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I purchased my Interceptor.. in Ravishing Red...with the knowledge, expectations that it's a 650... and it performs great... sounds great and looks great. I saved $5000.oo plus... over the larger machines, who... if we rode together they may, get to the café before me.. but the dust in the parking lot won't be settled when I pull up. :) With the $5000.oo I saved... coffee and scone on me !
I totally get that. Nobody NEEDS to ride at high speed, but for me it’s (unfortunately) the essence of motorcycling and something I can’t do without. Enjoy the scones😊
@@RocketMan_Moto Just turned the big seven Oh... I use to do.. " speed "... and understand the desires and enjoyment.... I do have one in the stable that goes faster then the brakes .... :)
I bought my continental gt 650 in ravishing red...and man o man what a beauty she is, also i did 170 kmph on it this week. It was Pretty stable at that speed too.
I have an Interceptor and I am from India, for us the RE 650s are gamechangers, unlike foreign countries the majority of us rides lower cc motorcycles, so if you are upgrading from a 200, 300 or 400 cc to a 650 twin then the power is more than enough for us. I can understand that outside India, where a 1000cc or a 650cc bike is a normal thing, you would definitely feel less power. Personally I have never ridden anything which feels so good and with enough power, ofcourse, if I ride a triumph or any other premium motorcycles I may like them better, but those premium ones are priced at even more than twice here, I got my Int 650 for 3.5 lakhs Indian Rupees (its still not considered cheap here) which is a great value for money. The motorcycle looks beautiful, it may be not loud but it does sound amazing. There are some negatives like the footpegs position, the suspension is not so good, the fuel indicator reading is weird etc but overall I love riding this motorcycle and it puts a smile on my face 😀
I totally get that: the Interceptor is highly suited to its home market, especially at the price it is sold there. And I agree that all power is relative. I also have a 9hp Honda scooter and love that :)
What r u saying even the cheapest triumph is more than double the price of interceptor in India, and speed twin is little over triple the price. The interceptor is a fantastic bike, but if power is not the issue, i liked honda cb350 even better in terms of performance and refinement when i test rode both.. i m still confused on interceptor or cb 350
@@neilpanasare4144 bro read properly.. i wrote if power is not an issue, cb 350 is better in terms of refinement and quality. I test rode both and i felt honda is better.. but i liked interceptor too and m confused between the two..
Having owned 35 bikes in the last 8 years, and still owning 11 of all kind of brands and prices (BMW, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Harley, Kawasaki, Honda, Royal Enfield, Triumph, SWM, Vespa) I think I have a pretty good idea of what I like in a bike. My conclusion is that it has nothing to do with objective score cards. The bike that I hated most was the highly regarded 2016 liquid-cooled BMW R1200 GS triple black, full option. One of the bikes that I like most however is my 2010 air-cooled BMW R1200 GS 30 Year Anniversary. The reason is simple: it is about looks, sound, vibrations, analogue clocks etc.. Among my favourite bikes are my 1956 BMW R50 and 2019 Royal Enfield Classic 500, both having around 26 hp. They would probably end up on your score card with a 3 and objectively spoken rightly so. I did not like my Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport and my BMW R NineT Scrambler (both with Ohlins front and rear), which could end up on the score card with a 9. Biking is all about the connection between you and the bike and how it makes you feel. For some that means a technically perfect motorbike, for others like me it has nothing to do with technical perfection, maybe even on the contrary.
I Believe that is why that last column was added... the Grinn factor as much to do with waht you say... and again, just as you mention it, this is Rocketman's objective view. Not anyone else's. ;) ... for instance, if you go read about the new z650RS you see a lot of people talking nice about the engine, and you have hooligans like yammie complaining that the z650 engine is the most boring thing in the world.
@ I really like the look of the z650rs. In the green with the gold wheels and that chrome rear grab handle. But really it has the worst engine of the 650's suzuki had a v-twin yamaha has a CP2 triumph have a 660 triple, Honda has a four! And normal way up budget forks. And the price is really steep. If money and space didn't matter I would definitely have one. But for what you get for that price and it really just being an old tech dated z650 in nice clothes. Time will tell if it works out. My other half wants a ninja 650 do I try and push towards the z650rs ?
PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING This is proving to be quite a controversial video, so thank you for all your contributions so far. A special thank-you to all my Indian viewers, who despite being entitled to feel the most aggrieved, always react in a characteristically courteous and objective manner. Respect! Remember, the question I set out to answer here was not whether my Speed Twin is the better bike (which given the price difference, it really should be!), but whether I feel comfortable with the idea of having spent TWICE as much as I would have on the Interceptor. Viewers in India have pointed out that the Interceptor costs about 3.5 times less than the Speed Twin in their country, in which case it immediately becomes a far more attractive proposition. In Europe, however, I feel its price has crept too close to the likes of the Street Twin, and it's about €500 more than the Honda CB500F. By all means let us know what you think, but any gratuitous nastiness and/or indecorous language will only result in your comment being deleted. Ride safe / Boas curvas / Bonne route, everyone *RM* :)
@@soulrebelno1 Yeah, I'm not sure what's going on. RUclips seem to be 'phasing it out', but I don't know if that means per video, or per country??? Sometimes I see it, sometimes I don't :)
See the point is there is a difference between Modern classic and classic (As in retro), Royal Enfield never moved away from classic and that's what exactly it is a classic bike with disc brakes and fuel injection, it's not even trying to be modern classic. See power is subjective because it has enough power to break every single laws in every single country with speed limits (fastest legal road is in Texas 90 miles an hour). (Of course excluding Autobahn)😅😂
I'm puzzled by the, often mentioned, foot peg problems. I am 60 years old and have ridden a lot of bikes I have done 5,000 miles on my Interceptor in around five months. I have never once found the foot pegs a problem. I have owned cruisers and cafe racers, tourers and trail bikes. I just mentally adjust to the pegs and do not understand the criticism of the Interceptor in this regard. My own view of the bike is that it is not going to blow away the other traffic on the road but is simply marvelous on country roads. The gearing and fuel injection is close to perfection for such a bike and riding on a bendy road at speeds between 40 and 70 mph is a joy. Hardly a gear chance needed Motorway not so good, the bike will happily sit at 80 mph but the riding position on a naked bike is a bit wearing, so I choose A roads I absolutely love my Interceptor, I have a Triumph and a BMW but this is my bike of choice.
Well you wint find the problem as the traffic issues hasn't bee faced by you may be in the bike. In a bumper to bumper traffic it's gives you you scrapped shins. But I love the bike 😁
@@canopus101 i am 5'9... initially I used to put my feet behind the footpegs on the ground so that my shin was touching the pegs, it was not that bad though, later I shaved off some of the foam from the seat and got enough room to flat foot. Now I rest my feet in front of the footpegs so that my calf touch the pegs and I find this position more comfortable and it gives me more confidence. It's good to know that you don't have this issue. 👍
Good review. As a happy interceptor owner I do think there a couple of things you have missed. The Interceptor name stems back to a bike that Royal Enfield made way back in the 1960's and I think its more the nostalgic route they are going for with the name rather than any images of a highway speed demon. Lets be honest names given to motorcycles in particular are all about marketing wank.......... Bandit, Fazer, Hornet, Tiger etc etc. You also have to remember that the Indian home motorcycle is different to that in most western developed nations, millions of people there still use motorcycles as every day transport. You are not going sell something that's too expensive or too complicated, Harley tried and failed to crack the Indian market. The standard seat as you say in the review isn't great, but that's a criticism I have seen levelled at many new bikes and also seems to be a very subjective thing. At the start of the video/review you talk about exhaust noise, all modern mass produced bikes are subject to the same noise regulations, so they are all going to be somewhat muffled. The Interceptor is by no means a speed machine by any modern standard, a commuter bike like the Z400 in 1977 generated about 40 bhp and weighed less. I suspect most of what Triumph sell, if you compared it bhp/power wise to what the big jap 3 can do for the same CC no comparison. You don't actually open the throttle on the Interceptor when you are following the Aprilia in the video, not that it matters but the voice over sync suggests you are. You are not even up to 5,000 rpm. Not that an interceptor 650 would keep up with that Aprilla at full throttle but.... You are missing the point utterly by comparing the Interceptor 650 to a Honda CB650R, a Suzuki Bandit 600 from 1995 had a claimed 75/80 bhp. The Interceptor has been designed to sell primarily in its home market with some world wide appeal as well granted. Its a budget bike, the plastics/switch gear etc are the same or damn similar to what's on all the budget stuff from Suzuki, Honda etc. If its functional and it works I don't see what else you want out of motorcycle switch gear to be honest. Never had an issue with the pegs myself. The engine bottom end is big, I dare say some of that design is to help it look more retro but also to aid cooling. I assume you are joking when you talk about the relation to peak torque and what the gear box, gear change and clutch feels like. High speed? The legal limit in the Uk is 70mph, the Interceptor will still do over 100mph and 0-60 in about six seconds. How fast do you need to go? The price of Triumphs is ridiculous you may almost well buy a Harley?!!! Its not like riding a 125! Come on! Its a cracking bike for the money full stop.
@@RocketMan_Moto The price has gone up granted. I paid £5699 (GBP) OTR for for my Orange crush in February, I think they are now £6039 OTR in the UK. The cheapest Triumph is I believe is the Trident 660 at £7395 OTR although that's a different type of bike to Interceptor, more a modern roadster. Looks a good bike but not as practical as the Interceptor, how you would you for example be able to put a rack and luggage on it I don't know. If you want something a bit more classic/retro then you are looking at the the Street Twin staring at £8400 OTR. Thats a £2361 difference! I know its got 20 bhp more and is 900cc but that's a lot of money to most people. You could buy loads of accessories/mods/bike gear for the Interceptor with that money and still have enough change left for few decent bottles of red wine! There isn't anything you "have" to change on the Interceptor or GT650. The criticisms about budget suspension could equally apply to most budget/cheap motorcycles. You ride within the limits of the machine at the end of the day or you should on public roads. It rides fine out the box in my opinion. I think the brakes are more than adequate, they seem to pull you up pretty quick if you have to use them in anger. No idea if they would hold you back on a track day or whatever, but its not really that kind of motorcycle. People who buy the Interceptor/GT650 don't want TFT screens, rider modes, traction control etc. They want a modern simple bike, that has that classic styling without the aggro and expensive of running a real "old" classic. Yes it could make a reasonable first "big bike" but you are probably better off going down the Japanese route. If you put a set of aftermarket end cans on them they really do sound fantastic. At the end of the day you pays you're money you takes you're chance. As long each rider enjoys his/her machine then that's all that matter. It would be boring if we were all the same after all. Just think you miss the market the Interceptor/GT650 is aimed at is all. Ride safe.
Yes , i really liked the review because you did infact covered every point, objective as well as subjective. But trust me ,here in India even bike like interceptor is rare despite of being most selling bikes over 600cc 😀😂, and people still react as if this bike is very special / rare. Well i believe it is because 90% of indian people rely on budget bikes (100 to 125 cc at max) since they see "motorcycle as medium of traveling only" , even i have been using a 100 cc bike from 15 years (my dad's first bike actually).. and it doesn't even feel weird or embarrassing because you will see 100 cc bikes almost everywhere, that's why even when I see an interceptor, i stop and dramatically look at its beauty, so this is the reality here , that's why when we watch such honest reviews, some people (personally I) can't relate it to much , even get shocked because even interceptor feels as a non-budget bike to me😃
It’s not named Interceptor because it Intercepts things. It’s because that’s what it was called in 1960 when it probably was equal in performance to other bikes. The Fiat 500 is no longer necessarily a 500 and the Mini is definitely no longer Mini in size but the names fit the retro image.
@@RocketMan_Moto I understand your point but think your being a little pedantic about it, names are names and don't really carry any great expectation with them, call a car an Escort and do you expect young ladies with questionable morel's or a support vehicle?, you can criticize names that would detract from its desirability, "Joy Machine" springs to mind as being a bit on the dubious side, but even then it would not detract from the machine itself, just a subjective opinion, as for the two bikes if you are looking to spend on a Triumph then the Enfield is probably not on your radar, equally the other way round, the Interceptor is a perfectly adequate retro styled bike and while the CB 500 is also good its not retro styled so making a comparison would also be unfair to both bikes, another retro styled bike with a similar price tag and capacity would be an interesting revue.
I have three bikes currently. A Yamaha 900GT Tracer, a GSX-R 750 K5 and RE Continental GT 650. The latter, whilst nowhere near as competent as the others in every department, has given me a great deal of pleasure. This pleasure has mainly been derived from having to ride it hard and almost on the limit of its capabilities, all at licence retaining speeds (well, mostly). I have learnt a great deal about tuning front suspension at reasonable cost and this has helped me with my go to track bike, the Gixxer. It all depends what you want from a bike, I guess but for me the RE 650 has been great value for money in terms of smiles per mile. I always get off it feeling like I have ridden it and not the other way round. There’s no electrickery - it’s just you and a pretty basic machine. I personally think that counts for a lot. Oh, and in terms of the Meteor, just watch Chris from Bike World’s video. Now he really does know how to wring every last drop of dynamism out of any bike.
The Royal Enfield Interceptor should have carburetors and a Kickstarter and about drive to make it more customer-friendly Millennial males having almost nothing to prove manhood consider kick-starting a motorcycle to be manly like the old days but none of the bikes have Kickstarter nowadays Millennials would be standing up at the door to buy interceptors if they had kickers all of my pretty starfish kick only and all of them are on first kick no one gets impressed by you pushing a button I kick start my gyro tourist outfit a bunch of the Harley boys to show them how you start a real motorcycle
The Interceptor was designed for the scenic rider who enjoys great rides in all different areas far removed from the head-down bum-up plastic bullet rider who mainly sees only the grit on the road and managed to scrape the pegs every time they corner. Rocket Man, you weren't born before the '60s so you missed out on a great motorcycling period. To those who were they know a great bike.
@@RocketMan_Moto Then buy a Ducati V4R but the Interceptor is a great bike that's why they are outselling all of the Triumph's sales and the prices are unbeatable!;
What makes it a bestseller in India is that the Triumph Speed Twin is priced 4 times the price of an Interceptor. Can't really beat that. Maybe not so much of a bargain in Portugal though, as you mentioned correctly.
@@RocketMan_Moto Actually the Interceptor is priced around 3300 - 3400 GBP equivalent on road in India. Almost half of what it's price is in UK. While Speed Twin is about 12k-13k GBP equivalent.
@@palashkale Buddy, totally understand your point. Try riding a Triumph some day. (Maybe 3 or 4 times on separate days and you will see the difference) Best regards, Anoop Kumarakom/ Cayman Islands
I too have an interceptor, named after it's iconic ancestry. I believe it's popularity stems from it's appeal as a first"big" bike, parts backup (Hitchcocks), customisation potential and for us older chaps whose reactions are slower these days. The price will rise, its economies. Start cheap to gain interest then slowly nudge up pricing. Reports of a cruiser and Himalayan variants using the 650 engine. I love mine and performance is fine for uk speed camera infested roads. But then again I also own a classic 500 bullet. Slow but wonderful 👍✌
@@RocketMan_Moto i never seen any reviewer complain about name other than you. in home market it is interceptor i guess. just subjective at the end of the day.
