Hello all,
I had a test ride of the Interceptor 650 today. I wanted to ride the Continental GT 650 but the test ride bike was unavailable.
Here are my observations after a rather short test ride of 6 km. Please note that my observations are in direct comparison with my 2017 KTM RC 390, and hence my standards are pretty high in most aspects.
1. Bike looks fantastic. At the same time, if you are after attention, it doesn't stand out.
2. It's a pretty big bike when parked. Meaning, you don't feel the size at all once you are on it.
3. Refinement is as comparable to a Japanese 300 cc twin (felt as good as the R3).
4. You can ride as low as 1800 rpm in the city and the engine won't even complain. Perfect for stop go traffic. No need to shift gears often like the KTM. My 390 is as upset as a nagging wife below 3000 rpm. Rideability of the 650 twin is superb, just like the refinement.
5. Slick gearbox!
6. Brakes are very good. It is not as good as the KTM 390 twins(2017+ variants). But it is definitely better than the R3.
7. Bike is NOT heavy. It is surprisingly nimble for a 200+ kg motorcycle. Continental GT 650 is gonna be even better.
8. Power delivery is very linear. If you are after the "surge" of power that one might get from the KTM 390 twins, you will be disappointed.
9. I felt the rev limiter hits too early. Naturally, 7500 rpm isn't a big number, but then while ripping the bike, it somehow feels that you have to upshift prematurely because the limiter takes a dump on your joy.
10. It is still a fast bike. Just not as exciting as the KTM. I am not complaining. It does 100 kmph before you know it.
11. Above average handling for a big bike(can't even compare the RC390 or even the Duke 390 here, they are leagues ahead). But turning radius might kick your butt, specially if you are riding in a crowded metro.
12. Build quality, paint quality, feel of touch and sight is just excellent.
13. That stupid crank case is enormous and fouls with my right foot. I had a tough time reaching for the rear brake as my foot was hitting the crank case first.
13. Exhaust note is sweet. Not too brash, not too soft. It sounds like "hey I am a gentleman, but I can also knock you out within 2 seconds and dump your body by the gutter". It sounds like it wants you to know it has power lurking inside.
14. Engine braking was quite stronger than in other motorcycles.
15. Ride quality is excellent! Absorbs potholes and bumps like its nothing. (reminding you again that all these observations are wrt my 2017 RC 390)
I went for the test ride secretly hoping that it would excite me and I would trade in my 2017 KTM RC 390 for the Continental GT650. But looks like it isnt going to happen. Sure, the 650 twin is better than the KTM in refinement and ride quality. But for someone seeking unadulterated thrill and fun from the motorcycle, 650 twins just won't cut it.
Ok, now let's talk about the bike, not as a KTM 390 user, but as a person who is interested in the 650 twins.
Verdict:
Best Royal Enfield, ever! Refined, comfortable, premium, excellent braking, superb gear box, ABS, grippy tyres, understated yet elegant looks, beautiful exhaust note, Can cruise at 120 all day You can do better "hyper-riding" than the Dominar 400, sure there is a 1 lakh price premium , but boy, it sure is worth it. 650 twin is a much much better motorcycle, in all ways
And let's not forget the extremely VFM price tag. New KTM RC 390/ Duke 390 retail at 2.85 lakhs OTR in Trichy. Base model Interceptor 650 is just 4k more expensive. So, if you are into touring, or into casual riding, and don't want something as edgy as the KTM 390s, the Royal Enfield 650 twins are a much better choice.
Just don't take the number "650cc" very seriously. It doesn't feel like a 650. It feels like a proper 300cc twin in all ways. Royal Enfield has done an amazing job with these two bikes. I don't even complain about 650 being as fast as Japanese 300s. To be as refined, premium and as fast as Japanese 300s is a great feat in itself. And at a price tag much lower than the Ninja 300 and R3, the 650 twins make more sense than either of the Japs, provided they are as reliable as the Japs.
Time for some pictures :
It is a big bike! I am a big guy, (6'2, 112kg) and the bike doesn't look small under me.
A few pics with my 2017 KTM RC 390. Perfect opposite characters of orange here
I prefer the KTM though
And look at the enormous crankcase protruding so much that your foot won't reach the rear brake pedal until you get used to the ergonomics. Mine's a size 12 shoe.
If I have to use the rear brake, my foot has to come forward. If it does, it first rubs the crankcase before it reaches the brake pedal.
Finally the biggest USP of RE 650 twins is this:
![Ridden: Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 & Continental GT 650 Twin-img_20190105_155832983.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/motorbikes/1833858d1688272816t-ridden-royal-enfield-interceptor-650-continental-gt-650-twin-img_20190105_155832983.jpg)
A right bike at the right price!