** NOTE RE SERVICING: Please don't pay too much attention to the servicing costs I presented here - from the comments I've been receiving from some of the RE Forum members it's more realistic to say the bike needs a service every 6000 miles with an "inspect and clean" type service every 3000 - this would bring those servicing costs I quoted down considerably. Also I should have noted that the bike comes with a 3 year warranty which is pretty cool.....as you were....
Good review of a bike I like ( cant have them all though ) I should think most owners of this style of bike would do their own servicing once out of the fantastic 3 year warranty., First thing I would do is lose the plastic extension on the rear mudguard.
Thanks for the revised servicing information. I was more than a bit shocked when you stated that it costs more than a BMW to maintain. In my experience a high percentage of Royal Enfield owners perform their own general servicing.which keeps the costs way down. You might check with the lads over in Watford to clarify the terms of the three year warrantee Over here in The States, my Classic 500 came with a two year unlimited mileage warranty. The first year covered parts and labor and the second year covered parts only. Still a good deal as far as I was concerned and went a long way in my decision to purchase. Top shelf long term review. Very honest and objective, although I knew you wouldn't fancy the mirrors. Your and Stuart Fillingham's reviews have tempted to possibly add one to my stable. We'll done. Cheers.
@@bhiyaram1111 Pardon? It's a simple fact, same in SE ASIA a motorbike with a quiet horn is a danger to other road users as they don't know where you are. In Vietnam the horn is used almost like a sonar, as you come up behind other riders you give a quick double tap on the horn so they know they about to be passed and to hold a steady line.
@@bhiyaram1111 dude you don't know how we actually ride in asean,we're very hurry in alot of cases and we need a good horn like this to alert,yes to ALERT the people in front that we're about to take over or passing,double tap mean passing,take over,single tap mean i'm behind you so watch out,i remember one of my friends actually modified the horn into a truck horn so it's easier for alerting people from far away so that the people will think there's a truck coming and move because in asean,alot of peoples usually doesn't look in the mirror to check behind them and that's a FACT,even us asian have to admitted that "wow,we ride like shite"
A lesson to some other manufacturers in how to build a stylish, reliable, uncomplicated bike with excellent value. Like it. Happy travels. Good review, pour yourself a cold one.
Hi, no I’m not a paid RE reviewer. I’ve ridden these wonderful bikes for 1000’s & 1000’s of miles through all types of conditions. 100% reliable. Full of character & fun. Simple machines that do the job they’re designed to do, time & time again.
@@jeffdean7666 Yes a question I would like answered too. Even 2nd hand I have seen recently has rust spots all over the chrome. Either its terrible metal they use or the owners mistreat the bike
I’ve watched a lot of motorcycle reviews of all types of bikes, but you by far the most thorough and best reviewer I have seen . Thanks and keep up the good work.
The initial service here in the US for me was only $175 for my Himalayan and one nice thing is you don't have to have it serviced at a RE shop and can even do it yourself. They expect you to keep the receipts of your oil, filters etc, but you can do it yourself or use a local mechanic. I'm still thinking of adding one of these to my stable. I really like my Himalayan, but think a bike like this would be more fun when riding 2up with the wife and for just cruising.
Scott you said you ride with your wife, how is the ride comfort for pillion rider..... ? Could the pillion hold on up to 150mil/150kms without getting tired!!
@@somannacs We haven't gone that far yet, but she doesn't have any complaints on the 20-30 mile jaunts we've done. There is a strap on seat cushion style called a saddleman's gel seat and I've been looking at getting one for me and the pillion seat. The primary seat for a guy my size is a little old after a 60 mile round trip, so I'm looking for me first. lol
If you are a competent fiddler this would be a very cheap bike to run, no valve shims just screw and lock nut adjustment. Definitely designed for the home mechanic.
...I tend to agree - as an enthusiast I can think of few things more enjoyable than a Sunday blast in the countryside on a simple bike like the RE and then home for a polish and tinker in the shed....
@@cloggsy1971 Yeah I agree about Himalayan, it's very close to what I'm looking for, just nor sure about it's motorway performance. Not that I want to go fast, just need a bike that's capable of cruising up to 70 mph. I've heard the Himalayan is not that happy at 70 mph, am I wrong?
@@Chris-kh2fm The Himalayan is not a fast bike,,the engine is a long stroke,so its not advisable to rev much above 5000rpm which in top is about 60/65 mph..On mine I cruise at 60mph all day long...But its a good bike to thrash cos to do so means "your not going too fast"...
I’ve ridden Royal Enfields on numerous occasions whilst touring in India and nearby countries. They have always been 100% reliable and even after 100,000+ miles they perform day after day after day with no issues. TMF, thank you for a very balanced and well thought out review of what appears to be a great bike.
