Indian conditions. 80 to 100 kmph cruising speed and easily repairable anywhere in India. 12 m sales of bikes in India every year , another 8 m scooters sold every year.
Thanks for a enthusiastic review, well detailed, covered all the bases, lovely bike. These are priced very low in the U.S., I'm surprised they have not been flying off the dealer's floors. I really don't see any reason to have more in a motorbike, thanks for the encouragement.
I've had the same bike just over 6wks now and I'm fast approaching 3k , mines had a lot of parts powder coated just to get rid of some silver bits and to my eye now looks right ! Swapped the seat out for the touring version of the continental GT which I find much more comfortable. I pushed my luck fuel wise the other day and was at 180 miles before I got to a petrol station and filled up 👍 I've just fitted S&S cans which sound awesome and lost a bit of weight into the bargain. Since owning the bike I have never had so many people come and ask questions , it certainly has created quite a buzz in the biking world , simple back to basics bike with added grin factor......buy one !
Btw if anyone is considering buying one , stiffen up the front suspension a little it gets a bit overwhelmed with spirited riding . I had some 7mm spacers made for in the fork tops to give it a little pre-load and a couple of clicks on the back , rides fine for my purposes now as its just a toy , I think she's a keeper though .
Great review Mark, I am glad you got out on this bike, like discussed it gives you a smile, its lovely to ride, no need for top speed but I'm sure the Interceptor can give most cars a run for their money. With alternative pipes you hear that fanatsic pop pop sound!! Happy Riding.
I like the bike, and u did a great job with the vid sir. I plan to get one of these within a month, then I'll have as much fun as the rest of the RE Int650 riders. Ride on!
Outstanding value for money motorbike. I fitted a touring seat to mine so I could ride it all day. Very easy to service. The finish is great for a budget bike.
I ordered one yesterday. The finish isn't really that good, and they are priced at what RE think people are prepared to pay. Looks like their pricing is spot on in that respect. I just enjoyed the test ride so much, I had to buy one!
Great review as ever. Now there a few issues with this bike and the Royal Enfield Bullet. I,m not here as a spoiler of your work but i will let know later. Thank you for your hard work.. Cheers .....:)
Great review thanks Mark. I have one on order down here in Oz. Trading in a 2019 Classic Chrome 500, which is a great bike, but a bit restricted for distance highway riding. In an ideal world I would love to keep them both. Someone else commented that they are a bit dear in Australia, but I beg to differ. They are only about a grand dearer than the 500, and you get a great value bike i reckon.
Here in India Royal Enfield (Bullet) is dream bike for all 😊 We never get enough of it We don't want any major changes in bike (RE) we love it as it is 😊🙏
With 20 bikes in my stable.. I recently purchased this same bike. GREAT... only put 500 on it.. did put on the better touring seat.... the transmission is butter smooth... acceleration crisp... handles well... the steering is light.. being " old school " I keep looking for a steering dampener .... Great looks.. and as mentioned.. a center stand.
Nice review. Just tested this and the continental gt, both amazingly smooth, going for the interceptor, probably in the same colour. Just a lovely laid back ride with a nice sound to boot. Good to be back on a bike after a long break. Cheers from NZ
@@markpulling12 Mark I drive motorbikes for more than 45 years and always have been on Yamaha together 18 bikes, 30 years on 1000cc fours and I have seven FZR Exup and one FZ1 Fazer. Just bought a new Mash Falcone 125, yes a light bike to have a different way to drive around. But the RE Interceptor will come and the FZ1 will have to go, the FZ1 is a really good bike but those 160HP is not used by me and always in fear of my permit and I did not had that feeling on the Interceptor. Maybe it's a new sign of the times that 47HP is enough, it was 45 years ago enough to have fun while driving. Not that I have any regrets those 30 year on the 1000cc ones, did wonderfull drives on full speed to the south of France and Spain, now that is not possible anymore. Could be my age, I am 63 now.
My next bike will be exactly like yours except for the engine guards which will be in silver colour. Can't see the moment to park it in my garage. Looking meantime for a nickname to put on her. Sorry for my english & congrats to those who have made possible this wonderful machine. Ride safe, mates!!
