I think it’s a cracking bike. When I retired earlier this year and no longer needed a bike to commute into London, I sold my BMW F800 and bought a glitter and dust chrome Interceptor. It’s the first brand new bike I’ve ever owned. Surprisingly it draws more attention than my Jota ever did. The fact that it only makes 48HP is not an issue for me, you can give it a fistful without getting into trouble.
I ride a Hinckley Triumph Bonnie, its far too heavy for me now, I love bike to bits, parting with it will break my ♥, but times fast running out for me, I know she will be leaving me, but what for, they say the RE is too heavy, but how heavy, my present bike tips the scales at 225kg with lots of lighter parts fitted. I would be looking for lighter out of the box motorcycle.
I now live in Thailand I really enjoy these chats of proper British people. I am going to buy a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 in early 2022. Love the retro looks and the simplicity and lack of electronics. Plenty of horsepower for me and adequate to cruise at 60 mph (100 kph) all day. A 650cc +45 bhp is a very big bike in Thailand.
I live in the states and am 60+ years old. I bought an Interceptor over a year ago and it has become my primary source of transportation especially living in NYC. It really is a sturdy piece of machinery. I have not been easy on it and the bike has stood up quite well. Because of the price point, I have been able to customized it and make it my own. Alas, most parts have to be imported from your end of the world which makes customization a bit pricey. Still, it always puts a smile on my face.
I've got a 2020 Interceptor (INT 650 here in the US) and having ridden since 1973 I believe it is the best bike I've owned. Excellent engine, gearbox and that Harris frame is magic. They've used tapered roller bearings in the steering head. Incredibly easy to service. Parts are readily available from Hitchcock's and RE accessories are very reasonably priced. After a gentle running in and servicing by the book my black tank beauty cruises effortlessly at 80 mph. Averaging 62 mpg(US gal.). Iconic British twin looks. Great handling. Enjoyed your series and the comradery between your mates. Is that coffee or tea with your cake?
My unbiased opinion lol.. that was an accurate stand alone evaluation. Rather than compare it to a Speed Twin at 2x the price and power (as one reviewer did), judge it on it's own merits! LDG dispenses authentic British character.. classic bikes, 4 blokes and lemon drizzle cake. Tea or coffee? I would guess tea. Doesn't get more British than that. 😁
@@LemonDrizzleGang EXCUSE ME!! I had tea, as did Rich, but then you were obviously having a tough day grappling with the heater controls in the car, so probably needed a skinny latte?? 😁
I bought one (actually it was the GT), it was a demonstrator that had 1000km on the odometer. Too heavy and seat height too high for me. A lighter exhaust and a LiFePO4 battery reduced the weight a lot and 40mm shorter rear shocks reduced the saddle height enough for me (I'm only 5' 4" tall and 65kg). I did more but less significant weight reduction on many other parts of the bike. I love this bike.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 You could be right. I've kick started many bikes in the past on a daily basis but that was many decades ago (and the bigger ones had decompression levers which helped).
My biking day's are gone (for various reasons), but, the dreams live on, of the open road & simply the freedom. Obviously I wouldn't be watching classic bikes if I wasn't interested. It's refreshing to see gentlemen of similar age giving real world perspective as opposed to full on sales pitch. Cheers boys.
These Lemon Drizzle boys are almost young enough to be my sons lol..but you're right about dreams living on, open roads and freedom. My best advice, never quit dreaming. 😊
I recently got an Interceptor after 6 years on a '57 Triumph Trophy (and 5 before that on a Velo MAC). The maintenance was becoming a chore. The comparison with riding a classic bike is a good one, it's comparable, feels safer but is still a hoot to ride. gives pride of ownership. Fits me at 6' 5" with lowered pegs too.
When they brought these out, I considered getting one as a replacement for my 1978 T140V because I was having knee trouble at the time, but 2 factors persuaded me against it - the 500 Bullet I bought new in 1992 had terrible build quality, so I was glad to get rid of it after a year to buy the Triumph, and secondly, I didn't want to start paying for road tax again. Fortunately, physiotherapy sorted out the knee, so I kept the Triumph. Now I'm retired and have more time on my hands, I wanted a cheap second bike to use during the winter so ended up buying a 1980 Suzuki GS550. I don't think I'll be buying any more new bikes, retro or modern.
