Royal Enfield INTERCEPTOR 650, The fall and rise of Royal Enfield!
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
- Ive been racking my brain after my full review of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, as to what is so appealing about it. This is what I came up with!
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PATREON. / stuartfillingham
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Hi Stuart, well I am now 78 years and 51 years ago I had a Royal enfield Constallation 700 sports twin, and packed up bikes at 24years old, So 3 years ago I got myself a 883 HD but found it not suitable , so my daughter now has it and last year I bought a new Kawasaki Valcon s "cafe" 650cc again that did not suit me, so I had a ride on an Interceptor demonstration, and I was absoultly thrilled with it!!! and ordered one same day going for the Chrome version, I just cannot wait to take delivery, the Constallation I had was brillant back in1958, and the ride I had on that Demo just brought it all back ,so with the new engine and frame this will be my last Bike for a while, I certainly am a born again Biker and I am so pleased that Royal Enfield are back in production and it will not be long before the roads and lanes will be full of them, must say your show is the best and what you say is so true, look forward to more of your vido's
Brian ,well done sir for coming back to bikerhood ,i as a 53 year old biker welcome you back with open arms ,see you on the road ,👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
Wishing you many years of Happy and cherished biking years ahead
Good on you mate! You are just an 18 year old with the benefit of 60 years of experience!
I thought I'd try one as I had a job getting on and off most bikes as the rear seats were quite high and I really didn't fancy a cruiser. There bike is excellent and at 74 I'm very pleased with it and have no real issues. I had a bike for my 16th birthday and have had many different ones since but have always had one. Whoever buys an Interceptor in my opinion won't be disappointed .
RE were never out of production 🙏
This should be the official short documentary for RE Interceptor 650.... Great speech man.
I second that though...nice video.
Well said man
@@andychauhan6544 I third that if there is such a saying.
Dear Stuart,
I am 19 , from india. I've seen only two videos of yours with this being one. Being a heavy critic on RUclips videos and RUclipsrs and media in general among my mates. I would like to let you know that I feel like you are what I'm gonna become as an adult. I see so many philosophies on bike and on life pin pointed to the very last detail between yours and mine. I rarely comment on videos. But I think this video for reason I don't quiet understand I will treasure.
I was having a bad day.
And finding somewhat like a soul twin made me feel good for a while.
Thank you .
I think you have hit the nail on the head with your summary in this video Stuart, well said mate.
the Kents agree :)
"Prison that is adulthood"..i am experiencing that madness 😕😕.Biker and philosophy are the best combo 😍. Good content mate
Great video Stuart. I took the interceptor and continental gt for a test ride a few weeks ago and I was impressed by the simplicity.
I do not think riding modes etc. are necessary on a motorcycle. All you need is a good well balanced machine that you can command.
Needless to say I ordered one.
Excellent monologue. Beautifully stated. I am 56 and therefore relate to everything said!
LD
62 and I’ve been there and done it lol.
Got the book, jigsaw, Video and tee shirt complete with medal 🏅
Came for the shiny bits. Stayed for the words of wisdom. Another great video Stewart. Hope you get good weather this weekend so you can enjoy the new ride.
Very interesting comments Stuart I'm 70 next week and am not sure if I will get an Enfield (haven't ridden one yet) but I fully understand your points. I have a Yamaha MT10 and I rarely use it's full potential, nice to have it there when I can be naughty! I agrre that this Enfield has a unique place. Bonus is that it sounds like the bikes I grew up with. Much better sounding than the Triumphs and other modern classics.
Hi Stuart, imo you hit the nail perfectly on the head with this video. For many years I have been sucked into the machine which says I NEED the latest phone/telly/bike etc The T100 that I had for about 5 yrs was the start of me wanting to be me and not the cash-cow of manufacturers. But it was heavy, somewhat dull and not very comfortable. Currently I run a Tracer 700 which has many, many admirable qualities - what it doesn't have is the 'dream' facter. So I plan to keep Trixie at least in the short term, but there really is an itch to be scratched with the RE Interceptor. Tried one for a short ride and all was good, so I recently went back to the RE dealer for another look. Had only seen the orange tank version up 'til then but on this visit saw the Chrome Tank version - Oh my giddy Aunt what a beautiful machine.
