Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 -V- Continental GT 650. Date night with the Enfield Sisters! 

I wanted the Interceptor, had my heart set on it, it ticked all the boxes for me, looks, simplicity, riding position etc. I test rode a demo bike at my local dealer and being short at 5’6” I found the foot pegs were awkwardly positioned when stopped. Really disappointed, so I gave the Continental a go. The demo had loud pipes, the foot pegs allowed me to comfortably put my shins behind them and the seat was lower and I was sold, I came back with a grin from ear to ear. Today I bought some (don’t laugh) Doc Martin Jadon boots with a thick 2.5 inch sole which lets me flat foot when stopped. I’m 61, and I found the retro motorbike of my dreams, every ride is an adventure, I don’t need speed, I love jaunting around the country roads at 40mph smelling the smells and seeing the sights, the colours on a warm sunny day, they all make living a buzz, and I feel 20 years younger.

When I did my test ride at the dealership the day I bought my CGT 650, I rode both to decide. We did a relatively short loop at 50mph or less. The interceptor was decidedly more comfortable. But I was too enthralled by the aesthetic of the CGT and bought it instead. The majority of my riding is a 15 mile one way commute to work and it’s a dream. I’m glad I went with it.

I recently took my ravishing red Interceptor out for day trip. Outstanding machine. Was surprised at 70 mh..to pass.. just twist the throttle.. no need to drop a gear. Brakes well... handles well. But it is.. deceiving ..... I was rip'n the back roads of SW Wisconsin....the same roads I've been riding for years... and I noticed the scenery was flashing by... I checked the speed O meter and... was surprised at just how fast I was going ! The Interceptor doesn't give " feed back " like my Xs650 and Brit twin.. no vibrations.. no engine noise....the Interceptor... smooth... quiet. So... slightly over 600 miles was added ... 10/10... Five thumb's up... I'm preaching to the faithful here but I tell everyone... usually gas stations .... this is a great motorcycle.

If I owned a garage, I’d own both. But I park my interceptor on the street in NYC. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the twin sisters and inspiring me to buy a Royal almost two months ago.

Excellent comparison. I bought an interceptor first assuming like many that it was more comfortable. A short test ride wasn't long enough to make any true comparison at the time but I knew I no longer wanted anything with sporting pretences. I have now covered more than 3000 miles on both machines and I changed to the gt. I have since fitted fork extenders and moved the bars above the top yoke on my continental GT. I feel this is the sweet spot for me (6ft 95kg average proportions) and find the bike is better for longer distance rides than the interceptor, it is also almost as comfortable everywhere else. I am not as flexible as I was in my youth but I now believe that many who own interceptors who really wanted to buy a gt in the first instance would find it just as comfortable with some minor adjustments. I would have to agree with the comments in the video regarding the dynamics of the bike. I also can't really understand why it seems to ride much better, but there is a definite and noticeable difference. Before owning the gt 650 I would have recommended the interceptor for comfort but y opinion has now changed.

At last! someone who gets the continental! I've been waiting over a year for this video. I put grip puppies on my handgrips, it goes a long way towards taking the pressure off your hands. great video spot on. the best I've seen so far!

Also being "A biker of a certain age" I'm in agreement with you on not needing a large displacement motorcycle. I had a Harley rider try to tell me that I wouldn't be happy with a Bonneville. That it wouldn't be fast enough. I love my Triumph, It's more that fast enough to get me into trouble. Great video as always Sir, I see a Continental GT in my future.

Thanks for this introduction to the Continental GT, I have long awaited it. No real surprises but personally I think a little 1970s style nose fairing fitted as standard would improve the Conti's look and make it nicer to ride. I have no regrets with my Interceptor, 3,150 miles since 1st April including a full camping load up and a bit of pillion carrying. No problems at all, I did not even bother to put 39Lb in the rear tyre or more preload on the back shocks. This lovely little bike took it in her stride and I noticed little difference in handling. Your videos helped me to decide to fork out for an Interceptor and I am grateful for that. Keep up the good work!

