Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Detailed Review by Maxabout Team

Overview

One of the most admired motorcycles is the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Royal Enfield has finally updated the cosmetic, mechanical, and technical aspects of its 'original' 650 twins. The Interceptor 650's engine has undergone certain internal adjustments to meet the new BS6 Phase II emission standards. Royal Enfield has finally fitted the Interceptor 650 with the wheels that many owners sought.

2024 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Design and Style

Royal Enfield has kept the design and style language of its flagship model. Whichever angle you look at it from, it's already a gorgeous and proportionate-looking motorcycle. While the simplistic and exquisite design screams vintage, the new colours have just the right amount of visual flair and current appeal. The excellent build quality and paint finish have remained unchanged.

The new LED headlamp is a major addition to the BS6 trim, and the lens is now clearer. The new headlight mixes vintage styling with modern LED lighting for greater visibility. Tubeless tyres are fitted to the striking cast alloy wheels on the blacked-out variations. The redesigned switch cubes are made of aluminium and have a better grip and feel. On-the-go charging keeps you connected to the world regardless of where you are or where you are going.

2024 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Engine and Gearbox

Apart from the 649cc parallel twin engine, which is BS6 Phase II compliant now. The Interceptor 650 has mostly remained the same as a RE product. The tighter emission limits haven't resulted in a significant decline in its power output. This parallel twin engine generates a max power of 46.8 hp and a peak torque of 52.3 Nm. A six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch handles transmission tasks.

The actual star of the Interceptor is unquestionably its engine. The BS6 variant feels smoother and more tuned. The crisper throttle response just adds to the enjoyment and engagement. From the start, you are treated to a powerful shove of torque in every gear and practically across the rpm range. Even if you drive at speeds above 100 km/h, the motor remains stress-free.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is not just swift. The power delivery is also linear and tractable, making it easy to handle. The engine's calm nature allows you to comfortably drive at roughly 45 km/h even in sixth gear. The INT's engine is active enough to entertain a seasoned rider while remaining friendly enough not to frighten a newbie.

The six-speed transmission is accurate, with gears shifting with minimal effort and a light slipper clutch. Even though the cogs occasionally malfunction by not shifting completely, usually after a long ride. Throughout the process, you are joined by the lovely rumbling of the mill, which has become slightly softer, and the delightful wheezing sound has become more noticeable.

2024 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

Although the engine wants you to keep pushing on the slick asphalt, major bumps and potholes make things a little more difficult. Because of the softly sprung suspension, particularly in the rear, the ride becomes rumbly over rough areas of the road, and the dampers bottom out rapidly. This also has an impact on cornering stability, as the bike loses composure throughout mid-corner undulations. But, when it comes into contact with tiny obstacles such as road joints, pebbles and rumble strips, the motorcycle glides away smoothly.

The CEAT tyres do a great job of adhering to the road. While it may not be the best handler in town, the Interceptor is surprisingly agile and sure-footed considering its large curb weight. There are no complaints about the braking system since the disc brakes shed speed quickly and offer significant bite and feel. The Interceptor is ergonomic since you sit in an erect and commanding position with your knees properly fastened in the fuel tank. The only quibble is the position of the rider's footpegs, which jut out and rub against your calf while tip-toeing through traffic.

Key Features of 2024 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

The Interceptor 650 has a twin-pod analogue instrument console with a digital inset. It displays the odometer, dual trip metres, and fuel level. While some models come standard with an all-LED headlamp and alloy wheels. Others come with a halogen unit and spoke wheels. In addition to LED headlights and alloys, the new colour options include USB charging and rotary switches. The bike has standard dual-channel ABS as a safety net. It offers a relaxed riding posture thanks to an easy-to-reach braced handlebar, mid-set footpegs, and a bench-style seat.

2024 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Competitors

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 competes with Harley-Davidson Street 750, Hyosung Aquila 650, and Kawasaki Vulcan S 650.