So obviously I'm hooked, just a matter of ordering now and not getting it until September, or order in Sept for delivery next March -
Decisions decisions.................
Great video as always! :-) 👍🏼. Had my ravishing red interceptor since April now. Love it! Easy to ride and huge
fun factor. 1200 miles in now and its improving all the time.
Perfect reasoning Stuart, that is why I have kept my 1974 Norton 850 Commando for 40 years.
Well said Stuart. I only miss one thing classic in the interceptor. It's the kick starter. The fun of kick starting a bike is one thing that I love.
Yeah, I'd love to have a kickstarter on my Interceptor. Pushing the starter button is just a wee bit inauthentic, for me.
Have you given the classic 500 a try? Maybe that bike captures the authentic essence better imho
I would have agreed with you before I met my knee doc!
@@ronnronn55 Haha, it does have a self starter with fuel injection too!
@@ronnronn55 Hahaha, I meant that RE should have kept the kick starter too along with the electronic one...
A philosopher as well you dark horse! Totally agree me ol' mate. As for bikes in general I've been going down the less is more way of thinking for a number of years. Great video, mate. Hope the UK weather picks up this weekend and you can get out on the bike. Cheers
Another brilliant video Stuart. I echo the wonderful comments below. I love this bike so much and agree that it enables us to reminisce about our youth. Royal Enfield deserve all the praise for this bike and also the Himalayan. Nice to know that the Brits had some involvement with the development of these bikes.
I concur Russell, I also think Inia should be very proud for not only keeping the marque alive, but for continuing to develop it!
'An analogue bike in the digital age'......perfect summary. I ride the Harley Sportster 883. A small bike within the cruiser family ( just a small bike apparently ) - or so Im told. I think I will give the Interceptor a try. Perhaps going back to 'easy' is the way forward. Great stuff.
I would have really valued a running in video when I picked my own Interceptor up on 1 March! My first ever new bike. Your thoughts about the niche that RE have spotted and filled are very similar to my own. I’ve returned to what is now a middleweight bike after nearly three decades of car world and a few recent returner years on a Honda VT 125 Cruiser. Sometimes, as I ride the same roads once I travelled on my much missed 1969 T120, powerful sensations and sounds from the past resonate with the sheer joy of riding my Enfield. Same engine size, same bhp, then and now in a fantastic blend of memory and experience. It’s much more than nostalgia, it’s lived and new experience sitting side by side. I just love it.
Picked up my Interceptor 2 weeks ago, its done nothing but rain since. Wife has an 05 Triumph Thruxton kind of match each other.
Totally Stuart..the intercepter hit the right buttons for the needs of simple motor cycling of yesterday years..
Absolutely agree 100% - 70's rider here. I'd never bother with anything above 750cc and fly-by-wire never did appeal to me!
The only thing I ever wanted with a current running through it are my lights and spark plugs
On point
Amazing essay. You truly captured the spirit and intent of this bike.
By far the the best description and commentary providing the perspective and context. Nothing short of a poetry in a drizzle.
Bang on! Excellent, objective appraisal. I look forward to similar posts.
"It fills a hole in the motorcycle industry market"
And it fills a hole in my life.
Ronn
Thanks for sharing your perceptions of the psychological affects of this machine.
Another thing about all of the electronic aids and features of modern cars and bikes is who can fix them when they fail? For the most part the ectronics are not repairable units. It’s diagnose, out with the old and in with the new. At a substantial cost. If I own a five year old machine with negligible resale value and I’m told that the ECM that controls the ABS is shot and a new one is a thousand dollars, I’m selling the bike for parts or scrapping it. Are electronically adjustable forks repairable? Probably not in your garage at home. I agree that the Royal Enfield is the answer to a question more and more are starting to ask. How much electronic gimmickry do I need in my daily life?
Absolutely spot on!!! That exactly what riding is supposed to be!!! Key in, start the engine and go. Just go. Love your thoughts and views in this video. Waiting for my interceptor. Another month to go, to get my hands on mine.
