Coming from India, and having owned a couple of royal Enfield's, and being in Canada Now....I wouldn't touch a Royal Enfield. Reasons: 1) the price isn't really cheap compared to a speed twin. 2) the quality is sub par. 3) service network and dealer support is almost non existing 4) tubed tires !!!!! imagine getting a flat 5) Pillion comfort is horrible ...enough for a smart decision.
Really glad you shared your insights on this as you can definitely see it from both sides. Roughly how much would an Interceptor 650 be in India, in canadian dollars? Here in Toronto out the door you're looking at $11,000 Canadian taxes in. It's a lot of money when there are so many great used bikes out there for so much less. Thanks again for sharing 👍🏻
On the road (Mumbai) = out of the door (Canadian) is 5400 cad!!!! Here the dealers are quoting approx 11.5 k !!!! Almost double. This is the major reason why I wouldn’t go for the RE. I’d rather buy a pre owned triumph which would still be a stronger value proposition, be hassle free in terms of quality and still give me a good resale value a few years down the line.
In fact same goes for the triumph speed 400 and the KTM 390. These motorcycles are sold for less than half the prices, back home in India. I guess as I am from India, and know the real value of these bikes …I feel it’s utterly unfair to pay double the price here in Canada. IMO it’s not worth it.
I bought a Triumph Speedmaster 4 years ago. Within a year the rims were rusting badly even though I cleaned the bike often and kept the bike under shelter. The gearbox would clunk terribly and it took away the enjoyment of riding it. The pegs scraped all the time. Totally pissed off with my Triumph I bought 2 Enfields for the price of the Speedmaster and I still had $5,000 (Australian) left over. Best bikes I've ever owned. Three years later there is not a pin prick of rust on either bike and I've had no mechanical problems after clocking up 15,000 kms each. So I remain a Royal Enfield man. Every time I ride my Enfields I have a big smile on my face.
I went to the triumph dealer to look at speed triples but they didn't have any! Then I saw a Royal Enfield Baker Express! I took it around the parking lot and we signed the papers. The freaking speed triples are $20,000 or more I paid six grand even. Now I've made over 20 changes on that bike and that's the cool part I think there's more aftermarket stuff for the Royal Enfield 650 then probably any other bike! Being an American I made it into a cruiser! I had had a small set of engine guards but I bought the large engine guards and then cut the small ones up to make foot pegs and welded them on to the large engine guards moved the controls up to make it a heel shifter. Put on a windshield well first of all I got rid of that hard seat I got the gel saddle handguards heated grips handlebar risers new tires the old tires are garbage! Gel battery 20 different things anyway I counted. I have not had a mechanical problem with it at all. He lives out in the shed got his own shed and little workshop. He made me throw the electric bike out of the shed because the electric bike broke his headlight so I replaced that with an LED. What a sweet machine nicest bike I've ever had and I've owned a lot of Kawasakis and Yamahas mostly! I would recommend this bike to anybody anytime! And I always get compliments when I pull up to the grocery store wherever I go! 👍
That seems to be the common perception in the uk , with all the crap weather and road salt here the RE’s seem to last better than the triumph’s as far as i can tell but im not the only one my riding buddy has a Rocket that is around 5/6 years old and its dissolving a little more every winter and he doesn’t seem to be able to stop that from happening
@user-rd7qu8kk6d No most of uk bikers believe RE are just cheaply manufactured bikes, that lack power and rust quickly, Bonnie on the other hand have bullet proof engines, and there are still many 1960's models on the road.
I've had my Interceptor for 9 months and about 2,400 miles. I'm still happy with it. It checks quite a few boxes for me: it looks great, sounds great, great gas mileage (about 55mpg) handles pretty well, lots of aftermarket stuff. It'll cruise all day at 75mph no problem. Power and torque are fine for most purposes. The brakes work fine, the ergonomics are fine. And it has an agreeable personality, like YM said. But it's not a bike I'd want to ride to Alaska on. Or even 200 miles. The reason being that the suspension and seat are stiff. Kind of cobby. That's my only real complaint. Around town it's alright but it wouldn't be fun riding it all day long. Still an honest and thoughtful review. One thumb up and a new subscriber.
Thanks very much for the kind words! Hope you're still loving that Interceptor. They're endearing AF! lol If I didn't also have the other two bikes, I'd be happy with the Interceptor PLUS a bike like my BMW G650GS. That covers the long distance/touring areas where the INT falls short that you pointed out. Tomorrow I'm publishing my final video of the series. After a year of owning these bikes it's time to compare and review the Triumph Bonneville vs the Moto Guzzi V7. If you're interested in my perspective it's going live tomorrow morning here: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
I bought my Interceptor new in 2019. I still love it but..... I totally agree with all your points. With the benefit of hindsight I would not have rushed out and bought it. However, I have over 8k miles and no leaking gaskets or anything bad to be honest. If I bought one today it would have the blacked out engine, alloy wheels and upgraded switchgear, that I would be happier with.
I agree that that seems like the better option. Though in hindsight from what I understand those tubeless wheels are as heavy, or possibly heavier, than the spoked wheels. That could negatively impact ride quality if it's true. Seems there's no winning. Speaking of, tomorrow I’m dropping the last video in my series, where I’ll go over what’s good and not so great about the Triumph Bonneville and Moto Guzzi V7 after owning them both for a year. It’s a deep dive and will be live at 11 AM EST. If you’re free this weekend, come check it out if you'd like! ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
I do not have the chance to own 3 motorcycles, but luckily I am very satisfied of my Interceptor. I have been using it for now, more than 4 years, almost every day by all weather conditions and I didn't face your problems. After near 30000 km (sorry not in miles I am in France) the engine works even better every day . The paint , aluminium and chrome conditions are still very good , the chain still doesn't need to be changed even if RE recommends to change it every 25000 km. The only special care I do is to wipe it each time I used it under rain. I lubricate the chain frequently and I put wax on the metal parts (not the engine neither the exhausts) after I wash it only a few time yearly . Yes we have the chance in Paris area to have a very good proactive dealership doing maintenance (Tendance Roadster) with a dedicated and passionate team, that's may be the big difference . Anyway thank you for your comment and have good rides.
Ich stimme dir voll und ganz zu ich bin aus Deutschland und ich Poliere meine Interceptor und Wachse sie Regelmäßig und sie Glänzt wie ein Spiegel haha ich habe überhaupt keine Probleme mit ihr ich glaube es ist ein Problem der Leute mit viel Geld das sie ihre Schätze nicht richtig Pflegen und lieber herum Jammern 😄
Only own an Interceptor and to be perfectly honest, this is purely because it’s the only Motorcycle which looked like a Bonneville which I could afford. After a couple of years of ownership and keeping it well looked after I’d be gutted to ever let it go. In fact, if I ever had extra cash I’d want to add the RE Signals 350 in my garage. 🙂
Seems like the right decision to me. It is really helpful to hear your take on the finish now that the model is several years old. It is a shortcoming of the mainline motorcycle media which at most, keeps a new bike for a year, so it is rare that quality issues arise within that time.
When I bought my Ironhead XLH Sportster new back in 1977 the engine casings and fork sliders were lacquered. After the first winter of riding the elements had got under the lacquer so I stripped it off to enable me to keep it polished. I still own the bike and just give my aluminium wheels and engine cases a quick rub with Duraglit to keep them looking good. I hate lacquered aluminium, much prefer it bare. A lot of foreign chrome is cheaply done and not copper, nickel, chrome plated so won't last long. The chrome on my 77 XLH and 95 FLSTN is still good after all these years. Enjoyed the video.
I also have a 2019 Interceptor 650 bought new & my wife has a V7 Mk3 bought a month earlier. I have covered over 12K miles & the Interceprtor looks pretty much as new in all respects. It is garaged & gets the same care & attention as any other bike I have owned. Yes the polished alloy cases need polishing, but that is just part of ownership & is a whole lot easier than stripping off failed clearcoat as used to be required with Japanese bikes in a the '80s. Overall my wife's V7 V7 has more finish failure points that my RE - mainly fastners. A lot of the negatitivity here seems to be from your sample of 1 (neglected) example, just as my experience is of 1 bought new early example. The rather strange comment about "matching the paint" would not be an issue on my Orange example or other colour options - the silver mudguards were a standard part on all bikes. My bike has never leaked oil anywhere. Ultimately I chose the RE based on a test ride & an assesment of my needs - neither the Triumph or the MG met those needs so, while considered, were not persued. My wife is happy with her MG but would change for an RE - I am happy with my RE & would not change for (another - have had 3 previously) MG. Dealers are very much a local thing - my RE dealer is good, as is my wife's MG dealer (but an hour further away - MG dealers are sparse in the UK) but the MG costs nigh on twice as much to service as the RE & uses about 10-15% more fuel when we are out together. The MG also cost 25% more than the RE initially, but isn't 25% better. Ultimately what fits & works best for you is the right choice - I fit the RE better (the MG riding posistion creases me & the clutch lever has too heavy action) so that remains the best bike for me.
That's an interesting comparison to hear, thanks. Both the V7 and the interceptor are high on my list. I was leaning towards the interceptor but this review made me think again. Now your comments have swayed me back the other way! I'm going to go for it, if it didn't suit then i can always sell it on and get the Guzzi.
Thanks for the thoughts from someone who's had these bikes for a long period of time. The corrosion is definitely something that puts me off the interceptor, and I've seen others talk about the same issue. I can also verify the popularity of it in terms of views on RUclips. The views my interceptor video gets compared to the V7 is almost 10x.
All 3 bikes are excellent. I have an Interceptor, reasons for buying it were a £600 service on a bland BMW F900XR, price is 2/3 of a Triumph, a 20k mile service on a Bonneville is in the region of £1000. The Royal Enfield service is under £200, plus I can easily do it myself if I need to. Speed limits in the UK are very restrictive, the Interceptor easily keeps up with any traffic, is economical, and not too difficult to keep in good condition. Basically, it’s a 1980s British Bike, which suits me fine. Guzzi is lovely, my mates V85TT had a head gasket leak, it was off the road for 3 months before parts were available. Triumph is the best build quality of the 3. I’d be happy with any of these bikes to be honest.
Tbh i never had any issue getting spare parts for Guzzi’s, and i have seen a lot in our workshop last 35 years… head gaskets on Guzzi’s also do not have a reputation to go early either… Guzzi’s tend to go for ages normally
In 2020, I rode the 650 INC and really liked it However, I did not like that the dealership was almost 2 hours away . I rode the Kawasaki w800 and went with the Japanese quality reputation besides really loving the bike. No regrets . I think you made the right decision.
Thanks! As it stands I'd love to get my hands on a W800 sooner or later! I actually had a deal to buy one as part of this series but the deal fell through and the next least expensive one was thousands of dollars more and wouldn't have fit the budget I was trying to stick to for the series. Anyway, tomorrow I'm putting out the final video of the series, a review and comparison of the pros and cons of both the Bonneville 865 and the V7 750, now that I've had them for a year each. Hope you'll join me tomorrow for the video premiere! ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
I think your points are very valid. Let's be honest, we buy modern classics because of the looks. Wanting those looks to hold for years is going to be a big part of that feeling of pride of ownership. There are so many other bikes outside of this category that offer more for the price of these bikes new, but the iconic looks and feel of each of these bikes is why we are drawn to them. For any of us who also want to use these as daily riders it is great to know that bike will still be looking good after 5 years.
I would keep the Int650 and in fact am still looking for one. Most of the negative issues raised are subjective as you mentioned. And the aluminum issue is an easy fix, at least for me , with a few hours work and with a coating that would prevent future problems, with regular maintenance. Still a RE fan. D. 👍
Well, just be sure to ride it before you buy. Ten minutes into my first ride on a Triumph Bonneville, I was happy I didn't own one. The vibes and clunky feel of the shifter just took away any fun that might have been there. Have not tried the INT 650, but will be renting one next week to try it out.
I rented the INT650 and rode 600+ miles this weekend. Really liked it. Friendly, accessible, enough power for me, and unlike my previous RE, it holds its own on the highway. Just an all around good companion for a ride in the hills, on the country rodes, in the towns, on the interstate, or anywhere. My butt appreciated the touring seat. Unlike some reviewers I found the foot pegs fine, the mirrors perfect, power satisfying. I went through torrential rain and the instruments did not fog up. This one has been kept outside for two years by the owner and looks quite good after 9k+ miles. Some nitpicks: fuel gauge did not reflect the full capacity of the tank (takes a long time to indicate less than full). Occasional brake squeaks at low speed. I'm giving serious thought to buying. My previous comment about the Triumph may have been overcritical. That ride was > 5 yrs ago, I would need to try them out one after the other for an honest comparison. In fact I might do that. My main point is, don't make your purchase decisions based on youtube videos. Watch a few and read a little, then stop researching. Borrow or rent a bike and live with it for a couple days before you decide. To me, RE hit a sweet spot with this one. I wish the styling details were a bit more strictly along 'classic' lines, but it's very good looking for a modern bike. I can't believe the prices. I'm finding heavily discounted new ones - way below MSRP. I may have to "fly and ride" to get the best price, but that's just an excuse for another adventure.
Yes you did the right decision! I have a 5 year old Honda that still looks like new, despite over 20'000 km in all kinds of weathers, including winter with salt on the street. I'd be disappointed to see my bike rust so soon... But I'm seriously thinking of trading it in for a V7 anyway, because the V7 is probably the most fun to ride bike I have tried. Though the Honda is better in all ways... except for the lack of a shaft drive!
That is exactly my experience. My CB500F was pretty much flawless except for a hopeless headlight. My Guzzi V7 850 is much less perfect, but more fun, more comfortable and much less tiring on a long ride and I love the shaft drive.
I did a test ride on the Interceptor, the Super Meteor and the V7. After 100 meters on the V7 I knew that is the bike that gets my heart. The Enfields seem to miss too much of character and power. I can understand you.😁
Guzzi’s are the “girl” you never forget, the one who makes you think, wow, this is life! regardless of all the quirkyness of her, you keep loving her, she’s under your skin… well at least under my skin ;-)
@user-pn8cs7cd4q A V7 is $3,000 USD more than a Royal Enfeild. It's not exactly a fair comparison. For the price, my Continental GT has more than enough character. Someday, should it not, an S&S 865 Big Bore kit with heads, cams, power commander, injectors, and exhaust can be installed for about 79bhp. It's good to have options. If I should become bored, A kit will happen before I ever sell the bike.
That's part of why I made sure each motorcycle in the series had the same maximum budget ($3,650). I wanted to even out the playing field while trying to feature what I thought would be an affordable option given the way the economy was/is headed. The Royal Enfield was the most expensive motorcycle in the series, followed closely by the Triumph. The Guzzi was a distant third but it's getting the most $$$ spent on it as a result of having the most free budget leftover.
Really good to see some honesty about this bike. I'm tired of the gushing reviews (and reviewers) of this bike. It has significant downsides and many people never raise any of them. I can see you're a stand up guy. Well done and subbed.
Thanks very much! On its own it's not a bad bike, it's fun and endearing, but I think it's still a step behind the other two... Considering I bought it used for more than the other two cost used, it had to go.
