[devil2310]

Hi All,

I am in the US and I am looking to buy a new INT 650. I am curious to know as how may people use it or GT650 as their primary motorcycle?

[NVDucati]

Hi All,

I am in the US and I am looking to buy a new INT 650. I am curious to know as how may people use it or GT650 as their primary motorcycle?

I do(ish). I have other bikes but I can see no reason that I couldn't have just the RE as a primary.

[20MarkIII]

I wouldn't want to use my INT 650 on the Interstates. Trucker turbulence and cross/quartering high winds could cause a bit of buffeting. It's the weight not the drivetrain, etc..

[Greytop]

Hi All,

I am in the US and I am looking to buy a new INT 650. I am curious to know as how may people use it or GT650 as their primary motorcycle?

I'm in the UK and my Interceptor is my only bike having returned to motorcycling after a ~20 year hiatus.
A slightly different proposition to my old FZR1000 but fun never the less

[twocoolgliders]

That is an odd question to me....

Why wouldn't / couldn't one use this as a primary bike?....or a touring bike....or a commuting bike..or a city bike...or a country bike...or an interstate bike, or  a twisty back roads bike?

Cookie

Hi All,

I am in the US and I am looking to buy a new INT 650. I am curious to know as how may people use it or GT650 as their primary motorcycle?

[devil2310]

Well my question was from the reliability point of view and to understand how many people consider these reliable enough to use them as primary bikes.
I know the twins have much better quality as compared to the other bikes royal enfield sells.

That is an odd question to me....

Why wouldn't / couldn't one use this as a primary bike?....or a touring bike....or a commuting bike..or a city bike...or a country bike...or an interstate bike, or  a twisty back roads bike?

Cookie

[devil2310]

Mostly the bike will be used for commuting and riding on back roads but there would be occasional interstate usage too. I guess it should be able to handle occasional rides on the interstate..don't know how much effective a fly screen would be.

I wouldn't want to use my INT 650 on the Interstates. Trucker turbulence and cross/quartering high winds could cause a bit of buffeting. It's the weight not the drivetrain, etc..

[Mav]

The bike is ok on UK motorways, plenty of power to overtake. I wouldn't want to travel for many hours on a motorway with it though. I would say it is as reliable as any bike.

[twocoolgliders]

from my small personal experience..(about 3000 miles) but also from long term reviews on the "net"....the Interceptor 650 is about as reliable as you can get....no major reliability issues.....(possible a few tiny minor issues...but this can happen with any brand of bike)

Even the so called "brand name" bikes are actually built in factories in various countries...like Triumph is built in Thailand.   My Suzuki was built in Spain..my Honda was built in Malaysia...

I thing modern manufacturing methods, as well as computer design has made a pretty level playing field as far as quality over different brands, and places or manufacture.

RE is using Bosch electronics...ECU....ABS brakes etc.  Brakes themselves are Brembo cheepo version, still good...

Hey, if you have doubts aobut "modern" Royal Enfiled..just watch "Itchy Boots"  she's traveled the world, mostly off road..on a Himalaya...


Cookie

Well my question was from the reliability point of view and to understand how many people consider these reliable enough to use them as primary bikes.
I know the twins have much better quality as compared to the other bikes royal enfield sells.

[kramer921]

Mine’s my primary bike.  I live in a big city but take it on longer trips regularly (a mix of highways and backroads); I find it’s great for the city and totally adequate for the rest. 

I’ve only ever owned naked cafes and standards, though, so it could be a case of not knowing what I’m missing.

[mwmosser]

Mostly the bike will be used for commuting and riding on back roads but there would be occasional interstate usage too. I guess it should be able to handle occasional rides on the interstate..don't know how much effective a fly screen would be.

Here in Texas even our side roads qualify as high-speed roads, and our freeways are generally 70+ mph (which means traffic moves sometimes near 90). I keep to the slow lane, and under 80, and it's stable with knees gripping tank. Some wobbles because the tires are not the greatest, but nothing dangerous. Flyscreen, for me at least, doesn't seem to do much. I'm 5'8" and the wind seems to hit me right in the helmet. But I keep it on to give me a place to mount the TXTag toll pass, plus it protects the USB socket which I got from Hitchcock. I don't ride in to work because I don't like commuting in our miserable traffic, so I'm mostly a weekend morning rider.