Really enjoy the though provoking commentary of your vids Stu. Never just a 'normal' VLOG. Love it!
That's the best summary I've heard for this product ...your accent and style of narration is really intriguing.... Makes me feel so proud I bought one for myself... Loving every bit of this bike... One of the best decisions I've ever made... Easy indeed got back ♥️
Liked ....Subscribed 👍
Every nail hit squarely on the head Stuart. I look forward to more videos on the Interceptor. (as well as your running in video)
I have been watching your Interceptor videos, as I want to get this bike. I must say not only you gave your thought clear as fresh river stream, but also extracted what I've been in need of all these years. Not really very old but, everything you said didn't convince but made me understand and realise everything. Don't want to call it Hypnotic, but I've binge watched your channel more religiously than I did for Breaking Bad.
It was wonderful passing by.
Very nice job Stuart, you expressed my desire so well! There are many of us out there longing to get back to the past with such a bike.
You've nailed it brother. "Cut the clutter", you did!
Good on ya for just going out & enjoy yourself Stuart. You pointed out a lot of the reasons why I got the tiger 800 over the 1200 last year. Enough power, lighter & cheaper 😀.
When I bought a brand new bullet in 2001 it came with a brochure that said “isn’t it time you started living in the past? “ I still have that bike. How do you part with a Royal Enfield ?
I threaten to sell my Bullet 500, 2000 MY, everytime I can't get her to start, which is often. I still have her.
@@mkdave1955 😂🤣😂 welcome to RE addiction 😝😝😝
the Interceptor has the same power (47-48 hp) and almost looks indentical to the 68 Bonny. Brilliant
What a cracking video !!! Your summary of our roads, modern bikes and life is bang on . I demo’d an interceptor last week and immediately ordered one on returning it back to the dealership, where the dealer said “ I thought you wasn’t going to bring it back” lol. (P&D Motorcycles, Wakefield). It ticks the boxes for all aspects of riding. One other thing I particularly like about it is the minimal use of plastic. Most of the modern day manufacturers are ladening there new machines with it, which is something I don’t like. Maybe this could be a subject of your next video ? Keep up the good work...
My first real motorcycle was a 1972 Yamaha XS650 Twin.It had lints that you had to adjust every so many thousands of miles, no electric starter, only a kick starter, 2 carbs that you could easily adjust, other than that was a pretty plain bike. But it was so remanicant of a Triumph, that I absolutely loved that old clunker, it was a classic that taught me how to ride, how to use a clutch, how to quickly find neutral so if I stalled it at an intersection, I could quickly kick her over and speed off before being too embarrassed because of my lack of experience gently pulling away with proper use of the clutch. The bike took me on camping trips, evening rides in the cool air, bar hops on a hot summers day. She wasn't very fast by todays standards especially for a 650 cc motorcycle, but back then speed limits were 60 MPH and driving at that speed was perfect for it. It was freedom. That was in 1981-82, I have owned many other motorcycles since then, everything from Harley Davidson, Yamaha, Suzukis, Hondas a couple of BMW's a 2 Moto Guzzi, a Triumph T100, and a RE 500 Bullet Classic. Honestly, not many of those bikes ever gave me the feeling that I had when I rode that old 650. Maybe it was because it was my first real bike ( my moped in my teenager years hardly qualifies as a motorcycle), or because she was a simple and honest motorcycle, not full of high tech electronics, ABS, traction control etc, but something that I learned to tune up and repair by myself when required.
Yes I do miss that old XS650, and when I saw the New RE Interceptor 650 Twin, my heart started racing like it did when I had my Yamaha 650. I don't own one yet as they are like hen's teeth here in Canada, but I can myself having one in my stable next year. I still love the big twin like Harleys, the touring comfort of a Goldwing, the fun factor of a dual sport, but I am not getting younger, my shoulder complains when shuffling around an 800 plus pound bike and I find that I don't really enjoy riding 120 Kms/hr all the time anymore. A lighter, easy going 650 twin that has enough grunt to go out and do some touring on is really all that one needs unless the thrill of mach 1 speed is needed to enjoy the sport.