Well thought out and spoken review. Can't agree on the outcomes of your review though. With a few small changes I can happily keep up on most road rides with any other bike, bar high speed straight line wind outs. I find more fun wringing out a slower bike through the gears than changing into second at 90kph or feathering the throttle to light up the rear tyre. On conclusion I would say comparing an Interceptor to any bike twice the price seems pointless.
i have an interceptor and i can confirm it is fantastic. great sound, great looks and very importantly it is good quality. its slow out of 1st gear but 2nd and 3rd and you start flying along with haste. very good handling also.
@@RocketMan_Moto i love it, enjoy it, and recommend it. back to basics is never out of style. my cherry red interceptor gets more looks than the street twins. speed twins however... 😁 might get a look in from me.
The red is the colour I would go for on the Interceptor - very smart. Try the ST if you get the chance; it's a completely different riding experience :)
Good review. Detailed and honest! From a psychological perspective, I would say your outcomes are not much of a surprise as you seem to be a big Triumph fanboy. But as always there is another perspective too. To me it feels like the concept of the Royal Enfield simply aims towards a different audience. These motorcycles are primarily built for the Indian market while taking the chance and pushing them into the European market as well. Here in Europe we have a strong trend in retrofying and slowing down our lifes due to an overflow coming from the high pace in our lives getting more and more digital. This is where the Royal Enfield Interceptor comes into play. This motorcycle is built to slow things down. To slow you down. And that is literally the meaning of "interceptor".
I would love to have a Speed Twin, but 12K for a motorcycle is a lot of money. I bought an Interceptor 650 for 6K and drove it 5K miles across the USA. It is under power and overweight, but a joy to ride. I like going full-throttler all the time without being dangerous. Also, I am not sure the Speed Twin is more reliable than the Interceptor. The big, oil/water cooled engine is bullet-proof. My Interceptor has the best transmission that I have ever experienced on a motorcycle.
I came from a Suzuki GSX-S750 to this RE650 Interceptor, it is perfect for what I want. Comfortable, leisurely, not too serious about itself and generally "good" all-round. I can go WOT and not immediately be at "go to jail" speeds and enjoy that exhaust note. The fuelling is the best of any EFI bike I have owned, the gearbox is nice etc.. I could go on. It is "slow" for a motorbike, but faster than most cars which is exactly what I wanted. It's narrow enough to lane filter too, a good perk. Sure, there are things that aren't so good about it like how the front suspension dives under braking, the oil cooler guard and handle bar/mirrors starting to rust (East Coast Australia is in the midst of its wettest weather in history go figure) etc but otherwise for the market it aims at and the price, it is exactly what I wanted from a motorbike.
I agree with you and the main thing is that you're happy with your Interceptor. It's not a bike for me, but that's just my personal opinion. Ride safe :)
I purchased Interceptor in the beginning of year 2019 and it is one of the cheapest bike in its segment. All the spare parts are cheaper if compared to Triumph or Harley. Replace the spark plugs with iridium plugs and Air filter with High performance filter and your bike will rock. For more performance boost, mix 40 ml of LiquiMoly MOS2 Additive into the engine oil. For better braking, replace the stock brake pads with Ceramic brake pads. For front suspensions, Change the stock oil with little more viscose oil (preferred brand LiquiMoly) All the above expenses costed me amount equivalent to 150 US dollars.
I am fortunate enough to be able to keep two bikes in my shed, The RE Interceptor is ideal for weekend coffee runs, relaxed day cruises and city commutes. It will never be a track day bike, break any land speed records or handle like a MotoGP bike but it is excellent value for money IMO and a heap of fun to ride. My other bike is a BMW RNineT and needless to say it outclasses the RE in every area including power, torque, handling, build quality and good looks, but the Beemer cost three times as much and needs an experienced rider to ride it to its capability. You pretty much get what you pay for. The RE is a keeper despite its humble origins.
Thank you for your input, Barney. I agree that, especially as a second bike, the Interceptor could be good fun, but here in Europe it's sold for twice what it costs in India, and I think that puts it at a massive disadvantage. That said, I must confess that my fancy is being tickled by the similar BSA Gold Star... as a second bike, of course. Ride safe :)
The thing I think you might be missing on the Interceptor is that you can flog this bike on roads without being too far afoul of the law. A more spirited bike comes with the constant struggle between showing restraint or riding beyond reasonably fast. The Interceptor ends up being the epitome of the “riding a slow bike hard” saying. The thing with the foot pegs… again, you’re right. But I came to learn in many countries, India maybe being one of them, the convention at stops is to put only one foot down like a kickstand. And when I tried that I no longer got stabbed by the pegs.
For those in the Interceptor camp...Spend 400 quid and you can shave 13kg off the weight by adding a 2 into1 exhaust along with an air filter after market levers and mirrors and this can be done within 90 mins.. Mine gets to 60mph in second gear and pulls all the way to 90 fast enough for many i am guessing.And you can do it more often without losing your license .And i know the triumph is much quicker for those that can and want that excitement...And if thats not enough ,think how many times you can jump out of a plane for the money involved in either 🤘🏼
Just got the opportunity to ride an Interceptor on Black Forrest back roads for a few hours. My regular bike is a Triumph Thunderbird Sport. Loved the Royal Enfield. What a wonderful package.
With all respect the Thunderbird Sport only makes about 80 hp and weighs 225kg, so I can understand that the Interceptor seemed ok to you. Ride safe :)
The interceptor is a better bike than a classic style triumph but only for those who already have an excellent street bike or primary bike. I have a gsxs1000 and would love to have an interceptor. I don't need another 10k dollar bike that is excellent on the road. I want a classic looking bike that is cheap and totally different than my primary bike. Hence for me, I rather own an interceptor
I bought a new 2012, 110th Anniversary Special T100 Triumph Bonneville. The rear wheel was replaced under warranty as the chrome paint started to peel off the hub. The chrome plating to the rocket cover failed and the bracket to support the front mudgaurd at the forks was red with rust after a short period of ownership. I meticulously cleaned and dried my bike and kept it in a dry garage. I always wanted a Triumph Bonneville and thought I had bought a bike that was made in England, only to discover that the bike was no more british than I am. I definitely would be interested in the Royal Enfield Interceptor, built by motorcycle enthusiasts rather than house builders!!
Hi RocketMan, I couldn't agree more! I had an Interceptor 650 for almost two years and all the things you mentioned bothered me a lot. I made two mistakes that led to the purchase: 1. I saw too many reviews. At the time, the internet was full of people who were far too enthusiastic and were obviously on someone's payroll. And 2, I didn't test ride it, but instead accepted a good offer on paper from a distant dealer. To answer your question about the Street Twin, or today Speed Twin 900: I made the "mistake" of test riding one at Triumph now, even one with A2 kit (they didn't have another tester). The £2k is so worth it! Looking back, I'm annoyed about the purchase. And the quality for that matter, because it doesn't last. The Interceptor 650 is not worth the money. Best regards from one of the Balearic Islands ;)
Thanks for that, Ben. I do believe the Interceptor has been massively overhyped. It’s ok, but only ok. You may have seen my recent video on the Triumph 900. Wow, an impressive machine!!😀👍
@@RocketMan_Moto not at all, your video is a comparison between this and a bigger and better bike and it is way too costly too. Interceptor is the best within my budget and it will suit my purpose of weekend rides with my wife and infant boy. And I have ridden it for a very small time, I liked it. Thanks a lot for this video amd every other video that you upload. You put real facts on the table and be ruthlessly honest about your opinions. 😺🤙🏻
@@martyshmanka I would have considered that, but it is a lot compact for 2 people to cruise on the weekends. And Trident is more than twice the price of Interceptor 650 in India. Although, one of my friends considering to buy the Trident as his first big bike.
Hey, I do feel the Re 650 Interceptor might have been a bit compromised with the fit nd finish..(Understandable with the price at which is offered here) but the Engine definitely does not feel a 125 cc one..Engine is by far the best RE has manufactured till date and has plentiful torque to keep you interested…ride safe🏍
The interceptor is perfectly good for traveling and it really shines while cruising through long mountain passes. It's a blank canvas which is partly why it appeals to so many riders.
Having written British bikes in the 650 range it amazes me that people went out to ridiculous high-speed cat fight only to return to the vegetable 500 singles and 650 twins that were considered underperforming and old fashions like I said it may take 40 years to prove me right but I'm still right I love kick starting my antiques in front of the newbies to show them how to start a real motorcycle and like I always say real motorcycles leak oil today's motorcycles are not really motorcycles that are collection of government regulations on two wheels
That was a really interesting perspective and more critical/realistic than some of the forever glowing reviews of the Interceptor. I had the Speed Twin at the top of my list for a new bike until I got some insurance quotes and it was over three times the cost of the Interceptor, street twin, T100 group and over twice the cost of a T120. So recalibrating a little and looking at the T100 suddenly brought the Interceptor into the frame and this a more tricky comparison to try justifying the cost when comparing these two. Just need some dry weather here in Blighty to get test rides in. Keep up the great videos. 👍😀👍
Thanks, Chris. Sorry to hear about your insurance woes, but if you were considering the Speed Twin (which, as you know, I absolutely love), then do not even consider the Interceptor. You will be bored with it after 20 minutes. The T100 or Street Twin would be the way to go, imho :)
If the Triumph WASN'T a better bike there would be something seriously wrong given the price difference. I would never claim that any modern Royal Enfield is a better bike than a modern Triumph. I bought an Interceptor in July this year and am very happy with it. I'm new to "big bikes", having only passed my test in July after having my love for motorcycles re-ignited (after a 30 year break) by buying a 1984 Suzuki GP100 almost identical to the one I had when I was 17 in 1989. I love my little 2-stroke, but with my weight on it (I was a LOT slimmer in my teens!) it's just not safe out on the open roads with lorries breathing down your neck! So I decided to take my bike test and buy a bigger bike to join my classic 2-stroke in the garage! Initially I wanted a Royal Enfield Bullet 500, but I also wanted a brand new bike, because I've never owned a brand new vehicle - so when they discontinued the Bullet I decided to get an Interceptor. It's more than I'll ever need from a bike to be perfectly honest. Reaches 60 faster than most cars on the road and will sit all day at 60-70mph with a bit in reserve if it's needed. I don't feel the need to go any faster and I don't think that will change in the future even when I get more experienced on the bigger bikes. I have a car for the commute and the bike only comes out of the garage for a ride whenever I'm not in a hurry and it's not raining. The 20-year old me would probably have got bored with the Interceptor already and would be looking for something with more power and speed - but it just doesn't interest me any more, so the Interceptor fits my needs perfectly really. It's a classic bike, with classic performance, with the added extra of modern reliability.
Thanks for your input, Steve. The question I set out to answer wasn't whether the Triumph was a better bike - which is, as you say, kind of obvious in view of the price difference - but whether I was comfortable with the idea of having spent TWICE as much as I would have on an Interceptor. And, unlike the comparison review of the Trident I made a couple of weeks ago, I am happy with my choice. I've been advised by subscribers that Interceptor in India only costs about £3500, which makes it a far more attractive proposition. Here in Europe it has crept up to within a few hundred pounds of the Street Twin, and is more expensive than a Honda CB500F, for example. Anyway, I hope you continue to enjoy your bike. Cheers :)
@@RocketMan_Moto You have ridden many bikes, I have not. Compared to my Vespa, it is fast. Compared to my RE 500 single, it is smooth and sophisticated. My biggest complaint is that it lacks character. I prefer my clunky 500. Slow, vibrating, agricultural single cylinder, long stroke, thumping 500. . . You're right. The Interceptor is not the bike for you, it's probably not for me either, I am probably going to sell it.
I have had a 9hp Honda Vision scooter for the past 4 years and love it, so you can see I'm not all about power :) The Interceptor to me feels like an old bike, a really old bike: it's heavy and underpowered, and I think if you ever get the chance to ride a Speed Twin, or equivalent, you will see what I'm trying to get at in this video. Many people have bought into the Interceptor because of the name and the price, and I don't feel the bike is up to it with regard to either of these key elements. Just my opinion :)
For me the Interceptor is an absolute joy to ride. I test rode one and fell in love. "Warts and all" she is still beautiful. 10 weeks in and we are still together 😄
Have you tried checking out the in-gear acceleration numbers of the interceptor? It smokes triumph street twin :) Because interceptor makes power really low down the revv range, it makes up for everything that you talked in terms of the engines.
Good honest review - I demo-ed the bike last week & noticed immediately the peg jabbing into my shin/calves. I watched many YT reviews afterwards on this bike and only one other reviewer mentioned this issue…a young lady videoing from London streets
I own an Interceptor, which I enjoy immensely. I too dispute the value for money" claims, but you are at least getting what you paid for. Some of the finishes on the metal work are dubious and vary considerably from bike to bike. Overall, though the bike is fine. To me, the bike reminds me of the Honda CB250 I had in the early 80s, but with 30 more bhp! Having said that, I leave playing "Top Trumps" with bike specs to the kiddies and just enjoy the ride. Just to mention though, I have had quality issues with the clocks misting up and occasional engine stalling when in heavy traffic (yet to find a solution to this). Overall, I'm glad I bought it.
@@RocketMan_Moto I have a 2009 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic and the gagues fog up in damp conditions but in dry times they never fog up. Where as my RE 650s stay partially fogged up all the time . Must be really humid where the clocks are assembled. But otherwise I am happy with the RE 650 .
I think some purchasers will be looking to this as a second bike - I certainly am after being given one as a loaner for a day. I really enjoyed the experience. My current second bike is a Fireblade, which I rarely ride because I spend the whole time overtaking the ludicrous amount of traffic on UK roads (mostly car drivers who seem incapable of any speed other than 40MPH). There are very few places to fully enjoy a bike like that in the UK, and after 20 different bikes in 15 years of riding, I’ve come to the conclusion that performance isn’t the most important factor. I ride to enjoy my surroundings, see new things and for escapism, and I’d argue the Interceptor delivers on all those. There’s enough go in it to have some fun without fear of losing the licence, and the price makes it possible for more people to enjoy motorcycling.
You are bang with the footrests issue, I am 6' 1" and suffered the same problems and tried every fix on the market to make them work for me. In the end I fitted the GT Continental footrests and control levers and that was a proper game changer for me. Your are right the bike is very laid back and needs a bit of old fashioned tuning which I have done and makes it a bit more interesting. I won't comment on your comments on the finish because it's built to a budget. Finally I have owned six Hinkley Triumphs all triples and loved them but they are overpriced with outrageous servicing costs.
Good review. I'm glad you stated the position you were coming from when you judged it. You're more performance oriented and for how the Interceptor is built for, would be a bit of a let-down for you. For what you get for the money, I think it's a fantastic bike and one I hope to get one 2022. I was looking at the Triumph Speed Twin. It's gorgeous and has gotten fantastic reviews. But I don't think it's worth 2x the price. Maybe 50% more. And too many people haven't been thrilled with support from Triumph. While you pegged the Interceptor as an introductory bike, it depends who's riding it.
Thanks, Ricardo. I still think that - at least in Europe - there are better bikes available for similar money. Triumph Street Twin or Honda CB500F, for example :)
Interceptor owner here... disagree on almost every point - on which you also are out of synch with most independent reviewers. Shine of your Triumphs in the Algarve sun is in your eyes. But you're entitled to your opinion and express it well, which is enough for my follow. Would love to see what you make of the z900rs! Surely not underpowered..