There are plenty of ways to eke out more performance on these models if that's your bag, and at that price point, extremely affordable. I love the simplicity and ease of being able to self service. Output of 48hp is fine; comparable to my old T140V, and that wasn't slow. As you say, there are few roads these days that aren't policed, so high speed bikes are not useful anymore as a daily ride.
A modern 650 has comparable performance to your 43 year old Triumph, which was old technology even then, when new (and I used to have a T140D so I know). Just about sums up how lame these bikes really are. I apreciate it's not all about speed, but I can't hep feel this is just a dumbing down of motorcyling, for the benefit of the mid-life crisis guys.
Thanks for the video guys, I like the informal conversation and comparisons with classic bikes. For me the Interceptor has given me an intro into classic biking without actually owning a classic bike. I’ve done some mods, new exhaust’s (Scorpion Red Power) which saved 6kg! I’ve replaced the air filter ( noticeable difference), changed the seat and put new leavers and mirrors on. That’s part of the appeal for me, that you can easily change the bits that you don’t like so much. Enjoy the cake! Cheers
Great video, that twenty minutes went quickly - loved the banter! I'm from Wallasey but emigrated to Canada with my parents in 1963 and think I would feel quite at home with you lot.
Thanks for your kind words - I moved to Aus in 1989 but kept in touch with these guys came back in 2013 and here we are now hanging out and eating drizzle cake. 👍
Enjoyed these two videos of the Interceptor that I stumbled across today when I should have been working! Now subscribed :) I'm a born again biker at 49 years old now! I'd not owned a motorbike since I was in my late teens until early 2019 when I bought a 1984 Suzuki GP100 that was almost identical to the one I had when I was 17. I have spent more time fixing it than riding it, but it is actually running really nice now finally. Even managed an epic (for the tiny two stroke) 81 mile round trip to the Dorset coast one day in late summer with a couple of friends on their small two strokes too (GP125 and a Yamaha RS200). I finally got round to taking my full bike test in July this year and seven days later I was riding a brand new Canyon Red Interceptor home from the dealers. I absolutely love it, for pretty much the reasons you mention in the video - it's a classic bike without the classic bike issues. And it also doesn't hold up lorries on A-roads like my little GP does with my weight on it (I swear I used to get 70 mph out of my original GP 100 back in 1989 when I was 17/18 - but I was probably at least three stone lighter back then!)! The Interceptor is more than quick enough for me, I don't need or want anything faster really at my age. It will more than likely be my first AND last big bike if I'm honest. I'm keeping the little 2-stroke as well though, so I can have the best of both worlds :)
Love your chatting, especially about such topics as the Interceptor…………you all come to life as the nuanced conversation takes a sudden turn, or a point of agreement. You are indeed such fine gentlemen!!!
Iv'e had my black one since July 2019 & I love it, it attracts attention every where I go, Iv'e got Peashooter silencers & they look & sound superb. Iv'e been riding bikes since 1974 & it's the best thing iv'e had by a long way. That includes an XS 650 Yam for 20 yrs, another fine bike.
great job guys. Thank you for the good insight on the RE 650. Very fun listening to your opinnions on the topic. Between the four of you, there is some genuine experiance. Not to mention, it makes me want to go out and get some lemon-drizzle cake...CHEERS!!
I must have been born in the wrong country, U.S.A. In the U.S. it's all about "bikers" and loud Harleys. I do not consider myself a "biker" I am more of a motorcyclist, like you blokes in the U.K. The people in the U.K. have a love for motorcycles that is found no where else in the world. You especially love the old Brit bikes. When I was young I couldn't afford a Brit bike but I have a love for them now, especially BSA's. Triumphs and Norton are fine, but I am drawn to BSA's. The one thing I think Royal Enfield missed on the Interceptor 650 is the 360 degree crank. There is no better sounding motorcycles than an old BSA twin with the 360 degree crank. The Royal Enfield sound is alright.... but it's not a BSA.
EE God's!! Listening to you guys is like watching "Last of the Summer Wine". Got mine because I was sick of stripping carbs at 10pm, in the rain at the side of the road. One of my better decisions. Great summation. I have one of the very first and like you say there are so many after market options for these. I have a completely different exhaust system and intake set-up. This gives the bike noticeably more punch. Love mine.