I'm sure many know the original Continental GT was a 250cc single cylinder..very aggressive for its time..It was Enfield 'dipping their toe' into the Cafe racer..( bloke in Shed, roll ups and a box of swans) market, it was pretty fast for its time, it also had a more extreme riders position than the new modern incarnation..Enfield like Triumph are using the original names of some of their best known models and applied them to a modern up to date variation...I suspect most Enfield's are bought by older riders whose body's are less supple than they once were...speaking from experience...tucking oneself into a 1960s Cafe Racer stance are long since passed..Go with what you like is what I say and enjoy the ride... be a Free Spirit ...again... Greeting from España

I was in love with the GT ever since the 535 came out, but couldn't own one at the time. When the twins came out I was a little confused but still leaning towards the GT. When I finally test rode the 2 recently the Int was definitely more comfortable to ride but it was the GT that I felt one with while riding. So booked it the next week and I will have it soon. Watching this comparison makes me feel better about my choice.

Totally missed the opportunity to call it the Incontinental

I've fallen in love with the Continental, hopefully will be picking one up later this year, its just such a lovely looking little machine. Thanks for the review, really good to hear the differences!

Love my 650.GT . what I found that helps with comfort regarding the bars was to rotate the clutch and brake lever housing in order to align the levers with my forearms so that my wrist is straight when I’m riding. It’s made it much easier to locate the indicator and horn switch with my thumb as well.

Loved the story of the twin sisters 👭🏻. People who has not ridden both has no idea about how different the two bikes are. Like you said, having the same engine and chassis does not make the same bike it’s the purpose, behaviour and character overall that sets both bikes and sisters apart.😊😊😊

Great comparison with all the information needed to help someone begin to choose between the two sisters. So valuable that it comes from someone with real ownership experience of both bikes as opposed to a journalist who gets to switch between them on a press junket. I am truly envious because I have admired these bikes since they were launched but they are not available where I live, unless I import one privately - which would be a bureaucratic nightmare as well as ridiculously expensive. Regarding the riding position on the Continental GT, I agree with your comments about the weight on your hands - I have an old Yamaha SRX which requires a similar riding posture with its low clip-ons and I get sore hands after a couple of hours of riding - no issues with the stomach muscles though. Just a point on notifications - I subscribe to several RU-vid channels and have notifications set on for all of them (including yours). I used to get Gmail notifications for all of them. At some point about two years ago (I think) the notifications started becoming unreliable. Since December 2020 I have had a RU-vid app on my phone and I get the occasional notification from that, but not for every video. I can't see a pattern there - I sometimes don't get notifications for your videos but I did get one for this one.

Morning All, Stop Bickering folks! 😀 Our Indian Tropical Sub Continent Friends slipped up Naming these beauties! ... That's all! JUST GET ON YOUR BIKES AND RIDE! SUMMER'S HERE!🏁🇬🇧.... Oh yea nearly forgot, Thinking of you all over there during these Trying Times.

I've owned my continental for 3 yrs now fell in love with it on test ride and am still in love with it .Just the right amount of power for me handles well and is comfortable on long journeys only gripe is the relatively small tank range (125mls) but that goes with the style find front suspension a little soft might add some preload adjusters just to stiffen it up.Overall a great bike your joint test is spot on great review

Uncle stu is back with another relaxing video. 😊😊

On my Glitter and dust Interceptor I installed the GT touring seat with black cowl and LOVE it! Looks great and sits almost an inch lower than the original but most of all is much more comfortable. I also have the up and over risers for the handlebars and to me that is the perfect setup for the Interceptor.

Who the, I mean on earth would give your content a thumbs down? Grow up people ... Excellent as usual.

Bought my first bike, the Himalayan, a couple of months back and just took an Interceptor on a test ride and now I think I need one of those as well... 😉🍻

Very nice analysis! Both bikes look great...and I was torn having to choose between them...until I examined the shifter mechanisms (or lack thereof) and this is what made the choice to go with the Interceptor. I LOVE GP shift pattern and have it on my other bike so the Interceptor CAN be altered whereas the GT cannot. To switch the pattern I bought a replacement gear lever, sliced off the tab where the adjustment rod attaches and welded it on the underside. Presto-chango we have GP shift! The geometry wasn't quite right and allowed the shifter to go 'over-center' which required raising the lever tip a couple inches by cutting a V notch at the root, bending then welding it back together and now it's excellent. Aftermarket vendors looking for another product could easily make a replacement lever that switches the pattern and I'm sure they'd sell more than a few as those of us who prefer GP to the standard pattern are out there. I DO love the bikes and otherwise both 'sisters' are knockouts in my eyes.