Thanks for the sub :) I'm glad that you enjoy your Interceptor, but it's not a bike for me and therefore I feel duty bound to say as much in my video. There are plenty of positive reviews out there - often sponsored by the manufacturer, it has to be said. I'm hoping to test the Z900RS in the new year. Ride safe :)
Love my interceptor cannot believe how fast it is. They are slowish when not run in though. Also I have updated much larger bore front pipes and silencers both stainless this has removed 2 cats. Upgraded air filter and intake. Booster plug to slightly richer it. Feels like a rocket now. A little too heavy for me at 76.
Interesting comparison but the bikes aren't even close to each other and are targetted for completely different demographics. Since you love the street twin so much, I would really like to see a kawasaki z900rs comparison video. Thanks!
Interesting review. It's always going to be apples/oranges kind of discussion when comparing bikes such as this. However, if one considers the demographics of the average buyer of a retro styled bike the following points come to mind. I am probably within the group targeted to buy this bike. 60's, nostalgic, retired. If I was to purchase a bike of this sort I would be less concerned about high horsepower. To be honest budget is my priority. So in Canadian dollars the Interceptor for $7975, the T100 for $12,500 or the Street Twin for $11,350. For me and the kind of Sunday morning cruising around I would do, it's a no brainer. The important thing to remember is knowing that you WILL be getting what you paid for. The Interceptor will probably not be as reliable or have decent resale. But a far cheaper price of admission. Edited to add this. Below someone mentioned the Kawasaki W800. Good point as I see you can get a left over 2020 model for $9500CAD. It splits the difference price wise and would be a good option.
Agreed, but I am reviewing the bike (and the prices) from the perspective of a European. I have no doubt that REs are eminently suited to the Indian road environment :)
@@RocketMan_Moto in india it is the worst quality motorcycle (RE) There are some die hard fans of old RE in india, they buy those that is y the company sustain. Very poor quality but in recent years they managed to improve it slightly but still poor, there are better brands and motorcycles in india.
Hey RM, what you said about the foot pegs and riding engagement is true, because the interceptor is meant to be a more approachable Continental GT650. The GT650 was actually the first bike, it has a slight tilt forward stance and foot pegs slightly at the back solving the calf clash issue at stops and such. The Interceptor is the more laid back variant. The names are just old model names meant to invoke British or Indian pride depending on the name from war times or situations of national pride. They make nice limited run special editions based on that in India. The GT 650 is more engaging as well (It'll feel fast for a first time or returning rider but not actually be scary) and is more of a looker too to be fair. Overall the Twins are behind on power figures for it's class but it has a fair amount of torque to compensate. But that is because RE positions it as a first big "upgrade" for emerging markets(where most drive 20 bhp or under 2 wheelers) and a nice commuter or hobby bike for weekend riders in developed markets. There are way nicer paint jobs available as well.
I agree that the Interceptor is eminently suited to other markets outside Europe. The problem is that here the price is way too high and I believe there are better bikes available for similar money. Ride safe :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Can't disagree with you there. I would get a Ducati sixty2 or a Vitpilen 401/701 if I were in Europe, instead. We don't get those here.
Interesting review considering the praise it gets from most other reviewers. My son has one and has changed the cans to Scorpian, R&N air filter, indicators swapped out, black handlebars with bar end mirrors plus a few other items. It looks good. When I ride it , I find it has more get up and go than my 2021 CB500x which has me thinking of up grading mine to maybe a Tiger 900. However I wouldn’t like to travel on the interceptor for too long as it’s not the most comfortable bike.
I would choose the CB500X (which I owned a couple of years ago) over the Interceptor without hesitation. I found it more responsive and more comfortable than the RE :)
It is shame nowadays that so many people judge the enjoyment of a motorcycle by how much it cost slow is safe slow is cheap and you don't have to worry about stupid speed cameras if you're not speeding take it slow daddy oh you can live it up and die in bed baller bikes is a 50s and 60s that had 40 horsepower were considered Road burgers in those days you really had to reach for the ton 100 miles an hour you have to work for it that's why people respected you nowadays all of the motorcycles are faster than the plane and my buddy used to fly people used to tell us to buy a newer playing with the whole point of flying history flying the whole point of the whole point of riding is to be riding your bike not to get a faster bike so you can be home sooner everyone today if it's such a hurry to go absolutely nowhere drive like hell you'll get there I like to take a Schmo enjoy the ride smell the roses
about the display; I never understood why people need a display to tell them which gear they are in. People who just ride from feeling don't need anything but simplicity. Because the bike should be an extension of your body, not something that you need loads of clocks and dials to tell you what's happening and try to calibrate your RPM with your gear ratio using academics. You do it by feel
@@RocketMan_Moto Never had a gear indicator on any bike I've owned (going back to 1985) and most didn't have a fuel gauge either... One of the reasons I like the RE (I own a Conti GT 650) is that it's just a back to basics bike that won't have me losing my licence.
There's no comparison between the Speed Twin and the Interceptor; even comparing a 'similar tier' Triumph like the Street Twin shows just how far behind the Royal Enfield is... but if you want a motorcycle that simply looks retro, is well-made, and easy to maintain, the Interceptor is a great bet.
That just about sums it up. I was surprised by just how bad the Interceptor was. I've ridden far better bikes costing the same and having the same power :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Aye, so true - I appreciate your candor and fair approach to most reviews I've seen of yours. I'm a fan of 'Uncle Stu' (Mr. Fillingham), but his love for the Royal Enfield has often seemed to me to be stoked by his dissatisfaction with the direction Triumph is going, rather than the actual positives of the Enfield (which he has customized the heck out of). My wife rides a 2020 Street Twin, and I have a 2020 Speed Twin, myself. Wife tried both the RE Interceptor and Street Twin, and found it night and day - and the Street Twin is genuinely (by any standard) not a lot more dosh. Ride safe!
I can believe that. I rode the Street Twin briefly and really liked it. Better than the T100 (especially on price), but quite a bit less exciting than our Speed Twins, though. Ride safe :)
@@RocketMan_Moto I find the Street Twin a great commuter/weekend cruiser. Had mine for a month. I shopped the Interceptor but in the end the Triumph was just a much better motorcycle
Thanks for a great review. Of course you must hear the question, is bike x (or car) REALLY worth twice, or three times bike y, a lot. But rarely do improvements in build come back in one to one cost ratios. It's diminishing returns, it costs a lot more than twice the price to make another bike twice as good. If spending twice as much gets you something noticeably nicer and better performing, it's probably all you can expect.
@@RocketMan_Moto I was wondering that when reading your test - its pretty pointless talking about performance of a bike thats not run in - at least 2-3000 kms, preferably 5000kms - probably losing 20% of power and revability to friction losses in a 250km motor - that is TIGHT! My 850 Eldo Guzzi felt like a 250 with new cylinders & pistons, at 7000kms it really spins [for a big-flywheel Guzzi....]
Honestly, when I decided to buy me a twofer, I couldn't afford a triumph... So I went for Royal Enfield continental GT... And I never regretted my decision ever since... Thank God I didn't go for triumph... Money saved. 👍🏻😎
Thanks, Russel. It's good looking at first glance, but those 'fautes de goût', like the giant Easter egg engine cover, simple Interceptor sticker and 18" wheels put me off a bit - it's all subjective, of course :) Poor TMF, eh? He spent a fortune and ended up with a bit of a mish-mash :(
Taller and heavier people generally prefer larger displacement motorcycles for obvious reasons. Comparing a 1200 cc motorcycle with a 650 cc one seems like comparing apples and oranges.
Speed Twin owner here... I test rode the Interceptor too and I can wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts on the engine, its uninspiring to say the least. I wanted something a bit less "serious" than the speed twin for those days I'm not feeling like riding too aggressively... Sure, its cheaper than a T100, but the uninspiring engine, the footpegs, very soft seat that becomes uncomfortable after a while... Then you start noticing all the cheap-ish details on the bike. It convinced me to shop for a used T100 instead.
It's exactly that: the Speed Twin can be a bit aggressive sometimes, so I was interested in seeing if the Interceptor could provide a 'softer' experience, but it's far too basic. The T100, or possibly the Street Twin, is a better bet. The RE is only £3k in India, which makes it a more viable proposition. Ride safe :)
Fair review of the interceptor, I have an interceptor and a street twin, two very similar bikes, but the triumph is better in every way, I brought the interceptor very cheap as it has had unrecorded insurance damage and was involved in a low speed off and brought direct from the owner. I’ve done load of upgrades suspension, (front & Rear) handlebars, indicators, full exhaust, booster plug air filter etc, although its a bit more perky it’s still probably less that 50bhp although it does ride a whole lot better but My triumph is still better.
I was recently shopping a new Interceptor and Street Twin...Found a 2022 Street Twin with 400 miles that was $2500 more then the Interceptor and bought her. Sitting on an Interceptor then sitting on a Street Twin the difference in quality is immediately evident. Then there is the traction control, rider modes fuel computers, gear indicator and all that torque. I would get a slightly used Street Twin over a new Interceptor 8 days a week
That’s a tough comparison comparing a budget bike to what can be considered a more high end machine. I owned a RE Bullet 500 Iron Barrel (1996 model). These were the bikes RE made before becoming really commercial and even before the EFI engines with fuel injections. It had a crazy 18bhp and it was as more of a bicycle with and engine that’s anything else. I sold it due to reliability issues but I regret that sale almost everyday. It was such a fun bike to ride and it was absolutely beautiful with me getting asked what it was almost everytime I parked it. Since then I’ve owned a Yamaha Bolt, a 2016 Honda VFR800F and a 2010 Honda VFR1200F and I still miss it the most. RE’s just have character that grows on you, I can’t say I’ve felt the same way about any of the other bikes I’ve owned.
It's always good to remember to evaluate it for what it is. To evaluate it as a high speed high power bike is absolutely expecting something that was never implied. It is an Indian bike and therefore that means reliability and fuel efficiency. Not to mention good looks. So yes, I agree that for an adrenaline junkie this is not the bike. Nor is the meteor. But for someone wanting reliable transport from point a to point b I'd say this absolutely fits the bill and it is fun for those of us who don't need to run around with our hair on fire.
Heh, funny review thanks. I know a guy who sold his Thruxton for an RE650 because he wanted something easier going. Some folk need a big engine at all times, others find that gets them into trouble too easily
@@RocketMan_Moto If you'd climbed off a Rocket3 and jumped onto the SpeedTwin; I suspect you'd have the same "this engine is a slug" sensation. Halving engine size has that effect.
I did that precise thing a few months ago. The Speed Twin is infinitely more manageable than the Rocket. I could have bought a Rocket if I'd really wanted one, but I knew as soon as I'd ridden one that it wasn't the bike for me.
Here in the U.S. a 650 should have at least 60 to 70 reliable HP, we do love our horsepower over here. And thanks I failed to notice the crummy plastic chrome signals. Keep up the good work looking forward to the next review.
Being a old man I remember my friends Interceptor from the sixties and it was a 750. The little extra torque would make a difference, the ten to one compression of the older bike is probably unachievable. The older bike was also probably lighter. The improvements the new bike has are obvious and undeniable. The newer Interceptor is much more suited to purpose.
Hello sir! I rode this bike during the summer AFTER I had bought my Trident. Mostly out of curiosity and the brand name. In Canada this bike actually costs more than the Trident, so I kind of wanted to compare the ride. Well thanks be to God for my Trident because this Interceptor paled in comparison in so many ways. Build quality, engine performance, standard features such as braking and TFT/Clocks all were embarrassingly behind that of the Trident. And the peg position. I mean WTF? I couldn’t figure what I was doing wrong as they were scrubbing the inside of my legs at every stop. So awkward. I really couldn’t understand the appeal tbh. I love the looks of these bikes, and yes the sound is better than my Trident, but wow, I’ve got to say I felt like I was riding a 90’s Suzuki rebuild of some sort. I am truly puzzled by the sales numbers of these bikes in Europe/India. I will also say that later in the summer when the dealer brought in the Meteor the fit and finish was far superior to the 650. I did not ride the Meteor, but it looked more promising tbh.
I agree... although I suppose it depends what you need. There's less than €1000 difference in the two bikes here in Europe, though, so I would definitely go for the Trident personally
I own an Interceptor and have also owned a modern Triumph T100. They are superficially similar but I don’t think they compete. The Triumph was more fun for spirited riding. The Interceptor is much more relaxed. I think you summed it up nicely. Objectively. And I share your concern about the foot pegs.
Admit the triumph 100 is not a bad bike having ridden both the 100 and the interceptor I’d say the one big thing I found was the interceptor feels better on the motorway, the triumph in top seems to need the 6th gear of the 120 ..
I own an Interceptor, I previously owned a Street Twin, aside from performance differences, I can sum up the comparison quit simply. The Street Twin is a modern motorcycle disguised as a retro bike, while the interceptor is more of a retro bike brought up minimally to euro 4-5 standards. There is absolutely no fair comparison between a Speed Twin and an Interceptor. By simply upgrading and decating the exhaust, doing intake mods, and changing to a lower gearing the Interceptor becomes a very spirited short distance street tracker 0-100 KPH type bike. I would compare it to an Austin Healey Sprite, lots of noise, lots of shifting, sounds like your going fast but actually not. great for two lane secondary roads spirited riding but not pushing it. It's a hoot
To be fair to Uncle Stu, he does accept and point out its lesser attributes. For the sort of riding he does, it suits. Don’t forget he loves his Classic 500 so that gives you a idea of the type of riding he likes. There are many that also like that style of riding, and many that prefer more pace. Biking is a broad Church.
Stuart's owned the bike for years, Rocketman just tested it for a bit. I could have easily guessed it wouldn't be a bike he would enjoy from previous bike reviews
I’ve a feeling the Rocket scoring may have been more generous if you’d had the Interceptor for a few months & completed some essential mods (cans, air filters, lights etc) then had a test ride of the Triumph…similar to the Missenden Flyer’s approach…? Perhaps the Speed Twin has spoiled your view somewhat? You can’t argue with the Triumph’s quality but it seems a *slightly* unfair comparison. Interesting video as always though thank you.
Loved your video. I test rode the Interceptor and it's really nice. I almost bought one. But in Thailand I could be a few year old Street Twin for the same as a new Interceptor. There isn't much of a comparison for the more recent ST. It's got considerably more go, is much better put together and just an altogether better bike. I do get it. The interceptor is fabulous value and ticks so many boxes but I wasn't expecting such a huge performance difference. Keep up the good work guys!
Enjoyed the review. When I saw the title, I thought oh, no! RM isn’t satisfied dissing the Harley boys, he is now going to P off the Triumph gang. Bloke really has a death wish! Didn’t turn out that way. Good objective review as always but I would agree the Street Twin is the real Triumph comparator. Would like to see that. I doubt RE would ever think about the Speed Twin as being in its sights. Interesting that you suggested the T100 might not be worth the price differential. Regards Denis
Thanks, Denis. I did try to be diplomatic, but at the end of the day it’s just one bloke’s opinion. The Interceptor is a decent little bike, but there are better first bikes out there😊
I am from Mumbai, India and own RE Interceptor 650. I have taken this bike on long ride both mountain and tropical enviorement and even to office in daily traffic condition. I would say it is overall simple good bike and easy to maintain. 1. RE Synthetic Engine Oil 10w50 - Cost Rs 3,500/- 2. Oil Filter is not very expensive 3. Stock Foot rest I have changed and put on custom made as they are not comfortable and placed right. 4. First gear no pick as compared to 150 or anyother bikes.
