Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Worth the hype? 

Just to reassure everyone, my helmet is not unstrapped, it’s the mic wire 👍

I've had my Interceptor from new, 15 months ago, and have covered 7,000 miles. I really do love this bike and I agree that using it in winter is abusing this type of bike as she looks so nice when clean and well polished. Having said that I think the finish quality is better than my BMW 1200 which leaves something to be desired, considering the high price. The Interceptor is a bike that can readily be adapted by the owner to make it their bike. Like you I have made several changes, air filter, bell mouth, exhaust, crash bars tank pads etc. I was going to change the suspension but found the stock suspension adequate for the performance of the machine. This is something I may consider again though. As it does more miles and begins to wear I find that it does wallow a bit. I do load my bike up to go camping and a new pair of YSS shocks may make riding more pleasant. No issues so far with pillion, I think a lot depends on the mass of the person being carried. Lol, I have ridden quite a few miles with a lady on the back who weighs around nine and a half stone and she loves the bike. A larger person is going to bottom out that Gabriel suspension and cause them discomfort. All in all I really love this bike. My riding style changes when I am in the saddle and I take a more relaxed view. Riding country roads in Wales at fifty miles per hour is a pleasure on this bike. Riding motorways is also okay, the airflow is clean and legal speeds can be maintained for long distances. That said I avoid motorways as much as I can on a bike as their ability to filter through traffic makes A roads almost as quick to negotiate. I love my Interceptor and have no regrets about buying it. When I stop passers by love it too, I have never owned a bike that attracts so much attention. That brings a warm glow to my heart too and I enjoy little chats with strangers which makes for a lovely day.

I’m using mine 24/7 and also for very long journey across France and I’m very happy with it !

I think the style is pretty much what I remember growing up in America in the 1960's when Triumph, BSA, and Norton ruled the roads here. I think its beautiful.

Another great vid. Had mine over a year close to 8k of miles. Similar mods to yours, seat, yss front and back, bars, leavers, bar ends, Hitchcock's big bore pipes, straight through slash cut cans. Its also had a diet by removing centre stand, grab rails, rear pegs and anything else non essentail that'll come off. Biggest and best mod difference came from getting shot of the zoom cruz tires and cheap tubes as they were awful. Now sporting pirrelis front and back with micheline tubes. Totally transformed the bike. Next mod is a "crooked motorcycles" numberplate holder that comes off the swing arm. These bikes are not for everyone I agree, but if you love to tinker/modify/customise and you leave your ego at home when you ride, it's hard to find much better without spending loads more.

Yes there are some budget components but nothing that can't be sorted. This bike is so much more than the sum of it's parts, you really need to ride one to see why it's so hyped. BTW good luck to anyone that calls me a hipster

I got a slightly used Interceptor based partly on your past videos and recommendations. I can’t imagine being more happy with my first bike. Its a great bike for a newbie like myself and has more than enough power for what I need. It’s easy to ride and looks amazing. I also did some of the same upgrades as you and your videos helped so much when I was changing out the throttle and controls.

One of the more informative programs on the Enfield 650. I like how you presented it focusing on what type of rider the viewer is and staying away from the hype. Also the changes you made on your bike and why. Also what type of riders would not find this bike to their liking. Helpful information.

I bought one and...I am happy. It is just what I wanted. Until now no changes...it is just right for me❤.

Hello Wildlife Moto, Having just returned from our first family holidays in 5 years, I followed the family down on the Interceptor 650, I think I can safely say the following. What should have been just over 250ish miles to get there and back,,, I got a bit carried away and clocked just over 350 miles. Keeping to 50 to 60mph I got just over 70mpg My point? Apart from the 'relative' peace and quiet, having fun and not being squashed in a hot car with the family and the dogs on the M25, etc etc, this bike is simply fantastic to own and ride, especially given the price. In my case I PX'd my 2011 Mag wheel Bonneville 865 so only needed 1.5k balance to pay. Having owned the bike now for around 9 months and maintained it myself, I begrudgingly have to admit,,,, the Interceptor is for me the better bike (sharp intake of breath)!!!