[gizzo]

That is an odd question to me....

Why wouldn't / couldn't one use this as a primary bike?....or a touring bike....or a commuting bike..or a city bike...or a country bike...or an interstate bike, or  a twisty back roads bike?

Cookie

Because 'Murica.  The rest of the world would ride around the planet on a SR500 but in the US a bike under 650cc is only good for a trip to the shops 

[NVDucati]

Because 'Murica.  The rest of the world would ride around the planet on a SR500 but in the US a bike under 650cc is only good for a trip to the shops 

Obviously, you have spent some time here in The 'Murica. Until recently I had a K1200RS and going from California to Colorado, I spent a lot of time testing to find 7th gear 

Still, the RE 650 would be fine to ride coast to coast. (just need to add that beer and pizza holder)

[gizzo]

Obviously, you have spent some time here in The 'Murica. Until recently I had a K1200RS and going from California to Colorado, I spent a lot of time testing to find 7th gear 

Still, the RE 650 would be fine to ride coast to coast. (just need to add that beer and pizza holder)

 

[EmmKay2018]

Here in Texas even our side roads qualify as high-speed roads, and our freeways are generally 70+ mph (which means traffic moves sometimes near 90). I keep to the slow lane, and under 80, and it's stable with knees gripping tank. Some wobbles because the tires are not the greatest, but nothing dangerous. Flyscreen, for me at least, doesn't seem to do much. I'm 5'8" and the wind seems to hit me right in the helmet. But I keep it on to give me a place to mount the TXTag toll pass, plus it protects the USB socket which I got from Hitchcock. I don't ride in to work because I don't like commuting in our miserable traffic, so I'm mostly a weekend morning rider.

Agree. I've mostly driven in the countryside evenings, mornings and weekends. It is a fantastic bike for pleasure riding. Once in a while I ride on freeways when I have no choice, and my observation is that if you go above 80mph with winds 12mph+, you will feel the wobble/shake/vibration. The flyscreen is mostly ornamental, and I have a tall one. I am close to 6ft in height, and hardly see any difference on wind, but does a decent job on bugs - hence it is called flyshield, not windshield 

[twocoolgliders]

Hey, I resemble that remark!     My "other" bike is....no, not an SR500.....no.....wait for it....An SR400 !!!!

I've owned (starting from smallest power plant to largest...)

Bicycles (1/4 hp (me))
125cc  (7 hp)
150cc   (7-1/2hp)
250cc   (18 hp)
400cc  (27 hp)
500cc  (45 hp)
and now..

The huge and powerful, luxurious, cruisin' ... RE INT650..!!!   47 hp...hold me back!



Cookie

 

Because 'Murica.  The rest of the world would ride around the planet on a SR500 but in the US a bike under 650cc is only good for a trip to the shops 

[GSS]

The bike itself is reliable and solid for primary use. As previously mentioned in other posts, the Brazilian manufactured Pirellis can sometimes be a little out of round and better tires do help with higher speed rides. Really no issues beyond the minor stuff you would see with any other manufacturer.

[gizzo]

Hey, I resemble that remark!     My "other" bike is....no, not an SR500.....no.....wait for it....An SR400 !!!!


Cookie

It's on my list of things to do.

[agagliardi]

Depends on certain factors.
  AGE: As an 18 yr. old with high T, I rode my 72 350 Honda from Long Island , NY to Montreal for a night with a girl. Would not do that now. No longer have enough T and ass padding.
   LOCATION: The RE 650 is my favorite bike for county roads, twisties, within the city, and generally between 40 and 60 MPH. 

I love the bike, and could certainly have it as my only ride. But let's face it, there are other machines that could handle high speed interstates and and 12 hour days in the saddle a bit better, Granted those machines would lack the same grin factor as the RE in it's element.