Thank for your measured input. I agree that for the Indian market, given the price and ease of maintenance, it's a great bike. In Europe, however, I feel it's less appealing because it's too expensive (twice the price compared to India).
@@RocketMan_Moto Yes your are right when I have seen selling Price. There is no major difference as compared to India and rest of the world. But major factors like logistics & transportation which depends on shipping route and fuel price which keeps on changing, Local import tax are also applied. So for example over here in my country Bike price may change due to tax in every state and city. But will say bike is priced at cheaper price. where as here in Mumbai we have 2 Triumph outlet and the prices are more than what is sold in rest of the world. Again service cost is really high when compared to Honda, Kawasaki. So it all depend on Tax and logistics. I hope prices are kept little lower so that we Bikers can afford and ride free.
I can imagine that buying and maintaining a Triumph is very expensive in India, because they are already expensive in Europe. In the USA & Canada, they are a lot cheaper, because of greater competition and Triumph are trying to increase their market share. Ride safe :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Thanks for your good wishes. You too ride safe and with proper riding gear. Also looking ahead for travel and bike information content on your channel.
Thanks! Oh yes, I always wear the right gear, even if it's sometimes very hot here in Portugal. I imagine you have the same problem - maybe worse - in India?
I owned an Interceptor for about 4 months and then traded it in on a Triumph Bonneville T120. The Interceptor is a great starter bike but the Triumph is the real deal - worth the additional cost. The Interceptor feels like an inexpensive bike because it is. The Triumph feels (and rides) like a precision machine but costs more. If you can afford it - get the Triumph.
As a former bullet owner and prospective 650 twin buyer, I positioned myself ready to poo poo any criticism at the first sign. Although - as you stated several times- you aren’t going to be happy with the lack of power compared to your preferred level of ooomph, you did a sterling job of being as unbiased as possible. Made me think again and look deeper, so take that as a big compliment to your reviewing protocols.👍
You didn't like it ? That's fine by me because I love mine, never regretted buying it for one second . Horses for courses , each to his own and all that ! And herein lies the problem , back in the day we were all riders and you rode what you could afford there wasn't brand snobbery like there is now , we are a divided group and that is demonstrated on a daily basis by the amount of riders that don't acknowledge you while out ( you know who you are ) but recently this has gone a step further , several times Triumph fanboys have made a beeline for me and basically said my bike is shit , and these were more "mature" riders not young gobby lads ! After the offer of a smack in the mouth they dissapeared on thier Union Jack's everywhere ( Thailand built ? ) pride and joys to piss other people off somewhere else . If you can't say something nice....say nothing ! Good review though and some fair points made !
Thank you, Moog. I appreciate your counter arguments. As you say, the important thing is for each individual to be satisfied with their bike, and if you are happy with your Interceptor, then that's great :)
Something I've realised for a number of years, is that the extra cost of bikes is mostly for extra horsepower. Ok in the race style bikes today there's extra tech and rider aids. But the 1000s were always more expensive than the 600s, even before the days of all the "bells & whistles". Purchasing a slightly larger engine, ok there's extra power, but the physical product is only a little extra metal - and there's no way it's worth the extra thousands of pounds. The best example I can think of is when the GSXR 600 and 750 shared the same chassis and all the same components... they were exactly the same bikes just with different engine capacities... Was the little extra metal for the 750 worth an extra grand or whatever it was..? My comment is a general observation mostly relating to sport bikes. The ins and outs across the biking industry won't be as simple as this. There will be times that the more expensive bike will be worth the extra for one reason or another. Factors like dealership support when replacement parts are required.
You really deserve 14.7M subscribers. You have a talent for moto journalism…which makes me think some type of profession journalism may be your profession.
Up here in the north (Sweden) a bike will always be a guilty pleasure. Short season and high cost make motorcycles an insane proposition but many still ride (myself included). So that grin column on your scoreboard is extra important. Personally I would never consider a bland bike, it has to have a very big grin factor. So a good review, from your standpoint. Hard to be impartial when you compare your guilty pleasure to something that does not inspire. Well done.
Thanks, Robert. Yes, bikes are a guilty pleasure for me. I absolutely don't need one for transport - I have a far more practical car for that - but it would be hard for me to give my bikes up nonetheless :)
Hello Rocket man. Your video is correct! May I ask a question? Is this bike more relevant for daily use and highway triss once a month compared to the Trident? Here in India the trident is 2.5 times costlier than interceptor and although trident is more powerful and better, money is the question Not sure if I should directly go to the triumph or get the interceptor for couple of years and later upgrade to a larger bike? Please throw some light on it! Thx a lot
Difficult question. Personally, I think you might get bored of the Interceptor quite quickly. I certainly would, but maybe you are less demanding than me?? The Trident is an excellent bike and I am recommending one to my 31-year-old son as a first bike once he has his licence. It is much, much faster than the Interceptor. Hope this helps😊
This is a very fair review and opinion of the RE Interceptor. When released in the UK it was so well priced it had no direct competition hence it’s popularity. As mentioned in this review price has risen and continues to do so here in UK and it’s now not the bargain it once was. RE beware as I’m now looking at the Triumph 900 Speed Twin as the cost difference is now not that big………👍
An excellent and *HONEST* review. Unlike other videos on Enfield bikes which either 1 - Originate from India _(where comparison standards and speeds are way lower)_ OR 2 - Originate from the West by reviewers seemingly paid by the company Don't get me wrong, Enfield has made giant strides in the past decade, however they are still way, way behind modern bikes.
Italian bike builders:sideways V-twin that causes wobbling at low speeds You:Italian designers wouldn't stand for this.....lol just saying but don't take it to seriously....
Your straightforward honesty is appreciated. But, this is still exactly what you would expect from a motorcycle that cost only half as much as the "SuperStar" Triumph! And there are numerous aftermarket "upgrades" available at reasonable cost for the RE product should you decided to go that route.
@@RocketMan_Moto I'm thinking that many just "Like the brand"! You know how that goes. There are folks who will only own a Chevy pickup truck. And there are the Ford guys It's just human nature. (So my Grandfather always said!)
@@RocketMan_Moto Most modern bikes will be "better". A CB500 is a similar price, faster, better handling and has higher quality components. But that's missing the point of the Enfield. Also, here in the South East of England, traffic congestion is bad even in the countryside and speed limits have been reduced. Lots of places that used to have 60mph limits are now 40 with speed cameras all over the place. The Enfield is about as fast as you're going to go before you get stuck in a queue or get nicked for speeding.
I agree with your review. The position of the foot-pegs is contentious issue especially in India's traffic snarls, it is not uncommon to have cars and auto-rickshaws roll over ones toes. The bike is heavy and performance is modest at best. The exhausts are oversized and not in proportion to the design of the bike. The seat is uncomfortable for longer rides and this is aggravated by the suspension poor (especially the front) for India's pot holed roads. The candle light powered headlight is unacceptable for a modern day machine. I agree with the comment that its real competition is from the cheaper Chinese manufactures.
Greetings from India. This is not a hate comment as I agree with most of the things you said. I own an Interceptor. The Triumph Speed Twin is 3.6X times more expensive than the Interceptor here. I have completed about 5000km on the Interceptor and the only major complaints I have is the seat and suspension are both soft. But again, you get more than what you pay for. If the Interceptor had a Triumph logo and nothing else was changed, the price would've been at least 1.5X more. Just a few questions.. Did the Rocket score get inspiration from the Doug score? Did you get grin factor inspiration from Flossy Carter's floss factor? Just curious...
Thank you for your input😊 I have been advised of the huge price difference by some of your compatriots and completely agree that, at 3-4 times cheaper, the Interceptor suddenly becomes a much more viable option. Here in Europe, however, where it is ‘only’ half the price, I feel it is too expensive compared to, say, a Triumph Street Twin. In any event, I hope you continue to enjoy your RE👍 Re. The RocketScore; yes, it was a blatant copy of the Doug Score, as I explained in my video on the Harley Sportster
@@RocketMan_Moto Thanks for the quick reply. Please check out the Honda CB1000R which is a neo retro motorcycle. And do a ride review if possible. Also check out the Honda Rebel 1100 DCT.
@@RocketMan_Moto I think the appeal of it for me was the basic raw mechanical character. From a maintenance point of view so simple even valve clearance a doddle compared to the Triumph bucket shims. I think component ratio quality is reflected in price difference for sure Looking at the Triumph classic range for replacement next year. As have pillion more often than not how does the speed pillion perch compare?
I agree with the maintenance, but tbh it's not something I worry about too much, because I change bikes every year or so, so they're still under warranty, etc :)
Couldn't agree more with your review. Here's some fun stats: The original RE Interceptor from the 60s produced 5 more horsepower, weighed 30 pounds less, and looked 100 times cooler. This is my biggest problem with so many of the retro bikes, often they're slower than their original counterparts! (also, so goddamn heavy!) The original bonnevilles for example weighed over 100 pounds less than their modern counterparts!
@@RocketMan_Moto I think the bike that would kill it would be a smaller, lighter triumph, but still with that triumph quality. Maybe 7k us. That would be an interceptor killer
Thanks for sharing but an unfair comparison i think, if the Royal Enfield Interceptor was the same price as the Triumph Speed Twin i would understand your point, i have a Triumph and a Royal Enfield and thoroughly enjoy both styles of riding and both were valued accordingly.
I wasn't expecting the Interceptor to be half as good, but I think it is. There are better bikes available at the same price, or less, at least in Europe. The RE makes a lot more sense in India, where it sells for half the price.
![SPEED TRIPLE vs SPEED TWIN - Did I buy the right one? [QuickTest#16]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tLPOngs0qwQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![Triumph SPEED 400 vs 900 vs 1200 [QuickTest#36]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QZQmoGnAriI/mqdefault.jpg)
I reply to ALL NEW comments, but can't always keep up with longer threads :)
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I purchased my Interceptor.. in Ravishing Red...with the knowledge, expectations that it's a 650... and it performs great... sounds great and looks great. I saved $5000.oo plus... over the larger machines, who... if we rode together they may, get to the café before me.. but the dust in the parking lot won't be settled when I pull up. :) With the $5000.oo I saved... coffee and scone on me !
I totally get that. Nobody NEEDS to ride at high speed, but for me it’s (unfortunately) the essence of motorcycling and something I can’t do without. Enjoy the scones😊
@@RocketMan_Moto Just turned the big seven Oh... I use to do.. " speed "... and understand the desires and enjoyment.... I do have one in the stable that goes faster then the brakes .... :)
I bought my continental gt 650 in ravishing red...and man o man what a beauty she is, also i did 170 kmph on it this week. It was Pretty stable at that speed too.
@@shubhamchoudhary4269 speed, 170 Kmph
On which road bro?
@@SoundarThambi 😂😂😂
I have an Interceptor and I am from India, for us the RE 650s are gamechangers, unlike foreign countries the majority of us rides lower cc motorcycles, so if you are upgrading from a 200, 300 or 400 cc to a 650 twin then the power is more than enough for us. I can understand that outside India, where a 1000cc or a 650cc bike is a normal thing, you would definitely feel less power. Personally I have never ridden anything which feels so good and with enough power, ofcourse, if I ride a triumph or any other premium motorcycles I may like them better, but those premium ones are priced at even more than twice here, I got my Int 650 for 3.5 lakhs Indian Rupees (its still not considered cheap here) which is a great value for money. The motorcycle looks beautiful, it may be not loud but it does sound amazing. There are some negatives like the footpegs position, the suspension is not so good, the fuel indicator reading is weird etc but overall I love riding this motorcycle and it puts a smile on my face 😀
I totally get that: the Interceptor is highly suited to its home market, especially at the price it is sold there. And I agree that all power is relative. I also have a 9hp Honda scooter and love that :)
@@RocketMan_Moto this 9hp is so inclusive 😂
What r u saying even the cheapest triumph is more than double the price of interceptor in India, and speed twin is little over triple the price.
The interceptor is a fantastic bike, but if power is not the issue, i liked honda cb350 even better in terms of performance and refinement when i test rode both.. i m still confused on interceptor or cb 350
@@aps250487 interceptor and cb 350 aren't even in the same power class. Interceptor will leave the cb in the dust
@@neilpanasare4144 bro read properly.. i wrote if power is not an issue, cb 350 is better in terms of refinement and quality. I test rode both and i felt honda is better.. but i liked interceptor too and m confused between the two..
Having owned 35 bikes in the last 8 years, and still owning 11 of all kind of brands and prices (BMW, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Harley, Kawasaki, Honda, Royal Enfield, Triumph, SWM, Vespa) I think I have a pretty good idea of what I like in a bike. My conclusion is that it has nothing to do with objective score cards. The bike that I hated most was the highly regarded 2016 liquid-cooled BMW R1200 GS triple black, full option. One of the bikes that I like most however is my 2010 air-cooled BMW R1200 GS 30 Year Anniversary. The reason is simple: it is about looks, sound, vibrations, analogue clocks etc.. Among my favourite bikes are my 1956 BMW R50 and 2019 Royal Enfield Classic 500, both having around 26 hp. They would probably end up on your score card with a 3 and objectively spoken rightly so. I did not like my Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport and my BMW R NineT Scrambler (both with Ohlins front and rear), which could end up on the score card with a 9. Biking is all about the connection between you and the bike and how it makes you feel. For some that means a technically perfect motorbike, for others like me it has nothing to do with technical perfection, maybe even on the contrary.
I completely agree that you need that emotional connection. Same with women really😊
Well said Eddie.
Well said!
I Believe that is why that last column was added... the Grinn factor as much to do with waht you say... and again, just as you mention it, this is Rocketman's objective view. Not anyone else's. ;) ... for instance, if you go read about the new z650RS you see a lot of people talking nice about the engine, and you have hooligans like yammie complaining that the z650 engine is the most boring thing in the world.
@ I really like the look of the z650rs. In the green with the gold wheels and that chrome rear grab handle. But really it has the worst engine of the 650's suzuki had a v-twin yamaha has a CP2 triumph have a 660 triple, Honda has a four! And normal way up budget forks. And the price is really steep. If money and space didn't matter I would definitely have one. But for what you get for that price and it really just being an old tech dated z650 in nice clothes. Time will tell if it works out. My other half wants a ninja 650 do I try and push towards the z650rs ?
PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING
This is proving to be quite a controversial video, so thank you for all your contributions so far. A special thank-you to all my Indian viewers, who despite being entitled to feel the most aggrieved, always react in a characteristically courteous and objective manner. Respect!
Remember, the question I set out to answer here was not whether my Speed Twin is the better bike (which given the price difference, it really should be!), but whether I feel comfortable with the idea of having spent TWICE as much as I would have on the Interceptor.
Viewers in India have pointed out that the Interceptor costs about 3.5 times less than the Speed Twin in their country, in which case it immediately becomes a far more attractive proposition. In Europe, however, I feel its price has crept too close to the likes of the Street Twin, and it's about €500 more than the Honda CB500F.
By all means let us know what you think, but any gratuitous nastiness and/or indecorous language will only result in your comment being deleted.