Are you a RE paid reviewer? The world knows that RE makes least reliable vehicles and the internet is flooded with negatives than positives. DON'T misguide people. The engines are vibey, the service centres are pathetic, no modern console but still gives wrong fuel reading... Interceptor is the only bike whose engine is better than rest of the bikes but still not up to the mark..
@@weride1369 What I meant was that, except for the twins, the other models of RE are not reliable at all and the interceptor's engine, though not upto the mark, is crazy value for money
You freaked me out filling the bike up. Here in the States, the green nozzle is always diesel. I nearly shouted at my TV when you grabbed the green pump.
Went and brought one. I pick it up in 3 days, cannot wait. Wanted the orange crush but the delay was at least 8 weeks so ended up with a black one. Looks mint though. Looked at the T100 but could not justify the $4000 more for the T100. Really enjoyed the reviews on here and cant wait to get on it! Running in hints?
What bikes should be about. As a young man I would have loved this, every thing you need nothing you don't. Cheap simple well made reliable? As long as you have a bit of ability to fiddle and service your own bike, which as a young chap I had too as money was scarce, this is perfect should be more bikes like this, simple and fun transport. 👍
Scott Mitchell , no one but RE can fix proprietary check engine light, My Himilayan 2019 stalls dies and leaves me stranded at 123 miles new . My 45 years twisting wrenches is useless against a hidden secret code. I have to bring it back to Enfield 250 miles away..... so yeah the turd never would’ve made it home day 1.
@@jimdunne3696 well that's a big problem, my Ducati 1100 Scrambler has a change oil light that came on at 600klm (first service) and I have my motorcycle mechanic that I use and he can see fault codes but can't reset the dash as he hasn't got the Ducati computer. So I'm up to service but have to keep looking at a change oil light till someone comes up with a hack! It does work though, I heard of a chap with a Range Rover that did the same thing, he ignored the 10k service warning then one morning it refused to start. It turned out that to be the same thing had to get a Rover mechanic out to fix it! It's just a con to get you to have them serviced by the agent, shouldn't be allowed or they should state this when you bye the stuff! 😠
I really didn’t think I could get away with having more than one bike in he garage at one time and when I say get away with.. I mean allowed by the management at home.. Given the cost and how cool this is, I’m at least going to build up the courage to broach the subject.. Wish me luck!. 🤞
Good luck Chris - my approach is to beg forgiveness rather than seek permission - usually a more favorable long term outcome (although short term things can get messy)....
Mr Flyer is right , buy it then ask for forgiveness and promise the earth, she won't believe you but she'll appreciate your pretence, If you ask first you are giving her the opportunity to say no and then you're in the wrong if you buy it, ask again or even think about it.
As others have said, if you are handy enough with a toolkit then this is ripe for home maintenance. Now if that engine was in the Himalayan that would be perfect.
Royal Enfield always make bikes which are very easy on customers. Very rigid and easy to maintain. As simple as possible at the same time elegant. Also spare parts are dirt cheap and easily available.
Been a car and engine enthusiast all my life, just recently becoming interested in motorcycles, saw a review of this and the Continental GT in Autoweek. But really, have to say this review was very thorough and well edited, just the right amount of the right information, presented in a straightforward manner. Well done and thanks!
I love the look of that bike, don’t know if I wouldn’t have it as my only bike but as a second cheeky sunny weekend fun bike with the odd commute I’d find space for it, and being handy with the spanners those servicing costs wouldn’t be an issue for me. Blimey I’ve talked myself into it! 😂
Dear Mr flyer, You are excellent & your fans are legion, also here on the property of Emperor Donnie (USA). Funny how 1 slip & quick correction are misread over & over & over. We see what we fear and/or want, I guess, regardless truth. Can you grant me asylum in Missenden? Please?
I have just put a deposit on one today ,l had a test ride at the Bike Den in Watford,, great fun plenty of power had it up to about 70 mph,, only thing l might do is fit some bar risers,,
I absolutely LOVED this bike. I wish ppl knew how great is to just ride a bike, just enjoy the road, without traveling @ crazy speeds, moving easily around town, going to work without stressing about the parking place and so on. Excellent review, as always.
Thanks for the review - useful as always. Aside from the servicing costs, this is a great bike that makes some of the other modern-retro bikes look damn expensive.
It's a beautiful retro bike. Not the most practical bike for north-west european climate but If you don't mind that (I do). Nice for commuting; it's small and light. Therefor good beginners bike.
Excellent review of what appears to be a great bike. I've been watching the RE brand for a few years and waiting for a bike like this. The designers got it right. No frills or fluff but just a classic look and enough power to tour at a brisk pace. This is a bike I can see owning very soon. Thanks for a great review.
