Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 First impressions and ride
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- Опубликовано: 29 июн 2020
- Had the chance to ride the new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 today. What a lovely machine. Classic styling but with a modern engine.
For me it won't replace my Himalayan which is in for service so don't worry Himalayan fans, I'm not swapping. I need a bike that will do some green lanes and the Interceptor is strictly for the road, so the Himalayan is a keeper in my book.
However, if I had the spare cash then I'd buy an Interceptor and have it as my Sunday ride special bike to ride on the high days and holidays:) 
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I myself am a believer in bimbling along country roads, nothing better that taking in the scenic route in no mad rush to be there and back at light speed.
Maybe it’s an age thing 😉
Your philosophy on motorcycling is exactly the same as mine, nothing like a nice bimble. Love the sound of that engine.
I used to ride a royal Enfield around the field about 45 years ago, it was a single cylinder 350, it used to blow smoke rings, my father said if I could start it I could ride it, it had sat outside for years, I put petrol in it kicked it over and it started.
A man after my own heart. It came down to the same choice for me last year when I was in the Royal Enfield dealer... Himalayan or Interceptor. In the end, the Himalayan was much more practical for me and where I ride in remote Alaska. But if I lived in a place with more asphalt and less gravel, I'd have an Interceptor. But I'm loving my Himalayan so far. It's a very "friendly" motorcycle.
What a nice real world review, and as a horseman and motorcyclist I'd like to say thanks for you consideration towards my equine buddies. To be fair 99% of motorcyclists are great with horses, all it takes is a few minutes consideration. Anyway, super review of a really nice looking bike, I really should take one for a ride.
Cracking bike I love the look of that bike !!! It goes well too . But I’m worried what Darth Vadar is going to say when he realises you have his gloves
Haahaaa. Yes they do look like that. I was given them by my mate Mack Tightwad:)
First I purchased Himalayan but was never really satisfied. After driving the Himalayan 7000 kilometers in two months I realized that I needed something more. I ride 7days a week in Thailand on near perfect roads, with no real interest in going off road. After spending two months searching every bike possible I settled on buying a new Interceptor. I love this bike. It gives me great pleasure to ride and real pride to call it mine. You couldn't make me trade it for any other bike. It is exactly what I wanted in the first place. The reason you here so many positive reviews and so little negative nit picking is the bike is that good. Not" that good for the price" just that good. Try it you'll like it!!!
I just bought one in Thailand. I will do the first 500kms in Bangkok and get the first service out of the way and then ship the bike to Prachinburi Province, near Kao Yai National Park and putt about on the country roads. Where do you ride in Thailand?
Really enjoyed your video - especially the drone footage. Good summary of the bike - I’ve had mine for 18 months now and it just gets better and better.
Some of you will recall from UK History lessons, a traveller who asked for refreshment at a house. He was allowed to stay but had to watch the cakes being baked, He fell asleep and the cakes burnt and he was chased out by the old woman with a broom only to discover he was King Alfred. Well, that happened in Wantage which is why the statue is there.
Thanks Sandy, you're making me homesick with your ramble around Wantage 😊
Wow! Memory lane as you went through Wantage! My Mum used to live there and my Sister still does. Another grand video Sandy and again, appreciate the effort you put into your content. All the best, Louis.
Thanks Sandy this the best review I have seen of the Interceptor. Ride safe mate.
Best video I have seen to date with regards to the 650 interceptor this bike is probably going to be my next ride once I've finished with me Tiger, we have some similarities old chap same height also my Bantam would go into reverse on occasions that was solved when the points where opened slightly (no feeler gauge didn't own such luxury tools then) also back in the day had three CZ motorcycles money was tight ah great memories, thanks for a well presented video you put everything across clearly and it made common sense something that lacking these days.
Nice video Sandy, thanks for taking us along and sharing your philosophy on real world motorcycling. Very tempting bike, same power as my Guzzi with less weight. Enjoyed the drone footage very much. 👍
Excellent review. Will be looking at one in a few days, and your review really helped!
Looks like great fun; enjoyed the ride-along.
Great range of bikes with sensible prices and performance, feel like they will go on forever.
Thanks for the insight, enjoyed watching.
I like the old school look of RE bikes Oz. And the price is right..Come on down:)
Really enjoyed your ride and commentary bro. Thanks for posting. Stay safe
Great that you have a top shelf local dealer who looks after their customers. getting rare these days sadly, and is invaluable. Well done on your courtesy with the horses, safe riding mate.