Anyway I really enjoyed your video Stuart, very well said, so much so that it really inspired me to share my memories and hope to create more as I near that age of retirement. Long may you ride and feel free to continue sharing your experiences. Cheers
Well put Stuart, can't wait to try this bike as it ticks so many boxes. As you alluded to, other manufacturers seem to be under some crazy illusion that we all long for an extra 40hp, 40kg, a 4k extra price tag & a shed load of high tech gizmo's on a back to basics retro. Hopefully next year Royal Enfield will bring out a replacement with a TFT display, traction control, 27 rider modes & a 12 grand price tag - not.
Stuart...if thats just your take on it....its one of the best bike raps that I've heard in a long long time. As an Interceptor owner and a 'gentleman rider' of that particular vintage as you say, I couldnt agree with you more. So 👍on that. As for you're views on the running in...cant wait for it. So between your rides of sheer enjoyment, do get it up on the net. Cheers.
Thank you for the considered videos, they have inspired me to write my first ever comment here on any youtube video. Not just about the Royal Enfield but the part motorcycles play in our lives from teenage years in the 60s to date, how right you are and interesting to listen to. Many thanks for these great windows into your take on life, keep it up please.
I have had an epiphany recently and have decided to finally clear out some of the time consuming distractions in the garage and buy and enjoy the Interceptor after test riding one recently and now committing to buy by tendering a deposit on Saturday.
This review is such a fresh breath of air were of review where are no bhp's and power to weight ratios, just a pure joy of bike can deliver!
Modern retro's have the right amount of character and reliability to make us forget we spent most weekends spannering on the old classics just to keep 'em running right. :)
Awesome man, you made me feel nostalgic ... It felt like I was riding the bike myself, now I am loyal subscribe to you mote,hope to see more of such videos mate. Have a great day
Well done and I personally agree with this review and pretty much every other review on the web about Interceptor 650. They are all pointing out that this bike is great and it is thoroughly great bike indeed! However I'd wholeheartedly recommend to not place an order on one without test riding it before. That's probably true for any bike though :-). I did ride it last week and I have to say that I felt cramped on the bike and my knee started to hurt after just a 10 min ride hence, as much as I regret it, I won't be making an order on Interceptor. I personally need more upright position I guess, and probably less acute knee angle, so if that's your preference as well then consider a test ride.
What a powerful and eloquent narration. It really resonated with me. As usual, the visuals are wonderful. I loved the church footage and landscapes. Thank you.
I've got to agree with you, after fourty odd years of riding, the last bike I truly connected with, yearn for even today, is the humble z650. Do all the bells and whistles in the world add up to a better riding experience mmmm, I think not. Keep them coming your work is appreciated.
You’ve perfectly articulated why I’ll probably buy an interceptor. Great vid. Thanks.
Beautifully written review. I love the way you connect the motorcycle with the way tat it made you feel, the nostalgia and the lifestyle.
Most of the auto reviews just read out the spec sheet, which is a sad thing. You on the other hand have captured the essence of a motorcycle. Great job.
Thank you.
You've a way with words sir. I would love to see breaking in video as im due to receive my new interceptor in the coming weeks. Cheers
Most importantly how's Willow? You are right Stuart, keep it simple and keep the grin on your face! I'm lucky in that I can ride on roads where I frequently don't see anyone at all, oh & the mobile is out of range. I have to typically ride a 100 km to get there. I'd have bought an Interceptor with a 21" front wheel if it had been available. I ride in road mode or offroad or rain mode on the gravel, but the whole thing is overkill. I bought my Tiger800 for its ability to carry camping gear on dirt roads, not the bells & whistles. I never feel underpowered & it works effortlessly. But I'm always scared of the cost of repairs if it falls over. Therefore, I ride well within my abilities & maybe that is a good thing. But its a sort of pressure I go riding to get away from something wrong there. Back in my youth, I rode British twins the police constantly pulled me over but never gave me a ticket. I perchance acquired a BSA b33 and found that my problems disappeared as the police thought I was an old bloke in a Barber Jacket. I got around the Yorkshire Dales a little slower but I had a big grin on my face. Sadly the B33 was far more reliable than the points ignition twins.
