Recent Discussions and Questions - Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Which is a better option: Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 or Royal Enfield Interceptor 650?

17 April 2025 23:01

The choice between the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 largely depends on your riding style and preferences. Here are some key differences to consider:

The Continental GT 650 is a cafe racer, designed for a more aggressive, sporty riding position with rearset footrests and clip-on bars, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tucked-in, aerodynamic stance. It features 36-spoke aluminium alloy rims with Ceat Zoomcruz tyres, a ground clearance of 174 mm, and a lean angle that makes it versatile for both city streets and twisty roads. The bike has a seat height of 31.1 inches and a kerb weight of 202 kg, with a fuel capacity of 13.7 litres. On the other hand, the Interceptor 650 is a classic roadster with a more relaxed riding position, featuring a tear-drop fuel tank, tall and wide handlebars, and an 18-inch front and rear spoke wheel setup with Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres. It has a slightly taller seat height at 31.5 inches and a kerb weight of 445 pounds , along with a fuel capacity of 3.6 gallons. The Interceptor is known for its comfortable ride and is more suited for long-distance touring and everyday commuting. In terms of performance, both bikes share the same 648cc air-cooled, parallel-twin engine, producing 47 horsepower at 7150 RPM and 52 Nm of torque at 5250 RPM, along with a 6-speed transmission and Bosch dual-channel ABS. However, the Continental GT 650's ergonomics and suspension setup are tuned more for sporty handling, while the Interceptor 650 offers a more balanced and comfortable ride. Ultimately, if you prefer a sporty, aggressive riding stance and the thrill of carving through twisty roads, the Continental GT 650 might be the better option. If you are looking for a more comfortable, versatile bike for daily commuting and long-distance touring, the Interceptor 650 would be more suitable.

Is the Interceptor 650 a really good daily commuter?

10 January 2025 12:29

It's been over a year that I've been daily riding my Interceptor, and to be honest, it's been great. It has a super smooth engine, an upright comfortable position, and handles city traffic like a champ. It’s a bit heavy, but you get used to it after a bit. It's not an amazing fuel efficiency, but it's not terrible. I'd say go for it!

How does the Interceptor 650 fare as a two-up tourer?

10 January 2025 12:29

I've tried it stock and modified and I'd say it's decent but not great for two up. The bigger issue for me is that there aren't luggage options. If you’re riding with a passenger, you probably are going to want some stuff, and the Interceptor is pretty limited in that department without some serious customization.

Are the reliability worries about the Interceptor 650 overblown?

10 January 2025 12:29

I haven’t had any catastrophic issues, but I’ve certainly had more niggling problems with my Interceptor than I would expect from a new bike. The odd false neutral, little electrical gremlins, things like that. It isn't unreliable in itself, but it isn't quite as bulletproof as some people would have you believe.

How versatile is the Interceptor 650 compared to retro styled bikes?

10 January 2025 12:29

There are lots of parts but the Interceptor seems somewhat limited compared to something like a Triumph Bonneville. Some more radical changes are restricted by frame geometry, and performance mods don’t appear to provide as much benefit. While it is good for light customization, it is not good for full blown overhauls.

Do people really mean what they say about the Interceptor 650 being beginner friendly?

10 January 2025 12:29

For a first bike, I wouldn't recommend the Interceptor as a first bike, as someone who teaches new riders. As you can see, it’s too heavy for many beginners to feel confident with, particularly when moving slowly or picking up. What's more, some models lack ABS. For learning, there are better, lighter options out there.

How does the Royal Enfield Interceptor 350 differ from the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650?

29 August 2023 09:20

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 350 shares the same design philosophy and styling cues as the Interceptor 650, but it's equipped with a smaller 350cc engine. This makes it a more entry-level option with a focus on accessible performance.