Hi Mark, wow whata lovely bike and great colour scheme. I will be booking a test ride on one very soon as that looks to be great fun. Ride safe sir regards Gary.
A good review of a very nice bike. This color combination would be my favorite also. I would love to have one of these bikes, but unfortunately my as new 1999 bright red BMW R1100s, is one of the most beautiful bikes out there. At this point in my life, the Beemer and I will ride off into the sunset together.
Just taken delivery of my interceptor 650 , only 350 miles covered. I'm very very happy a real head turner. Value for money, unbeatable is my opinion. Just past first service ( which i did myself ), Will now be adding a few performance parts - air filter upgrade, booster plug, exhaust system to start with. I'll be using the bike for a 30 miles a day commute, it's a pleasure to ride. Great review, thanks for your efforts.
Nice one Jeremy ...what exhaust and booster plug are you getting ? No probs with warranty doing the service yourself ? I'd always be happy to do the first service myself too cheers mark
@@markpulling12 Exhaust - Tec bike parts, two into one Stinger. Booster plug aging " Tec " , DNA air filter kit " Tec " again. Then may look at suspension ??? , also a few aesthetics ( rear lights-inticators. I have the Baker Express paint version, so happy with the colour. Thanks with your efforts with the channel.
@@jeremystafford8374 thanks Jeremy ...it's just I've taken a bit of a shine to these and want to learn about the parts etc many thanks Mark ps I've looked at lextek exhausts in the UK they look good
A very nice review of this wonderful machine. Very informative, very sympathic way of presentation. I think I should get me one. Thank you. (A short ride on the highway would have been the cherry on top)
Love this bike and your review! This will likely be my next purchase! Ive been a Honda person up until now....buy this bike's style is so much better! I am 5'4" and I am hopeful it isn't too tall for my stature. It looks as if seat height might be similar to my Honda Nighthawk. Fingers crossed I will be riding this bike by spring!
If you do have a problem with the seat height, TEC bikes in the uk do an upgraded rear suspension that you can order that gives approximately 2” lower ride height which would enable you to have both better suspension and flat foot it at a very reasonable price.
Good review. My first view of your channel 👍. What bikes aren't now made in low labour cost countries? Even Triumph produce very little in UK now. Bonneville been made in Thailand for years. KTM india, cheap bmw india. A lot of Japanese not home grown. These bikes were designed in UK I believe by ex Triumph engineers? About 60ish to gallon. Ride it all day then put just over a tenner in the tank! Yep. Silencer upgrade and booster plug a must. Glad you enjoyed it 👍
Love the headlight. It's not that damn blue thing that's irritating as hell. This is a perfect around town bike and a short hopper. It also looks like a real motorcycle. Speedo & Tach lay too flat and the bars are a little short. Don't buy this if you weight over 250lbs. It won't be enough to haul you around the way you want. P.S. A very good review, one of the best,bar none. Thank you.
Top speed is 116 and t will do it.If you can hold on .Hey it's naked and very light.488 lbs.Wet.A larger windshield tilted back a bit really is helpful to keep it more secure above 70 mph.
At indicated 35 my bike is doing thirty, U suspect the inaccuracy increases with speed. But..... This bike will only just do 100 no matter what your Speedo says.
@@markpulling12 I've spent all year blind, no sight in one eye, down to 25% in the other. After a couple of bouts of surgery my eyesight is restored. During the dark, depressing, never ending times I grew interested in the Interceptor. I could not read, nor use a computer properly, but could see pictures to some extent. I grew addicted to Interceptor tests and modifications on RU-vid. I came to the conclusion it was the perfect bike for me, nice engine and gearbox, scope to customise and plenty of character. I'm planning to be back to biking on 1st October and will be buying one that month. Probably not ideal weather conditions in Britain but I have wanted this bike for months and will ride it through the winter, looking forward to good times next year. If the weather is really bad I am putting the BMW 1200 RT on the road but I hope for some bright winter days to bimble along on the Royal Enfield.
