For potential buyers: Key practical differences between INT & GT 650

For this comparison, I am ignoring the points where both the Royal Enfield Interceptor and Continental GT 650 are equally good or bad.

BHPian Viju recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Practical differences between the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650

Hi everyone, without any bias towards either motorcycle, would like to understand from a potential buyer's point-of-view as to what are the practical differences between the INT 650 and GT 650. This is keeping aside the subjective points such as styling. Also, for the sake of this comparison, let us please keep aside the other options such as Super Meteor or Shotgun.

PS: I love both the motorcycles equally. I am trying to compare both bikes in out-of-the-box condition, without any accessories or modifications. Also, I am ignoring the points where both are equally good or bad.

Interceptor 650

Pros:

• More relaxed riding position
• More real estate on the handlebar to fix accessories such as a phone mount

Cons:

• Rider triangle is not optimal (most riders seem to need a handlebar riser or rear set pegs)
• Handlebar needs to be moved out of the way to fix the front fork pre-load adjusters
• Stock seat is not comfortable over longer rides

Continental GT 650

Pros:

• Rider triangle is better than the Interceptor
• Easier to fix front fork pre-load adjusters
• Stock seat is (relatively) more comfortable

Cons:

• More committed riding position
• Absolutely no space to mount anything on the clip-ons

These are the points I could decipher by going over the posts in this thread over the years. Would really appreciate it if all of you could pitch in as well. Thanks in advance!

Here's what BHPian aargee had to say about the matter:

A pro GT 650 rider {still} here: because I like to have greater control when riding fast for which a forward-leaning stance is a MUST; the only drawback I felt was the smaller tank capacity, yet I ended up buying INT 650 for 2 reasons:

• Got an extreme tingling sensation on my right pinky finger after riding GT 650 for < 10 Km one way & I couldn't continue due to it; however, when I rode INT 650 immediately after reaching the showroom, the tingling sensation subsided significantly + was able to ride INT 650 for over 35 Km one way
• The front of GT 650 was extremely heavy {suddenly Ninja 650 appeared to be lighter} & IMHO, a cafe racer of that caliber should have a lighter steering or perhaps I need to work out on my biceps & triceps

Here's what BHPian aravind.anand had to say about the matter:

The Interceptor comes with a centre stand, which is very handy when it comes to fixing a puncture or even lubing the chain.

And the CGT now comes with Vredestein tyres which I feel are much better than the Ceats that the Interceptor comes with. My Interceptor has the Vredesteins now.

Personally, coming off a CBR250R, I thought I would like the CGT more. But after the test ride, I understood that since the slim (and slippery) fuel tank on the CGT does not let us grip onto the bike, making the wrist take most of the load. In the case of the CBR or other sports tourers, the tank lets us hold the bike using our legs, so it's faaaar easier to ride around.

I couldn't convince myself to go for the CGT, brought the Interceptor home 5 years ago, and have been happy ever since.

So my advice? Get a test ride and then take the decision.

Here's what BHPian rajeevsulu had to say about the matter:

I test rode the GT 650 and the INT 650 back to back before deciding on the Interceptor.

I was 53 when I did the above and as soon as I sat on the GT, I knew I was too old for it. Too committed a stance, too heavy a front with all the weight on the wrists meant I could not ride for long durations. After 5 kms I decided against it.

The Interceptor is much more relaxed in its riding position and more neutral, so to speak. It makes a lot of sense to me 14 months and 18,000 kms down the line.

I would have definitely gone for the GT if I was even 10 years younger.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.