U remind me of my grandfather, he rode a bullet 350, a very old bullet, he bought it in 1960s somehow it was still working in 2005 when he sold it, he was born in 1919 and passed away in 2015, he was the coolest and the most gentle man I knew, I got the love of bikes from him, also mechanical watches, and fountain pens. He valued craftsmanship, I do too
@@toddleyland1131 He sure was. My Grandpa had this amazing passion for life, even at 90. I looked at him and thought, 'That's the energy I want at 30.' As he got older, around 96, his body slowed down-he couldn't hear or see well anymore-but his mind and soul stayed strong till the end. On the day he passed away, he was in the bathroom shaving in the morning. My mom got mad, like, 'Why are you doing this when you're not well?' And he just shrugged and said, 'I haven't shaved in three days.' That's how he was, always sticking to his routine no matter what.
Hi Stuart, nice summary, nothing to add. I think the look of the interceptor is timeless, this kind of machines will always be associated to the pure essence of motorcycling.
First of all gem of a content. First time on this channel; thought it would be meaningless but got me subscribed instead! Was looking for interceptor reviews as I'm planning to get one. Stumbled upon this beautifully presented content and I can tell you one thing; one day I want to be where you are! My pick: always the interceptor; reason: the good old days❤️
Today I did a test ride on both of these and decided to buy Interceptor. It just felt a lot more fun and comfort to me. Interceptor feels natural and origional, if you know what I mean.
You are a great presenter Stu and I really enjoyed the format of this video. I love my Interceptor and can't see me ever getting rid of. Although it definitely benefits from some supple upgrades to transform it from a great bike to an amazing bike, but that customisation is also part of the enjoyment of bike ownership for myself and many other Interceptor owners. Keep up the great work! 👍
Hey Stu, always appreciate your videos and reviews… When I got back into the motorcycle thing after retiring from law enforcement… Followed your advice and picked up the classic 350 to get my feet wet again… Two years later… Looking to bump up a bit, it seems that the RE interceptor 650 is the way to go for me… Thank you again for all you do!
An excellent and fair comparison. Thanks. One note, the Interceptor is not plain vanilla. It is French vanilla when just sitting and looking at it. The Shotgun not so much. Would like to dress it up in fancier trim. But as you say it is a step up in component quality and capability. What is not different is the motor. Given it’s competence some performance tweaks would be welcome too.
Sometimes I thought about changing my interceptor for a classic 350 but I stayed with my beauty. Then i thought about the Shotgun but I stay with my interceptor. I have no idea why I am even thinking about changing her because she’s a real classic beauty.
Gotta say I love my 2019 Interceptor in Glitter & Dust, even now its still getting comments and reactions when I park up , and when it comes to riding or tinkering it still makes me smile , I think the Shotgun is a great looking bike along with the super meteor 650 and I was tempted by the Shotgun , but for me I just think it lacks the character of my Interceptor , but hey this is why motorcycling is great , we all like different styles and category's of bikes. great vid Stu loving the new format.
Been riding the interceptor 650 for 5 years now , test rode the Shotgun 650 and it feels completely different especially the engine which feels far more refined more like a Classic 350 in character but with a bigger engine ,I'm sure they have tuned it differently for more low down torque to feel like a Classic, which I'm sure Shotgun 650 is a Classic 650 in making with same frame and underpinning.
Its really nice to see this many people stand up for Mr Fillingham's channel and the bikes they enjoy riding. Plus taking the time to educate a poor sole.
Cracking video. I rode this bike today after looking at naked bikes like the MT07, Z650 and the SV650. Honestly, this was tn a bike I thought id be interested in but the styling and rideability really blew me away.
Love your reviews ,you have such good content. I have a triumph thunder bird 1700 cc and love it but way to big and heavy for me now at 73 yr old. I am real interested in some of these Royal Infields. Thanks for all your reviews and wisdom on them.