Your comments are spot on! I never stopped riding and I've always owned at least one bike for over 40 years now, so I wouldn't say "I'm getting back into" biking but as you say, in a sense, I think I am. also. When I saw the Interceptor, it just hit something in me and I knew I had to have one. It's like the bikes I had, but this time it's done correctly, not that the ones I had were bad, but this is the bike I always wanted but couldn't afford or get for one reason or another. I've had mine now for a couple of weeks and going through the break-in is torture as I want to just unlesah it and ride it like I know I will. My bikes in the 70's and 80's were the CB line, the 450 twin, the 500 four and the Nighthawk 550, and this bike reminds of those in ways I can't even express. To put it simple, the bike is fun! and that's what it's all about.
Nice job, Stuart. Your speech cadence is deliberate and hypnotic, and I share your attraction to backing up to an analog experience. Not so good for music but very rewarding for motorcyclists who have romance in their hearts and minds. Cheers, RE!
Always enjoy a well crafted essay. No patience needed.
I’m 41 but consider myself an old soul. Your videos convinced me to get my own Interceptor. It’s everything you said it is, and how it makes me feel. The only thing it hasn’t done is give me your lovely accent. Keep it up!
I fully concur with your thoughts Stuart - A ride on my Hinckley Bonneville clears my mind, is reinvigorating and best of all makes me smile. It’s absolutely brilliant that we have such a great choice of retro classic bikes these days, what’s not to like...? Thank you for yet another excellent video and your perceptive philosophical thoughts, for me you’re bang on the money!
Spot on rant! How can anyone hit dislike on this report. Totally agree with what you say. And I haven't tried one yet!!
The secret of its success, Simple, cheap, and looks like a damn motorcycle! ...yes there are good looking modern motorcycles BUT the classic look is timeless and it will always turn heads.
Bigger is not better ,think that's why I like my street twin a fairly low powered bike that is enough . Plus it looks and sounds like a bike should .
Hi, you are completely , I don have RE interceptor but I have a BMW F650 1998 without all the electronic stuff and it's great and Im working on a Honda cx500 1980. I love the simplicity . thanks for the video. Gus
Greeting from Argentina.
Thanks for having chosen the perfect words to capture the essence of a feeling: ride for fun !
Cheers my friend ...
Stuart, I have watched dozens of your videos over the last few months and only just watched this. Everything you said hit the nail right on the mark. This is exactly why I have fallen in love with biking. I recently bought a Meteor 350, but can't wait to trade her in for an Interceptor. May Royal Enfield continue their rise!!
Gday mate i think you hit the nail on the head for us senior motorcyclists , i learnt to ride in 1976 on a yamaha xs 2 650 and when i first saw this bike that is what it reminded me of but back then they had kick starters in case you had a flat battery why they didnt put one on this i dont really know . As you say it is the simplicity of the bike ,you have to ride it ,remember what gear your in , think about going into corners ,you have to be a rider . The ABS is a good thing as i can remember going into a tank slapper when my rear drum locked up ( do they still have those ?) and doing cartwheels down the road on my way to work .You are right about just starting for royal enfield i will be interested in what they do next let us hope that things will only get better and their designers don't drop the ball as they may well give triumph a good run for their money in the future , i watched a video the other day from sydney at a club meeting and on it they said that royal enfield sold a enormous amount of one model of thier bike and there were none on the shelf as this person said and i think here in australia it is a 3 month wait for an interceptor and continental .
Yes, You have answered a number of questions on why the Interceptor 650. I believe when you condense all the questions and answers you have offered about the bike. The area that ticks the boxes for me are, that bike style of our young years when we all wanted a motorcycle. The simplicity of the Interceptor 650, the lack of digital overload, who needs it on a motorcycle when you are enjoying the ride! The lack of the Plastic everything which seems to be the modern Motorcycle. On some modern very expensive Motorcycles you feel you need a course of a few days just to understand the dash information and the controls. The Interceptor looks great and rides very good. It certainly fills that missing link in the Motorcycle models line up. You have explained and covered all the details in a very clear concise manner and you put it across so very well. Will you consider posting a video on your take on running in a new Motorcycle as you suggested? Thank you, I look forward to more of your videos.