Fit a Continental tank to an Interceptor and you'll get a Conticeptor. But it won't stop you having babies.

25 Thumbs Down? (at the time of watching) "Some people are just like dogs .... they have to piss on everything." All the information you just gave I have never seen anywhere else, even on the RE websites. Can't thank you enough, incredible! 👍👍👍 * Greetings from the USA*

Hey Stuart, I don't normally leave comments but I just wanted to say thank you for a fantastic set of videos you have put together. As a rider of a certain age I have looked at Royal Enfields for a few years but following watching your videos I decided to jump in and buy an Interceptor. Even though I have only done 40 miles on her bringing her home last night I am completely smitten, and everything you have said about them came instantly true. I have upgraded my cleaning products based on your videos and I am using all on my other bikes with great success. So thank you again, your videos are not only a pleasure to watch but are informative and have an honesty not always found on all channels!

It is difficult to choose between Interceptor and Continental GT. The twins sisters analogy has made it even more difficult

difference between two bikes very nicely explained. Thanks Stuart for the detailed information.

Good video, it’s nice to be able to take both sisters out providing you don’t get caught.

My parents watch via the TV/Virgin media, there is no easy way to press any options to Like or read reviews etc. I subscribe, I'm planning on getting an Interceptor when I pass my test hopefully this year :)

Thank you !!! Testing the new Meteor would be very interesting ;-) Greetings from germany !

Excellent thought through video. Fabulous comparisons of the two sisters. But the provocative sister is a great 👍🏻 “Continental Grand Tourer.” Both built for comfort, one sister for long rides the other for everyday rides.

I'm 57 years old and owned Big Bore GSXR, Ninjas, VTR's, Indian Scout 1200cc and I recently realized how much I love as you say "Sweeet spot 650" most fun bikes have have ever owned in my life were the Yamaha RD's, RZ's, Kawasaki S2 350's, too bad it took me so long to figure out what you stated in this Video, chees buddy, great vid. Oh for got to say I just bought a 2022 Continental GT 650 Venture Storm.

I thought this was a watch, pen and knife channel. What's gone wrong?...............😉

Thank you, Stuart, for this brilliant comparison analysis! I have been on the fence regarding which of these two models is for me, and you helped my decision process. Again, Thanks!

Descriptions and humour - deep joy and as informative as ever.

Uncle Stu starts comparing biology of Both ladies and then their lifestyle. Such a nice way of explaining

The imperfections in these bikes make them truly old school and give them a unique character.

Was waiting for this video since a long time. This too is a soothing video from Dr. Stu😇 Thank you so much sir! ❤️

Thanks for the video. Last week I bought a Royal Enfield Continental GT650 in Rocker Red. I found that I could change gears more easily on the Continental GT650 than on the Interceptor.

Got my Continental GT a couple months ago. I had a hard time choosing between this or the Interceptor initially, knowing I like riding more "aggressively" when road conditions allow it but also being worried about comfort on longer rides. In the end I'm glad I went with the Continental, completely agree with what you said. About the suspension, I did some research when I was looking at these bikes and found out it's exactly the same on both bikes, the rears are just set up with one more notch of preload from the factory on the Continental but that's it, and like you said the weight of the rider being pushed more towards the front certainly makes a noticeable difference.

I'm a week into gt650 ownership and I love it, I'd agree with the point on palm pressure though, good job the bike is so enjoyable to ride that I just don't care about the negatives. Can't wait for more CGT content, keep up the good work.

When watching this video, Im travelling to a dealer to check in on a GT650 Mr Clean; this review was very useful as preparation, thanks!

Yes!! Been looking forward to this one for ages Uncle Stu!

I have a Continental GT 650 and the first change I made from stock configuration was to install Grip Puppies on the handle bar grips because the grips were too skinny when my fat hands were clutching them . Great video as usual . Keep up the good werk !

