The Royal Enfield 650 Twins Appreciation Thread

[Mr Meeseeks]

As the last Interceptor 650 thread was derailed with off-topic nonsense, I thought we could use a specific Royal Enfield 650 Twin thread that focuses specifically on the Interceptor and Continental GT models. Fitting as they are about to start building them in Chonburi at a new assembly plant, following Triumph and Harley-Davidson in their Thai based motorcycle production.

 

Now based in India with a design office in the UK, Royal Enfield are the oldest motorcycle brand in constant, continuous production. If you want to know the history of the company, I will make another post below or just check Wikipedia... 

 

I have been a Royal Enfield Interceptor owner since they came out in 2019. I always wanted a modern classic twin and I was looking at buying a Triumph Street Twin when this bike was launched. After extensive research I could barely find any negative reviews of the bike, and in comparisons with the Street Twin, the Interceptor often came out on top. At half the price and with a three-year warranty I bought a new one from Royal Enfield Pattaya. It should be noted I test drove both prior to purchase and there wasn't much in it, if anything the Interceptor edged it because of the gearbox. 

 

What I love about the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650:

The noise - It has a 270-degree crank, so the engine noise is nothing short of glorious, similar to a V-Twin.

Upright, comfortable riding position.

Loads of aftermarket customisation options are available.

Looks are stunning when it has a polish, a real modern classic.

Gearbox and slipper clutch - pleasant to drive, engaging and one of the best gearboxes I have driven on a bike.

The price. Best value big bike on the market without any question.

Three year warranty and roadside service from new.

Reliability - excellent reliability and build quality.

Simple - you can work on this bike yourself.

 

What I don't like (or what you might not like):

Some parts are of questionable quality - indicator lights, hand and foot levers, mirrors etc. Easy to replace and there are loads of aftermarket options.

I had a fuel relay issue which was fixed by replacing all the relays, not expensive but troublesome to diagnose the idling issues from new.

No storage on the bike, not even under the seat.

Higher riding position than the Triumph Street Twin, might not suit shorter riders.

Stock mudguards look naff.

Casing covers need constant polishing and care to keep them looking tip top.

 

Please do not post nonsense about reliability of the Himalayan or other older models, this is a Twins thread, if you want to discuss other RE models start your own thread. 

[Mr Meeseeks]

Some resources here for quality aftermarket parts:

 

Hitchcocks UK: https://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/

 

TEC Bike Parts UK: https://www.tecbikeparts.com/products/shop-parts/royal-enfield/

 

BAAK Motorcycles France (some stunning RE 650 builds): https://www.baakmotocyclettes.com/en/16-royal-enfield/s-1/category-parts/parts-royal_enfield/brand_2-royal_enfield/universe-motorcycle

[Mr Meeseeks]

 

[canthai55]

Wish they would offer cast wheels

[Mariuss]

Hello, I really appreciate you start this thread.

 

Do you know when are they going to sell the new 2021 colors? I've been asking to RE Thailand but actually they do not have a clue.

 

Btw, the Italian limited edition is stunning but I'm afraid we are going to missing it out!

 

 

 

Edited August 16, 2021 by Mariuss

[Maybole]

Is it still a pushrod engine?

[Kinnock]

22 minutes ago, Maybole said:

Is it still a pushrod engine?

Nope ..... OHC 8 valve.

 

Only the Classic 350 and 500 singles are pushrod - the new 350 Meteor, the Himalayan and the 650 twins are all OHC

[Mr Meeseeks]

11 hours ago, Mariuss said:

Hello, I really appreciate you start this thread.

 

Do you know when are they going to sell the new 2021 colors? I've been asking to RE Thailand but actually they do not have a clue.

 

Btw, the Italian limited edition is stunning but I'm afraid we are going to missing it out!

 

 

 

Yeh they look mint. Love the black powder-coating on the covers.

[EVENKEEL]

I sold mine recently a 2020 model. As you wrote earlier "Casing covers need constant polishing and care to keep them looking tip top"  Very true, mine got a bit of corrosion I was unable to buff out. Both sides. I had the A&E pipes I bought in Pattaya for 14K tbh. With stock pipes it was just too quiet. Had the large engine guards 3,000 tbh and the rear luggage rack holder, never got the bags but it worked great for an ice chest to the beach. It was a great bike, reason for selling I wanted larger bike. It was just the right bike to start riding after many years not having a large bike. 

[Kinnock]

I've considering a used Interceptor - as they seem to be great value used, seen some with low Km at around 140,000 THB.

 

Seems that in Thailand, only Honda holds value on the used market?

[EVENKEEL]

2 minutes ago, Kinnock said:

I've considering a used Interceptor - as they seem to be great value used, seen some with low Km at around 140,000 THB.

 

Seems that in Thailand, only Honda holds value on the used market?

Sold mine 2020 model for 160K with 20K extras, 7000km.

[Kinnock]

10 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

Sold mine 2020 model for 160K with 20K extras, 7000km.

Yep ..... a good deal for the new owner.  

[canthai55]

On 8/16/2021 at 9:03 PM, Mariuss said:

Do you know when are they going to sell the new 2021 colors?

If this came with mag wheels I would get one.

Narong seat, Ohlins, good to go

Edited August 19, 2021 by canthai55

[siam dreamers]

My favorite thing about my interceptor is the feeling I get riding it. I grew up watching my brother and their friends riding Honda 450, Honda 750, norton command, Triumph, bsa and then a Kawasaki 900. I wanted what I consider a "normal looking bike" and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. This bike has surpassed any expectations I had.  I ride almost every day and every time I am on this bike I couldn't be happier. 

[Maybole]

On 8/16/2021 at 5:24 PM, Kinnock said:

Nope ..... OHC 8 valve.

 

Only the Classic 350 and 500 singles are pushrod - the new 350 Meteor, the Himalayan and the 650 twins are all OHC

Hurray!

[Mr Meeseeks]

On 8/16/2021 at 5:15 PM, canthai55 said:

Wish they would offer cast wheels

Will be an option on the new models I have heard.

[Mr Meeseeks]

On 8/19/2021 at 6:31 PM, siam dreamers said:

My favorite thing about my interceptor is the feeling I get riding it. I grew up watching my brother and their friends riding Honda 450, Honda 750, norton command, Triumph, bsa and then a Kawasaki 900. I wanted what I consider a "normal looking bike" and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. This bike has surpassed any expectations I had.  I ride almost every day and every time I am on this bike I couldn't be happier. 

Freddie Dobbs on YouTube said, aside from that it was a great bike, that the Interceptor is the only modern classic that feels like a proper classic motorcycle when you ride it. I think that is a pretty accurate description.  

[Mr Meeseeks]

On 8/19/2021 at 5:49 PM, canthai55 said:

If this came with mag wheels I would get one.

Narong seat, Ohlins, good to go

Same as mine. ????

 

Glitter and Dust colourway which is now discontinued.