I agreed completelly on your statement of modern digital bike. Thy are unnecesary oversized whitout really adding any driving pleasure .
I also abandoned a bmw 100gs in favor of a bonneville, and I also agree of triumph really alf miss the point.
Thanks for sharing with us your thoughts
Absolutely Spot On analysis, Stu. You've vocalised exactly what i didn't know my thoughts were about life, motorcycling and stuff, (although I did have my suspicions!). The RE is definitely on my radar for the "next one" in the next year or so. I sat on and revved one at BMAD in Paignton back in May and it felt just right. In the meantime I've got a nearly new MT03 after having an XJR1300 and MT09, and it's really hitting the spot and taking me back to what my early bikes felt like but with reliability and modern handling! Now, I'm a bit confused; you sound Yorkshire but I see road signs for Boston and such. Are you a Yellerbelly?
You really capture the essence of riding. Hard to explain to folks that riding is my meditation and “prayer time” Studies show the positive effects of riding. I agree Enfield hit the mark with the 650. My first bike as a teen was a Honda 185 and you could always ride %100! It was always a blast. I have a huge touring rig now and I love it, but I have been wanting a middleweight that I can jump on and just go have fun with no particular destination in mind, and the Intercepter looks like a good prospect. Thank you for the thoughtful and well made and narrated videos!
You guys are so lucky.
Here at Chandigarh (India), the dealing of Royal Enfield is really pathetic. Dealers stock the bikes at their store and give fake commitments to the customers. Although the bikes are in their stock but still the dealers keep the customers waiting for months. On complaining over mail the Royal Enfield customer service don't even bother to reply to the emails.
Its not much different here Sharad!
I agree with all your points. Years ago an old bloke I worked with would end an argument, 'you can't stop progress boy'. A peer would tell me, 'you can't beat society'. I always thought of their positions as conformist, defeatist, even slavish. The new RE range of bikes has given us the benefits of technological progress without it's complications and nannyish conveniences. My RE Himalayan is my bike to look after and mould, not the shared product of the factory and it's dealer agents to co-maintain and lecture me on. I believe RE are going to go from strength to strength, politicians maybe should take note.
I didn't get the politicians refence?
@@andychauhan6544
Yeah, most won't.
@@gurnstein it seems none have.
Good vid and I’ve sort of agreed with that for ages, my thoughts were that 80-100bhp, with a decent size engine for good torque, is perfect. I’ve never had a bike with riding modes so don’t miss em. Keep it up bud!
I always feel like you’re talking to ME Stu. I too had an almost ten year period without a motorcycle and my last one was a Triumph speed triple. It was analog and I felt all of it stinks and dabs. I love my T-120 but it is different indeed. Keep on rocking dude!!
I'm looking forward to your next post re. how to run bikes in . This was a excellent job. Keep it coming 👌👍
Spot on with your assessment Stuart. I agree with virtually all your points. My only caveat would be regarding touring. We called a ride to Wales 'touring' in the 1970s, but as horizons broadened and bikes became more capable the Alps, Italy and beyond beckoned. Would it then become a case of 'Slow just got back' on the Enfield? In all other respects I'm very tempted by the interceptor for 90% of my riding, with a more modern bike kept in reserve for those longer jaunts.
The Interceptor is capable of exceeding the Ton Mr Misfire, I think thats fast enough for most public roads. As for longer Jaunts people have circumnavigated the world on Honda C50s, and one of the most famous around the world trips was achieved on a 650 Bonneville, dont fall for the hype that bigger is better for touring!
Same idea as me. I have an Interceptor for local run outs and a trusty 05 Fazer 1000 for longer stuff.
