Discussions and Questions Royal Enfield - Page 33
How is the Interceptor 350 made for long distance touring?
13 January 2025 06:36
The Interceptor 350 has been great, I've done a few 500+ mile trips and it's been great! I am comfortable all day in the upright seating position. All you need to do is add a windscreen and some soft luggage and you’re ready to roll.
How is the Interceptor 350 made for long distance touring?
13 January 2025 06:36
Weekend trips are fine, but I wouldn’t want to cross the country on one. After a few hours the vibrations start to get to you and the lack of wind protection is tiring on highways.
How is the Interceptor 350 made for long distance touring?
13 January 2025 06:36
With a few mods, it's a decent tourer. Simple; upgrade the seat, add a small fairing and maybe the suspension. It won't be a Gold Wing, but it will do the job with a bit of charm.
How is the Interceptor 350 made for long distance touring?
13 January 2025 06:36
Touring on my Interceptor is great! It's not the fastest or the most high tech, but there is something special about covering miles on simple, reliable machine. It makes you slow down and enjoy the ride.
How is the Interceptor 350 made for long distance touring?
13 January 2025 06:36
It all depends on what you’d expect. It's not much good if you're used to big touring bikes. However, it can be a fun, rewarding way to see the country if you come at it with the right mindset.
How is the Interceptor 350 made for long distance touring?
13 January 2025 06:36
I would say that it's more of a 'light touring' bike. Great for weekend trips or back road explorations, but not for serious long distance travel.
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!
Is the Interceptor 650 a really good daily commuter?
10 January 2025 12:29
I commute 100 miles round trip each day on an Interceptor, and I have to disagree. After an hour, the stock seat becomes torture and highways lack wind protection. The fuel efficiency is also plus, because I am stopping for gas way too often. A fun weekend bike but for serious daily use? Out there, there are better options.
Is the Interceptor 650 a really good daily commuter?
10 January 2025 12:29
Depends on your commute, I think. It’s great for short city rides. After 30 minutes on the highway you’ll start to feel it. Higher speeds can be annoying with the vibrations, and you won't have modern features such as a gear indicator in heavy traffic. It’s a style vs. practicality trade off.
Is the Interceptor 650 a really good daily commuter?
10 January 2025 12:29
You guys don't get the point of the Interceptor! It's not an hyper efficient commuter. It’s about having fun, even if it’s on the way to work. Yeah, it's got its quirks, but that's what make it intriguing. Every time I start it up I smile, and isn’t that what motorcycling is all about?
Is the Interceptor 650 a really good daily commuter?
10 January 2025 12:29
It's been a decent all rounder. It was not perfect, but could work for most situations. The trick is to mod a few things, seat, small windscreen, maybe a few ergonomic tweaks. With those tweaks it’s a much more capable daily rider without losing its classic appeal.
How does the Interceptor 650 fare as a two-up tourer?
10 January 2025 12:29
I ride two up regularly with my girlfriend and the Interceptor handles it surprisingly well. The extra weight doesn’t bother the torquey engine, and the long seat means there’s plenty of room for a passenger. It's stable at highway speeds as well. All you have to do is be ready for more often fuel stops!
How does the Interceptor 650 fare as a two-up tourer?
10 January 2025 12:29
Eh, I'm not so sure. I found the suspension can very quickly get overwhelmed with a passenger, especially on bumpy roads. Of course, the engine copes, but you definitely miss acceleration. For short trips, it’s fine, but for longer rides I would love something that had more power and better suspension.
How does the Interceptor 650 fare as a two-up tourer?
10 January 2025 12:29
It's all about expectations. How comfortable is it compared to a big touring bike? No. It does the job for a mid sized retro, however. It's fine for weekend getaways, my wife and I use it. If you're doing it often though, you might want to look at a better rear suspension setup.
How does the Interceptor 650 fare as a two-up tourer?
10 January 2025 12:29
People underestimate the Interceptor for two up riding I think. It’s not perfect out of the box, but with a few mods like a better seat and better shocks, it makes a great bike for couples. It’s a fun shared experience and has the classic look and easy going nature.
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’ve had my Interceptor for three years and it’s been rock solid. That’s really true about any bike, but regular maintenance is key. A lot of the reliability concerns are, I think, left over prejudice from RE's older models. It's a modern engine and the 650 twin proves it.
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.
Are the reliability worries about the Interceptor 650 overblown?
10 January 2025 12:29
I think it’s just a question of where you live and how you keep it. It’s quite reliable in India where parts and service are readily available. I’ve heard horror stories from people from other countries about how it’s a nightmare to get things fixed. Before buying, it's something to consider.
Are the reliability worries about the Interceptor 650 overblown?
10 January 2025 12:29
The issue about the frame crack is real, and thus shouldn't be ignored. It may not affect everyone, but that it has happened to more than one owner is worrisome. This needs to be dealt with more openly by RE. Of course, the engine itself seems to hold up pretty well.
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