@@YouMotorcycle I think you made the right Choice. I had a 900 bonnie too and found it very vanilla. Guzzi all the way. I've had 2 of them and they make fantastic bikes.
The polished alloy on the interceptor can be polished/ repolished to bring its shine back where as the finish on the Bonneville is actually brushed alloy and lacquered so when the lacquer fails it cannot be simply repolished .I should also mention that you can now get the interceptor with black painted cases so that is now a mute point. As for the tank its stone chipped or damage from scratches or bird shit which can happen to any painted surface .Not really valid points in my opinion, I do own an interceptor and actually find the quality of finish very good except for the low quality switches although the new ones have also sorted that issue .
@@artiecisneros4691 I hope it has the spoked wheels as the cast wheels I don't like the look of , they remind me of an 80's BMX ! .I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine .
@@Dwainpipe21 Lol, you're funny...You hope the bike I'm getting has spoked wheels because you don't like the way they look? I hope I don't offend (joke) you but I prefer cast wheels and not spoked. I am certain you meant it as a joke, and it worked; it put a smile on my face and made me laughed when I read your reply. Take care and ride safe. 😎
@@artiecisneros4691 I'll probably pay for my regard of spoked wheels over cast (because of the classic look) when I get a puncture that's not as easy to repair and I am sat blubbing at the side of the road waiting for recovery. Still think they could have used a better design of wheel though , I've seen better looking cast wheels for example on the street twin still nothing in life is ever perfect and that's when modification comes in which the Enfield is absolutely ready for , I've already fitted a sump guard , st steel crash bars (small type) pannier rails and soft panniers, screen , continental GT touring seat , bar ends , anodised oil filler and brake master cylinder cap . If you haven't ridden one yet it really gives classic 60's brit twin feel and the handling is good even on the standard tires , no vibes also.As long as you accept it isn't a 600 sports bike it will pretty much do anything.....it sort of gets under your skin at least it did mine and I can't really see why I would ever sell it or what I would replace it with although I have to admit I have a soft spot for the new shotgun in white/ black .
@@Dwainpipe21 Back in November I was planning on getting the Super Meteor 650 but after a test ride and a couple of weeks for my back to recover from a small pothole, I decided to put a deposit on the Int 650. As far as the Shotgun, I don't like the looks. My all-time favorite was the 1990 Yamaha Virago 1100, wish I still had it. 😎
I think your points are valid and could understand your decision. Each person has their preferences and what they're welling to put up with. The seal leak is to bad. It sounds like you have the first year model and I think RE has been improving with time. I know it only had 218 miles and that means it sat around without much use for 5 years. Seals degrade faster when they aren't having the fluids ran by them regularly. I think this is one reason so many barn find classic bikes need restoration. People often don't think about this when they find that awesome 20 year old bike with only 2000 miles on it. I do agree 5 years doesn't sound like that long though. I use my bikes as primary year round transportation in the PNW USA And bought the Interceptor 650 in October. I'm happy with it so far and was looking for something with a more relaxed feel over my 2007 Yamaha FZ6 I bought new. I was aware of the cons like the corrosion, which is still a slight concern. A big factor in the choice was having something I could comfortably do all the maintenance on myself and stock up on parts easily. After the pandemic and having service departments tell me it would be months before they could get my bike in for valve adjustment and months of back order for parts on my other bike, I was done relying on others. If the case/valve cover corrosion becomes a big issue to me, I will probably buy some of the black ones they put on the newer models like the Super Meteor. The exhaust system will also probably be replaced with aftermarket in time too.
I don't know if the Bonneville 865 could ever be described as characterful, but definitely a step or two above the Interceptor, which is still a fine bike, just, outclassed by the more expensive options... (Though in this case, the Guzzi and the Triumph were actually cheaper :)
I’m glad someone online said this. So many reviews were praising Royal Enfield, I went to a dealership to check them out. Even brand new, every model seemed “cheap” to me, which would have been acceptable if the prices were also cheap. I have since owned both a Bonneville and a V7, both used and pretty neglected, but they were much cheaper than a new Royal Enfield and both felt vastly superior in quality to me. After 10-15 years, all they needed was a bath, and they looked and performed as I imagine they did new. I would buy either one again, and I still can’t get myself excited about any of Royal Enfield’s bikes, so I made the right choice for me.
@@johntharp22 thanks for posting this, that's really what this series is all about. Figuring out what the best value for your dollar really is for someone buying a midsize retro motorcycle. And you're absolutely right when you point out that a real great quality machine even after a decade, can still be made to look brand spanking new what's a good wash. The difference in quality really is that good 😊
W800 owner here. I was going to buy a RE but ended up going with the W, partly because the build quality was visibly better (though Kawi prices the W accordingly!). The W still looks brand new. Hope your MG wins!
Winner will be announced tomorrow here in a series finale that puts the V7 against the Bonneville: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html re: the w800 - that's a great bike, congrats! I tried getting one for this series but the deal fell through and the only other one for sale was way more expensive :( One day...
Glad you put forward the issues with Royal Enfield and it takes balls to say it as well. I am from India and ik how People react when they hear anything bad being said about RE because ofc these bikes really do perform very well on Indian roads. But the bike is still far away from being a really high quality and reliable brand. I do own continental GT myself and have faced issues with the bike. But no doubt it is one of the best fun I've had riding a motorcycle. And RE is moving forward in better direction with their recent bikes.
Thanks so much for saying this. Also, nice username haha. What kind of issues have you had with the GT? Totally get what you mean though, despite the fact it's not perfect, it's still a very likeable bike, and so much better than the Bullet 500s they were making forever.
I meant to add that I enjoyed the video and found it informative. As you say most reviewers rave about every bike they ride so your honesty is really helpful.
Thanks for that! Tomorrow I'm publishing my final video of the series, comparing and reviewing the pros and cons of the Triumph Bonneville and those of the Moto Guzzi V7, after a year of owning both of them. It'll go quite in depth and will be live tomorrow at 11 AM EST. Please join me if you have some free time! It's here: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
Once you ride a Moto Guzzi I couldn’t imagine how anything else could feel better. For the style of bikes this comparison is for the Moto Guzzi had it won from the start. Unless you don’t love a bike with a ton of character and has you smiling every second you’re on it and looking at it. Guzzi for the win..l
always liked my 70's bonnevilles, and was looking for a twin with character...........so I rode all this three and ended up on a V7 🥰. (after riding a RE bullet for 30 years and not cleaning it !, the only part with a small ! rust hole in it was the rear fender.............so what........)
Became a subscriber after watching this video because you have gone with honesty around review over what's going to get the views. I appreciated your honesty and integrity.
Royal Enfield dealer in Staten Island, NY. I went on a Friday to look at some bikes, picked out a GT. Came back the following Tuesday with a cashier's check and the dealer closed up shop! Glad they did before I gave them my money!
Two years ago I had to sell two of my four bikes to make room in the garage for another vehicle. Which of the four ended up on the chopping block? One was an easy choice. I bought a Honda VTX as a project to create a bobber. Once the project was finished, I rode it the least because I really don’t like riding heavy cruisers. I decided to keep my Ninja 1000 SX, my only sport bike. The decision came down to selling either my beloved 865 Bonneville SE or my Moto Guzzi Griso. I love the outright retro nature of the Bonnie, whereas the Griso has only retro touches like spoked wheels and a round headlight. But the Griso is brawny and the engine has way more character. Also I’m 6 feet tall, a little big for the mag wheeled Bonnie. The Griso is just bigger, which suits my taste. So my “retro” choice was to keep the Moto Guzzi Griso and to sell the Bonnie.
I agree with all that you've said. I've owned many 865 Triumphs over the years (Scrambler, Thruxton and Bonny) and ridden a few V7's... I bought a new RE Interceptor 650 a few years ago and sold it within a few months. I couldn't gel with the RE. I did a costs up of what I felt I'd need to modify to be satisfied and it wasn't financially worth the effort... An S&S 865 big bore and suspension upgrade would have cost me way more than buying a used Bonny already sorted with few goodies already added by a previous owner. Currently on a Bonny SE now and I have no complaints. It's a sweet bike with YSS suspension front and rear and I feel it's now perfect. The 360 degree firing order of the 865 sounds the best too 😊
I have a 2022 INT650. It’s in the shop getting repaired and as soon as it comes back I am selling it. I totally agree with this video. 9000kms (5600miles) and a blown gearbox that should have been recalled. Sure, it’s fixed under warranty but….sign of the times or at least quality of these bikes.
I discovered RE only 2 years ago and I was actually impressed at the quality of build for the price point. But unfortunately the price point means you are going to spend more time and effort maintaining it. It’s a trade off I’m willing to make for now. I actually uncovered my Interceptor today for the first time in 2 months and saw that my polished aluminum is looking pretty shoddy. I previously had a Klr that I left outside uncovered for 5 years, and besides a little sun fading on the plastics it was no worse for wear. I enjoy working on the bike for now but will probably eventually go back to a one that isn’t such high maintenance. Sounds to me like you made the right choice for your situation.
If you regard a little bit of elbow grease as high maintenance, I’m picking you don't do your own serviciing or repairs. (‘High maintenance’, Lord save us!) And you don’t leave motorcycles outside uncovered without the alloy (if there is alloy) getting oxidised, unless you have a ton of clear coat over the top of it. If that’s the case, the UV rays in the sunlight will definitely turn the clear coat into a jaundiced yellow. I also seriously doubt the ‘a little sun fading on the plastics’ line, because as a Plastics technician for the past forty plus years, I know that UV rays DESTROY plastic like nothing else. I guess you might live in Alaska, or somehwere similar, but if not, the sunlight will definitely cause far more adamge than a little fading if it’s outside for 5 years.
@@BigAl53750 you seem to be having trouble with reading comprehension. I said I enjoy working on the bike. Meaning I do my own maintenance and repairs. The comment about high maintenance was referring to the constant care that the cases need, sure, but more so the frequency of valve checks and oil changes. Yes, Interceptors do require more maintenance than other bikes. But again, I enjoy working on it for now. And the Klr wasn’t in full sun all day genius. It lived outside, mostly in the shade, and apart from some sun fading it was fine. There were no polished or other surfaces that required constant cleaning. I left the Interceptor uncovered one night after a ride and the speedometer dial has had moisture in it ever since.
Absolutely spot on. I bought a new Continental GT and loved it for all those reasons but sold it after two years. Super fun, wonderful motor but the little cheap touches don't make for a bike you really fall in love with. The dealer network is pretty awful in my experience for exactly the reasons you state. I have had over forty bikes to date and the Continental was super fun but not a keeper. I am on my third BMW K75 , an 87 vintage and these bikes are so good at everything I want and are timelessly beautiful to my eyes. I live in Niagara and it is great to see a "local" on RUclips. Great video..well done 😊
Thanks so much! It's just one man's experience, and ultimately people should ride whatever suits them, I just want to help them make informed decisions one way or another :)
I have a 2001 Honda Shadow I bought this year for $2k CDN, chrome is perfect, switches look good and work, paint is excellent but a couple chips here and there, seals all holding. 80k kms.
Seal leak is nothing. Used to ride anXR600 and an XT 600 with lower gasket leaking. Due to bad break in. Its air cooled, so it means nothing at all. About the alu pitting, BMW is famous for that. Royal just needs a light elbow grease from time to time, like my Thunderbird 900 did back in the day, so no prob with that.I did enjoy it by the way. Every enduro owner knows that alu rims needs it from time to time. Godammit we are motorcyclists, not two wheel users. These bikes are the last of a kind, air cooled, plain bikes. No unreliable electronics just for impression, no unneeded "technology" for the lap-top consumer. We can compromise with that, as long as they keep making them. Agree with the rest of the vid, keep up the good job and thank you.
I have a 2019 Interceptor and I'm still really happy with it. Yes, I polish the cases regularly, but I like having that contact with it. I test rode a Bonneville 885 and I thought the Interceptor was livelier (though that is completely subjective.) I have almost 8000 miles on it and it doesn't leak anything. The paint is all still good. I also have good dealership support in my area, so that helps. For full disclosure, I also added a Triumph Tiger 660 to my garage last year. And that bike is really amazing.
Thanks for the comment and for sharing your experience with the Interceptor! I'm glad to hear you're still enjoying it after all these miles, and it's great that you’ve got a solid dealership nearby. Polishing the cases regularly sounds like hell to me. I have way too many motorcycles to justify giving one more than an annual tune up and whatever it needs for scheduled maintenance lol. I know it's not a Tiger, but, tomorrow, I'm dropping a video comparing the Triumph Bonneville and the Moto Guzzi V7, focusing on the pros and cons after owning both for a year. I hope you'll give it a watch: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html. Appreciate your support!
Great video series. I bought an Interceptor a year ago after having not owned a bike for 40 years. I did my research and decided that the 650 was the perfect bike to get back into motorcycling. I couldn't be happier with it so far, I've done quite a few mods to it to make it "mine", parts are relatively inexpensive and it's definitely easy to mod. The thing is, the RE you bought was used, you know nothing of its history other than it had VERY low mileage which is the worst thing you can do to a vehicle, IE gaskets failing. It surely does look like it's been stored outside or otherwise exposed to the elements. Mine has been flawless for 4000 miles and always puts a grin on my face when I ride it!
Congrats on the Interceptor! It's a great getting-back-into-riding bike, especially if you've been gone for 40+ years. You won't know what you're missing compared to the current spec stuff (latest V7 and T100 for example, not the ones in this series), and everything will be way better than when you left! I'm glad it's working well for you and you're enjoying it. I finally got out another video for this series today, it's up here: ruclips.net/video/cz011K-Ixfc/видео.html
I'm not surprised, as a Royal Enfield owner I am disappointed but this is what I expected and I love your number 4 pros for the RE. I have a feeling the Guzzi is going to get it, this is why, its good enough that you can ride it and there is enough left over in the budget that you can make it the way you want it, also its not necessarily about the power, my wife and I were talking today while walking the dog about the 47 at the crank hp of the RE 650 and how it carried us around on the 401 and other just fine but I did point out how I liked having having that extra 15 or so hp in our Bonneville, I own a Bonnie and I own a RE GT 650 but not a Guzzi, you made an interesting point about the Guzzi being like drinking a beer. Anyway you asked if we agreed with what you did, Ya reluctantly I thought it was going to happen this way, I'm not surprised and I agree with you. Thanks for the vids and Josh and the rest at Classy Chassis is great bunch.
I completely agree about bikes that are after 5 to 10 years just like knew. I would call them "keepers". Never rode a Triumph, but rode the Interceptor and the V7. I get your point bro. Keep going. This is a great and useful video.
Thanks so much. The final episode of the series where I compare the strengths and weaknesses of both the V7 and the Bonneville is going live in 20 minutes here if you'd like to check it out :) ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
I agree with your decision. I had an Interceptor for 6 months, it was ok but not a long term keeper. Had to get clocks replaced under warranty, forks were not good, used a bit of oil, Ceat tyres were awful, so decided to sell it while it still had a years warranty on it. Guzzi and Triumph definitely better bikes, I would be proud to own either.
Comparing the Royal Enfield Interceptor and the Triumph Bonneville is like comparing chalk and cheese. Appreciate your honest opinions and I agree with you on all points.