A really nice and friendly video. I loved your chat! Riding an old but reliable 1200 GS from 2010, I can imagine an RE as a second bike and later, replace my GS with IT (I am french... many automatic radars here too!... so what? Let's ride cool and enjoying the landscape. Thanks again for that good time ✌
Another pretty useful discussion , lighthearted and pleasantly humorous. Well done! don't know what's your age guys but can tell myself aged 44 have been tripping ard town and province roads nearby (Liguria-Italy) with a S2r Ducati (noisy bikers!) and it feels like mainly stressful, can't commute you smoothly, of course, needing aslo high synaptic attitude on faster roads either. So the Interceptor could be really the perfect choice for the everyday use. So final "middle age" plans are on a Triumph Caf and a quieter Royal Enfield. Would love to devour a couple of slices of l.d. cake, enjoy it! Again, very well done videos, keep forward!
Watching you "youngsters" talking about this bike makes me hungry for lemon drizzle cake. My local Kawasaki/Triumph dealer is soon going to be selling the Royal Enfield line and since I own a Triumph T120 (modern) I will be curious to see, and feel, what you all are so positive about. Thanks for an interesting video!
That was a lot of fun, guys! I felt like sitting on the corner, or in the diner chatting with my friends in Chicago, back in the early seventies, fifty years later. Thanks, a very full talk about an interesting bike.
Interesting chat. I was looking into the RE 650 but as it turned out the nearest dealer to me is 500 miles away. I decided on the modern T120 that I picked up in August and have put over 6,000 km on it since then. It is nice having a bike that brings back the early 70's for me when I was just getting into riding.
I bought one in 2019 (had to order it as they weren't in the showrooms yet, here in the US). I've made a few modifications to it right away. Replaced the cheap looking turn signals with genuine Lucas units, replaced the mufflers (silencers) with some Indian made (the brand eludes me at the moment) units that look a lot like the Norton pea shooters and sound great!, added a RE flyscreen, had some custom adapters machined so that some period correct looking Napoleon bar end mirrors bolted on (didn't like the RE offerings), changed out the air cleaner to the DNA unit with the less restrictive retainer and added a Booster Plug (helps to correct the overly lean running mandated by emissions) and everywhere I ride people comment on what a nice "restoration" I'd done only to see their surprised expression when I tell them it's a 2019! I've also added a few bits and pieces ordered from Hitchcock's.....awesome people to deal with! Might be ordering some Hagon shocks and front fork springs next. Love the bike.....could use a little more power, maybe an 865 bore kit😁 I'm retired and in my 60s now and wish I had a group of guys like you to hang out and ride with. Oh and I too, love lemon drizzle cake! Love the channel, be safe!
A truly outstanding channel. Love the concept of an informal chat about the bikes and the fun you guys are having. Keep it up please. Will any of you guys ever be in NZ ? NZ
Good video Interceptor Part 1 and 2. Hoping the new released BSA will go the same way in the future as Royal Enfield. The Old Brits are coming back in a new package and we love that in Belgium, believe me. The market for retro bikes is growing here. Ride Safe, Stay Safe !
Love your videos.......I'm 68 and still ride, so a definite connection.......but this video was far and away the best because we actually got to see the lemon drizzle cake :)
I think there is a big market for these bikes...they are capable bikes with more than enough power for UK roads...I down sized from a Suzuki RF900 to a 06 Triumph Speedmaster in August 2020 , my change in riding style has been a life changer.
I saw that vid on the engine-strip-down wear-comparisons, RE came first, Kwaka 'W' a close second and Triumph was a long-way back in 3rd-place . They sell here in NZ (RE650's) for as little as 7.5k NZD !...with low-k's ! Plus many are still under warranty (transferable here) . If I ever sell my W650, it would only be to buy an RE . Confidence and the accompanying ergonomics are hugely significant-factors to me, as an older rider . If everything 'Gels' on a bike , the riding-experience is so-much more , as you guys say , it only needs more open exhausts plus a few custom-bits, to make it an incredible bike . Dave NZ
i had a test ride at a and d before i emmigrated to the philipines and loved it when i got to the philipines i bought a silver and dust interceptor and it has been great love it to bits even on philipino roads
Really enjoyed the mini series. If i was starting out i would get one, not now as i have a 2014 Triumph T100. I thought the test mentioned in the upload was the first oil drop on new bikes and the Enfield had the fewest metal particles in the oil, can't remember where i saw it
That may have been one of Fortnine's videos? Very interesting, and somewhat surprising if I'm honest. And pleasing too given that I bought an Interceptor in July!