They are a great bunch there Mark and very close to home. Infact I can walk there in 15 minutes:)
WM is indeed fortunate. The one monster sized dealer with 2 outlets is a ferry ride away and sells a dozen brands. My warranty experience has convinced me they may sell RE but don't know a damn thing about the brand. The one smaller more personable outlet that sold only RE (where I bought mine) gave up his dealership because he couldn't compete with the heavily capitalized big box in his area. It really is becoming a self serve world.
Wow, Harris! Back when I was riding in the eighties Harris were really highly regarded by the cafe racer set! Lovely bike Sandy.
Thanks, Wiltshire Man - enough to make me want one and I don't even ride motorbikes! Also a great advert for unseen parts of your lovely county: Wantage has been added to my list of must-visit towns!
Cracking video Mate! I agree with your riding philosophy. To me, it's all about freedom and self-reliance, not how fast you can go. I get a lot of flack from some of my club members about that, but, none of them can keep up with me, because I'm already where I want to be.
First time viewer of this channel.. subscribed.. thoroughly enjoyed this review...plus, not heard the Wiltshire accent for many years... fantastic!
Harris Performance i think you were trying to say , anyway love the beautiful countryside always a pleasure to watch.
Beautiful bike . I like all the Royal Enfield models ! I’m with you on riding the backroads and taking it slow . Nice video.
Great video thoroughly enjoyed. When I see Treads reminds me the day rode up on my BMW from S Wales to test a Himalayan. Still on flaming lockdown ere but hopefully Monday where allowed out.
A great review Sandy 👍 .. thanks.
Have recently turned 70 and my current ride is a Honda SH300i .. easy step-through .. what with stiff creaky arthritic joints and such 😏.
That said .. a beautiful looking bike and that gentle reassuring rumble of the engine took me way back .. shades of Triumph Tiger and other.
Take care ..
Best review of this bike that I have seen, and it is very important at the moment as we are thinking of fitting a sidecar to one, for two chaps that have just been around the world on a scooter and sidecar... Thanks once again Sandy...
I reckon it would make a great side car combo bike
I agree, been checking out sidecars .. unfortunately they cost almost as much as the bike!
I've watched this a half a doz times.. imo the best vid capturing the spirit of this classic.. excellent picture quality, very well done.
If I recall, in addition to the Himalayan you also have a Vstrom. My REH would on occasion frustrate me wot uphill not moving the needle.. the Interceptor takes it to the next level with enough power and a riding sensation that takes you back to simpler times when you had everything you needed and nothing you didn't. Having both, you've got one helluva bike.
Yes your right about the REH it is a bit underpowered and yes I do have a VStrom 1000. Love both bikes
Nice ride and review. We share a similar taste in bikes since our youth. Great to see a good dealer offering a decent bit of customer service. ATVB from sunny Malaysia 😎🇲🇾😷
Great video again dude. I emailed RE a couple of years ago suggesting they build a 650 twin Himalayan (shaft) drive. I think they would have a world beating adventure bike.
When bikes looked like bikes. That’s why I stick to my Harley love the old school look. All the new motorcycles these days don’t seem the same. I have been riding since 1980 and glad that I could return to motorcycling once again. Love your videos Sandy see you really soon😎😀
Great video. Lovely bike too. Very nice exhaust note as you say.
My MZ 251 was clever at bogging the clutch at the lights too. Happy days.
As a horse rider thanks for that. It is appreciated although sometimes we may have a death grip on the reins and can't wave!! Lovely looking bike btw. You do nice hiking vids as well. Take care.
I love the classic look, Sandy. 👍🙂
You live in a great place . Another great video . Keep on Chuggin
I was like, uummmmmm, where's Chugg!!?? New toy??...Glad you're keeping Chugg tuned up, a very versatile machine that one!! Nice ride on the Interceptor, not bad at all...Thank you Sandy, glad to see you on the go!! Enjoyed this one as well, nicely done!! Thumbs up & ATB :)
A nice little video there Sandy of some nostalgia. How about more bike reviews, say Norton and BSA etc.
Nice looking bike Sandy and with a bit of a punch in the engine, a friend popped round on his new 650 Triumph a few months back and I took that for a 20 mile spin and I was well impressed with it to be honest. I'm old school all the way but I also have to admit these new bikes aren't bad at all. Take it easy mate and atvb to you and your family.
Always loved parallel twin bikes Sandy, if I were still riding I would definitely put the interceptor and the himalayan top of the list of possibilities. They both sound great. Sadly my sense of balance is not what it used to be so I don't ride anymore through choice as I don't feel 'safe' on a bike anymore. Still got the memories though. Stay safe and well Sandy, Norm.