Yea I've always been puzzled as to why folk see them in the same light. The refreshing thing about the RE, is that it was cheap... So you have to look after it a lot more.
Thanks for the kind words! With regards to it being "cheap" - please keep in mind that of the three used motorcycles in this series, the Royal Enfield was actually the most expensive... despite the used Triumph and Moto Guzzis being more powerful and of better quality build and finish. So the "more cheap" argument doesn't apply here. Anyway, if anyone would like to see the final episode of the series where I compare the V7 and Bonneville's strengths and weaknesses, that's going live here in 15 minutes: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
I noticed the al oxidation of my mates 3yr old Int. The bike looks 10 yrs old. Pride of ownership for me is up there. Gd on you for pointing the flaws.
As far as fluid leaks go, my friend in the 70s owned a Berliner dealership that included BMW, Guzzi, Ducati, Norton and Royal Enfield. The REs were the only ones on his showroom floor that always had a cookie sheet under the engines as they leaked from day one. He called them Royal Oilers.
We just went through the same pattern of thoughts. Bought the 2019 int new ... loved it initially... but realized it wasnt aging well .. sold it and picked up a bonneville A3 (865). And i totally agree ... the bike ages extremely well !!
Hey. Thanks for sharing that experience. The Interceptor is a pretty good bike, but it just isn't a great bike in the same way that the Bonneville and V7 are. My video of the final showdown between those two is going live in 20 minutes if you'd like to check it out: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
Thanks for the kind words! The final episode of the series where I compare the V7 and Bonneville's strengths and weaknesses, that's going live here in 15 minutes: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html - check it out if you'd like to see how these two motorcycles compare in the city, on the highway/on tours, in reliability and maintenance, and in dealer support and parts availability
Great real-life observations about the details that make or break a relationship with a motorcycle. I probably would value the "keepability" of your three bikes the same way you do, I think, and for the same reasons. Better finishes, sealants, etc., are a huge deal. I currently have a '21 V7 850 and a '13 F800GT, and they both have the little finishing touches that make you admire them every time you look at them, not to mention whatever those other qualities are that make you feel the machine is "substantial," for lack of a better term. Those attractions don't fade, even after years.
Keepability is both not a word, and a really great word. I might have to borrow that. As a Guzzi and also BMW owner, I totally get what you mean. Tomorrow my final video of this series comes out. It compares and reviews both the V7 and the Bonneville after a year owning both. I hope you'll check it out! ruclips.net/video/iNUfZucgh_c/видео.html
Great review , I have the same attitude as yourself to bikes/riding/improving etc . Down here (NZ) kawasaki W650's are cheaper than RE650's , so I have one and it's quality is pretty good given that it's20yrs-old now and still looks great . It's a bit gutless (50hp) but it's light , nimble and takes a good-thrash without dying . My TR1 XV1000 (1982-chain-drive ) is a torque-beast
You hit the nail on the head: initial quality does not a great bike make - it's what does it look like, how does it perform, how does it hold up years later? I want to like Royal Enfields, but they're not my cup of tea, and the issues you bring up would drive me nuts. I still get compliments on my Street Glide 4 years later, that it looks like a new bike. And it's been mostly reliable [outside of eating bearings, tires and brakes... which could all be due to where I ride and how I ride].
Here's is another point for getting rid of the Royal Enfield. As you said it is not a bad bike and it's the finishes that are it's downfall. For me it's the history. Growing up I always remember my older cousin pulling into the driveway on his Triumph Bonneville with his friend riding his Norton Commander. This lead me to love the British bikes So in a close race my thoughts are leaning that way. Cheers and love the series.
You did the right thing. The V7 and the Bonneville are far better bikes and there's really no reason to keep a bike like the RE Interceptor which is essentially a low-quality version of them. Completely different story in Asia where the RE is better priced and Triumph and Moto Guzzi are prohibitively expensive to buy and own/service for many people.
Thank you. I think a lot of people don't realize that for the price of a new Interceptor where I live, I could buy this used Bonnie and V7, and still have money left over. Anyway, tomorrow the series finale comes out, where the Bonneville and the V7 go head to head, I go in depth after over a year of owning both. If you're interested please check it out here: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
Most RUclips motorcycle reviews are about new mc's. I sold my 2019 RE GT650 with almost every part replaced under the 3yr factory warranty. 3rd engine & gearbox due to False Neutral problem. Rusty mirrors, discoloured indicators, scratched tank my RE. So they replaced it. Had it towed to the service center multiple times due to water leaking into the gas cap, misfiring, due to which mc wouldn't start/or run smoothly to ride it to the service center. Oxidizing engine crankcase covers. 1yr oxidation makes it look like a 12yr old mc. I had enough. I sold it & bought a brand new Bonneville T120! I am very happy.
I currently own a 2009 Triumph T100, a 2022 RE 350 chrome classic and a 2000 Kawasaki W650. I'm looking at selling the Triumph. A hard decision, but the RE is twice as economical, has a smoother gear change, a petrol indicator and just looks great. I have found the Triumph gearbox clunky and its disappointing that you have no gas indicator. I also like the metal mudguards on the RE compared to the plastic ones on the Triumph. The Triumph has aged well but at almost two years old the RE is still looking pretty good. The W650 is my favourite, although it has no petrol indicator, poor brakes and a mechanical gearchange compared to the RE. I just love the old school style and great handling characteristics. All bikes very reliable. As I said a hard decision.
You are the second guy who said about cleaning this "chrome" parts. Cleaning, cleaning, polishing and... Can't get this out. Sad. Thank you 👍🏻Looks good, classic, two gauges... But. Triumph is a bit expensive for me🙂400 is to weak 40KM IMO is not enough. Ride safe🙂 🤘🏻
You have some very valid points. I have the Hunter and GT650 and like them both but I have four Hondas for my "daily" riding. I tinker with my Royals, I really like the looks of the bikes, performance is good for what I want from them. For me, both are "nitch" bikes in my garage. Was waiting and looking at buying the new Himalayan 452, but will go more "mainstream" with that purchase.
Thanks! Sounds like your garage is as full of bikes as mine. It's nice to meet someone else who suffers from the same illness haha. New video in the series is finally up. If you're bored, check it out here: ruclips.net/video/cz011K-Ixfc/видео.html
I agree with you 100% on the issue of the low quality materials Royal Enfield. My headers are rusting at the cooling fins. It is important to understand that they are made to a price point. For me the downsides are off-set by the smiles per mile I'm getting but I had to spend to upgrade the suspension and tires and this really transformed the bike. Perhaps what Royal Enfield could have done was to offer a premium version of the Interceptor with premium finish, and better components like full Brembo brakes and Ohlins suspension. At the end of the day, this bike makes me smile as much as its stable mates (XT1200Z & VFR1200F).
I love the idea of RE offering a more premium version and truly making this bike for a global audience with the tastes (and let's be honest, pickiness) of a global audience.
Your reviews are great, and I agree with your opinions. In the UK the Enfield can be purchased new OTR for £5,500 and the Guzzi for £7,250, but the quality in the build is more than worth the extra for the Guzzi. The Enfield only becomes a bargain when its a lot cheaper, used and your on a budget. P.S. Keep up the good work. 😎
I have had my Sportster for 25 years and 400,000 miles on the original engine. It's rusty and the seat is covered in duct tape. It runs great and is my daily driver as I don't have a car.
Thanks very much and yup, you're right! Tomorrow, I’m dropping the final video in my series, where I dive deep into comparing the pros and cons of the Triumph Bonneville and Moto Guzzi V7 after a year of owning both. It’s a detailed review, and it’ll be live at 11 AM EST tomorrow! If you’ve got some free time this weekend, I’d love for you to check it out: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html 😊
Personally, it I had Moto Guzzi V7 and a Bonneville, I would be pretty happy and I don't know why you would have brought the Interceptor, unless it was just for the views.
I like my Enfield, at 650cc it's the largest capacity bike I've ever owned (in the 60's I had a 350cc AJS, in the seventies a 400cc Honda 400F etc etc) and it has more power than I know what to do with. The bike is always garaged when not in use so maybe that is why I haven't experienced deteriorating paint work and aluminum corrosion. On the down side Royal Enfield plastering the relay sockets with some horrible white grease caused me some grief but once I'd worked out the cause of my problems it was easy enough to clean away. Spare parts may be cheap but in some cases seem to be unavailable eg part number ST30269A which is a special tool used to adjust the play in the swing arm, that is annoying. A kick starter would have been nice but the lack of one is not a deal breaker. Lower seat height, lower weight and a lower center of gravity are all important to me but I've had to modify the bike considerably to achieve those goals. Thanks for the video, I guess I just have different priorities.
Thanks for chiming in with your insights on your bike. I've seen a couple people on Facebook groups talking about not being able to get parts for their Enfield but I haven't looked into it deep enough to personally comment on that one way or another. If the motorcycles that you have is comparison points they're all about half a century old, then we may not just have different priorities but also different experiences and different standards too. If you think the Honda of the '70s was a nice bike, I had a CL350 for a while, and trust me the small displacement Honda of today is better in every single way... Except for character. Those little 350 twins had a lot more of that! Ride safe! :)
Fair enough review. I''ve owned many Enfields and they're great but for some reason the V7 has way more individuality. I'm essentially a convert to Guzzi as a result.
I’ve owned a Buell Blast, Himalayan, GZ V7 and now 2016 T100. Off all of those bikes the T100 feels the most premium. The MG is like a HD. There is just something about them that grows on you.
the best thing about the interceptor/gt650 is the cheap service costs and the way it looks. the rest of it is for old timers who rarely ride their bike and love polishing the annoying aluminum casing over and over. also my gt650 literally died on me after only 120km on the odo lol. had to get the whole bike replaced. luckily i have multiple bikes and have the option to switch it up whenever i feel like it.
You can't beat a Moto Guzzi V7 for ease of servicing, with a workshop manual and a few tools even a novice home mechanic can service and maintain the Guzzi, you don't even have to remove the tank or any bodywork to change plugs, perform valve checks, etc, so therefore it is very cheap to maintain.
I own A V7 Racer ii that I've had for 7 years now, and absolutely love. It's never been to a dealer, I service it myself and that's one of the joys of the V7, it's so simple to maintain. Mine is six speed, so takes away one of your negatives. It also has aftermarket exhaust (Mistral), upgraded suspension, and a few other mods to make it perfect for me. Ive no plans to sell it, although recently I did wonder if the new V100 Mandello could replace both my V7 and my KTM 790 adventure. I need a test ride. The Triumphs are really well made, but the modern Bonneville has never appealed. To me it's a modern pastiche and feels less genuine than the Guzzi. Also, in the UK if you ride a Triumph every time you stop somewhere you get some old guys telling you about how they used to own one. Sometimes that can lead to a great conversation, but it also gets wearing. I've looked at the Interceptor many times, and have been impressed by it. We have a really good long established local dealer, so if buying new that would influence me. I do agree with you that it looks more built to a price point. Some of the fittings and fasteners look really cheap, but also fairly cheap to rectify. Disappointing about the paint and chrome though. The point I disagree about is the raw polished aluminium. If you spend time washing and detailing a bike, why not spend another 15 minutes polishing the casings? I prefer the look of polished aluminium to lacquered. And a stone chip, or corrosion getting under the edges of the lacquer is harder to rectify.
I love the V7 Racer gorgeous looking bikes. I've added a chrome tank, spoked wheels, upgraded shocks, and made various other improvements to my V7 II Stone. I too service my V7 myself, its just so easy to work on. Great bikes, I don't think I could ever part with mine.
There are reasons to like and dislike the INT650. I just don’t think you hit on them very well. First off, of the three bikes, it’s the closest to a true retro motorcycle, which is why the cast aluminum is more in keeping with being retro, not brushed or added sealers. The older Bonnies had the exact same which required polishing as well. That’s part of ownership. It’s also air cooled. Water cooled engines are not retro. It also has spoked rims and tubed tires, also retro. It’s also significantly easier to do maintenance yourself compared to any other bike it it’s category. The tank issue I truly believe is neglect. I’ve not seen or heard of any real complaints with any newer finishes on RE bikes, but I have on the much older models. If anything, they regularly get very high marks for paint quality these days. But hey, if people leave a bike outside uncovered, or neglect it, that’s going to happen to any motorcycle finish. I would suggest a ceramic coating. There’s no sags, fisheyes, or blemishes that I’ve seen, and enough millage in coats and primers to suffice. This is actually one of their stronger points. Now, none of that may be something people are looking for, but they are for people looking for a true retro motorcycle that isn’t actually retro. Of the 3, it is far and away the more true retro motorcycle. I think that bears mentioning.
Where I live, used RE650's that are 2-4 yrs old won't sell for any decent value because where I live is more humid than UK. There's rust on them, & the pitting is absolutely obvious. Not worth for resale. Also, if you're going to dispute for "Full retro", then Royal Enfield needs to read the forums complaining about lack of kickstart. They also don't have it in carbiretors anymore, EFI is also not retro. It's tubed because it's spokes, and the spokes rims are because they're made for rough roads. Same reason as dirt bikes, not so much "retro".
More retro than a Guzzi V7, sounds like you haven't even seen one yet alone ridden one. The V7 is not retro inspired it's still the same old design as the original with all its charm and limitations. Love is blind and the bike that makes you happy is the right bike for you. Big fan of the ceramic coating works fantastic.
I would keep the interceptor , I've got one and love it. I enjoy polishing the bare aluminium cases, they come up great. I have looked after a friend's 865 triumph service wise for years and it has been blowing fork seals since 5k every 5k, only real fix is replace fork legs, so I don't want the poor quality triumph offers. I've had an 1100 guzzi and my brother had a 500 then a 750 guzzi, so I am familiar with them and their clunky gearboxes, so no thanks. As for dealers, who needs them, I do all my own work, always, I'm the only mechanic I trust. I feel for you people under 60 who can't fix it yourself but thanks for the comparison. Just completed 10,000km service on my interceptor, no oil leaks, no issues, we just ride out here surounded by great mountain roads in Armidale Australia.
@Confedyank sounds like the owners of Royal Enfeilds in your area ride them because it's all they can afford. And due to ignorance or a lack of money, they leave them out in the weather. If Royal Enfeilds are rusting where you are, so is everything else. I live in New York State. It's humid or raining here most of the time. I own a Continental GT. I keep it in a shed. Nothing fancy. No dehumidifiers, but it's out of the weather and the sun. No problems whatsoever. No rust. No pits. Personal ownership experience runs contrary to your second hand observations of alleged bikes who's circumstances of care your not privy to. Just say'in
I wish you knew more about aluminum. 60 years ago bare aluminum was pure aluminum. It doesn’t corrode. But it is soft so it doesn’t seal well and leaks. When the Japanese started selling bikes in the US they added magnesium, nickel and other metals that made the aluminum super strong. It would hold its shape and not leak. Unfortunately that alloy was prone to oxidation. The Japanese solution was to paint clear over the metal. That meant it could last years without any attention and still look ok. Look at the fork sliders on any old “polished aluminum” fork and you will find corrosion where every rock chip allowed moisture underneath. The only solution is to strip off the clear, sand the corrosion out, repaint and start the process over again. Or polish it and continue to polish it on a regular basis. Other options are black paint that masks the corrosion or chrome plating that protects the metal but is very expensive. The failure of Royal Enfield isn’t their choice of unprotected polished aluminum, it is that they didn’t mention the requirement to polish it. It also would have helped if they had included some polish with every new bike. Of course this has all been widely known for decades. I’m surprised you missed it.