@@stuartfillingham Yes I'm aware that people have circumnavigated the globe on all sorts of odd machinery Stuart, I remember reading Ted Simons 'Jupiters travels' many years ago. But none travelled two up with luggage during a ten day holiday from work that was my point. Most of us only have a limited time to achieve our destination and return to normality. As for 100mph, I think mechanical sympathy may intervene at some point!
and the Police!@@randommisfire8791
Enjoy the new bike Stuart. Hopefully some better weather at the weekend 👍
And now you know why I ride a naked 1983 BMW K100. Basic motorcycling without electronics (apart from the injection) and gizmos. I love it...
Every true motorcyclist has the soul of a poet and your eloquent philosophising demonstrates that you most definitely have this. I have ridden the Interceptor and although I can't afford one just yet, I agree with all you said about it and about life. Subscribed.
Love the video, all tour videos are great. I found that I really enjoyed the Interceptor ( rode one at a Royal Enfield event). I was pleasantly surprised with everything about it. It was smooth, nice riding, easy to handle. One doesn’t need more than a 650. Had a Goldwing which was great but I need something easier to use daily. I am not riding across the country anymore, just day trips. Back in my youth 650 was a huge bike...
This is quite literally a dissertation on the relevance of the motorcycle in today's world with reference to the consumer demographics (majority of us over 50 years young now let's face it!). If I could, I would award a PhD to our mate Stuart for it. You could listen to it over and over, and find that not one single word or phrase is out of place or factually incorrect, yet somehow, far from being boring, it also manages to capture the emotions that motivate us to seek escape from the pressures of a life that is over dominated by technology and just get out on the road and ride.
Bravo.. Vlogger, biker, philosopher. You are entirely to blame if I get off the couch and amble to the nearest Royal Enfield showroom here in Mumbai! Loved the video. Every word of your voice over connected with me... That and the English countryside. Would love to catch up for a pint when I'm in old Blighty next.
go on! DO IT!
I think you nailed it! RE is a much-needed breath of fresh air for many of us seasoned riders. I expect it may well draw in younger riders to our sport as well -- affordable fun. As soon as I can find a new home for my BMW airhead I plan to buy an RE twin.
Your observations ring true to me; thanks for putting this video up.
I look at it and immediately it reminds me of the 1974 Suzuki T500 which I had in my youth, no great performance or gadgets just all round comfort and rideability, yep. you are right on the money there.
Interesting points, I'm a bit younger, so I missed the original British classics and the 70's Japanese standards, but I find myself drawn to these classics, and their modern interpretations. Beautiful proportions, humane, easy to handle, simple machines that are easy to maintain and ride are very appealing to me these days. The Interceptor is the perfect antidote to the modern condition. Thanks for sharing this, you've hit the nail on the head with this video.
Superbly 'Summed Up' Stuart. Gr8 machine that will give you many smiles and miles at a very realistic price. Happy days my friend.
I'd be very interested in a video on the running in of a new bike. Cheers Stuart, this was an enjoyable video.
Yes, it's a very nice bike. Compact and seems useful. Been watching Paul Henshaw work with old ones and those machines are just great. But they are maybe not for everyone. What I would like Triumph to do is to have a light single 350 scrambler... :)
As usual you've nailed it Stuart and I agree with every word. I too would have got an Interceptor straight away but I'd already moved from Triumph to the more visceral air cooled Monster 797 which, Termi'd, hovers around the 80bhp you mention, sans fuel gauge, traction control or gear indicator but more of a proper motorbike than Hinckley will ever come up with. I have a feeling that spiritually the two bikes, Enfield and Ducati, have much in common. I grew up in the 60's and started on a 1960 Bantam so the idea of a RE Classic, essentially a 1949 model, has been burning a hole in my brain, I ordered one last week! I know I'm not recapturing my youth but as you suggest, after the rushing around finishes you just rediscover who you were all along. From what I've gathered the Classic running in period is tortuous for 1200 miles! So yes I'd be delighted to hear your wisdom on that topic. Many thanks and give me a wave next time you ride through sunny Scarborough.
''Born again, mate?'' some irritating assistant said to me in a motorcycle shop in London once. ''I've been riding bikes constantly since before you were thought of, mate'' was my crisp response.