I had a 2009 Triumph Bonnie SE for five years, loved it. Then test rode the first Street Twin, low rev's were all huffy - puffy with it's 270 degree firing order and dropped approx.13 bhp. Have ridden RE Interceptor and was really impressed ! Worth every pound and how did they create such a beautiful gearbox on first attempt ?
I’m sorely tempted to the chrome tank one…please don’t tell my wife! I wouldn’t miss the grunt if my 21 yr old Mille R (that will never be sold) but the Interceptor seems a perfect back lane basher. I can see it as an ideal tool to go exploring the Welsh hills or Exmoor on and in more comfort than my Mille. The GSA (sold for the Mille) may be more competent than either but with the Interceptor it becomes as much about the journey and enjoying it I would imagine.
They seem very good value, but fit and finish is a bit off and there are quite a few pasticy/tin parts that sort of spoil the whole aesthetic. For a bit more money the Triumph twins are much better finished and that was the decider for me, plus a bit more power in reserve for those times you need that bit of extra omph.
Thanks Guy's - great review! I have a 2021 T100 (which I love) but there's no denying that for 2/3 the price of the Bonnie, the Interceptor is a genuine alternative. It's such good value! I've not ridden one to be fair - it was considered but as I ride with pillion for 90% of the time we needed the extra oomph of the Triumph. The RE 650 is bound to be compared with the Street Twin and Bonneville - but for anyone in the market for a modern classic I'd start with a test ride on the Interceptor first before making a decision. It might just be all the bike you need! Oh, and I believe the Interceptor IS the number one selling bike across the UK - it's actually toppled the GS from top spot now! That drizzle you had to endure for our delight - was it lemon drizzle?
I've ridden with a pillion on classic 500 and that was fine. Why wouldn't 650 be OK with pillion? It can hit 180kmph and has plenty of power and torque for city and highway.
I was thinking of retiring my Firestorm and buying a TRIUMPH T120 in spring 2022,but that Interceptor looks tempting,pity about the 48 hp output,but they look to be fairly easy to tune and that 650 motor could certainly take it.(There are still some great roads up here in Aberdeenshire that are constabulary free,don't know for how much longer.)
there is a channel Wildlife moto where a guy covers the tuning mods - there is a company that does a 860 conversion that adds 20bhp and a ton of torque
Its a perfect bike for beginer, Mid level a full seaoned riders. The RE int does the true TON UP. So thats plenty of power to get you in and out of trouble on a public road and have fun. Plenty of parts avaliable on ebay etc. I have 3 other much bigger bikes but this is my go to and i consider myself a resonablly seasoned rider. Without blowing my own trumpet too much. Its a perfect commuter, Daily rider and club bike but it would take a dedicated rider to go long distance ie 8hr plus ride on this. I think 3-4hrs and you will start feeling it can be done of course with a good lunch break etc. The fuel tank will remind you when to stop and rest anyway. Just don't be in a hurry and enjoy the journey as you should anyway. Yes the pressed gear and brake leavers would have been nice cast, To keep the classic look. If sitting for a few weeks or more my rear brake can fail if i don't check it and bleed it. Thats dangerous and i can't pick whats causing it?. A few oweners have already put videos 7p here about the same issue. No one knows why?. No leaks etc or signs of anything unusual. .
Hi guys Richie here from A&D Thank you so much living this 🥰 If you’d passing in the future let me know I’ll get my partner to make you the best lemon drizzle you have ever had I’m that confident 👍
You are an honorary member of the Lemon Drizzle Gang now so its Drizzle Cake on you We come to AnD all the time on our rides Thanks for being in the video 👍
I am 60yo, and I think I absolutely would buy a new chrome tank Interceptor if I did not already own my 67 Lightning(and a 69 Trident). As such if I bought a new bike my old ones probably would not get ridden. But I am heading over to the R/E website right away!
May I throw a rock in your pond? If you lot compared a used Bonneville T120 (2016-19) with a new RE Interceptor, which would you consider to be the better bike?
Hi Guys, I had the idea of moving to France post covid, buying a B an B for European bike tours, would the Enfield be a good bike for that sort of use please. I feel from what you have said it would be, but any comments would be gratefully received, many thanks.
Great content as always guys.I'm tempted to downsize to an Interceptor.Would you buy a 2 year old Interceptor or a 10 year old low mileage Bonnie? Thanks
Great bike but I agree they haven't got the punchy feel of a Commando or my 1960 BSA A10. A Triumph Bonneville 900 would be the modern retro of my choice.