Interesting.. I have a '79 Bonnie that polishes up really well, almost new. It never had shown signs of oxidation in all that time. Does that mean the interceptor has a different grade of alloy to the old bonnie? I was wondering as on another channel the reviewer mentions that the interceptor alloy is less finished at the factory and you can gain allot by finer polishing. I guess my question is, would the interceptor hold up better for longer with the minor machining scratches removed, or is it a different/lower grade alloy than my old bonnie?Cheers
Each to their own. My five-year-old Interceptor (owned from new) still looks good after 11k miles covered in spring/summer. Yes, the alloy engine casings do oxidise if you don't maintain & protect them, but part of the enjoyment of owning a modern classic is being able to do things like routine maintenance, polishing & waxing - without the reliability issues of an old bike.
Glad you're still enjoying it. We gotta get those miles up though! 11,000 miles is like 1-2 seasons haha. I think it's great if you're in a position in life where you have time to -waste- dedicate to additional maintenance that other motorcycles don't need. Most guys my age have two kids, are still in the junior half of their career, or are upstart entrepreneurs. They're already being pulled in 85 different directions and can barely find the time to ride. Now we're going to try to tell them that the maintenance that they need to do on an Interceptor, vs what they don't need to do on it's competitors, is some kind of good thing? I'm not buying it and I don't think most of my peers will either. Maybe when we're retired and don't have kids to raise and careers to build.
Just FYI, The silver fenders were standard item across all colours for 2018. They were not meant to be colour matched. You got a 2018 model, first model year. Quality should be much better now. Unfortunately that's true with most manufacturers. Even toyota limits the amount of changes in a new model to reduce the number of quality variables. For interceptor it was a brand new design ground up.
Thanks for the background with regards to the front fender. It just seems like one of those cost-cutting measures that could have been handled better. There was no reason for all bikes to have the same colored front fender regardless of what color the rest of the motorcycle is, other than to save ten cents on paint.
Thanks for the video. It was good to see your experience with the RE and see the real life negatives that you brought up. Frankly, none of them is too serious for me to eliminate it. And it was a used bike, was it left outside by the previous owner to cause the rust and aluminium corrosion? Also, I'm one of those weirdos that actually enjoys polishing metal! I wrench my own bikes and so when I found out that pretty well everything can be ordered direct from RE, my "dealer problem" issues evaporated. Nethertheless, I will be watching for these issues closely when I look at a couple of used examples. Much appreciated.
Thanks very much for the kind words. What's best for me is only best for me, if none of my issues bother you too much than that's good :) The Interceptor was a single owner bike, stored in a very big garage (the guy lived out in the country and had a ton of space), so it wasn't left outdoors. I just don't know how often he ever washed it. He was an older gent. Do you get parts directly from Royal Enfield USA? Where are you located that you can bypass dealers? I want to do that haha
PS: Next and final video of the series is going live tomorrow, here: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html it compares the V7 with the Bonneville after a year of owning both and gets pretty in depth
I have a 2006 Bonneville and for me it is a "for ever" bike. I will never get rid of it because I like riding and owning it so much. I had an older Royal Enfield and quality control issues forced me to sell it. RE is going to have to step up their quality control and fit & finish game if they want to entice me back into their fold.
RE's quality has definitely stepped up from their previous stuff (I had a bullet 500), but let's be honest, the bar was so low with the older stuff... they still need another step or two. I have the final episode of the series going live in 20 minutes, it compares the Bonneville 865 vs the Moto Guzzi V7 750, and it's happening here if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
I have a 2023 MG V7 850 and a 2021 RE Continental GT. 650. Both have their place in my collection and both get ridden when I'm in the mood. Both bikes are flawed but both have an endearing quality that more than makes up for the quirky nature of their characters. I'd say the RE is popular with buyers BECAUSE they need a little TLC to keep them in good condition. When you are retired, like a lot of owners, what else are you going to do? Polishing stuff is a nice way to spend a few hours when you have time on your hands. An example of where RE has a winning formula is this. The chrome headlamp bucket will eventually go rusty if you leave it outside. A Brand new one from a dealer, cost £17.00. Yes, £17.00. Plus, the RE is made to EXACTLY the same quality standards as bikes from a bygone age with a bit of modernity thrown in. You can pretend it is an old bike, just without having to kick start the thing! 😁😁.
Great video 👍 I’m in the process of buying a modern-classic bike and I’m sensible to the « how does the bike age » point. I like the interceptor, the new shotgun looks fantastic but « how does it age ». I’m more on Triumph, the T100, and even the new scrambler 400X. Have to try them !
Thanks very much! Have you gotten one yet? Tomorrow I'm putting out the final video of the series, a review and comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of both the used Bonneville and the used V7. Hope you'll join me tomorrow morning for the video premiere! ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
I love this review -- realism over algorithm. My plan with the Interceptor is to have it for only 2 to 3 years. So hopefully the aging is not an issue for me.
Over 6k miles no gasket leaks. If a good. dealer/service is hard to find and or far away - not good. Of course, if you are going distances, make sure you have set your fuel stops. Took a trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas - The only problem was that I rediscovered the importance of a good windscreen the hard way. Again, it will take you solidly where you want to go as long as you plan out your fuel stops. Truth, if my local Honda dealer hadn’t closed shop, I would have been on a Honda. My Enfield dealer has been selling them since 2018. They are up front on all costs and do Good work. No, the Enfield is not perfect. Though it is easy to love. Stay warm up there in Saskatchewan.
I think your reasoning was just fine. Given your budget was gone with just buying the RE then you were really stuck with being able to make it yours, like we hopefully get to see you do with the other two! I just bought a RE Interceptor 650 and went in with "eyes wide open" to its shortcomings. My plan is to address those and make it something more fun to ride and look at. Thanks for the great content.
Thanks very much for the kind words! How are you and the Interceptor coming along? FYI - The final episode of the series where I compare the V7 and Bonneville's strengths and weaknesses, that's going live here in 15 minutes: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html - check it out if you'd like to see how these two motorcycles compare after a year of ownership!
@@YouMotorcycle my Interceptor has been great and is coming along nicely. Probably the best mod has been the AEW 2-1 exhaust. Really livens up the sound. Looking forward to the final episode! Keep it up.
You’re saying what I’ve been thinking all along - the Enfields are cheap and cheerful bikes, but not the sort of thing you’d proudly own and maintain for many years. They have a dedicated fanbase, but just not for me, thanks.
Given the fact that you already own the bikes in question, selling the Interceptor 650 makes the most sense. I have test rode them and they do seem like a fun bike and nearly pulled the trigger, but as you and others have said, it is made to a price point and that will start to show in a few years (that said, hopefully only cosmetic items and that they have focused the budget into the engine and frame etc). I went for an older 865 Bonnie over the 650 as I know those bikes will get to 100,000km. That's not to say that the Royal Enfields cannot, but they haven't been out for that long to see how they go long term. Still considering the classic/bullet 350 as a second bike for commuting, they look awesome.
Everything you said seems like sound reasoning to me :) The 865 Bonnies are a tried, tested, and true, for decades now... plus you can pick one up often for cheaper than the INT650, and get more bike, better finish, for less money. The INT does have better suspension than the Bonneville in my opinion, but with the money you save you can fix that. Speaking of which, I published a video today on upgrading the suspension on the Bonneville 865: ruclips.net/video/cz011K-Ixfc/видео.html
Im almost 39k miles on mine and the only failure is a broken speedometer cable at 36k miles. From the desert at 115 fahrenheit to 10,232 ft altitude it runs perfectly
Not surprised about it being fine at altitude considering what they have in India. Bummer about the speedo cable but cool that everything else has been good for 36k miles and you got to take it that high!
I am facing similar problems as you, even in india RE latest bikes are too weak and costly compared to what i can get from imported brands, i had an old school RE bullet in my college days, it was a reliable bike for indian roads, but RE quality is dropping fast, i am happy someone is willing to talk about its weak points.
Thanks for your comments and for sharing your experience from in India! You're the second rider in India I heard from this week that mentioned that they would rather just get an import. The other guy bought one of the Triumph 400s and said he was very happy.
I sold my Triumph Bonneville because of the terrible fueling, clunky gear Changes and intermittent electrical issues. It had 4K miles on it. The Interceptor is in a league of its own in comparison. The gasket leaking would just be from the 300 mile valve clearance check, they didn’t use a new gasket or sealer. And the Moto Guzzi V7 is a shocking bike!
I hear you brother, I also sold my Interceptor, just didn't like the way it felt on the road, too skittish and not planted enough for my liking. I have a Super Meteor on order 🙂
The interceptor handles better than the super meteor so I don't understand your reasoning ? However I like both and own an interceptor at present so wish you the best with your new purchase ....enjoy ( just waiting for the sunny days to arrive) .
I live in TO, nice to see a creator from my home town. My ride is a Vulcan S and an S50. I've seen similar comments on the finish of RE bikes. The S50 (2006) still looks brand new. I'd have to move up to Harley or Indian to get a similar quality finish. The Vulcan is a price point machine and looks it, but a good performer.
Totally agree, longevity of finish or lack of would be a deal breaker. I've wondered about the quality of internal engine parts and longevity. I have touched owners disappointment with electrical components. I would sell and not look back. Appreciate your honesty and clarity of product differences.
I wouldn't worry about the engine! It's incredibly well designed in Leicestershire. The electrical problems appear to be down to too much grease used i while putting the bike together along with budget relays. Once you know this it's an easy post delivery job to sort out.
The problem isn't with the designers. The designers can do a fantastic job, and then their job is done. The question is what happens after the designers do that work. Does someone come back and say, for example, "Can we make the engine casings with this grade of steel instead of this one?" etc. I trust the designers. It's the people that come in after them and make sure that the motorcycle is built to a pricepoint that I don't trust.
Totally agree, great bike but not a long term bike. You see the same thing in the UK with Bullit Motorcycles (Now Bluroc), they look good, but are built to a price and as such require lots of work to stop them from rusting, coupled with premature failure of components and seals. Unfortunately it's the old saying you get want you pay for and it's a pity because the Interceptor is a great bike but I'd have a V7 over it any day.
Seems like the real sweet spot for value is a used Bonneville or V7, both of which hold their quality, and you can buy the two of them used for less than the price of one new Interceptor here. Speaking of, tomorrow I'm publishing the series finale, it's the Bonneville vs the V7 after a year of owning both motorcycles. I go pretty in depth on the pros and cons of each. Please check it out with me here: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
Yeah, I'm a bit like you, don't feel the need to go fast everywhere, but do want to know that I can if I want to. For me, the minimum top speed of a bike needs to be 180-200 km/h, and it needs to get there reasonably quickly.
I bought a very low mileage 2020 Interceptor and rode it for 7000+ miles. I loved it, I put plenty of money in the usual upgrades. From my first ride home after purchasing it I experienced weird random shut-offs, generally at cruising speeds. The bike would immediately re start if I cycled the key on and off. Without going into great detail, the problem persisted over the remaining time I owned the bike. I spent a lot of time and money to no avail. On my last ride the bike stalled out five times in 45 miles. I gave up on it and bought a new V7III Guzzi that has been essentially flawless over 2+ years and 13,000 miles. I think most RE 650 owners are pretty well served by their bikes but I definitely got a lemon and I'll never buy another RE. Cancel Reply
Dude, if you are not from India. Its totally logical not to use Interceptor 650 as a Tourer. Mainly because there are impressive duel sport motorcycle available way cheaper than INT650. The spare parts for INT650 are not cheap outside India. Most of the non-Indian youtubers ideally buy Royal Enfield to make their channel grow. Let that view traffic flowing. But other than that, you need to be a classic motorcycle enthusiast like Jay Leno to own the twins. If you are from any demography outside Asia, you have way many Cheap reliable option for motorcycling than INT 650.
I’m a huge fan of my interceptor after a year of ownership but I appreciate your thoughts and experiences. I still want something aircooled and have been thinking about going for a V7 in a trade-in. It’s gonna take a lot of test rides to decide if I want to keep the enfield around or trade, but your experience with deterioration is very valuable. I’ve definitely seen some rust poking through the headers and some pitting in the polished aluminum. Both of those things were expected and I can buff em out but I’ll have to keep an eye out for rust on any of the important bits. And on gaskets and whatnot.
Thanks! Glad yours is working well for you so far! I obviously have my 2013 which is coming together really nicely (see here: ruclips.net/video/Tg1AnXvH1j0/видео.html ) but last year I spent a few days with the 2023 V7, and, in those ten years they have really come a long way. The newer ones are so much nicer now. Review of the 2023 is here if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/17Eeco3AQ8c/видео.html
Coming from India, and having owned a couple of royal Enfield's, and being in Canada Now....I wouldn't touch a Royal Enfield. Reasons: 1) the price isn't really cheap compared to a speed twin. 2) the quality is sub par. 3) service network and dealer support is almost non existing 4) tubed tires !!!!! imagine getting a flat 5) Pillion comfort is horrible ...enough for a smart decision.
Really glad you shared your insights on this as you can definitely see it from both sides. Roughly how much would an Interceptor 650 be in India, in canadian dollars? Here in Toronto out the door you're looking at $11,000 Canadian taxes in. It's a lot of money when there are so many great used bikes out there for so much less. Thanks again for sharing 👍🏻
On the road (Mumbai) = out of the door (Canadian) is 5400 cad!!!! Here the dealers are quoting approx 11.5 k !!!! Almost double.
This is the major reason why I wouldn’t go for the RE. I’d rather buy a pre owned triumph which would still be a stronger value proposition, be hassle free in terms of quality and still give me a good resale value a few years down the line.
In fact same goes for the triumph speed 400 and the KTM 390. These motorcycles are sold for less than half the prices, back home in India. I guess as I am from India, and know the real value of these bikes …I feel it’s utterly unfair to pay double the price here in Canada. IMO it’s not worth it.
In Australia a Speed Twin is twice the price of a Royal Enfield 650.
@@ikrampatel5806 That is hapening cause the "Man in the middle". Welcome to the Capitalism!!. Are you awake?
I bought a Triumph Speedmaster 4 years ago. Within a year the rims were rusting badly even though I cleaned the bike often and kept the bike under shelter. The gearbox would clunk terribly and it took away the enjoyment of riding it. The pegs scraped all the time. Totally pissed off with my Triumph I bought 2 Enfields for the price of the Speedmaster and I still had $5,000 (Australian) left over. Best bikes I've ever owned. Three years later there is not a pin prick of rust on either bike and I've had no mechanical problems after clocking up 15,000 kms each. So I remain a Royal Enfield man. Every time I ride my Enfields I have a big smile on my face.
Agreed.
I went to the triumph dealer to look at speed triples but they didn't have any!