Harley-Davidson Street 750

The Harley-Davidson Street 750 is the company's first new motorcycle platform in 13 years, following the V-Rod. Major enhancements were done in the 2017 model line-up for Harley-Davidson. It includes the new Street 750 which has been improved with ABS and a two-tone paint job. This improved one aspect of Street 750 that was lacking. The ABS bites hard yet around turns, keeping everything on the safe side of physics. Apart from the inclusion of ABS and a new colour scheme, the bike remains unchanged.

A Revolution X 60-degree V-twin engine that displaces 749cc powers the bike. It produces 59 Nm of peak torque at 3,750rpm. Harley doesn't usually reveal power figures, but the Street feels nice for an estimated 55 to 60 hp. Its power is delivered to the back wheel using a standard Harley-Davidson belt drive.

At 233kg, the Street 750 is far from a lightweight motorcycle. Despite the tight urban conditions, it feels manageable. At the same time, it provides a rather nice riding quality. Street 750 is outfitted with MRF tyres made for the bike, which provide adequate traction in most circumstances. In reality, the Street 750 is the most agile-handling vehicle in the current Harley-Davidson lineup.

The Street 750 continues to provide excellent value as it did when it was introduced in 2014. And now that it has ABS, it has the much-needed safety that the prior bike lacked. If you've been looking for a mid-capacity cruiser motorbike, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 is a great option.

Hyosung Aquila 650

The Hyosung Aquila Pro650 is the largest and most powerful in Hyosung's Aquila series available in India. The design language is reminiscent of classic cruisers, and it is the second most costly Hyosung motorcycle in India. DSK Motowheels manufactures it in India at their factory in Maharashtra.

The Aquila Pro650 is powered by a 647cc 8-valve engine with 5-speed transmission. This engine produces a max power of 74 bhp and a peak torque of 62 Nm. It measures 2330mm long, 840mm broad, and 1150mm height, and has a 1670mm wheelbase. The motorcycle weighs about 240kg.

The motorcycle is based on a perimeter tubular steel chassis. It features an upside-down telescopic front suspension and rear hydraulic double shock absorbers. Dual-piston callipers bite into two 300mm discs at the front and a single-piston calliper 270mm disc at the back to provide stopping force. It rides on 120/70 ZR18 front tyres and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres.

Hyosung's Aquila Pro 650 is a middleweight cruiser. It is well-known for its design and comfortable seat height. Due to the brand's lack of presence in India, this bike is the least aspirational.

Kawasaki Vulcan S 650

Kawasaki India has introduced the arrival of the Vulcan S in our market in 2023. This Japanese manufacturer's RE 650 competitor is offered in a single version and one paint choice for 2024.

The alterations to the 2024 model are restricted to the inclusion of the new colour theme. The style of the 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S stays unchanged. The long and low posture, single-pod headlight, and curving design for the fuel tank. Rider-only saddle and compact exhaust remain unchanged.

The 649cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine still powers the Kawasaki Vulcan S. This motor with a six-speed gearbox produces 59.9 bhp at 7,500rpm and 62.4 Nm at 6,600rpm.

The 2024 model has a perimeter frame, 41mm telescopic front forks, and a preload-adjustable rear mono-shock. A 300mm single disc at the front and a 250mm single rotor at the rear handle braking duties, and the safety net includes dual-channel ABS. The 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S also has a 14-litre gasoline tank, a kerb weight of 235kg, a seat height of 705mm, and a ground clearance of 130mm.

Conclusion

Royal Enfield had introduced the Interceptor 650 at a very appealing price. Throughout its voyage, the motorbike has seen repeated price increases, yet this has not affected its fantastic value-for-money feature. While the design, handling, braking, and ride quality are all remarkable, the 650cc parallel-twin engine has only gotten smoother and more powerful with the BS6 update. Given all of this, the Interceptor 650's starting price is nothing short of a steal. More features would have been nice, but that's debatable given that it's a retro-inspired offering with a focus on simplicity.