Hi Sandy, when I saw the thumbnail thought you had a new bike, great oppertunity to try it out, and looks a nice machine, all the best Pat
So Patrick, I luv watchin' yours and Sandy's videos, good to see your watchin' Sandy's too.
Great review Sandy, your right twisty roads are more fun on a bike. 👍🇬🇧
Thank you for sharing your adventure!
That is a bike just made for a man in his 50's of medium build around 5' 10".... Beautiful (the bike not the rider)
I had an MZ TS125 when I was in my early 20's, once rode it from Cornwall to Cambridgeshire, toured around for a week and rode it home...I loved that bike, had great times and laughs with it.
Now now..Now now. Yes the TS125 was a good little bike Si. I'd buy one again if they were available. I managed to seize mine up, but it ran just fine afterwards. When the engine cooled it unseized it's self.
The interceptor is nice , plan on getting one in a few months ..
Nice being out with You
Bought one on the first of May still got my Himalayan, lovely motorcycle.
I bought the only bike I'll ever need, then bought an Interceptor. That's it.. I'm officially on the wagon.
Great stuff. I bought mine one week ago and it is the same orange crush colour. I quite agree that it is all about puttering about and enjoying the ride, pride of ownership, polishing my bike etc. For me on Thailand's country roads.
Not only is your video very good but your audio quality is exceptional.
Hi Sandy nice Bike, and once again enjoyed the country side ride. thanks for shareing! (I did listen on 80m nil from that side of the pond ! But we'll keep listening! ) 73 de Ellis WA1RKS
Looks like a great bike and has really got me thinking.
A recent subcriber here. Very soothing videos, wide range of interesting topics. Cheers.
Thankyou and welcome to my RUclips channel:)
Splendid video Sandy , seems like an excellent bike. ATB
Nice video! I’ve had mine for 10 months and I still love it! Being a “nostalgic” design makes it easy to personalize. I have changed the intake, exhaust, suspension, handlebars and paint. The stock seat is only good for about an hour. The GT touring seat is good for twice that 😁 One thing most people miss is the clutch. It is boosted for a light feel and a slipper, meaning you can’t lock up the rear tire on a downshift. It really works!
Yes the clutch is a delight for sure Dan
That’s a super review. I was really impressed with the 650 when I reviewed it, I also rode the same colour bike. Awesome.
Hello Fen Tour. I'm subbed to your channel:) Nice to see you here:)
Sandy
Wiltshire Man superb, thanks for subscribing. I tested the RE500trials last week, lovely ride. Though I messed up the video! So going back next week to re-shoot! Cheers.
Lovely bike i love the new bikes that look like the old bikes great video
Nice review Sandy. The Interceptor looks and sounds good. Not too loud, but a little bark/crackle now and then. The scenery on the drone footage was lovely! Even in the rain it looked like you were enjoying this ride. When you got to Southmoor you almost got to my neck of the woods. Have to go for that ride/cuppa soon. I'm sure you could squeeze an Interceptor in the shed! Atb Pyro
Your dealership looks refreshingly English - nicely tucked away amongst greenery and brick work.
And when RE produces its long rumored 650cc adventure bike, I can see you on it!
Brilliant just keep doing what you do 👍
That was thoughtful of you to stop and shutdown the engine when the horses were passing bye. On behalf of the horses, thank you. They do get nervous and jittery at times.
Atb,
The Solo Hiker....
Its a very nice motorcycle,and i enjoyed your review as well.Not an expensive bike and not a lot of electronics to spoil it either.I think Royal Enfield are on to something here....
looks like a pretty nice bike !!! we don't have this in the US, but I bet a few here would like this one
2:01 *Meeting the landed gentry on horseback. Very considerate and polite to turn off the énigme. In THAILAND no horses on country road, only the occasional elephant heard crossing the road in Khao Yai national Park*
Such A Beautiful Part Of Our Land
Good Video Earthling
Bless Up
From another moonraker now living along way from Wiltshire and the proud owner of a black Interceptor all the best.
Great video...... I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Looks a great bike, i also love Wantage, i spent alot of time there when my mrs was teaching at St Marys. Good work Sandy.
I come from Oxford ,love Wantage.
@@michaelevans1658 I love that area, some great memories :)
That's a handsome, sweet-sounding bike and that was a great first impression, but I still see you as ChugMan, Sandy.