Finding the GT comfortable for long distance is a very interesting opinion I have not heard anyone mention previously. I’m glad to hear at least one person thinks so as I will be purchasing one of these soon!

Have not had time to watch videos as the riding season is in full blast. And it is more fun to ride than to watch. But took the time to watch this, and I´m glad that I did. If I ever buy another bike it will propably be an RE, model still undecided. So thanks for the comparison, can´t be more unbiased than a review from a guy that has both models. Thumbs up!

Oops, my comment is a bit delayed, I forgot to press the 'Arrow'. Luckily I had left it in a notepad to retrieve and post it. Firstly, you said it right, these are twin sisters though not identical twins... And happy for you, you're dating them both... Owning the GT650 myself I dislike when anyone calls it Interceptor or says GT650 and Interceptor aren't very different, not that I have anything against Interceptor, in fact I admire it... I strongly agree, these are two different individuals and are meant for two different styles of riding and two different experiences. Right after finishing break in, I did a 500km (310 miles) ride with the touring seat which is available at RE, and given to poor paving quality of Indian highways it was way better than I expected. Quite comfortable in fact. I have only GT 650 and I have fallen in love it... (P.S. I am trying to convince myself to buy Interceptor when I get reap some cash)

Thanks for another super video Stu, and the best description of the differences between the two that I've come across so far. It seems obvious to me that I'll just have to get one of each 😁 Different tools for different jobs.

I bought a RE 650 interceptor mainly because of Stuart’s videos. Love it best bike I have ever owned, and I’ve had a few in the last 50 years. Keep up the wonderful videos Stuart , love them all.

Although I don't 100% agree about the Big Bore Kit exactly the comparison I was looking for. Thank you for another wonderful video. Cheers from Florida!

Finally someone else feels the same way about the GT's ergonomics as I do! I find it to be a surprisingly comfortable ride. First ride on it was 1.5 hrs home from the dealership, was also my first time riding on public roads as I'm a new rider. I was worried I'd be hurting from what I read online, but it really is comfortable. Maybe the people with comfort issues don't shift their butts forward on the seat, and it angles their back awkwardly or something? As soon as I sat as forward as possible on the seat, the comfort was there

Another superior video featuring entertaining and informative commentary. Thank you!

Excellent video Stuart, and a very concise explanation of the merits of each model. Take care and stay safe.

I had the dealer add a few cosmetic bits to my Continental GT : fly screen, fork gaiters, solo seat, and had them swap out the fenders and tail light assembly so that in Black Magic trim it was uniformly black. Gorgeous machine. I also had them install the centre stand that is stock with the Interceptor.

That's really profound Uncle Stu, you really got me thinking of parking a brand new Conti GT 650 next to my Orange Crush.

Thanks for a very good description of the siblings. I love your perspective and ability to distinguish between altering and modifying a bike.

Ey-Up……Hello Stuart. I love your description of these two RE’s. The sporty girl with the short skirt and the more rounded girl etc. just thinking! For what these bikes cost, great value for money! We all know you could buy them both for the same price as a T120 give or take a couple of hundred £££’s. Blimey! I’m watching your videos more than I’ve watched anyone else’s and enjoying them ever so much, more so that I’m even beginning to get withdrawal symptoms if I don’t watch them most days. 😁

Great video and insight as usual, Stuart. Just to play devil's advocate; I can find no differences in part numbers for front and rear suspension units, either complete, or with a parts break down. I have not, however, checked into fork oil weight & volume; whether or not both bikes are the same, nor have I compared frame and swing arm part numbers to see if they are the same. Of course, I am here because like other commentors, I cannot make up my mind between the two; your insight, experience, and analogies are truly great, and the countryside is beautiful as usual. Carry on! 👍

Great as always Stu. They are different bikes for sure. The GT is indeed badass. If I could squeeze one more bike in the garage, it would be there too.

Was out for long... Finally home to watch uncle stu 🥂

Imho, a leaned forward angle for riding is far more comfortable than an upright one especially when it comes to spending longer durations on the saddle. Shifting the weight of the upper body to wrists just might be better for the spine in the long run as well.