Now that Yammie Noob has given the Interceptor his full-throated endorsement I guess you could say there's serious hype around the bike. His assessment of the Interceptor's strengths and weaknesses is actually spot on and consistent with the majority of other reviews, including yours. That being said, your comparison to the R1250 is apt in so much as the handful of Interceptors I've seen on the used market tend to have very low miles--indicative of a buyer who got swept up in the hype and chose the wrong motorcycle. (The complaint is almost always that the bike is underpowered--even though no one ever claimed it was a beast.) I suspect it's the affordability and the visual appeal that sucks people in, and the fact that it's so easy to ride. As for the hip factor, here in New York I see vastly more Bonnevilles (and even Guzzi V7s) than Enfields, which in some ways makes the Interceptor even hipper.

Soon celebrating a year with mine, loving it more and more with time. The combination of air cooled with touches of ECU + ABS technology is simply a winning recipe on my opinion.

Great looking bike. Just wish RE would fit spoked tubeless rims as standard. They'll soon have as legislation is moving in that direction. From a safety and practicality point of view its an absolute must. Like your mods but I also like the bike in standard trim.

I agree it is not for everybody but it is definitely for me. Been riding for 40 + years and this one is the sweet spot. Can’t wait to see what RE will release in the next few years in this range. Whatever it is it will be worth buying.

Great video, good to see you back on screen with the Enfield, I have had mine two years also . I sold motorcycles in the 70/80 and people forget how basic bikes were back then ie suspension, tyres brakes, I feel looking to the mods you have done and your one of the 1st to them it’s still looks great.The 650 is two to three years on and there is 100s of modified 650 , cafe racer, scrambler etc which to me is the joy of owning the RE you can do what you want with it . What i can’t understand is why people buy the 650 then spend a fortune on them only to sell them cheap 🙁 which only devalues the range , keep riding mate 😀

Gotta love the Twin 650! Thanks for giving it’s due riding & showing you continued appreciation. It sure does look fantastic! I prefer this than the Indian actually. There is something special about your RE!✅🙌

Real glad to see the Interceptor making its way back to the channel mate. A lot of your videos helped bridge the knowledge gap for me when it comes to working on my continental gt. Many thanks to you and looking forward to whats in store.

Well done! I've had mine just shy of a year and I couldn't agree more. It's a simple bike, what you see is what you get. I decided on the 650 because I wanted primarily a backcountry bike that had a classic bare bones look, was easy to maintain, easy to customize, reliable, and overall fun. Not disappointed in the least bit! True, it's not a track bike, it's not flashy, and it's pretty low on tech...but what it DOES do, it does well. Don't see myself giving this one up anytime soon. Hope to see more vids with it in the future!

I really appreciate your candid review of this bike. You are one of the few that are spot on 28thyour opinion. Love it Thank you.

Love your honesty.great review Mate!

Best review on YT! I also like what you did to your interceptor

Totally agree with your comments AND I have just put a set of ‘grip puppies’ on mine, as you suggested in another of your videos and what a difference they do make for such a small outlay!

I have one same color 2021. Great value for the price. Kind of reminds me of my 1968 triumph 650, without the vibration with disc brakes and fuel injection. Just love it for short rips around Nice review sir

I've been on my factory new Interceptor for 3 years now. Done 37K kms - commuting and touring. Out on twisty B-roads this bike will keep up with 600 sports or older 1000s (depending on rider capability). I'm running Bridgestone BT46s for the last 2 sets and they help with the corners significantly compared to the OG Pirelli's. Its not for the track as such, but its a lot of fun. The front will give way when you try too hard. But other that that - it'll do everything. Topped out at at indicated 185 kmph before the speed wobble got too much. Good dealer and service network, parts are well priced (I'm in Auckland, New Zealand). Has surprised a few big lads on hogs and 600s. Mines a ravishing red and always starts conversations with strangers with people approaching asking if its vintage, which is a great factor.. :) Check out this video (average quality) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mG_sB4gsvRc.html

I quite agree , I've had my 2020 Glitter &Dust Int for 2yrs and like you have changed a few things to make it my own , one thing I copied off you was the Baak side covers except in aluminium which I've polished and backed with red mesh so you can't see through the slots and being polished and the red matches my tank ! there is a long list of other parts I've changed from Motones and Hitchcocks but the couple I'll mention here are the DNA filter Booster plug and S&S mufflers (a bit more bark)

Nice vid as usual! I am glad you're not a passenger on the hype train, and i am sure your honesty about it is appreciated (by more people than me) Was actually thinking yesterday after a ride on the Tuono that maybe a machine that scares the shite out of you every time you give it more than 1/3 throttle isn't the wisest choice either. :) Cheers!

