Father in law has a Interceptor, a Fireblade, a Speed Triple and a bonnie, the go to bike is now the Enfield lovely machine for seeing the countryside on, must have taken thousands of sales away from Triumph.
@@gazzertrn I am a bike mechanic so do my own Services.......first service 500ks......second service will be 2000ks and every 2000ks onwards .....run full synthetic and filter ....10w-40 ....depending on your countries climate ....
you like it? i have a 6 month old 2021 Himalayan and love it!, going to put a deposit down on an interceptor after the new year (after 32yrs of 1000cc+ main brand bikes). to be honest I am now a devout RE owner..love way they get into your heart very quickly 👍😁
It's easy to see why the Interceptor 650 is such a big seller. Looks fantastic (I particularly like that paint scheme), sounds great, comfortable, handles well, not intimidating, and a very fair price. Great review!
I’m in the states. Bought my Mk III in APRIL 2021. 4000 miles to date, I’ve missed very few days riding to work and back. Heat, cold, rain. It hasn’t mattered. Longest trip, 320 miles round trip through the mountains of North Carolin-East Tennessee. Bike has been flawless. It’s been thirty years since I’ve ridden. This is my main mode of transportation, no regrets.
Greetings from Colombia mate, here those bikes and the RE brand have been growing exponentially in the last couple of years. Thanks a lot for your reviews!
Love my Interceptor. My only disagreement with comments in this review is with the seat. I hate the original. For me, it is too narrow, too hard, and more like a medieval torture device than a functional seat. I have paid to have mine modified by a custom upholsterer and I now have what I feel is the perfect motorcycle. I've owned scores of bikes in my time (I was once a bike mechanic, raced bikes, and rode them for a job for 10 years). This is my second-favourite of all the bikes I've ridden (behind the GS1100G I owned for many years), and may well be the last bike I'll own.
@@Rick-ve5lx I got a 'premium touring seat' off ebay, there are two touring seats, both good and depending who you buy from these genuine seats are around AUD$160 and up... well worth it.
The 650 Enfield was a contender for my back to bike purchase after 35 years but went for the Tracer 700 after watching your review. I am very happy with it. But a great, fair and informative review as ever. I was speaking to an owner of this bike at a bike meet and he had gone from a GXR to "save his licence" and he loved it.
Hi Mark, thanks for your great reviews I really find the consistent way you do your videos makes comparison easy. You have ridden all the bikes I was considering as my first bike after passing my test from all the Benelli’s, Royal Enfield and even the Kawasaki Vulcan S. I have just bought an Interceptor and will get it in about a weeks time. Happy new year and keep making the great reviews 😀👍😀.
I got one of these four months ago and I've done 4500 miles on it. I've been touring on it which involved some quite long motorway stretches, I cruise around the Hampshire lanes and A roads, and sometimes I enjoy whistling it through corners. I reckon your review is absolutely spot on with how this bike handles and what it's about. The bike is so easy around town and through slow moving traffic, it tears away when you open it up, it looks great and with Bike Tec exhausts it sounds fantastic. An excellent bike and an excellent review.
@@neilanderson2374 It's really good on the motorway, although I had the 'tall' flyscreen on the bike. I've got to say that I think that it's more comfortable without the flyscreen as there's less buffeting on the head. It's a great Sunday bike, a great touring bike, it's just a great bike.
Always a pleasure to watch your reviews. Steady on your praise for CEAT tyres. They were on a second hand car I bought a few years ago. In the wet their performance was not great, in fact, a few heart stopping moments. Triumph could learn a thing or two about colours from RE.
G'day from Australia, lm new to your channel and l was most impressed with the review on the Royal Enfield 650cc interceptor, l have just this November bought the New 2021 chrome tank model it been a long time since l bought a bike, in the garage is a 1975 850cc Norton a 1966 650cc BSA twin carb lightning, a 1957 500cc Matchless and the new Enfield is the cream of the crop, what you said about the ride was how l am experiencing this new bike, time will tell but l think I'm on to a good thing, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.
Picking up my 22 Interceptor in Ventura Blue later this month! Couldn’t be more excited. Great review, and provided a good top-down view of the handlebar/cockpit area for planning on where to put accessories etc.