Then I saw a Royal Enfield Baker Express! I took it around the parking lot and we signed the papers. The freaking speed triples are $20,000 or more I paid six grand even.
Now I've made over 20 changes on that bike and that's the cool part I think there's more aftermarket stuff for the Royal Enfield 650 then probably any other bike!
Being an American I made it into a cruiser! I had had a small set of engine guards but I bought the large engine guards and then cut the small ones up to make foot pegs and welded them on to the large engine guards moved the controls up to make it a heel shifter. Put on a windshield well first of all I got rid of that hard seat I got the gel saddle handguards heated grips handlebar risers new tires the old tires are garbage! Gel battery 20 different things anyway I counted. I have not had a mechanical problem with it at all.
He lives out in the shed got his own shed and little workshop.
He made me throw the electric bike out of the shed because the electric bike broke his headlight so I replaced that with an LED.
What a sweet machine nicest bike I've ever had and I've owned a lot of Kawasakis and Yamahas mostly!
I would recommend this bike to anybody anytime! And I always get compliments when I pull up to the grocery store wherever I go! 👍
That seems to be the common perception in the uk , with all the crap weather and road salt here the RE’s seem to last better than the triumph’s as far as i can tell but im not the only one my riding buddy has a Rocket that is around 5/6 years old and its dissolving a little more every winter and he doesn’t seem to be able to stop that from happening
@user-rd7qu8kk6d No most of uk bikers believe RE are just cheaply manufactured bikes, that lack power and rust quickly, Bonnie on the other hand have bullet proof engines, and there are still many 1960's models on the road.
Dang, really?! I had a Speedmaster as well, never had any rusting issues with it and I live in a really humid climate
I've had my Interceptor for 9 months and about 2,400 miles. I'm still happy with it. It checks quite a few boxes for me: it looks great, sounds great, great gas mileage (about 55mpg) handles pretty well, lots of aftermarket stuff. It'll cruise all day at 75mph no problem. Power and torque are fine for most purposes. The brakes work fine, the ergonomics are fine. And it has an agreeable personality, like YM said.
But it's not a bike I'd want to ride to Alaska on. Or even 200 miles. The reason being that the suspension and seat are stiff. Kind of cobby. That's my only real complaint. Around town it's alright but it wouldn't be fun riding it all day long.
Still an honest and thoughtful review. One thumb up and a new subscriber.
I agree with this but with a few mods, it becomes great. I'd rather put money into this bike rather than my water cooled Triumph.
Change the things you don't like then ride it anywhere rather than buying a new one
Thanks very much for the kind words! Hope you're still loving that Interceptor. They're endearing AF! lol If I didn't also have the other two bikes, I'd be happy with the Interceptor PLUS a bike like my BMW G650GS. That covers the long distance/touring areas where the INT falls short that you pointed out.
Tomorrow I'm publishing my final video of the series. After a year of owning these bikes it's time to compare and review the Triumph Bonneville vs the Moto Guzzi V7. If you're interested in my perspective it's going live tomorrow morning here: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
I bought my Interceptor new in 2019. I still love it but..... I totally agree with all your points. With the benefit of hindsight I would not have rushed out and bought it. However, I have over 8k miles and no leaking gaskets or anything bad to be honest. If I bought one today it would have the blacked out engine, alloy wheels and upgraded switchgear, that I would be happier with.
I agree that that seems like the better option. Though in hindsight from what I understand those tubeless wheels are as heavy, or possibly heavier, than the spoked wheels. That could negatively impact ride quality if it's true. Seems there's no winning. Speaking of, tomorrow I’m dropping the last video in my series, where I’ll go over what’s good and not so great about the Triumph Bonneville and Moto Guzzi V7 after owning them both for a year. It’s a deep dive and will be live at 11 AM EST. If you’re free this weekend, come check it out if you'd like! ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
I do not have the chance to own 3 motorcycles, but luckily I am very satisfied of my Interceptor. I have been using it for now, more than 4 years, almost every day by all weather conditions and I didn't face your problems. After near 30000 km (sorry not in miles I am in France) the engine works even better every day . The paint , aluminium and chrome conditions are still very good , the chain still doesn't need to be changed even if RE recommends to change it every 25000 km. The only special care I do is to wipe it each time I used it under rain. I lubricate the chain frequently and I put wax on the metal parts (not the engine neither the exhausts) after I wash it only a few time yearly . Yes we have the chance in Paris area to have a very good proactive dealership doing maintenance (Tendance Roadster) with a dedicated and passionate team, that's may be the big difference . Anyway thank you for your comment and have good rides.
Ich stimme dir voll und ganz zu ich bin aus Deutschland und ich Poliere meine Interceptor und Wachse sie Regelmäßig und sie Glänzt wie ein Spiegel haha ich habe überhaupt keine Probleme mit ihr ich glaube es ist ein Problem der Leute mit viel Geld das sie ihre Schätze nicht richtig Pflegen und lieber herum Jammern 😄
He's in Toronto, Canada. They also use the metric system.
Only own an Interceptor and to be perfectly honest, this is purely because it’s the only Motorcycle which looked like a Bonneville which I could afford.
After a couple of years of ownership and keeping it well looked after I’d be gutted to ever let it go. In fact, if I ever had extra cash I’d want to add the RE Signals 350 in my garage. 🙂
Seems like the right decision to me. It is really helpful to hear your take on the finish now that the model is several years old. It is a shortcoming of the mainline motorcycle media which at most, keeps a new bike for a year, so it is rare that quality issues arise within that time.
When I bought my Ironhead XLH Sportster new back in 1977 the engine casings and fork sliders were lacquered. After the first winter of riding the elements had got under the lacquer so I stripped it off to enable me to keep it polished. I still own the bike and just give my aluminium wheels and engine cases a quick rub with Duraglit to keep them looking good. I hate lacquered aluminium, much prefer it bare. A lot of foreign chrome is cheaply done and not copper, nickel, chrome plated so won't last long. The chrome on my 77 XLH and 95 FLSTN is still good after all these years. Enjoyed the video.
I also have a 2019 Interceptor 650 bought new & my wife has a V7 Mk3 bought a month earlier. I have covered over 12K miles & the Interceprtor looks pretty much as new in all respects. It is garaged & gets the same care & attention as any other bike I have owned. Yes the polished alloy cases need polishing, but that is just part of ownership & is a whole lot easier than stripping off failed clearcoat as used to be required with Japanese bikes in a the '80s. Overall my wife's V7 V7 has more finish failure points that my RE - mainly fastners. A lot of the negatitivity here seems to be from your sample of 1 (neglected) example, just as my experience is of 1 bought new early example. The rather strange comment about "matching the paint" would not be an issue on my Orange example or other colour options - the silver mudguards were a standard part on all bikes. My bike has never leaked oil anywhere. Ultimately I chose the RE based on a test ride & an assesment of my needs - neither the Triumph or the MG met those needs so, while considered, were not persued. My wife is happy with her MG but would change for an RE - I am happy with my RE & would not change for (another - have had 3 previously) MG. Dealers are very much a local thing - my RE dealer is good, as is my wife's MG dealer (but an hour further away - MG dealers are sparse in the UK) but the MG costs nigh on twice as much to service as the RE & uses about 10-15% more fuel when we are out together. The MG also cost 25% more than the RE initially, but isn't 25% better. Ultimately what fits & works best for you is the right choice - I fit the RE better (the MG riding posistion creases me & the clutch lever has too heavy action) so that remains the best bike for me.
That's an interesting comparison to hear, thanks. Both the V7 and the interceptor are high on my list. I was leaning towards the interceptor but this review made me think again. Now your comments have swayed me back the other way! I'm going to go for it, if it didn't suit then i can always sell it on and get the Guzzi.
cope
Thanks for the thoughts from someone who's had these bikes for a long period of time. The corrosion is definitely something that puts me off the interceptor, and I've seen others talk about the same issue. I can also verify the popularity of it in terms of views on RUclips. The views my interceptor video gets compared to the V7 is almost 10x.
All 3 bikes are excellent. I have an Interceptor, reasons for buying it were a £600 service on a bland BMW F900XR, price is 2/3 of a Triumph, a 20k mile service on a Bonneville is in the region of £1000. The Royal Enfield service is under £200, plus I can easily do it myself if I need to.
Speed limits in the UK are very restrictive, the Interceptor easily keeps up with any traffic, is economical, and not too difficult to keep in good condition. Basically, it’s a 1980s British Bike, which suits me fine.
Guzzi is lovely, my mates V85TT had a head gasket leak, it was off the road for 3 months before parts were available.
Triumph is the best build quality of the 3. I’d be happy with any of these bikes to be honest.
Tbh i never had any issue getting spare parts for Guzzi’s, and i have seen a lot in our workshop last 35 years… head gaskets on Guzzi’s also do not have a reputation to go early either… Guzzi’s tend to go for ages normally
He hit the nail on the head!! My 1970’s Kawasaki H1500, and H2-750 look brand new!!!! Kawasaki for life
@@michaeljkasnter thanks :)
In 2020, I rode the 650 INC and really liked it However, I did not like that the dealership was almost 2 hours away . I rode the Kawasaki w800 and went with the Japanese quality reputation besides really loving the bike. No regrets . I think you made the right decision.
Thanks! As it stands I'd love to get my hands on a W800 sooner or later! I actually had a deal to buy one as part of this series but the deal fell through and the next least expensive one was thousands of dollars more and wouldn't have fit the budget I was trying to stick to for the series. Anyway, tomorrow I'm putting out the final video of the series, a review and comparison of the pros and cons of both the Bonneville 865 and the V7 750, now that I've had them for a year each. Hope you'll join me tomorrow for the video premiere! ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
A fair and honest comparison, and your integrity is still in tact. Keep up the great work, Adrian.
Thanks very much Eric!
I think your points are very valid. Let's be honest, we buy modern classics because of the looks. Wanting those looks to hold for years is going to be a big part of that feeling of pride of ownership. There are so many other bikes outside of this category that offer more for the price of these bikes new, but the iconic looks and feel of each of these bikes is why we are drawn to them. For any of us who also want to use these as daily riders it is great to know that bike will still be looking good after 5 years.
I would keep the Int650 and in fact am still looking for one. Most of the negative issues raised are subjective as you mentioned. And the aluminum issue is an easy fix, at least for me , with a few hours work and with a coating that would prevent future problems, with regular maintenance. Still a RE fan. D. 👍
You solved my confusion ,and i am going with Triumph .
Well, just be sure to ride it before you buy. Ten minutes into my first ride on a Triumph Bonneville, I was happy I didn't own one. The vibes and clunky feel of the shifter just took away any fun that might have been there. Have not tried the INT 650, but will be renting one next week to try it out.
What are you currently riding?
My Street Twin satisfying me till now.
I rented the INT650 and rode 600+ miles this weekend. Really liked it. Friendly, accessible, enough power for me, and unlike my previous RE, it holds its own on the highway. Just an all around good companion for a ride in the hills, on the country rodes, in the towns, on the interstate, or anywhere. My butt appreciated the touring seat. Unlike some reviewers I found the foot pegs fine, the mirrors perfect, power satisfying. I went through torrential rain and the instruments did not fog up. This one has been kept outside for two years by the owner and looks quite good after 9k+ miles. Some nitpicks: fuel gauge did not reflect the full capacity of the tank (takes a long time to indicate less than full). Occasional brake squeaks at low speed. I'm giving serious thought to buying. My previous comment about the Triumph may have been overcritical. That ride was > 5 yrs ago, I would need to try them out one after the other for an honest comparison. In fact I might do that. My main point is, don't make your purchase decisions based on youtube videos. Watch a few and read a little, then stop researching. Borrow or rent a bike and live with it for a couple days before you decide. To me, RE hit a sweet spot with this one. I wish the styling details were a bit more strictly along 'classic' lines, but it's very good looking for a modern bike. I can't believe the prices. I'm finding heavily discounted new ones - way below MSRP. I may have to "fly and ride" to get the best price, but that's just an excuse for another adventure.
@@ScoutSalute but what are you currently riding?
Appreciate the honest take on the enfield
Yes you did the right decision! I have a 5 year old Honda that still looks like new, despite over 20'000 km in all kinds of weathers, including winter with salt on the street. I'd be disappointed to see my bike rust so soon... But I'm seriously thinking of trading it in for a V7 anyway, because the V7 is probably the most fun to ride bike I have tried. Though the Honda is better in all ways... except for the lack of a shaft drive!
That is exactly my experience. My CB500F was pretty much flawless except for a hopeless headlight. My Guzzi V7 850 is much less perfect, but more fun, more comfortable and much less tiring on a long ride and I love the shaft drive.
@@davidphillips7255 yep, I just got a V7. Great LED headlamp, will pick it up from the first service tomorrow!
I did a test ride on the Interceptor, the Super Meteor and the V7. After 100 meters on the V7 I knew that is the bike that gets my heart. The Enfields seem to miss too much of character and power. I can understand you.😁
Guzzi’s are the “girl” you never forget, the one who makes you think, wow, this is life! regardless of all the quirkyness of her, you keep loving her, she’s under your skin… well at least under my skin ;-)
@user-pn8cs7cd4q A V7 is $3,000 USD more than a Royal Enfeild. It's not exactly a fair comparison. For the price, my Continental GT has more than enough character. Someday, should it not, an S&S 865 Big Bore kit with heads, cams, power commander, injectors, and exhaust can be installed for about 79bhp. It's good to have options. If I should become bored, A kit will happen before I ever sell the bike.
That's part of why I made sure each motorcycle in the series had the same maximum budget ($3,650). I wanted to even out the playing field while trying to feature what I thought would be an affordable option given the way the economy was/is headed. The Royal Enfield was the most expensive motorcycle in the series, followed closely by the Triumph. The Guzzi was a distant third but it's getting the most $$$ spent on it as a result of having the most free budget leftover.
@YouMotorcycle On what planet are you where a Royal Enfeild is more expensive than a Guzzi or Triumph?
@@Phuc_Socialist_You_Tube this one. See first episode of the series
Really good to see some honesty about this bike. I'm tired of the gushing reviews (and reviewers) of this bike. It has significant downsides and many people never raise any of them. I can see you're a stand up guy. Well done and subbed.
Thanks very much! On its own it's not a bad bike, it's fun and endearing, but I think it's still a step behind the other two... Considering I bought it used for more than the other two cost used, it had to go.
@@YouMotorcycle I think you made the right Choice. I had a 900 bonnie too and found it very vanilla. Guzzi all the way. I've had 2 of them and they make fantastic bikes.
I dont know why a yearly polish of the engine cases is such a big deal
The polished alloy on the interceptor can be polished/ repolished to bring its shine back where as the finish on the Bonneville is actually brushed alloy and lacquered so when the lacquer fails it cannot be simply repolished .I should also mention that you can now get the interceptor with black painted cases so that is now a mute point. As for the tank its stone chipped or damage from scratches or bird shit which can happen to any painted surface .Not really valid points in my opinion, I do own an interceptor and actually find the quality of finish very good except for the low quality switches although the new ones have also sorted that issue .
I put a deposit on the blacked-out Int 650 and should arrive either in February or March, God willing, here in San Diego.😎
@@artiecisneros4691 I hope it has the spoked wheels as the cast wheels I don't like the look of , they remind me of an 80's BMX ! .I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine .
@@Dwainpipe21 Lol, you're funny...You hope the bike I'm getting has spoked wheels because you don't like the way they look? I hope I don't offend (joke) you but I prefer cast wheels and not spoked. I am certain you meant it as a joke, and it worked; it put a smile on my face and made me laughed when I read your reply. Take care and ride safe. 😎
@@artiecisneros4691 I'll probably pay for my regard of spoked wheels over cast (because of the classic look) when I get a puncture that's not as easy to repair and I am sat blubbing at the side of the road waiting for recovery. Still think they could have used a better design of wheel though , I've seen better looking cast wheels for example on the street twin still nothing in life is ever perfect and that's when modification comes in which the Enfield is absolutely ready for , I've already fitted a sump guard , st steel crash bars (small type) pannier rails and soft panniers, screen , continental GT touring seat , bar ends , anodised oil filler and brake master cylinder cap . If you haven't ridden one yet it really gives classic 60's brit twin feel and the handling is good even on the standard tires , no vibes also.As long as you accept it isn't a 600 sports bike it will pretty much do anything.....it sort of gets under your skin at least it did mine and I can't really see why I would ever sell it or what I would replace it with although I have to admit I have a soft spot for the new shotgun in white/ black .
@@Dwainpipe21 Back in November I was planning on getting the Super Meteor 650 but after a test ride and a couple of weeks for my back to recover from a small pothole, I decided to put a deposit on the Int 650. As far as the Shotgun, I don't like the looks. My all-time favorite was the 1990 Yamaha Virago 1100, wish I still had it. 😎
I think your points are valid and could understand your decision. Each person has their preferences and what they're welling to put up with.
The seal leak is to bad. It sounds like you have the first year model and I think RE has been improving with time. I know it only had 218 miles and that means it sat around without much use for 5 years. Seals degrade faster when they aren't having the fluids ran by them regularly. I think this is one reason so many barn find classic bikes need restoration. People often don't think about this when they find that awesome 20 year old bike with only 2000 miles on it. I do agree 5 years doesn't sound like that long though.
I use my bikes as primary year round transportation in the PNW USA And bought the Interceptor 650 in October. I'm happy with it so far and was looking for something with a more relaxed feel over my 2007 Yamaha FZ6 I bought new. I was aware of the cons like the corrosion, which is still a slight concern. A big factor in the choice was having something I could comfortably do all the maintenance on myself and stock up on parts easily. After the pandemic and having service departments tell me it would be months before they could get my bike in for valve adjustment and months of back order for parts on my other bike, I was done relying on others.
If the case/valve cover corrosion becomes a big issue to me, I will probably buy some of the black ones they put on the newer models like the Super Meteor. The exhaust system will also probably be replaced with aftermarket in time too.
I’m with you… the Triumph and Moto-Guzzi are next level and more characterful. Tough but correct choice. Cheers!
👍❤️😎✅
I don't know if the Bonneville 865 could ever be described as characterful, but definitely a step or two above the Interceptor, which is still a fine bike, just, outclassed by the more expensive options...
(Though in this case, the Guzzi and the Triumph were actually cheaper :)
I put my own money down on a 850 V7 a couple of years back and still have it, so that would be my answer!
I’m glad someone online said this. So many reviews were praising Royal Enfield, I went to a dealership to check them out. Even brand new, every model seemed “cheap” to me, which would have been acceptable if the prices were also cheap. I have since owned both a Bonneville and a V7, both used and pretty neglected, but they were much cheaper than a new Royal Enfield and both felt vastly superior in quality to me. After 10-15 years, all they needed was a bath, and they looked and performed as I imagine they did new. I would buy either one again, and I still can’t get myself excited about any of Royal Enfield’s bikes, so I made the right choice for me.
@@johntharp22 thanks for posting this, that's really what this series is all about. Figuring out what the best value for your dollar really is for someone buying a midsize retro motorcycle. And you're absolutely right when you point out that a real great quality machine even after a decade, can still be made to look brand spanking new what's a good wash. The difference in quality really is that good 😊
W800 owner here. I was going to buy a RE but ended up going with the W, partly because the build quality was visibly better (though Kawi prices the W accordingly!). The W still looks brand new.
Hope your MG wins!
Winner will be announced tomorrow here in a series finale that puts the V7 against the Bonneville: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
re: the w800 - that's a great bike, congrats! I tried getting one for this series but the deal fell through and the only other one for sale was way more expensive :( One day...
Glad you put forward the issues with Royal Enfield and it takes balls to say it as well. I am from India and ik how People react when they hear anything bad being said about RE because ofc these bikes really do perform very well on Indian roads. But the bike is still far away from being a really high quality and reliable brand. I do own continental GT myself and have faced issues with the bike. But no doubt it is one of the best fun I've had riding a motorcycle. And RE is moving forward in better direction with their recent bikes.
Thanks so much for saying this. Also, nice username haha. What kind of issues have you had with the GT? Totally get what you mean though, despite the fact it's not perfect, it's still a very likeable bike, and so much better than the Bullet 500s they were making forever.
I have a Enfield intersepter having no problems..had it since 2019 ride it most days been all over England
Nice. How many miles on it now?
I meant to add that I enjoyed the video and found it informative. As you say most reviewers rave about every bike they ride so your honesty is really helpful.
Thanks for that! Tomorrow I'm publishing my final video of the series, comparing and reviewing the pros and cons of the Triumph Bonneville and those of the Moto Guzzi V7, after a year of owning both of them. It'll go quite in depth and will be live tomorrow at 11 AM EST. Please join me if you have some free time! It's here: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
Once you ride a Moto Guzzi I couldn’t imagine how anything else could feel better. For the style of bikes this comparison is for the Moto Guzzi had it won from the start. Unless you don’t love a bike with a ton of character and has you smiling every second you’re on it and looking at it. Guzzi for the win..l
always liked my 70's bonnevilles, and was looking for a twin with character...........so I rode all this three and ended up on a V7 🥰.
(after riding a RE bullet for 30 years and not cleaning it !, the only part with a small ! rust hole in it was the rear fender.............so what........)
Became a subscriber after watching this video because you have gone with honesty around review over what's going to get the views. I appreciated your honesty and integrity.
Wow, thanks very much, I appreciate that.
Royal Enfield dealer in Staten Island, NY. I went on a Friday to look at some bikes, picked out a GT. Came back the following Tuesday with a cashier's check and the dealer closed up shop! Glad they did before I gave them my money!
Holy! You got lucky, that was close! haha
I have a 2020 Interceptor and it still looks like new. All the chrome is still as good as day 1.
Let's touch base next season. Hopefully you'll still be just as happy :)
Two years ago I had to sell two of my four bikes to make room in the garage for another vehicle. Which of the four ended up on the chopping block? One was an easy choice. I bought a Honda VTX as a project to create a bobber. Once the project was finished, I rode it the least because I really don’t like riding heavy cruisers. I decided to keep my Ninja 1000 SX, my only sport bike. The decision came down to selling either my beloved 865 Bonneville SE or my Moto Guzzi Griso. I love the outright retro nature of the Bonnie, whereas the Griso has only retro touches like spoked wheels and a round headlight. But the Griso is brawny and the engine has way more character. Also I’m 6 feet tall, a little big for the mag wheeled Bonnie. The Griso is just bigger, which suits my taste. So my “retro” choice was to keep the Moto Guzzi Griso and to sell the Bonnie.
Like the honest approach and thorough explanation for your decisions. Refreshing. Keep this kind of thing going. Agree with your choice.
I agree with all that you've said. I've owned many 865 Triumphs over the years (Scrambler, Thruxton and Bonny) and ridden a few V7's... I bought a new RE Interceptor 650 a few years ago and sold it within a few months. I couldn't gel with the RE. I did a costs up of what I felt I'd need to modify to be satisfied and it wasn't financially worth the effort... An S&S 865 big bore and suspension upgrade would have cost me way more than buying a used Bonny already sorted with few goodies already added by a previous owner. Currently on a Bonny SE now and I have no complaints. It's a sweet bike with YSS suspension front and rear and I feel it's now perfect. The 360 degree firing order of the 865 sounds the best too 😊
I have a 2022 INT650. It’s in the shop getting repaired and as soon as it comes back I am selling it. I totally agree with this video. 9000kms (5600miles) and a blown gearbox that should have been recalled. Sure, it’s fixed under warranty but….sign of the times or at least quality of these bikes.
@@greatkingrat what a disappointment, sorry to hear
I discovered RE only 2 years ago and I was actually impressed at the quality of build for the price point. But unfortunately the price point means you are going to spend more time and effort maintaining it. It’s a trade off I’m willing to make for now. I actually uncovered my Interceptor today for the first time in 2 months and saw that my polished aluminum is looking pretty shoddy. I previously had a Klr that I left outside uncovered for 5 years, and besides a little sun fading on the plastics it was no worse for wear. I enjoy working on the bike for now but will probably eventually go back to a one that isn’t such high maintenance. Sounds to me like you made the right choice for your situation.
If you regard a little bit of elbow grease as high maintenance, I’m picking you don't do your own serviciing or repairs. (‘High maintenance’, Lord save us!)
And you don’t leave motorcycles outside uncovered without the alloy (if there is alloy) getting oxidised, unless you have a ton of clear coat over the top of it. If that’s the case, the UV rays in the sunlight will definitely turn the clear coat into a jaundiced yellow. I also seriously doubt the ‘a little sun fading on the plastics’ line, because as a Plastics technician for the past forty plus years, I know that UV rays DESTROY plastic like nothing else. I guess you might live in Alaska, or somehwere similar, but if not, the sunlight will definitely cause far more adamge than a little fading if it’s outside for 5 years.
@@BigAl53750 you seem to be having trouble with reading comprehension. I said I enjoy working on the bike. Meaning I do my own maintenance and repairs. The comment about high maintenance was referring to the constant care that the cases need, sure, but more so the frequency of valve checks and oil changes. Yes, Interceptors do require more maintenance than other bikes. But again, I enjoy working on it for now.
And the Klr wasn’t in full sun all day genius. It lived outside, mostly in the shade, and apart from some sun fading it was fine. There were no polished or other surfaces that required constant cleaning. I left the Interceptor uncovered one night after a ride and the speedometer dial has had moisture in it ever since.
Absolutely spot on. I bought a new Continental GT and loved it for all those reasons but sold it after two years. Super fun, wonderful motor but the little cheap touches don't make for a bike you really fall in love with. The dealer network is pretty awful in my experience for exactly the reasons you state. I have had over forty bikes to date and the Continental was super fun but not a keeper. I am on my third BMW K75 , an 87 vintage and these bikes are so good at everything I want and are timelessly beautiful to my eyes. I live in Niagara and it is great to see a "local" on RUclips. Great video..well done 😊
Thanks very much! I was just in Niagara on Wednesday and Thursday. Small world! 😄
One of the best reviews I've seen! I also own 3 motorcycles, including a Triumph, so this video was very helpful. I won't be buying a r.e.
Thanks so much! It's just one man's experience, and ultimately people should ride whatever suits them, I just want to help them make informed decisions one way or another :)
This is a breath of fresh air.
It’s heavy slow and no resale value. The wheels and tyres need a tube???
Great honest review
Colm from Ireland 🇮🇪
I have a 2001 Honda Shadow I bought this year for $2k CDN, chrome is perfect, switches look good and work, paint is excellent but a couple chips here and there, seals all holding. 80k kms.
Seal leak is nothing. Used to ride anXR600 and an XT 600 with lower gasket leaking. Due to bad break in. Its air cooled, so it means nothing at all. About the alu pitting, BMW is famous for that. Royal just needs a light elbow grease from time to time, like my Thunderbird 900 did back in the day, so no prob with that.I did enjoy it by the way. Every enduro owner knows that alu rims needs it from time to time. Godammit we are motorcyclists, not two wheel users. These bikes are the last of a kind, air cooled, plain bikes. No unreliable electronics just for impression, no unneeded "technology" for the lap-top consumer. We can compromise with that, as long as they keep making them. Agree with the rest of the vid, keep up the good job and thank you.
I have a 2019 Interceptor and I'm still really happy with it. Yes, I polish the cases regularly, but I like having that contact with it. I test rode a Bonneville 885 and I thought the Interceptor was livelier (though that is completely subjective.) I have almost 8000 miles on it and it doesn't leak anything. The paint is all still good. I also have good dealership support in my area, so that helps. For full disclosure, I also added a Triumph Tiger 660 to my garage last year. And that bike is really amazing.
Thanks for the comment and for sharing your experience with the Interceptor! I'm glad to hear you're still enjoying it after all these miles, and it's great that you’ve got a solid dealership nearby. Polishing the cases regularly sounds like hell to me. I have way too many motorcycles to justify giving one more than an annual tune up and whatever it needs for scheduled maintenance lol. I know it's not a Tiger, but, tomorrow, I'm dropping a video comparing the Triumph Bonneville and the Moto Guzzi V7, focusing on the pros and cons after owning both for a year. I hope you'll give it a watch: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html. Appreciate your support!
Great video series. I bought an Interceptor a year ago after having not owned a bike for 40 years. I did my research and decided that the 650 was the perfect bike to get back into motorcycling. I couldn't be happier with it so far, I've done quite a few mods to it to make it "mine", parts are relatively inexpensive and it's definitely easy to mod. The thing is, the RE you bought was used, you know nothing of its history other than it had VERY low mileage which is the worst thing you can do to a vehicle, IE gaskets failing. It surely does look like it's been stored outside or otherwise exposed to the elements. Mine has been flawless for 4000 miles and always puts a grin on my face when I ride it!
Congrats on the Interceptor! It's a great getting-back-into-riding bike, especially if you've been gone for 40+ years. You won't know what you're missing compared to the current spec stuff (latest V7 and T100 for example, not the ones in this series), and everything will be way better than when you left! I'm glad it's working well for you and you're enjoying it. I finally got out another video for this series today, it's up here: ruclips.net/video/cz011K-Ixfc/видео.html
I'm not surprised, as a Royal Enfield owner I am disappointed but this is what I expected and I love your number 4 pros for the RE. I have a feeling the Guzzi is going to get it, this is why, its good enough that you can ride it and there is enough left over in the budget that you can make it the way you want it, also its not necessarily about the power, my wife and I were talking today while walking the dog about the 47 at the crank hp of the RE 650 and how it carried us around on the 401 and other just fine but I did point out how I liked having having that extra 15 or so hp in our Bonneville, I own a Bonnie and I own a RE GT 650 but not a Guzzi, you made an interesting point about the Guzzi being like drinking a beer. Anyway you asked if we agreed with what you did, Ya reluctantly I thought it was going to happen this way, I'm not surprised and I agree with you. Thanks for the vids and Josh and the rest at Classy Chassis is great bunch.
I completely agree about bikes that are after 5 to 10 years just like knew. I would call them "keepers". Never rode a Triumph, but rode the Interceptor and the V7. I get your point bro. Keep going. This is a great and useful video.