Good point about the GSA, I’ve always wanted one but also think I might not use it enough to justify keeping it.

Great video and comments. Ive got upgraded exhaust pipes and put a softer seat on my interceptor. My wife rides pillion regularly and loves it. Its totally fun to ride and gets plenty of attention. For me its the perfect weekend and commuter bike. And yes i too cant stop looking at it...beautiful.

Totally agree with you on the stupid ADV bike craze. I see many of these giant monstrosities riding around New York. They're not for the city, people! The dealer lied to you!

Nice bike indeed! Yep, I've been there. On the hypetrain. Bought an MT07 which I sold after a year. I went against the stream and bought a used KTM 690 Duke and that bike makes the angels sing! Decat, Mivv endcan, DNA airfilter and a Boosterplug. Runs sooo gooood! LIke the RE, the KTM needs a calibration time on tickover. The KTM needs 600 seconds and then turn it of. Turn it on again but no start. Open the throttle slowly and close it again. Ignition off. Now it is ready! (Yep, no powercommander)

Riding since 1976, had Bonneville 865 for 5 years. Whilst riding RE Interceptor felt like 1969 Bonnie if their got everything right. A nice place to be. Have 5 bikes and new addition 3 months ago was a Himalayan. Fun bike , fun brand.

The SOUND ! , My 2021 ' Orange Crush ' Interceptor with aftermarket slip on's sounds amazing ! and people like it ! The above slip on's , K&N air filter = 50 hp , and the SOUND ! plenty enough Thanks for a great review .

Hi wild life motto, great to see the vid up date on the intersepter and you getting with it up till now and your thoughts on it and that after two years you have had it you won't keep it and use it . It's all way good hear your thoughts and how you have found it till now , I am still thinking about getting one and as you I need to go for test ride and find out if it's is me as you said . Thanks for the great vid and will keep in mind what you said when I go for a test ride and see if it's for me and as you said it's so easy to get caught up with all the hype and get sucked in and go along with it thanks very much again

Had mine just under 2 years now and still loving it no regrets what so ever , and still want to upgrade the exhaust system , hope alls good J

Had mine a year, 3000 miles covered. Loved it. Just changed my Aprilia for a Japanese commuter thing which is great on fuel but not fun. Looking to get a Continental GT650 soon. Tubed Tyres make it a no no for commuting for me.

Got a Husky Vitpilen 401 whilst on my Ls here in Australia, thinking of getting one of these, love the classic looks and the bit bigger engine thats still LAMs approved.

Your channel and videos about the 650 were definitely key in my purchasing one in April 2021. Have made some mods (risers, "tall" windscreen, Baak side panels, tank pads, Givi rear rack, touring seat) but still keen to do more to it (better tyres, change mufflers, mod the suspension) to get it to where I want it. And I think that's the joy of this bike, it's well-priced and parts/mods are relatively cheap and fairly easy to do by yourself. I even went and bought a Shoei Glamster at the same time as I got the bike for the full "retro" look. I find the helmet very noisy though with a lot of wind running up that channel between the cheek pads and the neck roll and right up behind the ears. Do you find that an issue and if you do, have you fixed it somehow? Keep up the great work!

Great videos! Picked up my Interceptor in September. Then the snow started in Salt Lake City. Was wondering what helmet you ride?

Thanks for the two year owner's subjective review. As you say, it is up to you to go test ride the bike and make up your own mind. I loved it after two test rides, DW was with me and allowed me to put a deposit down March 2019. New was NZ$10,650. Arrived September and the DW says there was no room for her on the back! Bought an R1200RT for $6,500, so we can both go for rides. I still prefer the RE650 for rural fun rides as you did, without suspension or exhaust mods but with the DNA Air Filter. It still does it for me!! I had ridden road bikes for 15 years, 33 years previously, so it was a perfect returning to ride bike for me to regain my confidence. Have a test ride, go see for yourself. :)

Honest review. Thanks

You summed it up beautifully. I have changed to YSS shocks & front fork kit, Hitchcock's Enfield slip-ons, Grip puppies and added tank pads to mine. I have found that riding with my wife on pillion through the mountains worked well for us (we are 80+50Kgs). I love the bike and it has all the power that I need for public roads. I would like to ask if you had to make any changes to the ECU/fuelling after changing to Hitchcock's headers and slip-ons, or if the stock ECU coped OK. Mine is a Euro 4 Interceptor. Thanks for a great review!