Totally agree about the riding position, after two years of GT ownership I’m very happy with its long distance comfort at higher speeds. I have done a couple of 250+ mile rides on it. One thing though, it hates motorways, far to exciting a machine to be stuck droning along at 70mph, I always set my sat nav to ‘avoid motorways’

Another excellent video, thanks Stuart. Once again, well-qualified opinions given clearly as opinions - with full explanations and justification. I have found every one of your videos on the RE650 to be spot on. My only complaint with my Interceptor is the seat - which I would charitably describe as a vinyl-covered plank, and less charitably (but more correctly) as a re-named medieval torture device. The bike is so good it is not enough to be a deal breaker, but it is (in MY opinion) truly bloody awful; it is designed for looks and not at all for comfort. However, thanks to yours (and other) videos I searched before buying, this was not a surprise. Your comparison here confirms my thoughts and my decision to choose the Interceptor over the Continental - anyone thinking of either should watch this video if they have any questions. Thanks again.

Smashing video, Stuart. Entertaining and informative, as always. Like you, I like both ‘lasses’ and would have them in the shed in a heartbeat. If I had to choose, it would be the “coffee shop blaster.”

I liked the GT seat so much I bought one and put it on my Interceptor...

Good real world review. I umd and aad about which one to get. Prefer the gt styling (had a 535) but chose the interceptor as a more universal ride. Too true re mods. Subtle personalizing is ok, big bore misses the point and makes it a completely different ride.

Real world comparison test. Thank you uncle Stu.

Confusion is due to the Continental positioning itself as a café racer. The three factors that denote such bikes are clip-ons, rear sets and a tuned engine. Remove any of those and the caff racer idea no longer makes any sense. The Conti would sell more if it had higher compression, a bigger bore, tweaked gearing to differentiate it from the Interceptor. Rightly or wrongly, most people see the Continental as a styling exercise rather than a change of manners.

Sadly my body measurements makes GT uncomfortable for me, though I loved the GT. Shorter arms means I have to lean a lot and Im heavy built. So have an Interceptor. Hated the riding position, so changed the pegs with GT ones. Now Im happy. I get the lean forward seating without being too aggressive

i went to buy an int but they shop owner said to me to try both although my heart was set on the int. i took the int out on the m8 glasgow for around 8 miles then back to the shop, i loved it i must say, then i took the cont gt out and took it twice as far as i didnt want to stop, only reason i did turn back as the fuel was really low. i loved it. coming from a gsxr i think its a better choice than the interceptor. great video btw. peace.

CGT all the way for me. CGT:- I like the idea of using the wind(blast) for my advantage - supporting a prone position rather than sitting up and hanging on for dear life. -Better handling to me is a safety feature - not so much a go faster option...when its a cold rainy day, I want to go home on the best handling bike....or any day. Both bikes are great lookers.

Brilliant video as always Stuart and very good comparison between the 2 bikes 😃👍🏻

Hi Stu, Great video mate, very informative as always, as an owner is a Bonneville T120 & a Honda CB1000RS bikes, I am definitely looking at purchasing either one of the RE bikes, I like the thought of a smaller engine and a lighter bike. Keep the info coming please it helps a lot.

Great video again, Stuart. Ha ha, could visualise both the “twin sisters” from your descriptions . Very informative.

Another brilliant review to the point & honest! Trouble is am still confused what one to get soon! Thanks stu lol Right it’s off to get a test ride on em!👍🏻

Wonderful video and comparison! Have you done a video with all of your INT650 modifications highlighted? I'd like to see all that you've done over the past two years in one comprehensive video. Well done as always!

Lovely video and nice description about the bikes..pls make a separate video on what parts is different with interceptor vs continental gt

Great explanation! I really enjoyed the twin sisters comparison.

Great comparison. For me, the Interceptor would be the choice. It is a perfect 'do everything' bike. Another fantastic video Stuart.

I haven’t tried the GT yet, but it’s been my experience that the way to fit a bigger guy on a smaller bike is to go with a mild sport bike riding position.

Hi stuart I found your review of the GT650 very interesting all the best Paul

Interceptor with slightly less rise on the bars and the gt touring seat r is perfect setup for me. Bar end mirrors and shortening up rear plastic guard extension to just below licence plate and I will be done for now. Reminds me of Graeme Crosby and his sit up an beg superbikes of old. Ps Maybe some S&S pipes too.