Thanks so much. The final episode of the series where I compare the strengths and weaknesses of both the V7 and the Bonneville is going live in 20 minutes here if you'd like to check it out :) ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
@@YouMotorcycle Will do bro. Been away for some time. :)
I agree with your decision. I had an Interceptor for 6 months, it was ok but not a long term keeper. Had to get clocks replaced under warranty, forks were not good, used a bit of oil, Ceat tyres were awful, so decided to sell it while it still had a years warranty on it.
Guzzi and Triumph definitely better bikes, I would be proud to own either.
I have the same bike as you and it's been great. Take care of it and it will last for a long long time. That's the key, pride in ownership.
For sure, but some motorcycles have hardier finishes and are more forgiving of neglect than others, and that's worth letting people know.
Comparing the Royal Enfield Interceptor and the Triumph Bonneville is like comparing chalk and cheese.
Appreciate your honest opinions and I agree with you on all points.
Yea I've always been puzzled as to why folk see them in the same light. The refreshing thing about the RE, is that it was cheap... So you have to look after it a lot more.
@@Grahamvfr "Was cheap" 😕 In India there is a commonly used phrase - Cheap and Best! RE is neither.
@@RajA-wi2ut indeed, but cheap is not necessarily a monetary term.. But I take your point and agreed with your sentiments 👍
Thanks for the kind words! With regards to it being "cheap" - please keep in mind that of the three used motorcycles in this series, the Royal Enfield was actually the most expensive... despite the used Triumph and Moto Guzzis being more powerful and of better quality build and finish. So the "more cheap" argument doesn't apply here.
Anyway, if anyone would like to see the final episode of the series where I compare the V7 and Bonneville's strengths and weaknesses, that's going live here in 15 minutes: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
I noticed the al oxidation of my mates 3yr old Int. The bike looks 10 yrs old. Pride of ownership for me is up there. Gd on you for pointing the flaws.
As far as fluid leaks go, my friend in the 70s owned a Berliner dealership that included BMW, Guzzi, Ducati, Norton and Royal Enfield. The REs were the only ones on his showroom floor that always had a cookie sheet under the engines as they leaked from day one. He called them Royal Oilers.
Keeps the floor from rusting!
Had he kept Triumphs, he would have had to keep buckets under them.
We just went through the same pattern of thoughts. Bought the 2019 int new ... loved it initially... but realized it wasnt aging well .. sold it and picked up a bonneville A3 (865). And i totally agree ... the bike ages extremely well !!
Hey. Thanks for sharing that experience. The Interceptor is a pretty good bike, but it just isn't a great bike in the same way that the Bonneville and V7 are. My video of the final showdown between those two is going live in 20 minutes if you'd like to check it out: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
Thank you for the unbiased honest review mate. Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words! The final episode of the series where I compare the V7 and Bonneville's strengths and weaknesses, that's going live here in 15 minutes: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html - check it out if you'd like to see how these two motorcycles compare in the city, on the highway/on tours, in reliability and maintenance, and in dealer support and parts availability
Great real-life observations about the details that make or break a relationship with a motorcycle. I probably would value the "keepability" of your three bikes the same way you do, I think, and for the same reasons. Better finishes, sealants, etc., are a huge deal. I currently have a '21 V7 850 and a '13 F800GT, and they both have the little finishing touches that make you admire them every time you look at them, not to mention whatever those other qualities are that make you feel the machine is "substantial," for lack of a better term. Those attractions don't fade, even after years.
Keepability is both not a word, and a really great word. I might have to borrow that. As a Guzzi and also BMW owner, I totally get what you mean.
Tomorrow my final video of this series comes out. It compares and reviews both the V7 and the Bonneville after a year owning both. I hope you'll check it out! ruclips.net/video/iNUfZucgh_c/видео.html
Great review , I have the same attitude as yourself to bikes/riding/improving etc . Down here (NZ) kawasaki W650's are cheaper than RE650's , so I have one and it's quality is pretty good given that it's20yrs-old now and still looks great . It's a bit gutless (50hp) but it's light , nimble and takes a good-thrash without dying . My TR1 XV1000 (1982-chain-drive ) is a torque-beast
You hit the nail on the head: initial quality does not a great bike make - it's what does it look like, how does it perform, how does it hold up years later?
I want to like Royal Enfields, but they're not my cup of tea, and the issues you bring up would drive me nuts. I still get compliments on my Street Glide 4 years later, that it looks like a new bike. And it's been mostly reliable [outside of eating bearings, tires and brakes... which could all be due to where I ride and how I ride].
Here's is another point for getting rid of the Royal Enfield. As you said it is not a bad bike and it's the finishes that are it's downfall. For me it's the history. Growing up I always remember my older cousin pulling into the driveway on his Triumph Bonneville with his friend riding his Norton Commander. This lead me to love the British bikes So in a close race my thoughts are leaning that way. Cheers and love the series.
You did the right thing. The V7 and the Bonneville are far better bikes and there's really no reason to keep a bike like the RE Interceptor which is essentially a low-quality version of them.
Completely different story in Asia where the RE is better priced and Triumph and Moto Guzzi are prohibitively expensive to buy and own/service for many people.
Thank you. I think a lot of people don't realize that for the price of a new Interceptor where I live, I could buy this used Bonnie and V7, and still have money left over.
Anyway, tomorrow the series finale comes out, where the Bonneville and the V7 go head to head, I go in depth after over a year of owning both. If you're interested please check it out here: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
Most RUclips motorcycle reviews are about new mc's. I sold my 2019 RE GT650 with almost every part replaced under the 3yr factory warranty. 3rd engine & gearbox due to False Neutral problem. Rusty mirrors, discoloured indicators, scratched tank my RE. So they replaced it. Had it towed to the service center multiple times due to water leaking into the gas cap, misfiring, due to which mc wouldn't start/or run smoothly to ride it to the service center. Oxidizing engine crankcase covers. 1yr oxidation makes it look like a 12yr old mc. I had enough. I sold it & bought a brand new Bonneville T120! I am very happy.
Holy! Wow. Very sorry to hear this!
you definitely got a lemon. very rare.
I currently own a 2009 Triumph T100, a 2022 RE 350 chrome classic and a 2000 Kawasaki W650. I'm looking at selling the Triumph. A hard decision, but the RE is twice as economical, has a smoother gear change, a petrol indicator and just looks great. I have found the Triumph gearbox clunky and its disappointing that you have no gas indicator. I also like the metal mudguards on the RE compared to the plastic ones on the Triumph. The Triumph has aged well but at almost two years old the RE is still looking pretty good. The W650 is my favourite, although it has no petrol indicator, poor brakes and a mechanical gearchange compared to the RE. I just love the old school style and great handling characteristics. All bikes very reliable. As I said a hard decision.
You are the second guy who said about cleaning this "chrome" parts. Cleaning, cleaning, polishing and... Can't get this out. Sad. Thank you 👍🏻Looks good, classic, two gauges... But. Triumph is a bit expensive for me🙂400 is to weak 40KM IMO is not enough. Ride safe🙂 🤘🏻
Thanks, you as well!
You have some very valid points. I have the Hunter and GT650 and like them both but I have four Hondas for my "daily" riding. I tinker with my Royals, I really like the looks of the bikes, performance is good for what I want from them. For me, both are "nitch" bikes in my garage. Was waiting and looking at buying the new Himalayan 452, but will go more "mainstream" with that purchase.
Thanks! Sounds like your garage is as full of bikes as mine. It's nice to meet someone else who suffers from the same illness haha.
New video in the series is finally up. If you're bored, check it out here: ruclips.net/video/cz011K-Ixfc/видео.html
I agree with you 100% on the issue of the low quality materials Royal Enfield. My headers are rusting at the cooling fins. It is important to understand that they are made to a price point. For me the downsides are off-set by the smiles per mile I'm getting but I had to spend to upgrade the suspension and tires and this really transformed the bike. Perhaps what Royal Enfield could have done was to offer a premium version of the Interceptor with premium finish, and better components like full Brembo brakes and Ohlins suspension. At the end of the day, this bike makes me smile as much as its stable mates (XT1200Z & VFR1200F).
I love the idea of RE offering a more premium version and truly making this bike for a global audience with the tastes (and let's be honest, pickiness) of a global audience.
Your reviews are great, and I agree with your opinions. In the UK the Enfield can be purchased new OTR for £5,500 and the Guzzi for £7,250, but the quality in the build is more than worth the extra for the Guzzi. The Enfield only becomes a bargain when its a lot cheaper, used and your on a budget. P.S. Keep up the good work. 😎
The Guzzi for £7250? I see them start at £8200.
In the UK, on Autotrader £6,995 + OTR.
I have had my Sportster for 25 years and 400,000 miles on the original engine. It's rusty and the seat is covered in duct tape. It runs great and is my daily driver as I don't have a car.
Amazingly impressive
Was it 883 or 1200
It's a1999 883
Thank you for your honest opinion sir. I'd say sell your Interceptor with no regrets.
Thanks very much and yup, you're right! Tomorrow, I’m dropping the final video in my series, where I dive deep into comparing the pros and cons of the Triumph Bonneville and Moto Guzzi V7 after a year of owning both. It’s a detailed review, and it’ll be live at 11 AM EST tomorrow! If you’ve got some free time this weekend, I’d love for you to check it out: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html 😊
Personally, it I had Moto Guzzi V7 and a Bonneville, I would be pretty happy and I don't know why you would have brought the Interceptor, unless it was just for the views.
I like my Enfield, at 650cc it's the largest capacity bike I've ever owned (in the 60's I had a 350cc AJS, in the seventies a 400cc Honda 400F etc etc) and it has more power than I know what to do with. The bike is always garaged when not in use so maybe that is why I haven't experienced deteriorating paint work and aluminum corrosion. On the down side Royal Enfield plastering the relay sockets with some horrible white grease caused me some grief but once I'd worked out the cause of my problems it was easy enough to clean away. Spare parts may be cheap but in some cases seem to be unavailable eg part number ST30269A which is a special tool used to adjust the play in the swing arm, that is annoying. A kick starter would have been nice but the lack of one is not a deal breaker. Lower seat height, lower weight and a lower center of gravity are all important to me but I've had to modify the bike considerably to achieve those goals. Thanks for the video, I guess I just have different priorities.
Thanks for chiming in with your insights on your bike. I've seen a couple people on Facebook groups talking about not being able to get parts for their Enfield but I haven't looked into it deep enough to personally comment on that one way or another. If the motorcycles that you have is comparison points they're all about half a century old, then we may not just have different priorities but also different experiences and different standards too. If you think the Honda of the '70s was a nice bike, I had a CL350 for a while, and trust me the small displacement Honda of today is better in every single way... Except for character. Those little 350 twins had a lot more of that! Ride safe! :)
Fair enough review. I''ve owned many Enfields and they're great but for some reason the V7 has way more individuality. I'm essentially a convert to Guzzi as a result.
Thanks. The Guzzi has gobs of personality. Like a standard Sportster.
I’ve owned a Buell Blast, Himalayan, GZ V7 and now 2016 T100. Off all of those bikes the T100 feels the most premium. The MG is like a HD. There is just something about them that grows on you.
I have to agree with you.
the best thing about the interceptor/gt650 is the cheap service costs and the way it looks.
the rest of it is for old timers who rarely ride their bike and love polishing the annoying aluminum casing over and over.
also my gt650 literally died on me after only 120km on the odo lol. had to get the whole bike replaced. luckily i have multiple bikes and have the option to switch it up whenever i feel like it.
You can't beat a Moto Guzzi V7 for ease of servicing, with a workshop manual and a few tools even a novice home mechanic can service and maintain the Guzzi, you don't even have to remove the tank or any bodywork to change plugs, perform valve checks, etc, so therefore it is very cheap to maintain.
Died as in how?
I own A V7 Racer ii that I've had for 7 years now, and absolutely love. It's never been to a dealer, I service it myself and that's one of the joys of the V7, it's so simple to maintain. Mine is six speed, so takes away one of your negatives. It also has aftermarket exhaust (Mistral), upgraded suspension, and a few other mods to make it perfect for me. Ive no plans to sell it, although recently I did wonder if the new V100 Mandello could replace both my V7 and my KTM 790 adventure. I need a test ride.
The Triumphs are really well made, but the modern Bonneville has never appealed. To me it's a modern pastiche and feels less genuine than the Guzzi. Also, in the UK if you ride a Triumph every time you stop somewhere you get some old guys telling you about how they used to own one. Sometimes that can lead to a great conversation, but it also gets wearing. I've looked at the Interceptor many times, and have been impressed by it. We have a really good long established local dealer, so if buying new that would influence me. I do agree with you that it looks more built to a price point. Some of the fittings and fasteners look really cheap, but also fairly cheap to rectify. Disappointing about the paint and chrome though. The point I disagree about is the raw polished aluminium. If you spend time washing and detailing a bike, why not spend another 15 minutes polishing the casings? I prefer the look of polished aluminium to lacquered. And a stone chip, or corrosion getting under the edges of the lacquer is harder to rectify.
I love the V7 Racer gorgeous looking bikes. I've added a chrome tank, spoked wheels, upgraded shocks, and made various other improvements to my V7 II Stone. I too service my V7 myself, its just so easy to work on. Great bikes, I don't think I could ever part with mine.
There are reasons to like and dislike the INT650. I just don’t think you hit on them very well. First off, of the three bikes, it’s the closest to a true retro motorcycle, which is why the cast aluminum is more in keeping with being retro, not brushed or added sealers. The older Bonnies had the exact same which required polishing as well. That’s part of ownership. It’s also air cooled. Water cooled engines are not retro. It also has spoked rims and tubed tires, also retro. It’s also significantly easier to do maintenance yourself compared to any other bike it it’s category. The tank issue I truly believe is neglect. I’ve not seen or heard of any real complaints with any newer finishes on RE bikes, but I have on the much older models. If anything, they regularly get very high marks for paint quality these days. But hey, if people leave a bike outside uncovered, or neglect it, that’s going to happen to any motorcycle finish. I would suggest a ceramic coating. There’s no sags, fisheyes, or blemishes that I’ve seen, and enough millage in coats and primers to suffice. This is actually one of their stronger points. Now, none of that may be something people are looking for, but they are for people looking for a true retro motorcycle that isn’t actually retro. Of the 3, it is far and away the more true retro motorcycle. I think that bears mentioning.
Where I live, used RE650's that are 2-4 yrs old won't sell for any decent value because where I live is more humid than UK. There's rust on them, & the pitting is absolutely obvious. Not worth for resale. Also, if you're going to dispute for "Full retro", then Royal Enfield needs to read the forums complaining about lack of kickstart. They also don't have it in carbiretors anymore, EFI is also not retro. It's tubed because it's spokes, and the spokes rims are because they're made for rough roads. Same reason as dirt bikes, not so much "retro".
More retro than a Guzzi V7, sounds like you haven't even seen one yet alone ridden one. The V7 is not retro inspired it's still the same old design as the original with all its charm and limitations. Love is blind and the bike that makes you happy is the right bike for you. Big fan of the ceramic coating works fantastic.
I would keep the interceptor , I've got one and love it. I enjoy polishing the bare aluminium cases, they come up great. I have looked after a friend's 865 triumph service wise for years and it has been blowing fork seals since 5k every 5k, only real fix is replace fork legs, so I don't want the poor quality triumph offers.