I can see how much he loves the interceptor, but yet he manages to say the truth that Shotgun is better, and he says that with a heavy heart.. ❤🥰 Thanks, it was good to watch.. 🤝🏽 "Motorcycling Nostalgia"
Hi Stuart i to have had both the INT 650 and now riding the Shotgun both are great bikes i started with a Fazer S2 600 but developed arthritis in my right knee sadly had to change to a different riding position but glad i was still on two wheels and grown to like the INT 650 after the knee op my knee was a bit tight so when i saw the Shotgun and that the foot pegs are even more forward the ride position is a lot more comfy isn't old age great keep riding and be safe
Amazing as ever Uncle Stu! I do have a few points, which in all fairness, are purely my observations and are based on a difference ride dynamic (that being roads in Mumbai, India) The Interceptor does have a few aces up its sleeve to sway the pendulum in its favor: 1) Firstly, and expectedly so, the looks. The attention and interest that this motorcycle commands cannot be matched by the Shotgun. The interceptor in your words is 'endearing' and people of all ages like to ogle at it on traffic stops and whatnot. 2) We, in the city of Mumbai, aren't as blessed as y'all with the kind of roads you have (even your B roads / country back roads are better). The Interceptor though wallowy in its roadside manners, does absorb the bumps and undulations slightly better, of course it helps that we cannot carry the amount of speed you probably can. 3) The ground clearance of the Interceptor (174) compared to that of the Shotgun (140) also helps matters. Here in India there are no specific dimensions for constructing speed breakers, so some are as big as anthills in Africa! (pardon the exaggeration, but they are that bad). The Shotgun scrapes its belly a little more frequently than the Interceptor. 4) There are still some parts on the Shotgun which are not in symphony and synergy with each other. The pipes are hideous ...I know the Interceptor ones are huge and the angle makes mounting panniers a pain but I just wish they did the design better than the ones on the Shotgun. Maybe the ones on the super meteor can do a good job if blacked out. 5) Would prefer an analog Tacho on the Shotgun. The asymmetrical dials sans a windshield dont gel in my opinion.
I love my int 650. Over the last summer I slowly modded it and it was a great experience. Replacing parts and tweaking others makes my bike feel so much more personal. Even more of an extension of myself. And I tell you, after replacing the levers and adding the booster plug it sure taking off and switches gears like a mother fcker! Sometimes I’m just enjoying the ride and realize I’m going 160kmph in a 100 zone. It’s that smooth for me.
I know I am going to get an unbiased review from you on motorcycles and that's what I really appreciate. If there was a Royal Enfield dealer here where I am, the Shotgun would probably become number 4. I already have 3 Japanese bikes in my garage.
Of the many videos I've seen of the Shotgun, this might be the only one that puts it into perspective with an existing frame of reference, vis-á-vis the Interceptor, in this case. And yeah, the Shotgun looks way better than I thought it would. It gives off serious Bullet/Classic vibes, so much so that I might prefer this to the actual Bullet/Classic 350 and the 650 if and when it comes out. Also, it's nice seeing you out in the wild with a couple of pretty bikes rather than just a floating voice, not that that's a bad thing, mind you.
A really interesting take. Even more so because RE are marketing the shotgun as a customiser’s base, yet your view is it’s good as is. I love my C500, but I’ve always also had a thing for Iron 883’s and the shotgun sort of seems to tread the same water as both, so your comments about it being the bullet that could have been do resonate. Might have to try one out.
In the 1960s I would have done anything to get a RE Interceptor 750 or a Bonneville 650 TT Special or a BSA Spitfire Hornet and here many years later all three brands are back with excellent models. We have an abundance of great choices only limited by how much or how little you’re willing to spend. RE definitely has the edge on simplicity and price, however, those two criteria are not the only factors going into your motorcycle purchase and sometimes it’s better to save your money to buy something that’s a bit more expensive and with more sophisticated features than not.