And I once owned an MZ TS125 too - bright orange with a white Rickman fill fairing. At 6'7" I probably dwarfed it but it was rugged, reliable and simple, and it never let me down (unlike my other bike which was a BMW K75 at the time). Horses for courses?
Thank you for another delightful video.
That was a very enjoyable vid, thank you!
I bought one last year with the black paint finish. Smashing bike to ride and absolutely gorgeous to look at. Not as powerful as my last bike but great for bombing around the roads here in Norfolk.
Got just about the right balance of power for real world road conditions I would say.
I love my Orange Crush Interceptor.
Had every size and shape bike over 4 decades in the saddle. Sold my Ducati and bought it, and dont regret a thing.
Tasmanian made Verex, stainless flow through 2 into 2 exhausts sound tough and add hp and torque.
Its a crowd magnet.
What a lovely looking bike. I love it.
Wonderful video Sandy. I absolutely loved the scenery that you were travelling through and it does kind of pique my interest in possibly getting a motorcycle myself. My only concern is that I have only driven a motorcycle a couple of times (and it was years ago) and while on them I felt way too invincible. I think back and I do remember how thrilling and exciting it felt cranking those things up and driving them way too fast down the highway. I don't know, I am certainly way more mature and sensible now, but, while buzzing down the road and feeling how much control that you think you have........ I would probably lean towards starting with just a small trail bike if at all. I would also probably lean towards just sticking to the back roads and trails. I am going to put some thought into it before I decide for sure. Thanks again for taking us on your adventure and thank you for your thoughts and opinions about that beautiful bike that you were testing out. See you on the next one.
I don't know if one can ever be "ready". I found I had to say "yes" to the irrational event and buy a bike, then rediscover (after many decades) how much fun it is. I found it also took me 2 to 3 seasons to get my riding to where I felt I was doing well enough. I have always found that my level of alertness and vigilance is greater than when I'm driving the car. But, I have also found I am more aware of being cautious in the car as a result of riding "out there". Just do it! Ronn
@@ronnronn55 Thanks for the input sir.
Thanks for the video. Glad that your not getting rid of Chug.
Hansom machine ! Looks beautifully made. Bet you wont want to take her back haha.
Take Care.Darren.
Great video, in my old stomping ground. I would change the tank colour to silver or white, but overall it looks great.
They sell it with a silver tank, it's also available in chrome, white/red, black/red and black
Great bike, reminds me of my old T120 pre unit Bonnie.
i know this is an old post, but loved the down to earth review as in a test ride..I am wanting to put a deposit down on the interceptor but still keep my 2021 Himalayan as my brilliant daily ride😁
brill review Sandy and thx for that 👍
I've ridden 3 Interceptors now and conclude it is a lovely bike and maybe in the new year may add one to my stable too, that'll mean I will have 3 bikes....Can you ever have too many?
@@WiltshireMan Hi Sandy, i went ahead and bought a new Interceptor, too near march 1st to register it, so waiting for the '22' plate, just debating what pipes to buy for it, Lextech, TEC or Enfield Precision 🤔. Can't wait to get it, happy days ahead 😁. This will make it my 3rd bike, you said "can you ever have too many?" answer is no , you are only here once, enjoy life while you can👍
nice day only bike use though for the interceptor, touring, camping and daily workhorse will always be my trusty Himalayan 😍
You're absolutely right Sandy. I think some of our generation like this type of bike as we remember them on our roads years ago. My late father had a BSA 500 twin. I'd love to find one of them.
Malcolm Roberts Correct Malcolm , have a 650 BSA twin as well as the Interceptor. Plenty of 500 BSA about.....A7 in the 50s, pre unit twin , or A50 in the sixties unit twin .
@@calderdale6795 fantastic, how long have you had the 650?
Malcolm Roberts About 15 years , when it was restored , it’s a Golden Flash , the cooking 650 you would have seen hauling huge sidecars back in the fifties. If your dads was a pre unit 500 it would be called a Shooting Star , if it was a sixties one it would be a Royal Star. A decent one will be around 4K to buy , but is unlikely to devalue , requires no road tax and is cheap to insure , expect 55 to 60 mpg , cruise at 60 mph. Join the owners club for everything you need or want to know. Members like to sell their machines to other members usually at sensible prices , so worth a look.
nice review. enjoyable ride as well
A great review. Thanks.
1) My parallel twin 700 takes me anywhere I need to go - literally.
2) Here's a poem about Wantage :
There was a young girl from Wantage
Of whom the Lord Mayor took advantage
Said the Town Surveyor
I think you should pay her
You've substantially altered her frontage.