I’ve ridden it once, belongs to a friend of mine. And it’s beyond expectations. I like it a lot. The build quality and the feel are much much better than any previous Enfield models. Good job, Royal Enfield.. and good review, my friend…👍🏼👍🏼☺️☺️
Wonderful reviews, very informative and appreciated. Cheers from northern Kentucky, U.S.A. These bikes seem just perfect for weekend cruising through the Appalachian forest and hills. Nothing but Harley Davidsons around these parts, so I am going to have to get into one of these Royal Enfields and stir up the local boys a little bit.
There are no dealers for Royal Enfield motorcycles here in Finland. So I bought myself Benelli Leoncino 500. It's a lovely bike too. I like relaxed cruising around for going to museums etc.
Just went to look at one on Saturday and ended up buying one! Looking forward to picking it up on 1st March. As you have mentioned I'm looking forward to just toodling around the countryside with a relaxed ride. I have two sports bikes too so this is something completely different.
Gorgeous bike, good review. I am torn between this paint color and Orange crush. Looking at one here in California. Thanks for the loan Poole, now Take those ridiculous looking stickers off that beautiful Bike wtf !
It's a great bike for its intended use ! I've spent a bit of cash on mine and ended up with the bike I really wanted , and you are right the S&S cans give it a serious bark especially with Hitchcocks stainless headers ! The original seat was pants to be fair but that complaint can be leveled at more premium ones too , ordered conti GT touring sat and cowl and job sorted, looks better anyhow ! Nice review ! 👍
@@markpulling12 Not only the noise but there is a huge weight saving over the oem cans & headers , wished I'd weighed them all tbh ...I think it shed 10/12 kg just on the cans alone !
I happened to briefly follow one of these while working as a delivery driver. The thing which struck me was how small and low the seat looked from behind. I haven't seen one up close or ridden one but I'm thinking of looking out my nearest RE dealership and perhaps trying the Interceptor and maybe the Meteor for a test drive. They just seem such great value for money and offer a brilliant traditional motorcycle experience! Thanks for the review.
Nice review and agree with your comments. 21,000 miles on My Royal Enfield INT 650 and the only trouble I had was the speedometer and that was replaced under warranty. Love My Royal Enfield!
@@daveharding3207 No! And I've never heard of that. If you get that problem let me know. I had a problem with not being able to get all the gas out of my tank. Instead of being able to get all 3.6 gallons out it like I could when it was new, I was only getting about 2.8 to 2.5 gallons out of it. The difference of the engine cutting out and eventually dieing at 150 miles, vs 220 miles when you actually have another gallon in the tank. The service manual tells you to replace the internal fuel strainer. But they don't sell just the fuel strainer, you have to replace the fuel pump. They don't include the two o-rings that you must replace. If you're not VERY careful you will damage the one o-ring. I keep a 5 oz tube of EZ Turn Fuel Lube in my saddlebags just for those situations. I'm replacing the fuel pump at 12,000 miles, the same interval they have you replace the external fuel filter. Side note: subscribing to AAA Plus to cover motorcycles is worth the money. On mine you could clearly see the lower part of the strainer was darker/dirtier. The strainer sits in there at an angle off to the left. Even though I knew I had plenty of gas, when I wiggled the bike or leaned it to the left fuel would cover the part of the strainer that was cleaner, the bike would start running again. Then when I sat level it would "cut out" again. But it was really running out of fuel. At the gas station I would look in the tank and see that there was fuel in there like I knew there would be. But I filled the tank up and it ran just fine. Also I recently was talking with a very knowledgeable Royal Enfield person that thought the INT650 only had the external fuel filter and was surprised when I told him about the internal fuel strainer. He immediately went back pulled a new fuel pump off the shelf and was amazed to see that strainer there. Another good RE service center did my 12,000 mile service. 1,000 miles down the road I was filling my invoice and noticed I wasn't charged for a new external fuel filter. After thinking the cute girl behind the desk thought I was handsome and gave it to me for free, I called and asked. They didn't know the external fuel filter got replaced at that interval. I got one shipped to me and replaced it in my buddies garage. So we are all on a learning curve as these bike get more popular and the fleet gets more miles on it. Just a couple days ago I found a crack in the gas cap seal. I was told I can't replace the seal and that I must replace the, ignition switch, the right side cover lock, and the gas cap because they are all keyed the same and come as a kit. Just starting to work on that. I don't want to replace a perfectly fine ignition switch and want to know why a 2 year old rubber seal failed. 24,400 miles on mine and I still love it! Best bike I've ever had.