I've had an 1100 guzzi and my brother had a 500 then a 750 guzzi, so I am familiar with them and their clunky gearboxes, so no thanks.
As for dealers, who needs them, I do all my own work, always, I'm the only mechanic I trust.
I feel for you people under 60 who can't fix it yourself but thanks for the comparison.
Just completed 10,000km service on my interceptor, no oil leaks, no issues, we just ride out here surounded by great mountain roads in Armidale Australia.
@Confedyank sounds like the owners of Royal Enfeilds in your area ride them because it's all they can afford. And due to ignorance or a lack of money, they leave them out in the weather. If Royal Enfeilds are rusting where you are, so is everything else. I live in New York State. It's humid or raining here most of the time. I own a Continental GT. I keep it in a shed. Nothing fancy. No dehumidifiers, but it's out of the weather and the sun. No problems whatsoever. No rust. No pits. Personal ownership experience runs contrary to your second hand observations of alleged bikes who's circumstances of care your not privy to. Just say'in
I wish you knew more about aluminum. 60 years ago bare aluminum was pure aluminum. It doesn’t corrode. But it is soft so it doesn’t seal well and leaks. When the Japanese started selling bikes in the US they added magnesium, nickel and other metals that made the aluminum super strong. It would hold its shape and not leak. Unfortunately that alloy was prone to oxidation. The Japanese solution was to paint clear over the metal. That meant it could last years without any attention and still look ok. Look at the fork sliders on any old “polished aluminum” fork and you will find corrosion where every rock chip allowed moisture underneath. The only solution is to strip off the clear, sand the corrosion out, repaint and start the process over again. Or polish it and continue to polish it on a regular basis. Other options are black paint that masks the corrosion or chrome plating that protects the metal but is very expensive.
The failure of Royal Enfield isn’t their choice of unprotected polished aluminum, it is that they didn’t mention the requirement to polish it. It also would have helped if they had included some polish with every new bike. Of course this has all been widely known for decades. I’m surprised you missed it.
Interesting.. I have a '79 Bonnie that polishes up really well, almost new. It never had shown signs of oxidation in all that time. Does that mean the interceptor has a different grade of alloy to the old bonnie? I was wondering as on another channel the reviewer mentions that the interceptor alloy is less finished at the factory and you can gain allot by finer polishing. I guess my question is, would the interceptor hold up better for longer with the minor machining scratches removed, or is it a different/lower grade alloy than my old bonnie?Cheers
Each to their own. My five-year-old Interceptor (owned from new) still looks good after 11k miles covered in spring/summer. Yes, the alloy engine casings do oxidise if you don't maintain & protect them, but part of the enjoyment of owning a modern classic is being able to do things like routine maintenance, polishing & waxing - without the reliability issues of an old bike.
Glad you're still enjoying it. We gotta get those miles up though! 11,000 miles is like 1-2 seasons haha. I think it's great if you're in a position in life where you have time to -waste- dedicate to additional maintenance that other motorcycles don't need. Most guys my age have two kids, are still in the junior half of their career, or are upstart entrepreneurs. They're already being pulled in 85 different directions and can barely find the time to ride. Now we're going to try to tell them that the maintenance that they need to do on an Interceptor, vs what they don't need to do on it's competitors, is some kind of good thing? I'm not buying it and I don't think most of my peers will either. Maybe when we're retired and don't have kids to raise and careers to build.
Just FYI, The silver fenders were standard item across all colours for 2018. They were not meant to be colour matched.
You got a 2018 model, first model year. Quality should be much better now. Unfortunately that's true with most manufacturers. Even toyota limits the amount of changes in a new model to reduce the number of quality variables. For interceptor it was a brand new design ground up.
Thanks for the background with regards to the front fender. It just seems like one of those cost-cutting measures that could have been handled better. There was no reason for all bikes to have the same colored front fender regardless of what color the rest of the motorcycle is, other than to save ten cents on paint.
Thanks for the video. It was good to see your experience with the RE and see the real life negatives that you brought up. Frankly, none of them is too serious for me to eliminate it. And it was a used bike, was it left outside by the previous owner to cause the rust and aluminium corrosion? Also, I'm one of those weirdos that actually enjoys polishing metal! I wrench my own bikes and so when I found out that pretty well everything can be ordered direct from RE, my "dealer problem" issues evaporated.
Nethertheless, I will be watching for these issues closely when I look at a couple of used examples. Much appreciated.
Thanks very much for the kind words. What's best for me is only best for me, if none of my issues bother you too much than that's good :)
The Interceptor was a single owner bike, stored in a very big garage (the guy lived out in the country and had a ton of space), so it wasn't left outdoors. I just don't know how often he ever washed it. He was an older gent.
Do you get parts directly from Royal Enfield USA? Where are you located that you can bypass dealers? I want to do that haha
PS: Next and final video of the series is going live tomorrow, here: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html it compares the V7 with the Bonneville after a year of owning both and gets pretty in depth
I have a 2006 Bonneville and for me it is a "for ever" bike. I will never get rid of it because I like riding and owning it so much. I had an older Royal Enfield and quality control issues forced me to sell it. RE is going to have to step up their quality control and fit & finish game if they want to entice me back into their fold.
RE's quality has definitely stepped up from their previous stuff (I had a bullet 500), but let's be honest, the bar was so low with the older stuff... they still need another step or two. I have the final episode of the series going live in 20 minutes, it compares the Bonneville 865 vs the Moto Guzzi V7 750, and it's happening here if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
I have a 2023 MG V7 850 and a 2021 RE Continental GT. 650. Both have their place in my collection and both get ridden when I'm in the mood. Both bikes are flawed but both have an endearing quality that more than makes up for the quirky nature of their characters. I'd say the RE is popular with buyers BECAUSE they need a little TLC to keep them in good condition. When you are retired, like a lot of owners, what else are you going to do? Polishing stuff is a nice way to spend a few hours when you have time on your hands. An example of where RE has a winning formula is this. The chrome headlamp bucket will eventually go rusty if you leave it outside. A Brand new one from a dealer, cost £17.00. Yes, £17.00. Plus, the RE is made to EXACTLY the same quality standards as bikes from a bygone age with a bit of modernity thrown in. You can pretend it is an old bike, just without having to kick start the thing! 😁😁.
Great video 👍
I’m in the process of buying a modern-classic bike and I’m sensible to the « how does the bike age » point.
I like the interceptor, the new shotgun looks fantastic but « how does it age ».
I’m more on Triumph, the T100, and even the new scrambler 400X.
Have to try them !
Kawi W800 would be the one I'd go if I was going to buy a new Retro bike.
Thanks very much! Have you gotten one yet? Tomorrow I'm putting out the final video of the series, a review and comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of both the used Bonneville and the used V7. Hope you'll join me tomorrow morning for the video premiere! ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
I love this review -- realism over algorithm. My plan with the Interceptor is to have it for only 2 to 3 years. So hopefully the aging is not an issue for me.
Thanks and I think that's a good idea.
Over 6k miles no gasket leaks.
If a good. dealer/service is hard to find and or far away - not good.
Of course, if you are going distances, make sure you have set your fuel stops.
Took a trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas -
The only problem was that I rediscovered the importance of a good windscreen the hard way.
Again, it will take you solidly where you want to go as long as you plan out your fuel stops.
Truth, if my local Honda dealer hadn’t closed shop, I would have been on a Honda.
My Enfield dealer has been selling them since 2018. They are up front on all costs and do
Good work.
No, the Enfield is not perfect. Though it is easy to love.
Stay warm up there in Saskatchewan.
The Interceptor really is easy to love. It's very likeable.
I think your reasoning was just fine. Given your budget was gone with just buying the RE then you were really stuck with being able to make it yours, like we hopefully get to see you do with the other two! I just bought a RE Interceptor 650 and went in with "eyes wide open" to its shortcomings. My plan is to address those and make it something more fun to ride and look at. Thanks for the great content.
Thanks very much for the kind words! How are you and the Interceptor coming along?
FYI - The final episode of the series where I compare the V7 and Bonneville's strengths and weaknesses, that's going live here in 15 minutes: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html - check it out if you'd like to see how these two motorcycles compare after a year of ownership!
@@YouMotorcycle my Interceptor has been great and is coming along nicely. Probably the best mod has been the AEW 2-1 exhaust. Really livens up the sound. Looking forward to the final episode! Keep it up.
You’re saying what I’ve been thinking all along - the Enfields are cheap and cheerful bikes, but not the sort of thing you’d proudly own and maintain for many years. They have a dedicated fanbase, but just not for me, thanks.
Given the fact that you already own the bikes in question, selling the Interceptor 650 makes the most sense. I have test rode them and they do seem like a fun bike and nearly pulled the trigger, but as you and others have said, it is made to a price point and that will start to show in a few years (that said, hopefully only cosmetic items and that they have focused the budget into the engine and frame etc). I went for an older 865 Bonnie over the 650 as I know those bikes will get to 100,000km. That's not to say that the Royal Enfields cannot, but they haven't been out for that long to see how they go long term. Still considering the classic/bullet 350 as a second bike for commuting, they look awesome.
Everything you said seems like sound reasoning to me :) The 865 Bonnies are a tried, tested, and true, for decades now... plus you can pick one up often for cheaper than the INT650, and get more bike, better finish, for less money. The INT does have better suspension than the Bonneville in my opinion, but with the money you save you can fix that. Speaking of which, I published a video today on upgrading the suspension on the Bonneville 865: ruclips.net/video/cz011K-Ixfc/видео.html
Im almost 39k miles on mine and the only failure is a broken speedometer cable at 36k miles. From the desert at 115 fahrenheit to 10,232 ft altitude it runs perfectly
Not surprised about it being fine at altitude considering what they have in India. Bummer about the speedo cable but cool that everything else has been good for 36k miles and you got to take it that high!
I am facing similar problems as you, even in india RE latest bikes are too weak and costly compared to what i can get from imported brands, i had an old school RE bullet in my college days, it was a reliable bike for indian roads, but RE quality is dropping fast, i am happy someone is willing to talk about its weak points.
Thanks for your comments and for sharing your experience from in India! You're the second rider in India I heard from this week that mentioned that they would rather just get an import. The other guy bought one of the Triumph 400s and said he was very happy.
I sold my Triumph Bonneville because of the terrible fueling, clunky gear Changes and intermittent electrical issues. It had 4K miles on it. The Interceptor is in a league of its own in comparison. The gasket leaking would just be from the 300 mile valve clearance check, they didn’t use a new gasket or sealer. And the Moto Guzzi V7 is a shocking bike!
Hey there. What year was your Bonneville?
I hear you brother, I also sold my Interceptor, just didn't like the way it felt on the road, too skittish and not planted enough for my liking. I have a Super Meteor on order 🙂
The interceptor handles better than the super meteor so I don't understand your reasoning ? However I like both and own an interceptor at present so wish you the best with your new purchase ....enjoy ( just waiting for the sunny days to arrive) .
My 535 felt the same way till I adjusted to the correct [and surprisingly low] tyre pressures.....
I live in TO, nice to see a creator from my home town. My ride is a Vulcan S and an S50. I've seen similar comments on the finish of RE bikes. The S50 (2006) still looks brand new. I'd have to move up to Harley or Indian to get a similar quality finish. The Vulcan is a price point machine and looks it, but a good performer.
Very cool! Nice to hear from my locals! S40s are hard to kill, trust me, my ex has one she loves neglecting lol
Totally agree, longevity of finish or lack of would be a deal breaker. I've wondered about the quality of internal engine parts and longevity. I have touched owners disappointment with electrical components. I would sell and not look back. Appreciate your honesty and clarity of product differences.
I wouldn't worry about the engine! It's incredibly well designed in Leicestershire. The electrical problems appear to be down to too much grease used i while putting the bike together along with budget relays. Once you know this it's an easy post delivery job
to sort out.
The problem isn't with the designers. The designers can do a fantastic job, and then their job is done. The question is what happens after the designers do that work. Does someone come back and say, for example, "Can we make the engine casings with this grade of steel instead of this one?" etc. I trust the designers. It's the people that come in after them and make sure that the motorcycle is built to a pricepoint that I don't trust.
Totally agree, great bike but not a long term bike. You see the same thing in the UK with Bullit Motorcycles (Now Bluroc), they look good, but are built to a price and as such require lots of work to stop them from rusting, coupled with premature failure of components and seals.
Unfortunately it's the old saying you get want you pay for and it's a pity because the Interceptor is a great bike but I'd have a V7 over it any day.
Seems like the real sweet spot for value is a used Bonneville or V7, both of which hold their quality, and you can buy the two of them used for less than the price of one new Interceptor here.
Speaking of, tomorrow I'm publishing the series finale, it's the Bonneville vs the V7 after a year of owning both motorcycles. I go pretty in depth on the pros and cons of each. Please check it out with me here: ruclips.net/video/hUj8GxB29O4/видео.html
Love the "old British men" and "young blonde women" part...so true!
Yeah, I'm a bit like you, don't feel the need to go fast everywhere, but do want to know that I can if I want to. For me, the minimum top speed of a bike needs to be 180-200 km/h, and it needs to get there reasonably quickly.
I bought a very low mileage 2020 Interceptor and rode it for 7000+ miles. I loved it, I put plenty of money in the usual upgrades. From my first ride home after purchasing it I experienced weird random shut-offs, generally at cruising speeds. The bike would immediately re start if I cycled the key on and off. Without going into great detail, the problem persisted over the remaining time I owned the bike. I spent a lot of time and money to no avail. On my last ride the bike stalled out five times in 45 miles. I gave up on it and bought a new V7III Guzzi that has been essentially flawless over 2+ years and 13,000 miles. I think most RE 650 owners are pretty well served by their bikes but I definitely got a lemon and I'll never buy another RE.
Cancel
Reply
Dude, if you are not from India. Its totally logical not to use Interceptor 650 as a Tourer. Mainly because there are impressive duel sport motorcycle available way cheaper than INT650. The spare parts for INT650 are not cheap outside India. Most of the non-Indian youtubers ideally buy Royal Enfield to make their channel grow. Let that view traffic flowing. But other than that, you need to be a classic motorcycle enthusiast like Jay Leno to own the twins. If you are from any demography outside Asia, you have way many Cheap reliable option for motorcycling than INT 650.
I’m a huge fan of my interceptor after a year of ownership but I appreciate your thoughts and experiences. I still want something aircooled and have been thinking about going for a V7 in a trade-in. It’s gonna take a lot of test rides to decide if I want to keep the enfield around or trade, but your experience with deterioration is very valuable.
I’ve definitely seen some rust poking through the headers and some pitting in the polished aluminum. Both of those things were expected and I can buff em out but I’ll have to keep an eye out for rust on any of the important bits. And on gaskets and whatnot.
Thanks! Glad yours is working well for you so far! I obviously have my 2013 which is coming together really nicely (see here: ruclips.net/video/Tg1AnXvH1j0/видео.html ) but last year I spent a few days with the 2023 V7, and, in those ten years they have really come a long way. The newer ones are so much nicer now. Review of the 2023 is here if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/17Eeco3AQ8c/видео.html