I personally feel like the parts which are more budget feeling are so carefully chosen by RE. I believe they've saved a fair chunk of their cost on items that most users will replace such as the levers and lights etc. The bike is a perfectly good bike to ride day to day, but to make it a great bike or even the perfect bike for yourself, a little customisation can make it that for you and still say below the price of the more expensive modern retros. And to be honest, a lot of the things I have changed on my Interceptor are parts I'd change on any bike such as the exhaust, the levers, the foot controls, indicators, tail tidy etc.

I just put a deposit on the new blacked out version of the Int 650. I was going for the Super Meteor but after test riding it, I changed my mind and decided for the Interceptor instead. Thank you for sharing, your bike looks and sounds great, be safe. 😎

To be fair, I believe you’ve already answered my very recent ‘Super Meteor’ question, in your recent ‘Spring Shake Down Ride & Chat’ video.

I bought mine august/21 and have being using it for commuting and i love this bike, in Brazil there wasn't any options quite like this for the price range, tbh the price is going up and i don't think it will be as worth it anymore, buying a new one, since it's starting to match up with the prices of better motorcycles, not as niche as RE Interceptor but lets be honest, Honda cb500x, Kawasaki Versys/ninja/z 400cc, BMW G310 R and GS, Yamaha MT03/R3 and so on, and one up the budget a bit you could even reach for the street twin, specially here RE gets its fair share on the maintenance, having the 10k km maintenance more expensive than something like the Suzuki GSX750, comparing to what my friend paid to the dealership comparing to what i paid, it's pretty nuts for just 2 cylinders... it pains me even more when i look at the himalayan prices But anyway, i already have mine Interceptor and i absolutely love it, but i do think about someday trading it in for a Triumph Speed twin or Kawasaki z900rs but i'm in not rush about it

I bought this same Ravishing Red 650 in June 2019. Today above 5,000 ft on Palomar Mt California i turned 40,000 miles.

Honest review bro. People are going crazy for these bikes because they're affordable and good looking. Royal Enfield is trying to capture the lower CC market which was absent in the west. People were forced to buy higher CC bikes like either you should have a higher CC bike or you don't buy a bike at all ( other 650 CCs being much expensive). This situation was the most propitious one for R.E for taking over the lower CC segment.

Think enfield are knocking it out the park at the min , with the interceptor, 350 classic the meteor scram , and himilayan. All great bikes at ridiculous prices you got to love royal enfield!

I am entertaining the idea of purchasing one. My first bike was a 1984 Kawasaki GPZ 550. Though Kawasaki has a line up that goes back to that era. I think the RE Takes me back more to that time of simplicity. Just so happens the power is very similar. Looking for a used one . Simply because I can’t stand paying for a bike in a crate that is basically put together yet the dealers want to charge an extra 600 just to un crate and install a handle bars or so.

It’s a proper Motorcycle, with after market exhaust’s. The engine becomes a musical instrument. The Power is perfect for rural Oxfordshire

That was a really useful and balanced video. Thanks for posting. The only thing I have a real issue with is the rear shock replacement. I know just what you are saying about the suspension, but those shocks are eye wateringly expensive. If you have to spend that kind of additional money on the bike to make it comfortable then there was a flaw in the bike design from that perspective. Otherwise I like the look and review of the bike, I just need to go test ride on now.

Finally:) Back with the Enfield. Have you thought about new tyres? I've done on mine 3.8K and rear tyre is finished.

Fantastic review of a good bike 😍

There are a lot of guys thy have a 200 hp bike in USA or Australia, with all this low speed limits and run this power-bikes most time on 20% of the power range. That is boring or not?