Thanks for a great teview. I am looking at one for my wife who now rides a 620 monster but is feeling the strain on her wrists as we do long trips here in Tasmania. I hope it suits she is 5ft 4in, absolutely love them and would go with the chrome to match my BSA.
A response from the Netherlands. Great video again Mark and a helpful review. I still have to make this choice between the Meteor 350 and this Interceptor 650. Keep up the good work.
I had dramas with mine originally, local dealer couldn't sort it. Ended up buying a scanner and showed a oil temperature sensor fault code. So I replaced that and now it runs as it should. I have K&N filter, PoweRage Slipons, Booster plug, 16 tooth front sprocket and grip puppies. I do and average of 600kms a week in all weather as it my computer bike. Handles the got Aussie summer and torrential downpours no trouble. The only thing that is a bit annoying for me is the valve adjustments.
I like the symmetry,fuel cap centered,twin exhausts etc.I don't like the reliability issues in the reviews on MCN, possibly a case of you get what you pay for?
Great review mate, I been eyeballing one. I rebuilt my 1st bike at 17, a 1958 enfield 750 twin, single Amal and a chrome tank, the iconic brit bike but I bet this will run better lol!
Bought mine a couple of weeks back and love it already. one disappointment was finding the Ceat tyres were tubed. I remember sudden deflations when I first started riding 45 years ago. total pain.
Good review Mark! I test rode one when I was looking to purchase an all purpose, do everything bike last year. Like you I was impressed with the smooth engine and transmission. The build quality was impressive for its price point. I can see why it’s a top seller in England. The braided brake lines added to the stopping power. Wish it had a gear indicator and tubeless tires, but the 3 year warranty gives you peace of mind. I ended up with the 2021 NC-750x 6 speed after watching yours and Exeter Rider reviews and couldn’t be happier. Would recommend anyone to give it a test ride. Cheers from Wisconsin.
A really great review. I'm very impressed with the Interceptor. I am seriously considering a return to the road after a long, long time and this seems perfect for me. I may look at seat options as I am 6'3" tall (shrunk from 6'4" LOL). Thank you.👍👍
Thinking of buying one of these as a 3rd bike. I have a sports tourer a modern naked now fsncy a modern retro for relaxed riding.Was thinking about the new BSA but watching reviews of this makes me think this is the better bike
I have three bikes in the garage. If my wife was persuadable this would definitely be my fourth. It has all the character of my old Ducati 750 but none of the fragility. Love it.
Hi Mark, once again a good and fair review,if you had to choose between the Interceptor and an NC750x as a back to biking purchase after a long lay off which would you choose and why.
Hi Nigel ooh tough choice both my favorites...can I have both .. I guess the interceptor looks better with it's classic looks . has a lovely smooth engine ,,,the NC is more modern ..bigger more powerful engine and amazing economy. . .if the retro look is important to you get the interceptor but if you want a better all-round bike I'd get the nc750 x dct , personally I'd have the NC as it would suit me better and the interceptor would be a second bike to use on sunny days and polish up :) Cheers mark
They used to come with Pirelli tires, tiny bit of a let down, but I think that was more due to Indian Import laws etc, but I don’t think it’s really RE’s fault
Very much enjoyed this wonderful vid. I have a '22 KLR Adventure but I want a 2nd bike, in case my KLR goes in the shop. Your vid convinced me that my 2nd bike should be a Royal Enfield INT650. That said, I wanna see how much it costs to ship it over there so I can tour that beautiful countryside of yours! Have fun, enjoy and ride on!
A fine review! I bought one today in Bangkok, Thailand. I had made my mind up on the orange crush tank colour and there was only one bike available at the dealer. It had my paint scheme, so how could I resist? Pirelli Phantom tyres too. My last bike was 37 years ago.
OC wasn't my first choice but it was the last 2020 the dealer had before closing for the Christmas holidays.. to make the last sale of the year and because the weather was miserable, they carved 1800 cad off the price, so orange crush became my favorite color. 😆
@@Alex-io6ky Plenty of filtering, so lots of clutch work, yes. The ambient temperature is the main issue and the RE doesn't give off a lot of heat fortunately.