Hi Stu . In regard to the scene accompanying your subscription pitch . The shotgun might look good with a sissy bar, perhaps not the extravagant gothic one the picture suggests.
An interesting comparison. I have an INT650, so I'm familiar with its design and characteristics. The INT does remind me visually of my 1966 BSA 650 Spitfire Hornet. I really like the look of Shotgun, particularly the new edgy engine side covers. However, in many ways it Looks less modern. Shure, it sports a modern headlight Cowel, upside-down front forks and a modern stance, but the frame and deep mudguards suggest an earlier era. The INT frame is simple, elegant, and could be compared side by side with a Metisse and many other frames of the '60's and '70's. The back half of the Shotgun almost looks prewar to my eye. Would I add a Shotgun to my stable? Oh, HECK yah! However, I would promptly be put to conditions worse than death by you know who. Life is Great.
I'm picking that the 17" rear might have something to do with the better handling of the Shotgun too. I just can't get on with that Classic / Bullet-style frame and airbox though. I'm surprised one of the Indian channels hasn't swapped some Shotgun forks onto an Interceptor yet...
I enjoy my Interceptor, in Ravishing Red ... " under powered "... No.... it'll do 75 mph all day long and still has plenty of steam left in the kettle. It handles and brakes well.... Pundits try and compare it with the bigger Triumphs which isn't a valid comparison. As for mods and upgrades ..... it's part of the owner's enjoyment to do so.... My buddy is a parts guy at a Harley dealership.... they toss tons of stock parts.. seats, exhaust mostly.... off new bikes for owners that want louder... softer.... for their under powdered, poorly made and not cheap Harley. 😎
Purely on looks I still prefer the Interceptor, Stu. I do appreciate the technological gains made by RE in the last few years, however. Still, if I wanted those features I probably wouldn't buy a RE.
I love the shotgun, smooth gear box, stable, like a grandfather it looks after you, only problem for me is the weight, how would I ever turn it round in the garage, and turn it to park in the difficult spots with a audience. As a woman, it needs to be lighter, yeah I know it's low weight. Such a pity.. 😢
Dear Stuart, Many thanks for your videos - I wish I had the skill, knowledge, and patience to be able to edit and put one together like you do. Could you possibly answer me a question? I'm just wondering what make the tan-coloured panniers/luggage set is on your R.E.Interceptor, and where can I purchase a similar set from? They really do look absolutely marvellous, especially with that orange tank. All the very best, Neil (Meriden, Warwickshire) 🙂
As always, perfect analysis and comparisson ..... loved de ice cream comparisson, made me laugh a lot !! kkkkk ... I would rather stay with the Interceptor ..... my choice always ... greetings from Brazil.
It was tough choice wasn't it 😂😂😂 , heart says int , but mind and common sense says the shotgun . I was in this very dilemma. Then i saw a red gt650 in the dealership, just brand new from the crate. Bought it straight home 😂😂
Good morning Stu. A fabulous video. That’s how bike reviews should be done. I love my Interceptor, which is definitely a vanilla ice cream but with a flake. I like the look of the Shotgun but to me it’s a chocolate ice cream with a chocolate flavoured cone. To really appeal to me, it would have to have some chrome and polished cases. It does look a good bike though.
Stew! I can hear the sadness in your voice as the month is over. You want a Shotgun for your collection. #10£forStew #ShotgunForStew. Let's make it a reality for him viewers! I'll start!
With upgraded forks the Interceptor is still the best looking & now with the new Dark model which is even better.The Dark model should of got upgraded forks as well but isn't a deal breaker & would be the first mod along with black S&S Slip on.Shotgun I like better than Super Meteor cause my back doesn't agree with forward controls but the Super Meteor be a better tourer if got a healthy back. I hope the Classic 650 if comes out is similar to Interceptor weight.
@@ruahinesrider ...can't agree re mint tho...I love it, mint ice cream with or without chocolate, mint sauce or just running the mower over mint to get that lovely smell.
