Featured Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 - Ride Review

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Having owned the Interceptor for circa five weeks, I today past the 500 miles milestone and this enabled me to use an extra 2000rpm, taking the available revs from 4000 to 6000rpm or three quarters of the available 8000rpm to the red line. With the extra revs I now feel able to provide an initial ride review. So here we go.....

Ride and comfort. I set off from home heading for the A49 and then south towards Witchurch. The road winds through the Cheshire country side and into north Shropshire and provides a good test on the bikes cornering and ride ability, and the bike does not disappoint. The upright riding position, the handle bars and the position of the foot pegs is for me spot on meaning a lovely relaxed ride. The bench seat at first glance does not look that comfortable, but spending 30 minutes on the road I did not feel any problems or fatigue at all and felt that I could go much longer before having to take a break. The tyres worked well and the steering is light and responsive and at the national speed limit (60mph) the bike provides reasonable confidence in the sweeping bends.

Controls. The twin clocks of speedo and rev counter provide a very pleasant and authentic look to the bike, with only an odometer, trip meter, not a lot to have to think about. The control button is between the clocks which means using it on the move, is difficult and best left well alone. The clutch is extremely light and responsive and this and the front brake lever are functional if not quite basic looking. The switches work well, with a starter and kill switch on the right handle bar and horn, indicators and light high/low and warning/flash switch on the left handle bar. These with many other features on the bike are reflected in the budget cost of the bike.

Engine and gearbox. The gearbox is one of the really endearing features on the bike. It is light and extremely smooth when engaging first gear and then quiet and silky through to sixth gear. You only hear and feel a click in the gear change, both changing up and down. The engine provides sufficient power from the 47bhp power plant to enjoy the ride. And whilst the acceleration is not stunning, with careful planning of your overtaking you can make good progress through the traffic on busy roads.

Overall look and feel. The overall finish on the bike is acceptable and it just looks fantastic. It rides well and wherever I park, it attracts a significant level of attention from young and old riders. And this along with folk that know nothing about bikes tells me it has been a cracking purchase. I love my triumphs but the Interceptor brings a different riding experience to my garage. An added bonus is that when riding the Interceptor I’m finding that I’m riding much slower than I do when on my triumphs. So all in I enjoy riding the Interceptor, but I’m happy to have my Tiger and Thruxton in the garage. Would I recommend the Interceptor, heck yes it is a good all round package for new inexperienced riders and the more experienced that are looking for something to slow them down..

 

Yep when I test rode the continental gt last year it was against the speed twin, Thruxton r and a number of other bikes. I have since had a speed twin and now have Thruxton r and tiger sport. I didn't want another cafe racer, so the interceptor is filling a space in the garage for when I want to go out for a bimble. It just adds another dimension in the garage

 

I'm just an amateur when compared to you my friend and could never assume your elevated position of professional bike review writer

 

Hi @Bikerman here are a couple of pics. Pleased you enjoyed the write up.

 

Hi @Riggers I have to agree that the bonnie does have a little more power than the interceptor, but for me I have the Tiger and Thruxton in my garage so the drop on power is not important.

 

Your welcome mate...

 

Yep know what you mean about the shocks.. and you are so right about the price

 

Thanks Daniel, I will definitely keep you all updated. If the weather holds for this Wednesday I will be riding out on the interceptor with @andypandy and @Tigcraft in Wales. Not really done a full days riding on the bike so this should provide some useful feedback.

 

Yep there are some real bargins out there. And yes after market exhaust do add to the rich sound of the twin. I'm happy at the moment with the stock bike, but who knows what may come in the future...

 

Yep sounds like a plan