Mark - would appreciate seeing you do a review of the 2022 Honda CB500x if you can your hands on one. I had a test ride on an Interceptor a few months ago and was less than impressed. Plenty of vibes throughout the rev range and seemed to be squatting in corners and then a jerky rebound coming out. Maybe it was the tyres, don't know however they seem to be very popular. Always enjoy your reviews.
Love the two watches like the T Bonnevilles, is not a retro thing to me it is just about it is so beautiful and practicality as well, is super easy get used and to read a red needle just in a so pleasant eye gaze.
Hi Mark matey it's mark from the Wirral Merseyside i even like the style of these motorcycles and the naked look motorcycles you are definitely spoiling me on what motorcycle to go for royal Enfield very nice motorcycle and i really enjoyed watching your RU-vid video on royal Enfield very nice looking motorcycle 👍👍👍 thanks again mark for a excellent motorcycle review but i like all your motorcycle reviews thanks from mark from the Wirral Merseyside 👍👍
@@markpulling12 mark it's mark from the Wirral Merseyside the Yamaha Mt 07 what cc is that naked motorcycle please thanks for mark from the Wirral Merseyside 👍👍
I have one of these shod with the Ceat tyres, you must have ridden them in the dry where I found no problems but they leave a lot to be desired in damp/wet conditions very sketchy over white lines and tramline badly. It's shame they no longer fit the Pirelli's but I understand that is due to Indian import laws.
Lovely bike. Not a fan of all the chrome, wish the exhaust was black and the rest only that the tank maybe had some nice paintjob maybe stripes. Thanks for a great video.
Hmmm very tough choice as I really enjoyed both of them but for me I'd go for the royal Enfield....I have a hunter 350 myself....and I think for you as a new rider the Interceptor would be easier going for you the guzzi engine is very strong and tractor like low down Best wishes mark
Thank you mark for that wonderful review.... i do have a hunter since a month and i am thinki g to upgrade to Int650... how is town manoeuvring compare between too ? I am afraid i will loose some when swit hing if you may aevise about that ? Thanks
Very nice review! How’s the seat? I’ve had many bikes that always gave me a sore bum. Edit: 3 sec later and you give your thoughts on the seat, haha ignore my question!
Great review Mark. I bought one yesterday in Canyon Red. Initially wanted a new T100 Bonneville but just couldn't justify the price. Just one question Mark did you get one yourself and if so what colour did you go for? Again great review and ride safe Mark.
I'd like to have an Interceptor 650 and fix it up for some touring with a flyscreen, nylon side bags, luggage rack with a nylon touring bag, But I'm not used to running 4000 RPM and that concerns me. The bikes I've owned usually run about 3000 RPM at highway speeds. I wonder if there is a larger front spocket for the RE 650's. I think one more tooth on the front spocket would make me happy because it would lower the RPM at highway speeds. I have a very short inseam so I'd have to lower the suspension so I could feel more cofortable at a stop. With the twin shocks, that's an easy fix. With the front, I'd probably have to buy some risers for the bars and then slide the forks up throught the triple trees about an inch. But I think that would fix the height problem for me. Thanks for the video, your videos are always good.
Hi Mark. Just wondered what were your thoughts regarding classic 350 v interceptor. I have an Interceptor at the moment but considering swapping/downgrading power wise for the classic. A lot of my riding is back roads at 60ish. Little bit of motorway just to get out of the city and into Yorks Dales or Peak District. Thanks, Paul
If you could only have one bike and your choice was either a Benelli trk 502 or the Interceptor which would you choose bearing in mind that the bike would be used for pleasure riding only?
Hi I owned a trk 502 for 3000 miles ,very happy with it no problems....but between those two I'd get the interceptor because the engine is more relaxed and not as buzzy at the top end as the Benelli I'll get an interceptor one day Cheers mark
@@richardbolitho Hi that's from the RE website it's the owners manual it's a minor service that's all .... Checks and chain adjustment ,6000 miles is the oil and filter ,valve check etc Cheers mark
Hey Mark Thanks for another great review! But now you put me in trouble 🙂 because I had watched your review of the Kawa Z650RS and now I'm torn 🙂 Any advice on the comparison, especially for a tall guy in city traffic? 🙂 Greetings from Italy Luca
Hi they are both a similar size . I think the 650 rs has a taller seat ...they are both fine in city traffic..tough choice as they are both brilliant...I'd probably go royal Enfield myself because I love the feel of its engine. Best regards mark