Nice Stew, another great vid. And more confirmation that us 'JOB' vets think alike.

seems like the sporty, forward lean version should be the Interceptor and the laid back cruiser should be the Continental

Like your videos, cheesed off with the adverts!

Loved my Continental up to and beyond my crash. Not the bike's fault. Tesla brake lights don't always work. I would love to get a replacement. I think I will!

I still don't understand... The Interceptor means something fast and agressive, and the name like this should be given to the Cafe Racer version. And the CONTINENTAL GT sounds like something about more comfortable bike for the longer rides, something about the bags and the windscreen. I think that the Cafe Racer should be called the Interceptor, and the classic one should be called the Continental GT. Thanks for your videos, dear sir!

Great video. You might consider Grip Puppies for the grips. Inexpensive and do wonders for hand comfort.

Good comparison, the traffic handling difference was the clincher for me and I prefer the looks of the Interceptor but it was good to have the judgement from the horses mouth so to speak!

Dear Stuart, you have described all differences and similarities in a wonderful manner. Choosing one over the other has always been a difficult task. I want to know your thoughts on the upcoming RE 650 cruisers which the company is set to launch soon, are you looking forward to test ride or purchase them? Thanks! Best wishes from India

Both great motorcycles. I'd love to ride an interceptor one time😍but i bought the conti because of the sportier look🔥 Great video🙏

I like your bike riding view👌🏻

Thanks Stuart for the fair and honest comparison. Plenty of valuable insights into both bikes. And, I totally agree with your stance with regard to spending $£€ thousands to soup up a perfectly capable rider like the Int650. Buy a different bike. Might be a case of: "more money than brains". Cheers. 🏍👍🇨🇦

Does the continental have a shorter wheel base ? how about the fork rake between the two ? when going very long distances from higways to mountain dirt roads a longer wheel base is more stable even if it is not reacting like a racer bike on tarmac , two very different animals although i would still prefer the GT for long hauls , how about you Stuart ??

The way you are talking about the both motorcycles is like trying to choose which sister you want to date But then again it is like love affair

Interesting video Stuart they are definitely two very different animals . But I think if I was choosing one of the two it would be the interceptor due to riding position and age related damage . But exactly as you said decide and get the one that you want.👍

Thanks for this, great comparison.

Both the 535 and 650 Continental GTs would be unrideable for me. I have severe arthritis, and fairly serious shoulder, neck, and back issues. The low bars would put all my upper body weight on my shoulders and arms, and in order to see where I was going while hunched over like that, I would have to bend my neck way back. The pain would be unbearable. Then there are the high, rearset pegs that would cause my knees to be bent as far as they would go. That cuts off blood flow in my legs, and I lose feeling in my legs because of it. While trying to ride a Japanese sport bike, I started to come to a stop in a parking lot. I had slowed down, and as I was about to stop, I discovered I had lost all feeling in my legs. I immediately gave it some throttle and slipped the clutch like crazy to get the bike moving again before I dropped it. Fortunately I kept it upright. I managed to get my feet off the pegs, which was complicated not only by the fact that I had lost almost all feeling in my legs, but the pegs were so high and so far back that my toes were pointed almost straight down. My shoes were literally stuck to the pegs. But I was finally able to do it while riding around in circles in the parking lot. I let my feet dangle straight down for a few minutes, and the feeling came back. I parked the bike, got off, and called it's owner to come and get it. I was in pain for 2 days after that. I never tried to ride a bike like that again. I need an upright riding position, forward pegs, and higher bars. My 2013 B5 Bullet is very comfortable to ride.

It does rain a lot in PNW 👍

Loving these reviews especially on the Royal Enfield "twins". Just going to throw this out here as a thought Stuart and Dave Moss from Dave Moss Tuning having a discussion on improving the stock forks and handling on the "twins", would be very informative. I wonder if Gold Valves would make a worthwhile improvement for the cost. Would it be possible to utilize the top caps off a set of 41mm forks (from wrecker) with adjustable preload as a cheap option to get some adjustability. Would dropping the forks through the triple clamps 5-10mm help make the Interceptor more flickable without compromising stability. Keep up the great work, cheers