Ride safe / Boas curvas / Bonne route, everyone
*RM* :)
I'm still seeing the thumbs down stat?
@@soulrebelno1 Yeah, I'm not sure what's going on. RUclips seem to be 'phasing it out', but I don't know if that means per video, or per country??? Sometimes I see it, sometimes I don't :)
@@RocketMan_Moto It's useless anyway, there are a lot of strange people out there who just like clicking on it for no reason at all!
@@soulrebelno1 Agreed!
See the point is there is a difference between Modern classic and classic (As in retro), Royal Enfield never moved away from classic and that's what exactly it is a classic bike with disc brakes and fuel injection, it's not even trying to be modern classic.
See power is subjective because it has enough power to break every single laws in every single country with speed limits (fastest legal road is in Texas 90 miles an hour).
(Of course excluding Autobahn)😅😂
I'm puzzled by the, often mentioned, foot peg problems. I am 60 years old and have ridden a lot of bikes I have done 5,000 miles on my Interceptor in around five months. I have never once found the foot pegs a problem. I have owned cruisers and cafe racers, tourers and trail bikes. I just mentally adjust to the pegs and do not understand the criticism of the Interceptor in this regard.
My own view of the bike is that it is not going to blow away the other traffic on the road but is simply marvelous on country roads. The gearing and fuel injection is close to perfection for such a bike and riding on a bendy road at speeds between 40 and 70 mph is a joy. Hardly a gear chance needed Motorway not so good, the bike will happily sit at 80 mph but the riding position on a naked bike is a bit wearing, so I choose A roads I absolutely love my Interceptor, I have a Triumph and a BMW but this is my bike of choice.
Glad you're enjoying your Interceptor. I found the pegs really annoying, but I would doubtless get used to them. Ride safe :)
You won't face the footpegs issue if you are taller than 5'10
@@WanderingBackpacker Maybe not, I'm 5' 7" and find the footpegs fine though.
Well you wint find the problem as the traffic issues hasn't bee faced by you may be in the bike. In a bumper to bumper traffic it's gives you you scrapped shins. But I love the bike 😁
@@canopus101 i am 5'9... initially I used to put my feet behind the footpegs on the ground so that my shin was touching the pegs, it was not that bad though, later I shaved off some of the foam from the seat and got enough room to flat foot. Now I rest my feet in front of the footpegs so that my calf touch the pegs and I find this position more comfortable and it gives me more confidence. It's good to know that you don't have this issue. 👍
Good review. As a happy interceptor owner I do think there a couple of things you have missed. The Interceptor name stems back to a bike that Royal Enfield made way back in the 1960's and I think its more the nostalgic route they are going for with the name rather than any images of a highway speed demon. Lets be honest names given to motorcycles in particular are all about marketing wank.......... Bandit, Fazer, Hornet, Tiger etc etc. You also have to remember that the Indian home motorcycle is different to that in most western developed nations, millions of people there still use motorcycles as every day transport. You are not going sell something that's too expensive or too complicated, Harley tried and failed to crack the Indian market. The standard seat as you say in the review isn't great, but that's a criticism I have seen levelled at many new bikes and also seems to be a very subjective thing. At the start of the video/review you talk about exhaust noise, all modern mass produced bikes are subject to the same noise regulations, so they are all going to be somewhat muffled. The Interceptor is by no means a speed machine by any modern standard, a commuter bike like the Z400 in 1977 generated about 40 bhp and weighed less. I suspect most of what Triumph sell, if you compared it bhp/power wise to what the big jap 3 can do for the same CC no comparison. You don't actually open the throttle on the Interceptor when you are following the Aprilia in the video, not that it matters but the voice over sync suggests you are. You are not even up to 5,000 rpm. Not that an interceptor 650 would keep up with that Aprilla at full throttle but.... You are missing the point utterly by comparing the Interceptor 650 to a Honda CB650R, a Suzuki Bandit 600 from 1995 had a claimed 75/80 bhp. The Interceptor has been designed to sell primarily in its home market with some world wide appeal as well granted. Its a budget bike, the plastics/switch gear etc are the same or damn similar to what's on all the budget stuff from Suzuki, Honda etc. If its functional and it works I don't see what else you want out of motorcycle switch gear to be honest. Never had an issue with the pegs myself. The engine bottom end is big, I dare say some of that design is to help it look more retro but also to aid cooling. I assume you are joking when you talk about the relation to peak torque and what the gear box, gear change and clutch feels like. High speed? The legal limit in the Uk is 70mph, the Interceptor will still do over 100mph and 0-60 in about six seconds. How fast do you need to go? The price of Triumphs is ridiculous you may almost well buy a Harley?!!! Its not like riding a 125! Come on! Its a cracking bike for the money full stop.
Well said !
I disagree: the Interceptor has become too expensive here in Europe for what it offers. Ride safe :)
@@RocketMan_Moto The price has gone up granted. I paid £5699 (GBP) OTR for for my Orange crush in February, I think they are now £6039 OTR in the UK. The cheapest Triumph is I believe is the Trident 660 at £7395 OTR although that's a different type of bike to Interceptor, more a modern roadster. Looks a good bike but not as practical as the Interceptor, how you would you for example be able to put a rack and luggage on it I don't know. If you want something a bit more classic/retro then you are looking at the the Street Twin staring at £8400 OTR. Thats a £2361 difference! I know its got 20 bhp more and is 900cc but that's a lot of money to most people. You could buy loads of accessories/mods/bike gear for the Interceptor with that money and still have enough change left for few decent bottles of red wine! There isn't anything you "have" to change on the Interceptor or GT650. The criticisms about budget suspension could equally apply to most budget/cheap motorcycles. You ride within the limits of the machine at the end of the day or you should on public roads. It rides fine out the box in my opinion. I think the brakes are more than adequate, they seem to pull you up pretty quick if you have to use them in anger. No idea if they would hold you back on a track day or whatever, but its not really that kind of motorcycle. People who buy the Interceptor/GT650 don't want TFT screens, rider modes, traction control etc. They want a modern simple bike, that has that classic styling without the aggro and expensive of running a real "old" classic. Yes it could make a reasonable first "big bike" but you are probably better off going down the Japanese route. If you put a set of aftermarket end cans on them they really do sound fantastic. At the end of the day you pays you're money you takes you're chance. As long each rider enjoys his/her machine then that's all that matter. It would be boring if we were all the same after all. Just think you miss the market the Interceptor/GT650 is aimed at is all. Ride safe.
Well said... Hardly Davidson street 750 which is a entry level is cost of 6Lakhs but RE INT 650 is just 3.30Lakhs in India.
Yes , i really liked the review because you did infact covered every point, objective as well as subjective. But trust me ,here in India even bike like interceptor is rare despite of being most selling bikes over 600cc 😀😂, and people still react as if this bike is very special / rare. Well i believe it is because 90% of indian people rely on budget bikes (100 to 125 cc at max) since they see "motorcycle as medium of traveling only" , even i have been using a 100 cc bike from 15 years (my dad's first bike actually).. and it doesn't even feel weird or embarrassing because you will see 100 cc bikes almost everywhere, that's why even when I see an interceptor, i stop and dramatically look at its beauty, so this is the reality here , that's why when we watch such honest reviews, some people (personally I) can't relate it to much , even get shocked because even interceptor feels as a non-budget bike to me😃
It’s not named Interceptor because it Intercepts things. It’s because that’s what it was called in 1960 when it probably was equal in performance to other bikes. The Fiat 500 is no longer necessarily a 500 and the Mini is definitely no longer Mini in size but the names fit the retro image.
Fair comment. It's still a bit of a misnomer, though, and I think people should be aware of that :)
@@RocketMan_Moto I understand your point but think your being a little pedantic about it, names are names and don't really carry any great expectation with them, call a car an Escort and do you expect young ladies with questionable morel's or a support vehicle?, you can criticize names that would detract from its desirability, "Joy Machine" springs to mind as being a bit on the dubious side, but even then it would not detract from the machine itself, just a subjective opinion, as for the two bikes if you are looking to spend on a Triumph then the Enfield is probably not on your radar, equally the other way round, the Interceptor is a perfectly adequate retro styled bike and while the CB 500 is also good its not retro styled so making a comparison would also be unfair to both bikes, another retro styled bike with a similar price tag and capacity would be an interesting revue.
I have three bikes currently. A Yamaha 900GT Tracer, a GSX-R 750 K5 and RE Continental GT 650. The latter, whilst nowhere near as competent as the others in every department, has given me a great deal of pleasure. This pleasure has mainly been derived from having to ride it hard and almost on the limit of its capabilities, all at licence retaining speeds (well, mostly). I have learnt a great deal about tuning front suspension at reasonable cost and this has helped me with my go to track bike, the Gixxer. It all depends what you want from a bike, I guess but for me the RE 650 has been great value for money in terms of smiles per mile. I always get off it feeling like I have ridden it and not the other way round. There’s no electrickery - it’s just you and a pretty basic machine. I personally think that counts for a lot. Oh, and in terms of the Meteor, just watch Chris from Bike World’s video. Now he really does know how to wring every last drop of dynamism out of any bike.
I get that: I have a 9hp Honda scooter which I also enjoy thrashing😊
@@RocketMan_Moto 😂 jokes apart
The Royal Enfield Interceptor should have carburetors and a Kickstarter and about drive to make it more customer-friendly Millennial males having almost nothing to prove manhood consider kick-starting a motorcycle to be manly like the old days but none of the bikes have Kickstarter nowadays Millennials would be standing up at the door to buy interceptors if they had kickers all of my pretty starfish kick only and all of them are on first kick no one gets impressed by you pushing a button I kick start my gyro tourist outfit a bunch of the Harley boys to show them how you start a real motorcycle
The Interceptor was designed for the scenic rider who enjoys great rides in all different areas far removed from the head-down bum-up plastic bullet rider who mainly sees only the grit on the road and managed to scrape the pegs every time they corner.
Rocket Man, you weren't born before the '60s so you missed out on a great motorcycling period. To those who were they know a great bike.
Well, that's my point really: they WERE a great bike. I'd take modern power, brakes and suspension any time :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Then buy a Ducati V4R but the Interceptor is a great bike that's why they are outselling all of the Triumph's sales and the prices are unbeatable!;
What makes it a bestseller in India is that the Triumph Speed Twin is priced 4 times the price of an Interceptor. Can't really beat that. Maybe not so much of a bargain in Portugal though, as you mentioned correctly.
4x the price? Wow, I didn't know that! The Speed Twin definitely isn't worth that much more.
@@RocketMan_Moto Actually the Interceptor is priced around 3300 - 3400 GBP equivalent on road in India. Almost half of what it's price is in UK. While Speed Twin is about 12k-13k GBP equivalent.
Wow, that is a huge price difference. Now I understand why they're so popular in India. Thanks for the information :)
Pata ni ye log kya chalate h ki inko .. Interceptor kam powerful lagti h ... 😅😅 Mere ko interceptor ki zaroorat se bahut jyada powerful lagti h
@@palashkale Buddy, totally understand your point.
Try riding a Triumph some day. (Maybe 3 or 4 times on separate days and you will see the difference)
Best regards,
Anoop
Kumarakom/ Cayman Islands
Just the fact that their bikes are compared to a modern Triumph is a huge win for RE.
Hmm, that's one way of looking at it :)
RE Interceptor is a modern bike
I too have an interceptor, named after it's iconic ancestry. I believe it's popularity stems from it's appeal as a first"big" bike, parts backup (Hitchcocks), customisation potential and for us older chaps whose reactions are slower these days. The price will rise, its economies. Start cheap to gain interest then slowly nudge up pricing. Reports of a cruiser and Himalayan variants using the 650 engine. I love mine and performance is fine for uk speed camera infested roads. But then again I also own a classic 500 bullet. Slow but wonderful 👍✌
The name is iconic, but also a slight misnomer, imo. The important thing is that you enjoy yours. I also own a 9hp Honda scooter and I love that :)
EICMA 2021 - RE just released Bobber concept SG- 650 yesterday.
@@RocketMan_Moto i never seen any reviewer complain about name other than you. in home market it is interceptor i guess. just subjective at the end of the day.
@@RocketMan_Moto You own a 9hp Honda and call yourself a RocketMan???
Well thought out and spoken review.
Can't agree on the outcomes of your review though.
With a few small changes I can happily keep up on most road rides with any other bike, bar high speed straight line wind outs.
I find more fun wringing out a slower bike through the gears than changing into second at 90kph or feathering the throttle to light up the rear tyre.
On conclusion I would say comparing an Interceptor to any bike twice the price seems pointless.
Pointless is still entertaining, apparently😊
i have an interceptor and i can confirm it is fantastic. great sound, great looks and very importantly it is good quality. its slow out of 1st gear but 2nd and 3rd and you start flying along with haste. very good handling also.
The important thing is that you enjoy your bike :)
@@RocketMan_Moto i love it, enjoy it, and recommend it. back to basics is never out of style. my cherry red interceptor gets more looks than the street twins. speed twins however... 😁 might get a look in from me.
The red is the colour I would go for on the Interceptor - very smart. Try the ST if you get the chance; it's a completely different riding experience :)
Flying along with haste is most definitely not something you do on an interceptor, it struggles to keep up with a modern family hatchback.
@@simonthecarpenter4203 from 10 to 60mph its quick. still batters cars at short distances.
Good review. Detailed and honest! From a psychological perspective, I would say your outcomes are not much of a surprise as you seem to be a big Triumph fanboy. But as always there is another perspective too. To me it feels like the concept of the Royal Enfield simply aims towards a different audience. These motorcycles are primarily built for the Indian market while taking the chance and pushing them into the European market as well. Here in Europe we have a strong trend in retrofying and slowing down our lifes due to an overflow coming from the high pace in our lives getting more and more digital. This is where the Royal Enfield Interceptor comes into play. This motorcycle is built to slow things down. To slow you down. And that is literally the meaning of "interceptor".
I really wanted to like the Interceptor, but it's just too expensive here in Europe. The Meteor appeals to me more
I would love to have a Speed Twin, but 12K for a motorcycle is a lot of money. I bought an Interceptor 650 for 6K and drove it 5K miles across the USA. It is under power and overweight, but a joy to ride. I like going full-throttler all the time without being dangerous. Also, I am not sure the Speed Twin is more reliable than the Interceptor. The big, oil/water cooled engine is bullet-proof. My Interceptor has the best transmission that I have ever experienced on a motorcycle.
Thanks for your feedback😊
I came from a Suzuki GSX-S750 to this RE650 Interceptor, it is perfect for what I want. Comfortable, leisurely, not too serious about itself and generally "good" all-round. I can go WOT and not immediately be at "go to jail" speeds and enjoy that exhaust note. The fuelling is the best of any EFI bike I have owned, the gearbox is nice etc.. I could go on. It is "slow" for a motorbike, but faster than most cars which is exactly what I wanted. It's narrow enough to lane filter too, a good perk.
Sure, there are things that aren't so good about it like how the front suspension dives under braking, the oil cooler guard and handle bar/mirrors starting to rust (East Coast Australia is in the midst of its wettest weather in history go figure) etc but otherwise for the market it aims at and the price, it is exactly what I wanted from a motorbike.
