Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 - 3000 mile review

[linuxyeti]

OK, well, since the end of March when I got the bike, I've manage to cover just over 3000 miles..

Aside from the basic bike, I've also got a sissy bar/rack/topbox plus pannier racks. That's it as far as mods go. Obviously, the first service at 300 miles really didn't take long to reach ! And, now, I've just had the 3000 mile service.

As it is, I really can't fault the bike at all, hasn't let me down, whether it be on motorways, a roads, b roads or un-named roads. Furthest ridden on a single day is just shy of 300 miles, perfectly comfortable enough. After 3000 miles, the clutch is still light, and it's a pleasure to ride. I've ridden it up as far as Blackpool, Manchester a few times, Leicester, Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Leominster, and lots of other places, been caught is the rain, been out in the sun, all good.

Here's a few photos from out and about over the last 3 months..

https://cdn.bcf.44bytes.net/files/royal_enfield_650_interceptor_2019_20190327_01_blakelands_near_halfpenny_green_2_985.jpg

https://cdn.bcf.44bytes.net/files/royal_enfield_650_interceptor_2019_20190328_03_cosford_1.jpg

https://cdn.bcf.44bytes.net/files/royal_enfield_650_interceptor_2019_20190407_02_trysull_2.jpg

https://cdn.bcf.44bytes.net/files/royal_enfield_650_interceptor_2019_20190422_02_ellesmere_3.jpg

https://cdn.bcf.44bytes.net/files/royal_enfield_650_interceptor_2019_20190522_02_rugely_powerstation_1.jpg

https://cdn.bcf.44bytes.net/files/royal_enfield_650_interceptor_2019_20190523_01_slade_heath_-_bridge_58_1.jpg

https://cdn.bcf.44bytes.net/files/royal_enfield_650_interceptor_2019_20190523_02_gailey_lea_-_gailey_resrvoir_5.jpg

https://cdn.bcf.44bytes.net/files/royal_enfield_650_interceptor_2019_20190528_03_blithfield_lake_2.jpg

https://cdn.bcf.44bytes.net/files/royal_enfield_650_interceptor_2019_20190626_01_the_swan_-_fradley_junction_1.jpg

https://cdn.bcf.44bytes.net/files/royal_enfield_650_interceptor_2019_20190704_04_shackerstone_3.jpg[/url]
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Beware what photos you upload, or link to on here, especially if you have family members on them

[stinkwheel]

How do you find the front suspension?

I sat on one at a motorcycle show and it felt pretty wooden and clunky. To the extent that I wondered if they'd put oil in them (it occurs to me that maybe they hadn't).
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Diggs]

I do like the look of that as a comfortable scoot...

Definately not the 'Royal Oilfield' of old
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Now - Speed Triple, old ratty GS550, GSXR750M
Gone (in order of ownership) - Raleigh Runabout, AP50, KH125, GP125, KH250, CBX550, Z400, CB750FII, 250LC, GS550, ZXR750H1, Guzzi Targa, GSX750F, KH250 x2, Bimota SB6R and counting...

[linuxyeti]

[ZedSled]

I have only seen one of these on the roads and it sounded delightful.
I think this is a brilliant bike and fantastic value.
It looks great in the photos and I look forward to updates as the mileage racks up.

[arry]

What's the updates Yeti? Much happening?

[linuxyeti]

There's not alot to say, because it's been 100% reliable, and 0 issues. Well over 500 miles on it, longest ride in a day ~390 miles, of which the last 100 or so was in pouring rain on the M6 from Preston down to Wolves. It's survived perfectly happily anything our trigger happy gritter have thrown at it.

I really can't find anything negative to say about it at all.

Easily does the nsl and then some if needed, but still nice and gentle on more sedate bimbles, handles lovely, the gear changes are still silky smooth..
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Beware what photos you upload, or link to on here, especially if you have family members on them

[arry]

Take it that's 5000 miles rather than 500 if you've done 390 in one day

I've seen very few issues with them on forums etc. The one I rode had some problems but that was mainly down to a crap Spanish dealer that didn't know the bikes.

[linuxyeti]

[Easy-X]

Between the 650 and the Himalayan RE seemed to have hit a home run

How's the aftermarket parts situation? Sometimes it takes a while for third parties to "catch up" with newish bikes, as I've found with the Rebel.
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[linuxyeti]

[om15]

I have just completed the 1,000 run in on my Interceptor, have added engine bars and replaced the massive exhausts with silencers from TEC bike parts ( £300.00), I removed the plastic mud guard extensions.

I think that it is a great bike and cannot fault it.
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Alcohol doesn't solve problems, but neither does milk

[A100man]

[Keithy]

The RE Continental GT is in More Bikes this month alongside the Triumph Thruxton R, despite being half the capacity (and half the price!) it compares quite favourably.

[Easy-X]

Sitting squarely between the dross from China like Lexmoto (or Keeway ) and the main brands, who exactly is Royal Enfield's competition?
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[wr6133]

[Kawasaki Jimbo]