I sold my conti gt 650 with s&s cam, 2into1, dna filter amongst other things. I started riding further distances with harley guys but found more than an hour uncomfortable. I currently have a stage 4 sportster 1200 which I love buy i will always hanker after the gt650. When I can I might well buy an inty and do similar mods as well as keep my sportie. RE twins are fantastic bikes, even more so with a couple of mods and are easy to live with and enjoy In the real world.

Looking forward to test riding and hopefully filming all the Enfields this year🤞 P s But an interesting point re a workhorse type bike. Thing is as am not sure what am gonna do after my test but do want to tour abroad...

Probably the most honest owner review. A lot of people who don't have experience with high quality bikes are singing the enfields praises because it's all they really know other than their learner

I argree with you about over hiped bikes paying £18000 fir a second hand BM is just crazy , it is just people getting sucked into some brand marketing. Ps great review

About time lad..

RE are making motorcycles, not soulless washing machines that need a computer engineer to fix when they break down . Don't see many 'hipsters' on YT channels with RE owners - more older blokes who like riding and maintaining motorcycles, have gone through the gamut of riding everything and anything, and want a motorcycle similar to what they grew up on...........

a lot of wisdom said...good review

wow 2 years.....still looks new. Muy Hermosa moto

You made the right analysis (as always). I’ve been owning the Interceptor for two years and highly recommend to change the suspensions as you did. Some parts of the bike are really crappy and won't last the test of time. It’s very fun to drive but for me definitely one to have as a second bike. It deserves investing a bit of money on it (which reminds that the low selling price is a bit of a trap if you want the right bike). It is an endearing motorcycle as long as you know exactly what you are going to have for the price and prepared to spend an additional cost for the necessary upgrades. I’m a massive fan of your videos, thank you for your work.

The bike sounds very good with the updated exhaust

Should I buy an Interceptor & spend months modifying it to my liking or for the same end price a KTM 890 Duke that will give me a better grin factor even riding it sensibly. With the interceptor, it's all about the journey. Can you say what was the total cost with all the mods?

Have you thought about a tubeless conversion on the rims? I'm very happy with mine for weekend bimbles, the odd business trip and some 2-3 day tours with a little luggage on the back and c200 miles max every day.

Bought a 2021 at 74 to knock around the northern MICHIGAN back roads which there are plenty. Havnt ridden since the 70s and just bought this a month ago with 350 miles on it looks same as yours paint wise. I'll probably put on the tec canons this summer.

I tried out the Rebel 500 and immediately wrote it off. Good bike but NOT for me and my riding. Down to CB500F and the Intercepter after viewing some long-term ownership reviews, test rode the Intercepter, fell in love with it and am now be reading it in. As I upgraded from a 250, the standing weight was initially a challenge. But, I feel the standing weight is not that big an issue. I stand 5' 6.5" and come just shy of flat footing the bike.

Can you walk us through your mods? Including your exhaust?? I would love to get my hands on the link.

Great bike, i have a GT650. What is the size of your tire? and can it fit 140 or 150 at the rear?

It is not a bike for everybody. But, it is a wonderful twin cylinder standsrd style street bike. It is a bike you either love or you don't. Maintenance costs, if you don't do your own, may be higher than average. But it is such a delight to ride.

I had to laugh at about 9:35. That's exactly why we bought the Interceptor. It's our going out to tea rooms and coffee shops bike. I do use it for solo riding too, as it's a blast without getting you anywhere near trouble with the law. Funnily enough I also ride a GS that I've had for the last 13 years, that's the tourer and does it's fair share of green lanes too but it hasn't visited many cafés. Hipster? It would be the first time I was ever up to date with any "look" or "identify"🤣

This is like a checklist of why I would buy this bike😁

You’ve made a great looking bike a thing of beauty.

Agree with most of what you said especially the stuff nobody else goes into, great to hear it. You are not afraid to say what you think, thats me too! I have one of these and absolutely love it, should have got one ages ago. It suits my riding and my routes. Interested from a customising point of view, what are those switches you have? There are a lot of cheapish ones on the marketplaces. I think they are the best looking ones I have seen, are they the Roadpower Custom (RPC) or the cheaper versions? Also, is the indicator switch easy to use? Keep up the good work and thanks for the video.