3) I like your bike videos. :-)
😁😁😁
Beutiful landscape...and a dreambike..:)
RE are producing some awesome bikes at the mo.
All anyone needs.
Hi Sandy , For a split second I thought Chug had been traded in .
Thank goodness No . Looks a nice bike that ! I am busy catching up as we have been so busy getting ready to open the park here on Dartmoor . So look forward to your videos . Hope the family are well . Take care !
Best wishes Pete & - Marina.
Chug is here to stay Pete. Hopefully will be chugging down your way soon
Nice ride out and review.
I couldn't help but think "Hey kids, Wiltshire Flyer here. Today I've been loaned a Royal Enfield Interceptor...." :)
LOL Missenden flyer would not be happy if I stole his catch phrase
@@WiltshireMan It's funny that you both have flying machines at your disposal though.
great review nice bike !! super careful on roundabouts !!👍😀
That’s a beautiful bike, reminds me of the Yamaha TX 750 from ‘73, I had many years ago
@@ed.barker7069 You are correct
Great video Sandy
Nice bike Sandy sounds nice and throaty. You are on the same page as me with bikes, although these days it's only an electric power I use and pedal power.
Very good review and was right up your street having already got the Himalayan. Sounds good like a large cat purring in your ear, but it can leap out of the garage. Shame you haven't got room for it. ho ho ho. Luvly bike tho. lol
A good "Real World"" review. Great scenery too.
Lovely looking ride.
Enfield are making all the right noises with their lineup. I believe my local dealer, Brian Gray Power biking, has now starting selling them. Bike prices have gone through the roof in the last few years, I can see Enfield taking advantage with their value for money. Can you review the new Ducati Streetfighter V4 next please.......take care Sandy.
Cheers for the ride out Sandy. I've been watching the Interceptor and Continental since they first appeared. There's rumours of Royal Enfield dropping the 650 unit into an Himalayan chassis, so I'm hanging on a bit longer before I commit to buy. I love the looks of the Interceptor but I too, like yourself, love a bit of mild off-road, so I'll wait to see what RE decide to do. If the new Himalayan doesn't reach production, I'll be treating myself to the 'Inter' as a replacement for my Tiger 800 which seems to be getting me into a few moments of excitement that I've not got the reactions to compensate for these days haha. Thanks again for the review. 73s
I won't go back to the sports bike now, I'd kill myself. Nearly ended up in farmers fields and under oncoming traffic when I had the VTR . One twist of the throttle and the road soon ran out:)
Unfortunately RE said last year that there will be no more 650 platform models until 2022. The new Himalayan is anticipated next year as an all new higher performance 450cc single cylinder. 👍
Good Video, Great Bike!
Nice bike and nice riding.
Hi Sandy. The A2 license is for riders between 19 to 24. If when they reach 25 and want to ride a bigger bike they would have to take the full A license. My Son was lucky he past the full A test just a few months before the new rules came in. I passed the full test 4 days after my 64 birthday. My daughter had to do the A2, but she is happy to stay at that level.
been riding this bike for a year now very gud experience best bike made by RE so far yup lil prob here & there but not anything serious ...
Looks like a good bike that sandy. I have never rode a motorcycle but went on the back of my best friends fire blade. He then sold it and got a firestorm. He took me for a spin and when I got off I was like Elvis, had a severe case of disco legs my god that thing could move. Never again. I’m happier on 4 wheels for sure. I could really see you on that bike though sandy it would really suit you 😉❤️👍
Both the Fireblade and the Firestorm were absurdly powerful bikes Marcus. You soon get used to riding these powerful bikes and the acceleration and speed becomes "normal" after a while. However the speed limits remain unchanged and sharp corners and hedgerows beckon the unwary ride to become airborne:) I had 3 very close calls on my VTR. A good job it got nicked. Probably saved my life:)
Wiltshire Man yes they were my goodness you could feel it just riding pillion which is why I ended up with disco legs but my best friend was a amazing rider thank goodness. He’s riding the firestorm in the sky now sadly nothing bike related I must say but he passed way before his time. 😢 I guessed that’s what you meant when you said the more powerful bike you had would get you into trouble lol. You look great on chug and the interceptor would be a fine acquisition for you as well I think 🤔 👍❤️♥️
Blimey and there's me saying " oh Sandy's got himself another bike" .
I've seen the café racer one it's the nuts definitely me. Nice one sandy. Atb.
These middleweight twins from RE are good Joe