I agree with you and the main thing is that you're happy with your Interceptor. It's not a bike for me, but that's just my personal opinion. Ride safe :)
I purchased Interceptor in the beginning of year 2019 and it is one of the cheapest bike in its segment. All the spare parts are cheaper if compared to Triumph or Harley. Replace the spark plugs with iridium plugs and Air filter with High performance filter and your bike will rock. For more performance boost, mix 40 ml of LiquiMoly MOS2 Additive into the engine oil. For better braking, replace the stock brake pads with Ceramic brake pads.
For front suspensions, Change the stock oil with little more viscose oil (preferred brand LiquiMoly)
All the above expenses costed me amount equivalent to 150 US dollars.
In India the Interceptor makes perfect sense. It's too expensive here in Europe. Enjoy yours :)
I am fortunate enough to be able to keep two bikes in my shed, The RE Interceptor is ideal for weekend coffee runs, relaxed day cruises and city commutes. It will never be a track day bike, break any land speed records or handle like a MotoGP bike but it is excellent value for money IMO and a heap of fun to ride. My other bike is a BMW RNineT and needless to say it outclasses the RE in every area including power, torque, handling, build quality and good looks, but the Beemer cost three times as much and needs an experienced rider to ride it to its capability. You pretty much get what you pay for. The RE is a keeper despite its humble origins.
Thank you for your input, Barney. I agree that, especially as a second bike, the Interceptor could be good fun, but here in Europe it's sold for twice what it costs in India, and I think that puts it at a massive disadvantage. That said, I must confess that my fancy is being tickled by the similar BSA Gold Star... as a second bike, of course. Ride safe :)
The thing I think you might be missing on the Interceptor is that you can flog this bike on roads without being too far afoul of the law. A more spirited bike comes with the constant struggle between showing restraint or riding beyond reasonably fast. The Interceptor ends up being the epitome of the “riding a slow bike hard” saying.
The thing with the foot pegs… again, you’re right. But I came to learn in many countries, India maybe being one of them, the convention at stops is to put only one foot down like a kickstand. And when I tried that I no longer got stabbed by the pegs.
Thanks for your feedback. The most important thing is that you’re happy with your bike. Ride safe😊
For those in the Interceptor camp...Spend 400 quid and you can shave 13kg off the weight by adding a 2 into1 exhaust along with an air filter after market levers and mirrors and this can be done within 90 mins..
Mine gets to 60mph in second gear and pulls all the way to 90 fast enough for many i am guessing.And you can do it more often without losing your license .And i know the triumph is much quicker for those that can and want that excitement...And if thats not enough ,think how many times you can jump out of a plane for the money involved in either 🤘🏼
That's a mighty weight saving. Sounds like a useful mod!
Just got the opportunity to ride an Interceptor on Black Forrest back roads for a few hours. My regular bike is a Triumph Thunderbird Sport. Loved the Royal Enfield. What a wonderful package.
With all respect the Thunderbird Sport only makes about 80 hp and weighs 225kg, so I can understand that the Interceptor seemed ok to you. Ride safe :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Sure. Never claimed anything else.
The interceptor is a better bike than a classic style triumph but only for those who already have an excellent street bike or primary bike. I have a gsxs1000 and would love to have an interceptor. I don't need another 10k dollar bike that is excellent on the road. I want a classic looking bike that is cheap and totally different than my primary bike. Hence for me, I rather own an interceptor
As I have always said, the important thing is to find the right bike for you. If you're happy with the Interceptor, then that's great :)
I bought a new 2012, 110th Anniversary Special T100 Triumph Bonneville. The rear wheel was replaced under warranty as the chrome paint started to peel off the hub. The chrome plating to the rocket cover failed and the bracket to support the front mudgaurd at the forks was red with rust after a short period of ownership. I meticulously cleaned and dried my bike and kept it in a dry garage. I always wanted a Triumph Bonneville and thought I had bought a bike that was made in England, only to discover that the bike was no more british than I am. I definitely would be interested in the Royal Enfield Interceptor, built by motorcycle enthusiasts rather than house builders!!
Thanks for your feedback👍😊
Hi RocketMan, I couldn't agree more! I had an Interceptor 650 for almost two years and all the things you mentioned bothered me a lot. I made two mistakes that led to the purchase: 1. I saw too many reviews. At the time, the internet was full of people who were far too enthusiastic and were obviously on someone's payroll. And 2, I didn't test ride it, but instead accepted a good offer on paper from a distant dealer. To answer your question about the Street Twin, or today Speed Twin 900: I made the "mistake" of test riding one at Triumph now, even one with A2 kit (they didn't have another tester). The £2k is so worth it! Looking back, I'm annoyed about the purchase. And the quality for that matter, because it doesn't last. The Interceptor 650 is not worth the money. Best regards from one of the Balearic Islands ;)
Thanks for that, Ben. I do believe the Interceptor has been massively overhyped. It’s ok, but only ok. You may have seen my recent video on the Triumph 900. Wow, an impressive machine!!😀👍
I am planning to buy Interceptor 650 in next few months. And what a surprise, you made a video about it. Thank you so much as always.
My pleasure. Hope my video didn't put you off the Interceptor - it's a nice 'little' bike, but do try one before you buy :)
@@RocketMan_Moto not at all, your video is a comparison between this and a bigger and better bike and it is way too costly too. Interceptor is the best within my budget and it will suit my purpose of weekend rides with my wife and infant boy. And I have ridden it for a very small time, I liked it. Thanks a lot for this video amd every other video that you upload. You put real facts on the table and be ruthlessly honest about your opinions. 😺🤙🏻
Triumph Trident instead. That’s all I got to say.
@@martyshmanka I would have considered that, but it is a lot compact for 2 people to cruise on the weekends. And Trident is more than twice the price of Interceptor 650 in India. Although, one of my friends considering to buy the Trident as his first big bike.
The Trident is a great bike, but wouldn’t be my first choice for 2 people
Hey,
I do feel the Re 650 Interceptor might have been a bit compromised with the fit nd finish..(Understandable with the price at which is offered here) but the Engine definitely does not feel a 125 cc one..Engine is by far the best RE has manufactured till date and has plentiful torque to keep you interested…ride safe🏍
When I compared it to a 125, I was really thinking of the size and feel of the bike. The engine is more akin to a 350-400 :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Dat is an irony'
I just tell it like I feel - you are free to disagree :)
The interceptor is perfectly good for traveling and it really shines while cruising through long mountain passes. It's a blank canvas which is partly why it appeals to so many riders.
I agree. But it's become too expensive in Europe for what it offers.
Having written British bikes in the 650 range it amazes me that people went out to ridiculous high-speed cat fight only to return to the vegetable 500 singles and 650 twins that were considered underperforming and old fashions like I said it may take 40 years to prove me right but I'm still right I love kick starting my antiques in front of the newbies to show them how to start a real motorcycle and like I always say real motorcycles leak oil today's motorcycles are not really motorcycles that are collection of government regulations on two wheels
That was a really interesting perspective and more critical/realistic than some of the forever glowing reviews of the Interceptor. I had the Speed Twin at the top of my list for a new bike until I got some insurance quotes and it was over three times the cost of the Interceptor, street twin, T100 group and over twice the cost of a T120. So recalibrating a little and looking at the T100 suddenly brought the Interceptor into the frame and this a more tricky comparison to try justifying the cost when comparing these two. Just need some dry weather here in Blighty to get test rides in. Keep up the great videos. 👍😀👍
Thanks, Chris. Sorry to hear about your insurance woes, but if you were considering the Speed Twin (which, as you know, I absolutely love), then do not even consider the Interceptor. You will be bored with it after 20 minutes. The T100 or Street Twin would be the way to go, imho :)
If the Triumph WASN'T a better bike there would be something seriously wrong given the price difference. I would never claim that any modern Royal Enfield is a better bike than a modern Triumph.
I bought an Interceptor in July this year and am very happy with it. I'm new to "big bikes", having only passed my test in July after having my love for motorcycles re-ignited (after a 30 year break) by buying a 1984 Suzuki GP100 almost identical to the one I had when I was 17 in 1989. I love my little 2-stroke, but with my weight on it (I was a LOT slimmer in my teens!) it's just not safe out on the open roads with lorries breathing down your neck! So I decided to take my bike test and buy a bigger bike to join my classic 2-stroke in the garage!
Initially I wanted a Royal Enfield Bullet 500, but I also wanted a brand new bike, because I've never owned a brand new vehicle - so when they discontinued the Bullet I decided to get an Interceptor. It's more than I'll ever need from a bike to be perfectly honest. Reaches 60 faster than most cars on the road and will sit all day at 60-70mph with a bit in reserve if it's needed. I don't feel the need to go any faster and I don't think that will change in the future even when I get more experienced on the bigger bikes. I have a car for the commute and the bike only comes out of the garage for a ride whenever I'm not in a hurry and it's not raining.
The 20-year old me would probably have got bored with the Interceptor already and would be looking for something with more power and speed - but it just doesn't interest me any more, so the Interceptor fits my needs perfectly really. It's a classic bike, with classic performance, with the added extra of modern reliability.
Thanks for your input, Steve. The question I set out to answer wasn't whether the Triumph was a better bike - which is, as you say, kind of obvious in view of the price difference - but whether I was comfortable with the idea of having spent TWICE as much as I would have on an Interceptor. And, unlike the comparison review of the Trident I made a couple of weeks ago, I am happy with my choice. I've been advised by subscribers that Interceptor in India only costs about £3500, which makes it a far more attractive proposition. Here in Europe it has crept up to within a few hundred pounds of the Street Twin, and is more expensive than a Honda CB500F, for example. Anyway, I hope you continue to enjoy your bike. Cheers :)
I have one. It's fast enough for me, but I'm old. The seat is mediocre, I replaced it. The pegs are odd but I have gotten used to them.
As I have always said, the important thing is to find the right bike for you. If you're happy with the Interceptor, then that's great :)
@@RocketMan_Moto You have ridden many bikes, I have not. Compared to my Vespa, it is fast. Compared to my RE 500 single, it is smooth and sophisticated. My biggest complaint is that it lacks character. I prefer my clunky 500. Slow, vibrating, agricultural single cylinder, long stroke, thumping 500. . . You're right. The Interceptor is not the bike for you, it's probably not for me either, I am probably going to sell it.
I have had a 9hp Honda Vision scooter for the past 4 years and love it, so you can see I'm not all about power :) The Interceptor to me feels like an old bike, a really old bike: it's heavy and underpowered, and I think if you ever get the chance to ride a Speed Twin, or equivalent, you will see what I'm trying to get at in this video. Many people have bought into the Interceptor because of the name and the price, and I don't feel the bike is up to it with regard to either of these key elements. Just my opinion :)
For me the Interceptor is an absolute joy to ride. I test rode one and fell in love. "Warts and all" she is still beautiful. 10 weeks in and we are still together 😄
If you’ve found the right bike for you, that’s great. Enjoy😊
Have you tried checking out the in-gear acceleration numbers of the interceptor? It smokes triumph street twin :)
Because interceptor makes power really low down the revv range, it makes up for everything that you talked in terms of the engines.
I couldn’t really feel much power anywhere in the rev range, but if you’re happy with yours then great👍😊
Arun, my friend, did you ever ride a Street Twin?
Good honest review - I demo-ed the bike last week & noticed immediately the peg jabbing into my shin/calves. I watched many YT reviews afterwards on this bike and only one other reviewer mentioned this issue…a young lady videoing from London streets
A real problem for me. Maybe less so for others?🤷♂️
I own an Interceptor, which I enjoy immensely. I too dispute the value for money" claims, but you are at least getting what you paid for. Some of the finishes on the metal work are dubious and vary considerably from bike to bike. Overall, though the bike is fine. To me, the bike reminds me of the Honda CB250 I had in the early 80s, but with 30 more bhp! Having said that, I leave playing "Top Trumps" with bike specs to the kiddies and just enjoy the ride. Just to mention though, I have had quality issues with the clocks misting up and occasional engine stalling when in heavy traffic (yet to find a solution to this). Overall, I'm glad I bought it.
The main thing is that you're happy with your Interceptor. Ride safe :)
The clocks misting up is a common trait of the RE 650s . Bad fuel pump relays too are know to give trouble.
The lights on my BMW F900XR misted up, so no brand is without fault
@@RocketMan_Moto I have a 2009 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic and the gagues fog up in damp conditions but in dry times they never fog up. Where as my RE 650s stay partially fogged up all the time . Must be really humid where the clocks are assembled. But otherwise I am happy with the RE 650 .
My Triumph T120 clocks used to mist up too. Previously my Triumph America used to occasionally cut out at traffic lights.
I think some purchasers will be looking to this as a second bike - I certainly am after being given one as a loaner for a day. I really enjoyed the experience. My current second bike is a Fireblade, which I rarely ride because I spend the whole time overtaking the ludicrous amount of traffic on UK roads (mostly car drivers who seem incapable of any speed other than 40MPH). There are very few places to fully enjoy a bike like that in the UK, and after 20 different bikes in 15 years of riding, I’ve come to the conclusion that performance isn’t the most important factor. I ride to enjoy my surroundings, see new things and for escapism, and I’d argue the Interceptor delivers on all those. There’s enough go in it to have some fun without fear of losing the licence, and the price makes it possible for more people to enjoy motorcycling.
Valid points
There are two Interceptors in my garage. I bought one each for my wife and I. They are twice the bike of a Triumph Speed Twin with a pillion aboard.
Glad you're happy with them. I am thinking of an Interceptor for my wife, too. Ride safe :)
You are bang with the footrests issue, I am 6' 1" and suffered the same problems and tried every fix on the market to make them work for me. In the end I fitted the GT Continental footrests and control levers and that was a proper game changer for me. Your are right the bike is very laid back and needs a bit of old fashioned tuning which I have done and makes it a bit more interesting. I won't comment on your comments on the finish because it's built to a budget. Finally I have owned six Hinkley Triumphs all triples and loved them but they are overpriced with outrageous servicing costs.
Good idea with the GT footrests. And I agree with the cost of Triumph servicing, even here in Portugal. Ride safe😊
Good review. I'm glad you stated the position you were coming from when you judged it. You're more performance oriented and for how the Interceptor is built for, would be a bit of a let-down for you.
For what you get for the money, I think it's a fantastic bike and one I hope to get one 2022. I was looking at the Triumph Speed Twin. It's gorgeous and has gotten fantastic reviews. But I don't think it's worth 2x the price. Maybe 50% more. And too many people haven't been thrilled with support from Triumph.
While you pegged the Interceptor as an introductory bike, it depends who's riding it.
Thanks, Ricardo. I still think that - at least in Europe - there are better bikes available for similar money. Triumph Street Twin or Honda CB500F, for example :)
Interceptor owner here... disagree on almost every point - on which you also are out of synch with most independent reviewers. Shine of your Triumphs in the Algarve sun is in your eyes.
But you're entitled to your opinion and express it well, which is enough for my follow.
Would love to see what you make of the z900rs! Surely not underpowered..
Thanks for the sub :) I'm glad that you enjoy your Interceptor, but it's not a bike for me and therefore I feel duty bound to say as much in my video. There are plenty of positive reviews out there - often sponsored by the manufacturer, it has to be said. I'm hoping to test the Z900RS in the new year. Ride safe :)
Love my interceptor cannot believe how fast it is. They are slowish when not run in though. Also I have updated much larger bore front pipes and silencers both stainless this has removed 2 cats. Upgraded air filter and intake. Booster plug to slightly richer it. Feels like a rocket now. A little too heavy for me at 76.