The bike you were riding sounded like a competent commuter and looked like one to boot, did not like it, sort of reminded me of the seventies cd 175, not a pretty bike.then you showed us the pic of another bike in red and black much much better. I am now retired why would I want a clock or fuel gauge, don't need to be anywhere at any fixed time, rather have analogue.Sounded better than a honda no cam chain rattle, just a little more bark would be nice. Think I will take a look see if I can find one more to my liking. Dogphlap seems to have had some good ideas, lets hope Enfield are paying attention.
The only reason I would recommend someone to buy this motorcycle is if they need something that is Expendable so they don't risk one of their good bikes getting destroyed.
It's good that oldies like modern bikes. It's a good value bike, I,ve heard the servicing costs over 3 years cuts into the overall cost savings against other makes.
Servicing is very simple. The 3000 mile checks is not a service but some unscrupulous dealers are saying it is. Good dealers are charging about £180 for the services every 6000 miles. They are so simple to service that after the first one I do all my own.
@@2WHEELSor2WINGS Is there not a valve clearancecheck every 3000 miles. I know a couple of former interceptor owners who have let their bikes go because of expensive servicing costs. Not everyone has the necessary skills or confidence to service their bikes.
@@guysmith3146 . No valves or oil at every 3000. At 3000 miles intervals it is just a check around and lubricate things like foot pegs pivots and checking thing's like cables and hoses. Service with tappets, oil and filter every 6000 miles. This is very clearly stated in the owners handbook, page 116. (+300 mile first service)
@@guysmith3146 . This is a big problem caused by a few crocked dealers. Everything is so so clear if only people read their owners handbooks (comes with the bike). It has a full and extensive maintenance and service section.
I got the red and black one. As RE calls it, Ravishing Red, is unfortunately a discontinued colour. IMHO, the Ravishing Red and the Baker Express colour are the best colours Interceptor had. I like the solid red and the blue one from the video out of the new ones however.
I was in Tilstons motorcycles in Stockton today and had a good look at the Royal Enfields. They certainly look good and are on sale at a very good price. Worth a test ride?
@@2752us I took my Himalayan in for warranty work a year ago. I wasn't looking for another but decided to try out an Interceptor. I was blown away by the handling, the sound and it's huge smile factor. I left with an Interceptor.. the Himmi is well suited for exploring rougher terrain and the the Interceptor does all the rest without going crazy $.. they actually compliment one another.
People seem to be drawn to the Enfield to ask about it. It's a rare machine in the PNW . I've tried to make it as 70s as possible with a Marchel light , Avon tyres , exhausts, and real Clip-ons, to give it that feel of a machine I would have been proud of to ride to Box Hill in the 70s.🗻🗻🌋🌋🌋🏔️🏔️🏍️🏍️
As far as reliability is concerned, mine is now 2 1/2 years old & just clicked over the 10k mile mark. One puncture has been the only negative in that time. Love the bike, love riding it.
I own the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and the number of comments I get about it are amazing. If I stop a petrol station you can be guaranteed someone in their sixties or seventies will come up and ask how long did it take to restore. I can zing along quite happily at 140kph and be perfectly comfortable. I sold a Suzuki GSXR 1000K8 to buy it and I'm 64. I've done just on 5,000klms and I'm perfectly happy with it.
Its a nice enough bike, but I yhink the engine is a bit too modern sounding, a bit like the recent Triumph twins. Tried a V7 and still didn't feel the love. Eventually I went back to an R1100. Its about authentic as you get IMO
Retro bikes are making a real comeback which is wonderful. I love motorcycles which look like a motorcycle and not some alien ufo transformers thing. Looking forward to the new BSA.
Didnt learn anything there that I didnt already know, you skimmed over its weight, but no figures given, at my age and knackered knees, I learnt nothing, all I got was 4 blokes chatting about other bikes that we didnt actually see and lemon drizzle cake.
Andy let me apologise most profusely and point you at our channel where you can see all the bikes mentioned in glorious technicolour But no lemon drizzle cake
Z900 is a beautiful looking bike, but it’s quite a bit more expensive than the Interceptor. Price was the major reason I got the Interceptor rather than the z900. After a test ride on the Interceptor, I was sold. Order placed there & then. Didn’t get around to testing the z900, but I still like em.