As enthused as I am about this bike, I do wonder what Suzuki think when people go crazy for the low price and apparently high sales numbers already when they have an arguably more competent and certainly more powerful SV650 which is priced pretty much the same.
@@TheMissendenFlyer Yes quite different bikes indeed - you'd almost think there was nothing comparable at that price point the way it's been received though. Great for the industry nonetheless. Poor old Suzuki. 😔
Cost of servicing certainly seems to vary quite substantially depending on where you are in the UK. I'll not share what it cost a mate to get the first service on his but it was a lot less.
I watched one of your videos on the Interceptor by chance and since then have binged a few of them. I own the Classic 500, been riding it every day for the past 9 years now and have loved it. I have never really felt the need for another bike until seeing your videos. The Interceptor looks like such an incredible bike for the price. Thanks for the videos!
I love this new format you are using. As I am going to test this bike in the next week or so, this video is extremely helpful. Like with most bikes, my being 6'3" and 240 pounds makes almost any of them look tiny. Hopefully, it is seen to be manageable when I test it!
Max Flight how can depreciation be a major factor, it's half the price of a comparable bike . You would have to have 50% yearly depreciation for the first 3 years for it to even compare. You can see on the sales sites like MCN that in the first year they are dropping by less than 15% , if you buy a Triumph at 9,000 you have paid more than 3,000 more, your depreciation in the first year will be around £1,200 (13.3%) to 2,000 (21.8%) , depending on how you've treated it and mileage, so it's impossible for depreciation to be a factor in such a low priced , good value bike.
In the late sixties ( pre CB 750 days ),I was wanting to buy the Royal Enfield 750 c.c. TT Interceptor. Wasn't able to do so. What I like about the 650 c.c Interceptor is it reminds me of the 650 cc. Triumphs. Here's a video of an old tech Triumph: RU-vid video: Ricky Roper aboard 1965 500cc Triumph Metisse
I'm 5'8" but with only a 29 inseam. This bike is going to be a problem for me. I'm thinking of getting elevator riding boots. That'll get me another 2 1/2". I at least need to be able to ball foot it at stoplights. I know people say otherwise, but they are dreamers. The bike is going to fall over eventually and little children are going to be laughing at you.
Great review as always TMF! Of course sadly the thing everyone really wants to know with RE is reliability, which of course you can’t cover in such a review. For me though it’s that servicing. Valve clearances every 5000km’s? For me that speaks for itself regarding just how far forward they’ve actually moved. To be clear that’s every 3000 miles? Deal breaker for me personally as I’m still waiting on an RE I can spend more time riding than working on. I like their style, but I can only assume if I’m doing valves twice a year, it’s gonna need a wrenching every weekend? Cool bike, but seems it’s still for people who like to work on their bikes on a Saturday and ride them on a Sunday
Valves are inspect and adjust every 6000 miles. There's a minor inspect and lubricate the various pivots service every other 3000 miles. The owners manuals are available on the various Facebook groups as are links to the full factory service manuals all 720 pages of it :)
Lovely looking bike, as I'm a man of a certain age. Yes the fuel cap looks nice, but surely the fact that it's not hinged, will be annoying. I can hear 3 sounds, boing!! as it slips from your wet gloves onto the tank, clatter as it falls off the, not so flat fuel pump top and boll*@#, after each of those events. Nice review
I have a hand=full of cash to buy a R.E. 650 INTERCEPTOR and cannot find a dealer to sit on or look at one. Is there a ''motorcycle cartel'' purposely keeping us here in the USA from accessing this nice machine ?
Hi guys I love the new Royal Enfield Interceptor I am hoping to get one soon and when I do I will be servicing it my self. Despite what the dealers lead you to believe servicing your bike or car does not affect your warranty. As long as you use genuine parts and the correct oil and make a Record of all the work done date and mileage your ok. I am a petrol head and love working on my own Machines I know it’s done right and I save money 🏍👍
I'm definitely not watchting this video for the fifth time today... definitely not because I'm getting my Interceptor 650 in 2 days.... Btw has time travel been invented to cut forward to 2 days?
I must be getting old 55 now bought a new triumph trident 660 three months ago and it just wants to rip lovely bike though should have taken your advice when I asked what bike to get oh picking up a orange crush on Wednesday can't wait thanks for the advice
Excellent review , Mate. Well one, and this silly thing does appeal to me. My last bike while I was stationed in GB was a 72 Bonnie 650. This seems much like a flashback to my past.
I got an Himalayan in January. Done 1400 miles now and has quickly became one of my favourite bikes. About to ride it around the UK. RE have recently upped their game. Most of their new bikes are being designed in the UK. Would love to see you do a long term review on the Himalayan. :) Best bike channel, thanks TMF :) P.S I may also get the GT as a second bike, I like the look.