Interesting comparison but the bikes aren't even close to each other and are targetted for completely different demographics. Since you love the street twin so much, I would really like to see a kawasaki z900rs comparison video. Thanks!
The question was, is the Triumph worth twice the price, not is it superior :) Z900RS video coming as soon as the dealer gets one in :)
Interesting review. It's always going to be apples/oranges kind of discussion when comparing bikes such as this. However, if one considers the demographics of the average buyer of a retro styled bike the following points come to mind. I am probably within the group targeted to buy this bike. 60's, nostalgic, retired. If I was to purchase a bike of this sort I would be less concerned about high horsepower. To be honest budget is my priority. So in Canadian dollars the Interceptor for $7975, the T100 for $12,500 or the Street Twin for $11,350. For me and the kind of Sunday morning cruising around I would do, it's a no brainer. The important thing to remember is knowing that you WILL be getting what you paid for. The Interceptor will probably not be as reliable or have decent resale. But a far cheaper price of admission.
Edited to add this. Below someone mentioned the Kawasaki W800. Good point as I see you can get a left over 2020 model for $9500CAD. It splits the difference price wise and would be a good option.
At the prices you mention, I agree the RE makes more sense. Unfortunately, here in Europe, it’s priced too close to other (better) bikes😊
LOL....I like the subtle jab at TMF at the end........another brilliant review!!!!!
Thanks😊
In india this motorcycle costs only £4000 and speedtwin is £13000.so it is way better bargain than that speed twin.
Agreed, but I am reviewing the bike (and the prices) from the perspective of a European. I have no doubt that REs are eminently suited to the Indian road environment :)
@@RocketMan_Moto in india it is the worst quality motorcycle (RE)
There are some die hard fans of old RE in india, they buy those that is y the company sustain. Very poor quality but in recent years they managed to improve it slightly but still poor, there are better brands and motorcycles in india.
Thank for your objective input :)
Hey RM,
what you said about the foot pegs and riding engagement is true, because the interceptor is meant to be a more approachable Continental GT650. The GT650 was actually the first bike, it has a slight tilt forward stance and foot pegs slightly at the back solving the calf clash issue at stops and such. The Interceptor is the more laid back variant.
The names are just old model names meant to invoke British or Indian pride depending on the name from war times or situations of national pride. They make nice limited run special editions based on that in India.
The GT 650 is more engaging as well (It'll feel fast for a first time or returning rider but not actually be scary) and is more of a looker too to be fair.
Overall the Twins are behind on power figures for it's class but it has a fair amount of torque to compensate.
But that is because RE positions it as a first big "upgrade" for emerging markets(where most drive 20 bhp or under 2 wheelers) and a nice commuter or hobby bike for weekend riders in developed markets.
There are way nicer paint jobs available as well.
I agree that the Interceptor is eminently suited to other markets outside Europe. The problem is that here the price is way too high and I believe there are better bikes available for similar money. Ride safe :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Can't disagree with you there. I would get a Ducati sixty2 or a Vitpilen 401/701 if I were in Europe, instead. We don't get those here.
Very nice bikes, but like you, there are no Ducati or Husqvarna dealers in the Algarve. I would have to go to Lisbon, which is a 3-hour drive :(
Interesting review considering the praise it gets from most other reviewers. My son has one and has changed the cans to Scorpian, R&N air filter, indicators swapped out, black handlebars with bar end mirrors plus a few other items. It looks good. When I ride it , I find it has more get up and go than my 2021 CB500x which has me thinking of up grading mine to maybe a Tiger 900. However I wouldn’t like to travel on the interceptor for too long as it’s not the most comfortable bike.
I would choose the CB500X (which I owned a couple of years ago) over the Interceptor without hesitation. I found it more responsive and more comfortable than the RE :)
It is shame nowadays that so many people judge the enjoyment of a motorcycle by how much it cost slow is safe slow is cheap and you don't have to worry about stupid speed cameras if you're not speeding take it slow daddy oh you can live it up and die in bed baller bikes is a 50s and 60s that had 40 horsepower were considered Road burgers in those days you really had to reach for the ton 100 miles an hour you have to work for it that's why people respected you nowadays all of the motorcycles are faster than the plane and my buddy used to fly people used to tell us to buy a newer playing with the whole point of flying history flying the whole point of the whole point of riding is to be riding your bike not to get a faster bike so you can be home sooner everyone today if it's such a hurry to go absolutely nowhere drive like hell you'll get there I like to take a Schmo enjoy the ride smell the roses
about the display; I never understood why people need a display to tell them which gear they are in. People who just ride from feeling don't need anything but simplicity. Because the bike should be an extension of your body, not something that you need loads of clocks and dials to tell you what's happening and try to calibrate your RPM with your gear ratio using academics. You do it by feel
Experienced riders can, but I think beginners appreciate having a gear indicator. I did😊
@@RocketMan_Moto Never had a gear indicator on any bike I've owned (going back to 1985) and most didn't have a fuel gauge either... One of the reasons I like the RE (I own a Conti GT 650) is that it's just a back to basics bike that won't have me losing my licence.
There's no comparison between the Speed Twin and the Interceptor; even comparing a 'similar tier' Triumph like the Street Twin shows just how far behind the Royal Enfield is... but if you want a motorcycle that simply looks retro, is well-made, and easy to maintain, the Interceptor is a great bet.
That just about sums it up. I was surprised by just how bad the Interceptor was. I've ridden far better bikes costing the same and having the same power :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Aye, so true - I appreciate your candor and fair approach to most reviews I've seen of yours. I'm a fan of 'Uncle Stu' (Mr. Fillingham), but his love for the Royal Enfield has often seemed to me to be stoked by his dissatisfaction with the direction Triumph is going, rather than the actual positives of the Enfield (which he has customized the heck out of). My wife rides a 2020 Street Twin, and I have a 2020 Speed Twin, myself. Wife tried both the RE Interceptor and Street Twin, and found it night and day - and the Street Twin is genuinely (by any standard) not a lot more dosh. Ride safe!
I can believe that. I rode the Street Twin briefly and really liked it. Better than the T100 (especially on price), but quite a bit less exciting than our Speed Twins, though. Ride safe :)
@@RocketMan_Moto I find the Street Twin a great commuter/weekend cruiser. Had mine for a month. I shopped the Interceptor but in the end the Triumph was just a much better motorcycle
I think you made a wise decision. I've ridden the Street Twin (briefly) - very nice motorcycle :)
You people are the real testing engineers who points out the real problems of every bike..
Thanks
Thanks for a great review. Of course you must hear the question, is bike x (or car) REALLY worth twice, or three times bike y, a lot. But rarely do improvements in build come back in one to one cost ratios. It's diminishing returns, it costs a lot more than twice the price to make another bike twice as good.
If spending twice as much gets you something noticeably nicer and better performing, it's probably all you can expect.
Thank you, Terry. Diminishing returns is exactly right - an M5 isn’t 5x better than a Fiesta
Did debating with me inspire you to check interceptor out did it hows the heat issue on speed twin?
I did receive a few requests to review the Interceptor, yes :)
I think you need to ride an interceptor that is fully run in. The performance of mine improved significantly after the first 1000 miles
That's quite possible. The one I tried was on about 250km, I think.
@@RocketMan_Moto I was wondering that when reading your test - its pretty pointless talking about performance of a bike thats not run in - at least 2-3000 kms, preferably 5000kms - probably losing 20% of power and revability to friction losses in a 250km motor - that is TIGHT! My 850 Eldo Guzzi felt like a 250 with new cylinders & pistons, at 7000kms it really spins [for a big-flywheel Guzzi....]
Honestly, when I decided to buy me a twofer, I couldn't afford a triumph...
So I went for Royal Enfield continental GT... And I never regretted my decision ever since... Thank God I didn't go for triumph... Money saved. 👍🏻😎
If you're happy with your RE, then that's great. Ride safe :)
Good review, although I'd give it more points for styling, I think it's a handsome little bike. Loved the gentle dig at MSF!
Thanks, Russel. It's good looking at first glance, but those 'fautes de goût', like the giant Easter egg engine cover, simple Interceptor sticker and 18" wheels put me off a bit - it's all subjective, of course :) Poor TMF, eh? He spent a fortune and ended up with a bit of a mish-mash :(
Taller and heavier people generally prefer larger displacement motorcycles for obvious reasons. Comparing a 1200 cc motorcycle with a 650 cc one seems like comparing apples and oranges.
Next video: Ducati Streetfighter vs an orange. Promise :)
Speed Twin owner here... I test rode the Interceptor too and I can wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts on the engine, its uninspiring to say the least. I wanted something a bit less "serious" than the speed twin for those days I'm not feeling like riding too aggressively... Sure, its cheaper than a T100, but the uninspiring engine, the footpegs, very soft seat that becomes uncomfortable after a while... Then you start noticing all the cheap-ish details on the bike. It convinced me to shop for a used T100 instead.
It's exactly that: the Speed Twin can be a bit aggressive sometimes, so I was interested in seeing if the Interceptor could provide a 'softer' experience, but it's far too basic. The T100, or possibly the Street Twin, is a better bet. The RE is only £3k in India, which makes it a more viable proposition. Ride safe :)
Fair review of the interceptor, I have an interceptor and a street twin, two very similar bikes, but the triumph is better in every way, I brought the interceptor very cheap as it has had unrecorded insurance damage and was involved in a low speed off and brought direct from the owner. I’ve done load of upgrades suspension, (front & Rear) handlebars, indicators, full exhaust, booster plug air filter etc, although its a bit more perky it’s still probably less that 50bhp although it does ride a whole lot better but My triumph is still better.
Interesting, thanks for your input… which doesn’t really surprise me😊
I was recently shopping a new Interceptor and Street Twin...Found a 2022 Street Twin with 400 miles that was $2500 more then the Interceptor and bought her. Sitting on an Interceptor then sitting on a Street Twin the difference in quality is immediately evident. Then there is the traction control, rider modes fuel computers, gear indicator and all that torque. I would get a slightly used Street Twin over a new Interceptor 8 days a week
I think you made a wise decision there. Enjoy :)
That’s a tough comparison comparing a budget bike to what can be considered a more high end machine.
I owned a RE Bullet 500 Iron Barrel (1996 model). These were the bikes RE made before becoming really commercial and even before the EFI engines with fuel injections. It had a crazy 18bhp and it was as more of a bicycle with and engine that’s anything else. I sold it due to reliability issues but I regret that sale almost everyday. It was such a fun bike to ride and it was absolutely beautiful with me getting asked what it was almost everytime I parked it. Since then I’ve owned a Yamaha Bolt, a 2016 Honda VFR800F and a 2010 Honda VFR1200F and I still miss it the most. RE’s just have character that grows on you, I can’t say I’ve felt the same way about any of the other bikes I’ve owned.
The question was « is it TWICE the bike? » and I believe it is. The Interceptor is too expensive for what it offers, imo😊
@@RocketMan_Moto then the trick is to buy it secondhand 😉
OK... but you could also buy a second-hand Speed Twin :)
The REAL question is Is the Triumph overpriced ?.
It is a bit, but better than many other bikes nowadays
It's always good to remember to evaluate it for what it is. To evaluate it as a high speed high power bike is absolutely expecting something that was never implied. It is an Indian bike and therefore that means reliability and fuel efficiency. Not to mention good looks. So yes, I agree that for an adrenaline junkie this is not the bike. Nor is the meteor. But for someone wanting reliable transport from point a to point b I'd say this absolutely fits the bill and it is fun for those of us who don't need to run around with our hair on fire.
I hear you, but personally I expect more from a motorcycle. If I just want transport, then a car makes more sense to me :)
Heh, funny review thanks. I know a guy who sold his Thruxton for an RE650 because he wanted something easier going. Some folk need a big engine at all times, others find that gets them into trouble too easily
Thanks. I totally get that: I sold my 2017 Street Triple RS because I was sick of going everywhere 'at 200mph' :)
@@RocketMan_Moto If you'd climbed off a Rocket3 and jumped onto the SpeedTwin; I suspect you'd have the same "this engine is a slug" sensation.
Halving engine size has that effect.
I did that precise thing a few months ago. The Speed Twin is infinitely more manageable than the Rocket. I could have bought a Rocket if I'd really wanted one, but I knew as soon as I'd ridden one that it wasn't the bike for me.
Interceptor by name ? Indeed : she intercepted, grabbed and kept my heart !
Great, enjoy👍😊
Iv'e had my Interceptor for over 2 yrs now & I wouldn't swap it for any Triumph.
I'm delighted if the Interceptor is the right bike for you :)
Here in the U.S. a 650 should have at least 60 to 70 reliable HP, we do love our horsepower over here. And thanks I failed to notice the crummy plastic chrome signals. Keep up the good work looking forward to the next review.
Thanks, Leonard :)
Being a old man I remember my friends Interceptor from the sixties and it was a 750. The little extra torque would make a difference, the ten to one compression of the older bike is probably unachievable. The older bike was also probably lighter. The improvements the new bike has are obvious and undeniable. The newer Interceptor is much more suited to purpose.
Hello sir! I rode this bike during the summer AFTER I had bought my Trident. Mostly out of curiosity and the brand name. In Canada this bike actually costs more than the Trident, so I kind of wanted to compare the ride. Well thanks be to God for my Trident because this Interceptor paled in comparison in so many ways. Build quality, engine performance, standard features such as braking and TFT/Clocks all were embarrassingly behind that of the Trident. And the peg position. I mean WTF? I couldn’t figure what I was doing wrong as they were scrubbing the inside of my legs at every stop. So awkward. I really couldn’t understand the appeal tbh. I love the looks of these bikes, and yes the sound is better than my Trident, but wow, I’ve got to say I felt like I was riding a 90’s Suzuki rebuild of some sort. I am truly puzzled by the sales numbers of these bikes in Europe/India. I will also say that later in the summer when the dealer brought in the Meteor the fit and finish was far superior to the 650. I did not ride the Meteor, but it looked more promising tbh.
The Trident is definitely a whole lot sportier. I agree the cheaper Meteor is probably the one I would go for😊
Cannot compare Interceptor with trident 😃 Trident is way way ahead n better in every way
I agree... although I suppose it depends what you need. There's less than €1000 difference in the two bikes here in Europe, though, so I would definitely go for the Trident personally
@@RocketMan_Moto Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 costs equivalent to $4600 USD here
yep. in canada the RE650 is actually pretty expensive. the most expensive variation of the gt650 and ALMOST the cost of a brand new street twin.
I own an Interceptor and have also owned a modern Triumph T100. They are superficially similar but I don’t think they compete. The Triumph was more fun for spirited riding. The Interceptor is much more relaxed. I think you summed it up nicely. Objectively. And I share your concern about the foot pegs.
Fair enough!😊
I'd be interested to see how this would do against the T100 Bonny
I rode the T100 briefly, but didn't make a video. It's a superior bike to the Interceptor, but not €4K better, as the price would suggest.
Admit the triumph 100 is not a bad bike having ridden both the 100 and the interceptor I’d say the one big thing I found was the interceptor feels better on the motorway, the triumph in top seems to need the 6th gear of the 120 ..
