Megha Ghai
If you are someone who is thinking of purchasing a bigger motorcycle in India, then the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a bit more than a headline horsepower. The 648 cc parallel twin, traditional roadster handling and wide range of mechanical attributes can make mundane driving fun. The question that should be asked is whether you can live with its weight, service requirements and highway wind exposure. This guide takes the Interceptor as a more sincere ownership position, rather than as a one-night ride to show off.
Who is going to employ the twin-cylinder performance?
The Royal Enfield Interceptor has a 648 cc air and oil-cooled engine and six-speed gearbox, generating around 47 PS and 52 Nm of torque. It provides performance that is much greater than that of a simple commuter, but the benefit is different in different journeys. A moving two-lane road provides flexibility in accelerating and allows the rider to adjust to the speed as they travel along the street. The same engine gives a lot more ability than what the route demands when it’s in a crowded marketplace.
Consider the amount of time spent in your ride outside of busy city traffic. A person using his motorcycle for a 10 minute commute to his office might invest as much time in getting the machine ready to ride as he does in enjoying the open road engine. The Interceptor’s flexibility can come in handy for someone going to an adjacent town frequently. Both users are correct, the machine is rewarding specific patterns of use.
What’s the value of a slow-speed routine?
A lot of performance-bike reviews concentrate on the aspects of the bike past city limits. Ownership starts at an earlier stage, with the motorcycle being pushed into a narrow parking position and balanced on a junction. However, the Interceptor is a significant kerb weight, so it’s worth scrutinising its low speed behaviours. Evaluate controlled U-turns, clutch engagement, and neutral when stopped.
Test your position on an inclined surface. If a rider is able to comfortably touch the ground on a flat showroom floor, they may not feel as confident when one foot comes into contact with a pothole edge. You should wear the shoes you normally wear to work in. In the event that the bicycle is likely to be shared, each regular rider should make their own judgement on the manageable weight of the bike. Being confident standing still is part of performance ownership – it’s not a petty concern.
How to achieve comfort without a big fairing.
The Interceptor’s handle bar and footpegs promote an upright, more natural riding position. That can make the rider feel more relaxed riding across a combination of streets and open roads. But the Interceptor is not a fully faired sports bike: the standard bike is not as protected from the wind. Fatigue can be caused by continuous air pressure or by the poor seal of the helmet, even at legal travel speeds.
Keep in mind the entire touring package, beyond the engine. A luggage bag could affect the load distribution, and a passenger can affect the suspension movement. Saddle up on the bike with as much gear as you are used to riding with, in a safe riding environment. Look at your hands for visibility of mirrors and if wrists are relaxed. The perfect touring motorcycle is one that you can handle at the end of a long ride.
What are the important differences in the specified requirements?
The Interceptor is available in a range of classic wire-spoked and some cast alloy wheels. This difference can impact on wheel maintenance and handling of punctures. The modern range is also equipped with LED lighting, updated switchgear and charging convenience. Don’t be tempted into purchasing the highest quality finish by default, opt for the ones that address genuine needs on your courses.
For instance, if you travel to far-flung destinations where you will need to repair tyres when they go flat, an alloy-wheel setup may be your choice. So often an elegant add-on to a thing may be more useful in a day than a more elaborate and sophisticated cosmetic. Have the dealership show you exactly what the trim is that they’re invoicing and where any extra equipment has been placed that is not on the other cars. Make sure tyres and wheels conform to the official specification for the colour and year of production.
The upkeep of a bigger roadster
Instead of taking ownership from a 100 cc motorcycle, the ownership plan for a 648 cc twin-cylinder motorcycle ought to be based on the requirements for services. Conduct oil, filter, valve and other inspections as outlined in the manual and record work done. Tyres are particularly critical for riders who travel frequently on highways or ride in heavy rain.The care and condition of chains is particularly important for riders who travel regularly on highways or during wet conditions.
Predictable service visits and consumables that are dependent on use should be differentiated when estimating upkeep. When riding hard or much on two-up, brake pads and tyres can wear out faster. The finish of the motorcycle should also be cleaned correctly, as too harsh chemicals can strip away the coating or polishing from the areas. Before finalising a long-term budget, inquire in the local authorised workshop about the common parts costs and availability of appointments.
The main price of the Hunter 350 is not a complete alternative.
Another customer looking for the price of the Hunter 350 but Interceptor might be considering a more affordable option in the form of a 350 cc roadster with twin cylinders. The Hunter is designed for a different kind of experience, and is more suited to “everyday urban use”. Though its ex-showroom rate might be the first thing that strikes you, purchase price shouldn’t be the sole consideration.
Think about engine power, weight, riding stance, tyre selection and maintenance when making your decision. A Hunter can be just fine for most day-to-day trips, and the Interceptor might be a better choice if open-road performance is a top priority. Try out the different seating positions instead of going by brand. It is not worth purchasing more horsepower than necessary, as this can be a waste of money.
The financing and resale need to be addressed early on.
Ask an itemised written quote from the city dealership before booking an item. Make sure you are looking at the same version, the terms of any discount and the accessories or any optional protection packages that are included. When finance is used, compare interest costs over the life of the loan and what it takes to pay it back early or to foreclose. Overall affordability does not imply a manageable EMI.
Future resale value is dependent upon condition, service record, mileage, accident history and demand of the specific trim. Maintaining original documents such as keys and invoices for work that is authorised helps to make it easier for them to be able to sell later. Vigorous exhaust modification or unapproved wiring work could be a turnoff to prospective owners and impact insurance negotiations. Keep the bike in good mechanical condition before you customise it!
A checklist for buying in a way that will please you for many years to come.
Check the manufacturing month and tyre codes, sit on the same motorcycle to be delivered and check warranty terms. Verify proper operation of the side stand and switches, lamps and instruments. Try a test drive by observing how the car handles when it is hot in traffic, how the brakes feel, how the transmission shifts gears and if the seat is comfortable for more than just a short test drive. Use the same type of roads that you think you’ll be using each week, if at all possible.
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a solid option for a rider who’s going to take full advantage of the flexibility of its twin-cylinder engine and appreciate its relaxed roadster design. It doesn’t work so well if you have limited parking or are being cost sensitive. Make the decision only after the engine is proven to be attractive in the basic tasks that all owners must do.
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