I have a Shotgun, and while a tach would be nice, it's not really needed. The shotgun isn't quite a "push it to the edge" sporty bike because of the extra weight over the Interceptor. I do think they could have integrated the Tripper into a larger clock with a tach though, and that definitely would have been more ideal. I suspect they were going for some artistic asymmetry.
@@YashRafa This I completely agree with. Heck, even a blacked out version of the same mufflers the Super Meteor came with would have been better than the ones they picked for the shotgun. I am waiting for more companies than just the Rhino Racing to come out with a set.
The Shotgun looks to me like a 1980's Kawasaki. Something a "biker" would have ridden back in the day. Black leather jacket, waterproof over trousers, strap a tent on the back and head off to a rally or whatever. I love it.
I’ve noticed the build quality has improved significantly with the Super Meteor and now the Shogun. Yet, I love my Interceptor! I commute and tour on it - back roads, highways and dirt roads. My second bike will be a Classic 650 and looking forward to its release.
Great video as usual 👌🏼 I bought an interceptor after watching your videos 4/5 years ago , I sold it recently as I’ve falling in love again with Royal Enfield, but this was a shock to me with what I’ve chosen , so I test rode the shotgun 650 and the meteor 650 and although lovely motorcycles, the meteor 350 has stolen my heart , I’m sure it has the same vibrations as the universe, you just get lost in your surroundings with your feet slightly forward which is fantastic, the catch here though is I’ve gone with the new Aurora Green , which has some nice upgrades , nice little kick out on the front mudguard , alloy switch gear , tripper , windscreen, touring seats and chrome everywhere !, picking this vintage colour machine up this Saturday 😎 keep up the good work , your videos help a lot of people and I am subscribed 🏍️🏍️🏍️👊🏼🤘🏼
@@nearlypastit2385 I loved reading that , and spirit it does touch some how , I’m a driving instructor and see so many idiots on the road it’s crazy , so this suits me with in the speed limits , enjoying the scenery and the sound and the character and comfort while looking out for the idiots on the road 😎 take care 😉
@@bsimpson6204 Or it will generate an after-market for chromed levers and bolts and for adhesive stripes and graphic panels. I, personally, would consider brass accents.
@@arax20 The Super Meteor 650 has a slower-steering fork angle and feet-forward foot controls - both more suited for long distance touring. I'm also not a fan of chrome exhausts.
Mint Chocolate chip ice cream is amazing, and I've put just over 100 miles on my brand new Shotgun 650 in the last 3 days. ;) Yes, I am American. See, it works!
Nahhh, I will stay with vanilla and if I need some creme on some days I go exploring some real backroads with the Himalayan. Shotgun does not speak to me and has an ugly instrument cluster that looks (for me) like a cheap chinese toy :-) Thank you for doing the comparison and your thoughts on this and have a great day.
I currently have the 650 Int plus a kawasaki Z900 RS-SE. Seriously thinking of trading the Kwaka in for either the new Shotgun, or the super meteor. Going to be a toss up between the two. Will be nice when we get a demo bike (Shotgun) into our dealership. Kinda like the look of the Green colour. Hope you get the one you want mate.
@andyedmond248 Thanks Andy - I got a wait a few months until I get back to NSW near Canberra. Looking forward to having a bike again after 7 years. Watching many bike reviews and imagining those times through the twisties. Im patient but only just 😀
@andyedmond248 Those Kawasaki z900 rs are a very nice bike. I sat on one a few months ago, and it felt nicely balanced and reasonably light for a relatively big bike. A beautiful looking bike, too. The Super meteor 650 is another nice looking machine and are very comfortable to sit on. The rear shocks are apparently a bit harsh over the bumps. Some owners have upgraded the shocks. I reckon both bikes are a good choice.