It's a lifestyle bike ..... & Its serving the purpose very brilliantly 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Only thing you really have to do if you want to just change the front sprocket up one and that’s just because of our 75 mile an hour highways it relaxes the bike a bit alas I haven’t yet, yet.

spot on review = the enfield is the oldest and most original of the brit style bikes , a lot of hype but good price , the other brit bikes are just name users ;

I currently own a 2019 cb500x and over the 3 years I have owned the bike it’s been great used for touring and just weekend ride outs don’t have have to commute as work is very close and easier to pull the car off the driveway. I did after buying the Honda sit on the royal enfield and just didn’t feel oh I must have one on these as a second bike but when I sat on the Himalayan if felt more substantial more comfortable so one would assume ok adventure is the only bike for me, then I sat on a triumph T100 this felt premium but i guess it should cost twice as much as the Honda. As I get older I feel more drawn to lower seat height,lighter more manageable motorcycles. Currently looking at cf moto maybe the 700 twin as like the idea of light motorcycle with cruise control which don’t cost too much as my wife also rides.have you had any experience with cf moto ?

I have done 2 week 5000km ride on my Interceptor and a few 1500km rides on it. Loved every moment.

For the first reason about this bike is not for daily usage 24/7, It depends, I love to ride motorcycle and Interceptor 650 is perfect for me. cosmetics wise is secondary for me, the experience is.

I really like the Rack behind your seat. Who makes it? And great video! Thanks

I think it deserves the hype , does exactly what they told us it'd do ! BUT as you said it's not necessarily for you ! Interestingly just bought a Moto Morini XCape and the dealer had 4 GS sat there for sale low mileage !

Your review is very fair

I’ve been seriously researching this model RE , I am close to pulling the trigger on one then I saw yours , Love the tank color scheme , what year is it ?

How many miles do you have on it? I've considered buying one of those bikes, but worry about my tendency to rack up miles. I currently run about 400 or so miles a week.

What more do you need than EFI, ABS and a reliable fuel gauge?

hi, i bought the gt, i would agree, the engine is great, the suspension is not good enough for the roads where i live, the front can feel as though the wheel is loose, the rear bouncing you out of your seat, its a heavy bike for its capacity, so somewhere on a par with 1960,s british 650,s,you can see why even the fuel cap weighs a lot, hopefully this means it will last, cheers

I have had mine for Three years the only problem i have had is the speedo which is unusual but it was replaced on warranty and i replaced the battery but it has been great

I'm buying one when spring comes, I already know the upgrades I will make. I just want a weekend bike to ride my local canyons

Wow such a beauty !

When people see me on my INT650, they probably think that I've had it since the 70's and just fanatically keep it going year after year.

It is what it is, it exists in it's own box. To compare it to the Bonneville Street Twin or the W800 is not really what it's about. The RE is an inexpensive relatively reliable mid weight machine that many people around the world find to be quite satisfying. I would add one but I have no room, my brother bought one he loves it all three of us in the family have been riding since the 60s so there is that special plce these bikes fit perfectly.

I’d planned to buy an Interceptor & watched a ton of your vids. Then, I had a bloody stroke which kinda knocked me out for a year. Now, I want a Super Meteor 650. Please, PLEASE, do a review & help me with my dilemma!

Would love to change the tires to Heidenau k60 and lift the front mudguard

As a 70 year old, more HP will just get me in trouble

I did buy the hype, and I’ve just sold it. For me it was a bit tiring ( even with the.touring seat) being on it all day. I did/do love the Interceptor though. I loved the minimal look, the smooth power delivery, the brilliant clutch, the sound! Not sure I did the right thing 🤔…..note the booster plug will not work on the Euro 5 models. Cheers

I would ride the Interceptor. Much better power and I would expect comfort also than my Falcon 400. Short on money right now so no new bike. Waiting for the ADV version with luggage racks and larger front wheel. Bikes are extremely expensive in Argentina but Royal Enfield built an assembly plant to avoid much of the taxes. I can get an Intercepter for around $8,000 dollars. A KLR is $18,000 and a BMW R1250GS is about $65,000. Royal Enfield is the best deal going here.

Is there any options to tune up the performance? Maybe some ecu tuning/performance exhaust/racing filter. I saw from review this bike is underpowered despite its cc.

Interested in the thoughts from taller riders - I'm 6'3" with a 34" inseam