A very fair appraisal I thought and pleased that I read your note revising the servicing costs before I commented on that! Great value bike all round and if I wasn't so in love with my T120 I would definitely be getting a test ride on one.
That would be my preferred color combo as well. Classic. A cross between a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am and a John Player Special racecar. The blue with white stripes are a close second choice.
Ah Mr Flyer, is it not surprising the amount of response a ( I suppose) budget bike stirs !!? That tinker in your shed, tell him to empty his pockets and send him on his way!
3000 miles on fully synthetic? Nonsense from RE! Somebody at Enfield has effed up on this one! Sort yourselves out! Not only does it look like a 60’s British bike.....it’s engineered like one (and that isn’t a compliment).
Ojas Tushar yep, your right about the 10,000km, which is still short of the 10,000 miles I get from the Audi TT on fully synthetic. So for a new low powered bike I still say it’s rubbish!
I really enjoy your videos and this a great addition to your earlier first impression review of the Interceptor. I bought an Interceptor back in March and it is exactly as you’ve described - a real pleasure to own and ride.
There is a trust issue when it comes to quality of materials with Indian Enfields, you pointed out an issue with the 'finish' on the RHS engine cover, the problem isn't the finish, it's the quality of the alloy. I can see other places on the bike where the alloy is starting to go white and furry and it's only a 6 month old bike, what will it be like after a couple of years daily use ? Also the standard of the electrics can be hit and miss, connectors are prone to corrosion, this can cause major issues and lead to big repair bills. You pointed out that the suspension shows it would need to be replaced unless you were just pottering around for a couple of hours once a week, that would be a serious amount of money to spend on a budget bike, just to bring it up to standard. You also mention that it might make a fairly good basis for a 'custom' type bike but to be honest there are much more practical bikes to choose from on the used market that are cheaper, the only reason someone might start with an Indian Enfield is that it has a British sounding name. I know there are people who view everything by RE with rose tinted glasses but compared to modern machines made by other manufacturers, they really don't meet the standards.
Modern bikes are too expensive to maintain.The service cost is too damn high when this bike comes with a good warranty. I personally own a royal Enfield Himalayan and just love it.
@@VMKAROUND365 The quality of Indian materials is very low compared to British quality, they may keep going in India where the climate is kinder to materials and parts are plentiful and cheap but the English climate is harsh on poor quality materials. We have 50 and 60 year old British made bikes that look like new but they have been heavily renovated at great cost to the owners. Only pure enthusiasts with deep pockets try to keep these old bikes running and they usually end up as very expensive show pieces because they require such a lot of maintenance.
@Ian Clarke. I am assuming that you're just making up things when you say, Endfields are not customisable and what sort of a bollock is the alloy thing. You just completely toasted the two strongest points of the Royal Endfields. The chassis of all royal Endfields are simple, sturdy and old school and perhaps one of the most easily customisable bike that I know. Secondly, the quality of steel and aluminium alloy in Britain doesn't even comes close to those from India. However, RE bikes before the new interceptor were prone to problems which I think can be attributed to the mismatch parts/components and the lack of bike building basics of the Indians in general when it comes to anything beyond the 200 cc capacity. But what I am certain is that time is overdue for RE for drastic improvement considering that it's the fastest growing bike manufacturer in the world for quite sometime now.
Love the review as I’m thinking of picking one up... plane to do all the servicing my self... Would rather get a new T120 but just a bit pricey for a working man with kids and other vehicles to run. This bike may just fit the bill. Thanks.
Update: so I did buy a red/black RE Int650... This bike is so fun to ride, Ive done several upgrades using tecbike parts and Motone stuff. Just be advised dealers know next to nothing about them. Go get one and enjoy it.
I finally got a first time look at a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 in person. It was larger than I had imagined it would be, and when I got on it, it was much taller than I had perceived it to be. I set my feet on the pegs and it felt like a comfortable riding position for my size and build. It is definitely a contender!
Enjoyable video, very complete review. I found the same as you , smooth gearbox, easy to find neutral, nice ride, vibration free motor. In the US at the fuel station the green pump is Diesel, I panicked for a second when I watched you refuel...
I dare not! It would only leave me open to finger waving and much " but you said"!! ................... Oh all right, but I'm not saying where,£140. Actually the same as the cost of the first service on my run about Himalayan.
I got to demo one of these today. The smoothest powertrain I've riding, 6 tall gears, incredible power without the bike walking away without the rider. I could go on and on. My only complaints are personal comfort and fit stuff that you'll have with any bike. I've been looking a scrambler/tracker project. Never expected to find a new bike with this quality and price point. Wow!! just wow!!