I don't like these RE 650s, but I don't like Bonneville range, although I like simplicity. I still enjoyed the video.
Stuart, one week ago I was not aware of the Royal Enfield 650, either model. I knew of Royal Enfield, although they are apparently not widely distributed here in the US. Last week I stumbled upon Jay Leno's video of a ride he did on a Continental GT. Further investigation took me to a video shot in the Royal Enfield factory, where the 650's are made, and soon enough I found your videos. Now, I am a woman of a certain age. My first motorcycle was a 1965 Honda CB77 Super Hawk (which I still own). Several years ago I was thrilled to see Yamaha reintroduce the SR500, true to it's original classic form, but with some updating. It was a visceral motorcycle, not ridiculously powerful, not overly heavy, and low enough to where a person of small stature (me) could easily manage it. Alas, the SR was elusive, and I was unable to find one. Yamaha also priced them too high, and that really turned me off. Zooming ahead to this moment, I am now the proud owner of a Royal Enfield Continental GT, an Ice Queen. I have not been this thrilled about a motorcycle in a long, long time! One week since discovering the bike, and now I have one. And, tellingly, the last thing I intended to do was buy a motorcycle. I do NOT regret it!
I'm 23, I just bought an Interceptor as my first bike and I completely relate to everything you said about the digital age. Royal Enfield is tapping into something no other company seems to have picked up on!
i am sad because i could only give one like amazing content bro keep it up
Like a Poem to my ears, even though I am still not in my 40ths, but I can relate to a much simpler time.
Covered in Tuppaware. Brilliant 👏 Yes, looking forward to the Running in video 👍
Brilliant Stuart. That nail has been well and truly whacked on the head with your thoughts. Thanks for another great vid.
For myself a standard bike, it is a gentleman s bike ,no hurry look feel the breeze , enjoy the road ,no show no tags attached just happiness and enjoyment at my pace.
Really enjoy your videos. I am German, almost 60, live in South Africa, ride a HD-Wide Glide (in the best damn Harley Club of the world!) and plan to move back to Europe. Looks like the bike I'll go for there will be the Interceptor. Also enjoy your philosophical insights and accent. I struggle a bit here and there...but good job, thank you.
great video .i sat back and enjoyed the ride and commmentry.
Whoa! It was hearing my subconscious speaking to me.. got this bike and can't wait to go for a long ride post the monsoons in India.. cheers to you Stuart!
Another great video Stuart, love your Interceptor, but as another subscriber has noted, it is missing a kick start. I for one would love a modern classic with a kick start, that would complete the whole retro theme of my youth. It’s a shame neither Triumph or Enfield have them.
Ok I know the RE Bullet has one, but when I had one I found it was just a bit too underpowered to comfortably cope in modern traffic. Could you put in a word with these manufacturers for us old timers please Stuart? 😉
splodge 57 very true and I was so very tempted to buy one. Lovely looking bikes. Unfortunately now I spend many months of the year out of the country and away from my bike. That was why I finally decided against a W650, it’s just a bit too retro with its carburettors. W800 has fuel injection but no kick start!
I didn’t fancy the prospect of stripping and cleaning the residue and gum out of the carbs every time I’m back home before I could take the bike out. So eventually I decided on a fuel injected T120 (plugged into an optimate, but no kick start). However it does start every time. 😀
Got mine two weeks ago, as for running in i just keep it in mid range, up to 5k, in the hills too, overrun important again in the mid range, once read a guy,s report on a zx6, i had one, the book said 4k for 1000 miles, which is 50mph in top, he rode it round the dales at 4k, as soon as it turned 1000m he redlined it! Not the way to run a bike in!
This video summed it up for me perfectly. I got my motorcycle license in my early twenties saving what I could for my bike. Then as you indicated in the video adulthood responsibilities like starting and raising a family, entering the corporate world took over. Every so often the “bug” would resurface in getting my bike. Now the new royal Enfield has raised my fever. I want an royal Enfield. No, I need a royal Enfield. Great video. Cheers.
You have captured the basic appeal of riding a motorcycle, basic motoring without all the added electronics, actually feel the road and the environment.