Royal Enfield Interceptor.

[Mick_J]

Managed to blag a ride on the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 yesterday and I have to say it was real fun.  The engine was quite good and you would never guess that it only had around 47/48 BHP as it pulls quite well.  The gearbox was a real treat, some of the other manufacturers could learn a thing or two about gearboxes from Enfield, it was very light and slick, changing up and down the box without the clutch was a doddle.  The brakes were good even though it only has one disc there was no problems pulling up, it's not top line brembo radial strong but still pretty good.  Suspension and handling were fine at normal (legal) speeds but if you pushed on a bit it soon showed its budget nature but this bike is best at sedate (legal) speeds, rewarding you with a very pleasant ride.  The dials are minimal with a speedo, tacho, and fuel gauge displayed all the time with an odo and two trips which have to be cycled through with a little button between the clocks, it has the usual warning lights for neutral, high beam etc.  The only rider aid is abs.  With its high bars low seat and relatively light weight it was a doddle to move around and doing a full turn in the road with my feet up was very easy.  The only problem for me was that as the seat height is built for your average hobbit and the foot pegs are in front of your hips (very 70's) so it felt like I was sat on the bog, okay for a short ride but I suspect it could get quite uncomfortable after a while.  However the seat is an old school bench seat so moving around was no problem at all.  The Continental GT has slightly lower bars and pegs that are a little further back so I will need to try that one some time.  They were the best-selling bikes in the UK in June and with so many aftermarket parts coming out for it they will be everywhere soon.  I really enjoyed my ride on the little Enfield and I can see why they are selling so well.  Service intervals are very short but according to the dealer the 3000 mile service is basically not much more than an MOT, checking and lubeing everything (which any decent owner should be on top of anyway).

[grog]

Not sure why but wouldnt mind as  a project.

[Notty]

I suppose if you normally ride a Ducati monster and a bmw you would find the enfield fun. 

[grog]

Nasty Notty 😂I dont bag what people ride, everyones choice.Dont agree with some. Reckon it could be fun turning Interceptor into a decent bike. Lots of parts now available, cams,big bore kits, shockies etc. Spending money to fix up what would still be an Enfield? Not sure.

[Notty]

Nasty Notty 😂I dont bag what people ride, everyones choice.Dont agree with some. Reckon it could be fun turning Interceptor into a decent bike. Lots of parts now available, cams,big bore kits, shockies etc. Spending money to fix up what would still be an Enfield? Not sure.

quite agree @grog ! like women we love all the different shapes and rides !! it was aimed at Mick for his hobbit and short comments !! 

[grog]

Want being nasty at all Notty. Enfield a good project but why bother when any type of Bonnie similar but miles ahead. Love Bonnevilles myself.

[Mick_J]

Nasty Notty 😂I dont bag what people ride, everyones choice.Dont agree with some. Reckon it could be fun turning Interceptor into a decent bike. Lots of parts now available, cams,big bore kits, shockies etc. Spending money to fix up what would still be an Enfield? Not sure.

quite agree @grog ! like women we love all the different shapes and rides !! it was aimed at Mick for his hobbit and short comments !! 

Everyone under six feet is a short arse, you're not special Notty. 

[Mick_J]

Nasty Notty 😂I dont bag what people ride, everyones choice.Dont agree with some. Reckon it could be fun turning Interceptor into a decent bike. Lots of parts now available, cams,big bore kits, shockies etc. Spending money to fix up what would still be an Enfield? Not sure.

You've got a point there grog but with the price of them you can make a bloody good bike out of one with all the extras and still spend less than buying a bonnie.  I think the big bore kits can take it out 900cc.