I had an Interceptor for three years and 10,000 miles, I traded it in for my Classic 350 which I thought felt better on the road and a more comfortable riding position and seat . And now they've brought out the Shotgun, which I've test ridden, and in looks and feel it was like sitting on my Classic 350 , but with a bigger motor , I love my 350 , but the Shotgun has got me wanting a 650 Enfield again! Good and accurate comparison Stuart 👏 Cheers Mel 🍻
Dont doubt anything you've said Stu, but the Shotgun is not a patch on the Interceptor for looks....imho. Im a Z900RS owner but the Interceptor still turns my head each time i see one. Im tempted, but im waiting on the Classic 650 as i think you and many others are..😉
My neighbor just bought the first shotgun in San Diego California 2 days ago. He bought the first GT650 in June 2019. You may not believe this but he owns and rides between 120-140 bikes at all times. Today he was riding a BMW 1000R
Greetings from India ... Thank you... You cd have also perhaps covered the aspects of .. 1..Ground clearance difference 2...Kerb weight difference. 3. Cost difference 4. Fuel tank capacity 5. Efficacy of the headlight..difference for night rides 6. Suspension Thanks again
Good morning Mr Fillingham, (Florida 6:44 a.m.) I just want to add my thanks to the long list of thank yous for another smooth and polished video. By the way, it's nice to see you "in the flesh" rather than in bits and pieces. 👍
Fine and diplomatic arguments for and against these two oh so similar yet, somehow, different models. As someone's already alluded, this is another classic case of heart v head that, pragmatically, only a test ride can resolve for a potential punter. Good presentation, Mr Fillingham.
Hi Stu, I too have had my Interceptor since 2019, and the biggest changes I have made that have changed the character of the bike are the DNA Air Filter and the Enfield Precision exhaust cans. It is now more responsive , sounds much better, and has better fuel economy. Also my tyres are now replaced with Metzlers as the originals are worn out!! Yes, I rode BSA Lightnings and Norton Commandos in the 70's and a Yamaha TX500, twin cam DOHC 4 valve head bike - same HP as the RE Interceptor - but of the three - I much prefer my RE Interceptor. Now I also own an R1200RT, which has upgraded suspension on after 75,000kms, but I still prefer the Interceptor for cornering in the rough, NZ rural roads without any suspension upgrades. I still prefer it now!!
I’m an older Yank, I’m still stuck in the 50s and during my youth I got the privilege to own most of the British bikes produced. The early British bike manufacturers provided their bikes with issues. But that was expected in those times. I still have a spot in my old heart for the British manufactured bikes. There sounds were their own. I also have own and still have a couple of older Harleys. They also came with their issues. And left me walking a few times, no matter what maintenance was pulled. Today’s bikes are problem children with all the new and improved electrical equipment. Who needs it! I’m a simple guy with a small tool kit and able to fix it if there was a need. But the new bikes ya got to have a special computer to find out what’s broke. Not for me! I’d like to add the Royal Enfield to my collection. Rode one some months back, not the same bike back in the 50s-60s time. I guess one can say it’s “refined” which is good. Even in the 70s as a young fool I did the Baja run on a Yamaha 350 dirt bike. Finished the thousand mile run, ate a lot of Mexican dirt but completed the run. Couldn’t walk for a week, the suspensions back then sucked! So I can state I’m addicted to motorcycles. They say one will never see a motorcycle parked in front of a therapist office. My shrink is the two wheels under me and the wind and Sun on my face. My old friend a 1962 Harley retired cop bike was my saver when I returned from my tour in Vietnam back in 69. That old Harley took me all over the states. Never failed me as a good friend. It helped me shake down all the issues war seems to provide. But I’m free my soul is clear cause of that old Harley taking me where ever I pointed it. I’m a poor man “Easy Rider” life is good on a bike….
To be perfectly frank, what more than you need beyond a tacho and Speedo, Interceptor does a great job without overcomplicated unnessary gadgets, done 10K on my 2020 bike with no issues 🙄