I own an Interceptor, I previously owned a Street Twin, aside from performance differences, I can sum up the comparison quit simply. The Street Twin is a modern motorcycle disguised as a retro bike, while the interceptor is more of a retro bike brought up minimally to euro 4-5 standards. There is absolutely no fair comparison between a Speed Twin and an Interceptor. By simply upgrading and decating the exhaust, doing intake mods, and changing to a lower gearing the Interceptor becomes a very spirited short distance street tracker 0-100 KPH type bike. I would compare it to an Austin Healey Sprite, lots of noise, lots of shifting, sounds like your going fast but actually not. great for two lane secondary roads spirited riding but not pushing it. It's a hoot
Thank you for a realistic review. The Interceptor sound just like I've always anticipated. Hope Stuart Fillingham watches as he seems deluded.
Haha, he does really love his Interceptor, doesn’t he. I suppose that’s the most important thing really😊
@@RocketMan_Moto :)
To be fair to Uncle Stu, he does accept and point out its lesser attributes. For the sort of riding he does, it suits. Don’t forget he loves his Classic 500 so that gives you a idea of the type of riding he likes. There are many that also like that style of riding, and many that prefer more pace. Biking is a broad Church.
Stuart's owned the bike for years, Rocketman just tested it for a bit. I could have easily guessed it wouldn't be a bike he would enjoy from previous bike reviews
I’ve a feeling the Rocket scoring may have been more generous if you’d had the Interceptor for a few months & completed some essential mods (cans, air filters, lights etc) then had a test ride of the Triumph…similar to the Missenden Flyer’s approach…? Perhaps the Speed Twin has spoiled your view somewhat? You can’t argue with the Triumph’s quality but it seems a *slightly* unfair comparison. Interesting video as always though thank you.
Thankyou for this wonderful honest review, you have definitely saved me the expensive experiment for sure!
I really wanted to like the Interceptor, but it was a massive let-down
Each to their own but the Triumph. Will have loads of Taiwanese products on it and twice as much
True enough, but as long as the quality control is there, I don't have a problem with where things are made. My wife was 'made in Brazil' :)
Loved your video. I test rode the Interceptor and it's really nice. I almost bought one. But in Thailand I could be a few year old Street Twin for the same as a new Interceptor. There isn't much of a comparison for the more recent ST. It's got considerably more go, is much better put together and just an altogether better bike. I do get it. The interceptor is fabulous value and ticks so many boxes but I wasn't expecting such a huge performance difference. Keep up the good work guys!
Thanks for your feedback 😊
Enjoyed the review. When I saw the title, I thought oh, no! RM isn’t satisfied dissing the Harley boys, he is now going to P off the Triumph gang. Bloke really has a death wish! Didn’t turn out that way. Good objective review as always but I would agree the Street Twin is the real Triumph comparator. Would like to see that. I doubt RE would ever think about the Speed Twin as being in its sights. Interesting that you suggested the T100 might not be worth the price differential.
Regards
Denis
Thanks, Denis. I did try to be diplomatic, but at the end of the day it’s just one bloke’s opinion. The Interceptor is a decent little bike, but there are better first bikes out there😊
I am from Mumbai, India and own RE Interceptor 650. I have taken this bike on long ride both mountain and tropical enviorement and even to office in daily traffic condition. I would say it is overall simple good bike and easy to maintain.
1. RE Synthetic Engine Oil 10w50 - Cost Rs 3,500/-
2. Oil Filter is not very expensive
3. Stock Foot rest I have changed and put on custom made as they are not comfortable and placed right.
4. First gear no pick as compared to 150 or anyother bikes.
Thank for your measured input. I agree that for the Indian market, given the price and ease of maintenance, it's a great bike. In Europe, however, I feel it's less appealing because it's too expensive (twice the price compared to India).
@@RocketMan_Moto Yes your are right when I have seen selling Price. There is no major difference as compared to India and rest of the world. But major factors like logistics & transportation which depends on shipping route and fuel price which keeps on changing, Local import tax are also applied. So for example over here in my country Bike price may change due to tax in every state and city. But will say bike is priced at cheaper price. where as here in Mumbai we have 2 Triumph outlet and the prices are more than what is sold in rest of the world. Again service cost is really high when compared to Honda, Kawasaki. So it all depend on Tax and logistics. I hope prices are kept little lower so that we Bikers can afford and ride free.
I can imagine that buying and maintaining a Triumph is very expensive in India, because they are already expensive in Europe. In the USA & Canada, they are a lot cheaper, because of greater competition and Triumph are trying to increase their market share. Ride safe :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Thanks for your good wishes. You too ride safe and with proper riding gear. Also looking ahead for travel and bike information content on your channel.
Thanks! Oh yes, I always wear the right gear, even if it's sometimes very hot here in Portugal. I imagine you have the same problem - maybe worse - in India?
I owned an Interceptor for about 4 months and then traded it in on a Triumph Bonneville T120. The Interceptor is a great starter bike but the Triumph is the real deal - worth the additional cost. The Interceptor feels like an inexpensive bike because it is. The Triumph feels (and rides) like a precision machine but costs more. If you can afford it - get the Triumph.
Totally agree with you there, Scott. Ride safe :)
As a former bullet owner and prospective 650 twin buyer, I positioned myself ready to poo poo any criticism at the first sign.
Although - as you stated several times- you aren’t going to be happy with the lack of power compared to your preferred level of ooomph, you did a sterling job of being as unbiased as possible.
Made me think again and look deeper, so take that as a big compliment to your reviewing protocols.👍
Thank you. Glad you appreciated my efforts :)
You didn't like it ? That's fine by me because I love mine, never regretted buying it for one second . Horses for courses , each to his own and all that !
And herein lies the problem , back in the day we were all riders and you rode what you could afford there wasn't brand snobbery like there is now , we are a divided group and that is demonstrated on a daily basis by the amount of riders that don't acknowledge you while out ( you know who you are ) but recently this has gone a step further , several times Triumph fanboys have made a beeline for me and basically said my bike is shit , and these were more "mature" riders not young gobby lads ! After the offer of a smack in the mouth they dissapeared on thier Union Jack's everywhere ( Thailand built ? ) pride and joys to piss other people off somewhere else .
If you can't say something nice....say nothing !
Good review though and some fair points made !
Thank you, Moog. I appreciate your counter arguments. As you say, the important thing is for each individual to be satisfied with their bike, and if you are happy with your Interceptor, then that's great :)
Something I've realised for a number of years, is that the extra cost of bikes is mostly for extra horsepower. Ok in the race style bikes today there's extra tech and rider aids. But the 1000s were always more expensive than the 600s, even before the days of all the "bells & whistles". Purchasing a slightly larger engine, ok there's extra power, but the physical product is only a little extra metal - and there's no way it's worth the extra thousands of pounds.
The best example I can think of is when the GSXR 600 and 750 shared the same chassis and all the same components... they were exactly the same bikes just with different engine capacities... Was the little extra metal for the 750 worth an extra grand or whatever it was..?
My comment is a general observation mostly relating to sport bikes. The ins and outs across the biking industry won't be as simple as this. There will be times that the more expensive bike will be worth the extra for one reason or another. Factors like dealership support when replacement parts are required.
Good points :)
You really deserve 14.7M subscribers. You have a talent for moto journalism…which makes me think some type of profession journalism may be your profession.
Haha, thanks for your kind support. This video is proving controversial, but I have no intention of changing my views :)
Agreed. So refreshing to hear genuine and justified criticism of what is an overrated bike.
@@hamsterclamper Thanks, Paul :)
@@916strada I am now accepting payments to modify the RocketScore: €100 a point, up or down :)
@@RocketMan_Moto if you changed your “view” it wouldn’t be your view it would be a talking point
This guy replied to each and every comment down here.. Lovely Bro😁
I always try and reply to all comments😊
Finally a real review, most other UK reviews sounded like paid by RE reviews.
Lol. I try to say it like it is... much to the frustration of certain viewers, so thanks for your support :)
Up here in the north (Sweden) a bike will always be a guilty pleasure. Short season and high cost make motorcycles an insane proposition but many still ride (myself included). So that grin column on your scoreboard is extra important. Personally I would never consider a bland bike, it has to have a very big grin factor. So a good review, from your standpoint. Hard to be impartial when you compare your guilty pleasure to something that does not inspire. Well done.
Thanks, Robert. Yes, bikes are a guilty pleasure for me. I absolutely don't need one for transport - I have a far more practical car for that - but it would be hard for me to give my bikes up nonetheless :)
I don't get it. If you carry the picnic basket on the back for the family picnic, how do you bring the family?
Triumph owner : that’s make us happy time for beer
RE : yeah we already selling meteor like hot cakes all over
REs are much more competitively priced in India. They're too expensive here :(
Hello Rocket man. Your video is correct! May I ask a question? Is this bike more relevant for daily use and highway triss once a month compared to the Trident? Here in India the trident is 2.5 times costlier than interceptor and although trident is more powerful and better, money is the question
Not sure if I should directly go to the triumph or get the interceptor for couple of years and later upgrade to a larger bike? Please throw some light on it! Thx a lot
Difficult question. Personally, I think you might get bored of the Interceptor quite quickly. I certainly would, but maybe you are less demanding than me?? The Trident is an excellent bike and I am recommending one to my 31-year-old son as a first bike once he has his licence. It is much, much faster than the Interceptor. Hope this helps😊
This is a very fair review and opinion of the RE Interceptor. When released in the UK it was so well priced it had no direct competition hence it’s popularity. As mentioned in this review price has risen and continues to do so here in UK and it’s now not the bargain it once was. RE beware as I’m now looking at the Triumph 900 Speed Twin as the cost difference is now not that big………👍
Exactly - it's priced much too close to the likes of the Speed Twin 900
An excellent and *HONEST* review. Unlike other videos on Enfield bikes which either
1 - Originate from India _(where comparison standards and speeds are way lower)_ OR
2 - Originate from the West by reviewers seemingly paid by the company
Don't get me wrong, Enfield has made giant strides in the past decade, however they are still way, way behind modern bikes.
Thank you. Yes, lots of sponsored videos on here, unfortunately :)
Italian bike builders:sideways V-twin that causes wobbling at low speeds
You:Italian designers wouldn't stand for this.....lol just saying but don't take it to seriously....
Your straightforward honesty is appreciated.
But, this is still exactly what you would expect from a motorcycle that cost only half as much as the "SuperStar" Triumph! And there are numerous aftermarket "upgrades" available at reasonable cost for the RE product should you decided to go that route.
Thanks. But why pay more than a better built Honda only to spend even more on upgrades?
@@RocketMan_Moto
I'm thinking that many just "Like the brand"! You know how that goes. There are folks who will only own a Chevy pickup truck. And there are the Ford guys
It's just human nature.
(So my Grandfather always said!)
True enough
The Interceptor has (less than) half the power, half the cc and costs half as much as the Speed Twin. Hardly a surprise that the Triumph is better.
But I was surprised by just how bad the Interceptor was. I've ridden far better bikes costing the same and having the same power :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Most modern bikes will be "better". A CB500 is a similar price, faster, better handling and has higher quality components. But that's missing the point of the Enfield. Also, here in the South East of England, traffic congestion is bad even in the countryside and speed limits have been reduced. Lots of places that used to have 60mph limits are now 40 with speed cameras all over the place. The Enfield is about as fast as you're going to go before you get stuck in a queue or get nicked for speeding.
True enough. I left the UK 35 years ago, but my sister is constantly complaining about the roads/traffic :(
@@frankhall401 if that were the case then you dont even need a 650. might as well get a 250.
I agree with your review.
The position of the foot-pegs is contentious issue especially in India's traffic snarls, it is not uncommon to have cars and auto-rickshaws roll over ones toes. The bike is heavy and performance is modest at best. The exhausts are oversized and not in proportion to the design of the bike. The seat is uncomfortable for longer rides and this is aggravated by the suspension poor (especially the front) for India's pot holed roads. The candle light powered headlight is unacceptable for a modern day machine. I agree with the comment that its real competition is from the cheaper Chinese manufactures.
I agree with much of that😊
Greetings from India. This is not a hate comment as I agree with most of the things you said. I own an Interceptor. The Triumph Speed Twin is 3.6X times more expensive than the Interceptor here. I have completed about 5000km on the Interceptor and the only major complaints I have is the seat and suspension are both soft. But again, you get more than what you pay for. If the Interceptor had a Triumph logo and nothing else was changed, the price would've been at least 1.5X more.
Just a few questions..
Did the Rocket score get inspiration from the Doug score? Did you get grin factor inspiration from Flossy Carter's floss factor? Just curious...
Thank you for your input😊 I have been advised of the huge price difference by some of your compatriots and completely agree that, at 3-4 times cheaper, the Interceptor suddenly becomes a much more viable option. Here in Europe, however, where it is ‘only’ half the price, I feel it is too expensive compared to, say, a Triumph Street Twin. In any event, I hope you continue to enjoy your RE👍
Re. The RocketScore; yes, it was a blatant copy of the Doug Score, as I explained in my video on the Harley Sportster
@@RocketMan_Moto Thanks for the quick reply. Please check out the Honda CB1000R which is a neo retro motorcycle. And do a ride review if possible. Also check out the Honda Rebel 1100 DCT.
I'll see what I can do
Which ever you fancy or importantly can afford you will not be disappointed.
I really wanted to like it, but there are other bikes available for the money that I would choose over the Interceptor :)
@@RocketMan_Moto I think the appeal of it for me was the basic raw mechanical character. From a maintenance point of view so simple even valve clearance a doddle compared to the Triumph bucket shims. I think component ratio quality is reflected in price difference for sure Looking at the Triumph classic range for replacement next year. As have pillion more often than not how does the speed pillion perch compare?
I agree with the maintenance, but tbh it's not something I worry about too much, because I change bikes every year or so, so they're still under warranty, etc :)
Great review 👍😎
Thanks
Thanks for your feedback :)
Tjank you for the great video🤙I own a Continental GT650 and I am very happy with it🔥
Ride safe - Stay safe
Khalil
Thanks, Khalil. Glad you're enjoying your GT. Ride safe :)
Couldn't agree more with your review. Here's some fun stats: The original RE Interceptor from the 60s produced 5 more horsepower, weighed 30 pounds less, and looked 100 times cooler. This is my biggest problem with so many of the retro bikes, often they're slower than their original counterparts! (also, so goddamn heavy!) The original bonnevilles for example weighed over 100 pounds less than their modern counterparts!
Thanks, Bart. It did strike me as very heavy and very slow.
@@RocketMan_Moto I think the bike that would kill it would be a smaller, lighter triumph, but still with that triumph quality. Maybe 7k us. That would be an interceptor killer
Agreed
@@RocketMan_Moto great videos though. Good luck!
Thanks :)
Thanks for sharing but an unfair comparison i think, if the Royal Enfield Interceptor was the same price as the Triumph Speed Twin i would understand your point, i have a Triumph and a Royal Enfield and thoroughly enjoy both styles of riding and both were valued accordingly.
I wasn't expecting the Interceptor to be half as good, but I think it is. There are better bikes available at the same price, or less, at least in Europe. The RE makes a lot more sense in India, where it sells for half the price.
Taking the Interceptor through the N2 to Almodovar for a lunch and back seems a interesting type of roads for this bike.
Nice route, although there are other bikes I’d rather do it on😉