PRICE POINT: What's in your wallet. RE 650 shines

[jimku]

My Interceptor is my only motorcycle and is therefore my primary motorcycle and will remain so.

[Bilgemaster]

My primary ride is an old "Iron Belly" Bullet 500, and I probably could have managed with a 350 for my "following-Grandma-to-the-Doctor" riding style. So, you'll find little sympathy here if you cannot make a 650 work for you.

[olhogrider]

I am lucky. I have four bike to choose from but the 650 is my "primary". It is just plain fun!

[gizzo]

My primary ride is an old "Iron Belly" Bullet 500, and I probably could have managed with a 350 for my "following-Grandma-to-the-Doctor" riding style. So, you'll find little sympathy here if you cannot make a 650 work for you.

Same here. My go to bike is worse than a RE 650. But I'll happily get on my 535 Continental GT and ride it interstate on multi 1000 km trips. It's fine. In Australia we don't have the same level of homicidal driving behavior as you guys in the states seem to endure.

[devil2310]

Thank you all for your inputs and comments. This has definitely put my  concerns to rest and I am going to test ride it very soon.

[Haggisman]

I haven't ridden my Suzuki 1250 Bandit since I got my Interceptor, got to sell the Bandit

[etlans]

I would think twice about it. That is a fantastic motorbike, but there are some things that you have to know and to get used to. For example, the speed changing option is tricky a little bit. You have to be very careful because when you are not very close with the bike it can cause you problems on the road. As a solution, I can suggest you going to a place like motorbike rental in Portugal and try to see if this bike is available for rental. If so, take this opportunity to be sure that this bike is the right option for you. If you have any other questions, feel free to write me a PM.

[biscot]

What is the "speed changing option"?

[wachuko]

What is the "speed changing option"?

I don't know.... gearbox??? 

And sorry... could not help myself...

[wachuko]

Oh, and devil2310 did ended up getting one 

https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/index.php?topic=28707.msg329464#msg329464

[devil2310]

Yes I did

[Effektor]

Because 'Murica.  The rest of the world would ride around the planet on a SR500 but in the US a bike under 650cc is only good for a trip to the shops 

It's true. We don't have to live like third worlders, so we don't. 

In all seriousness though, as much as I like my RE, it's not nearly as capable as many of the other bikes I've owned for racking up miles on a busy interstate. But since I don't rack up miles an a busy interstate any more, I'm selling or sold off the bigger bikes.

[Karl Fenn]

Well l am like you, l used to rack up tens of thousands of miles, however l would not say as yet l see any evidence to suggest the RE is any more unreliable that any other bike, although l don't travel 500 miles a day anymore as yet l see no reason to suggest it's unreliability, the point is the bike has great capabilities on motorways, l assure you with the wind a 100 mph can become very uncomfortable especially sitting in an upright position not doable for any length of time.

[JettaKnight]

I wouldn't want to use my INT 650 on the Interstates. Trucker turbulence and cross/quartering high winds could cause a bit of buffeting. It's the weight not the drivetrain, etc..

My commute takes me on a three lane freeway. I'm not sure if the speedo is right, but I've seen 90 MPH a few times.

[JettaKnight]

What is the "speed changing option"?

Was something lost in translation? I'm pretty sure English isn't their primary language.

And it's odd that user's first post is dumping on the Interceptor.

[GravyDavy]

I know this is a necro-thread, but I'll throw in my two cents:

My Interceptor is my only bike. It works on everything from sketchy barely-a-driveway dirt roads to Interstate 81 (one of if not the worst road for heavy truck traffic in the USA).  Yep, at 75-80mph it gets bounced around some by the turbulence off the trucks.  And it's quite heavy and cumbersome on rough off-camber gravel roads at 7mph. But it does it all and gets 60mpg in the process.. So it's fully functional as a primary motorcycle.

[NVDucati]

I know this is a necro-thread, but I'll throw in my two cents:

My Interceptor is my only bike. It works on everything from sketchy barely-a-driveway dirt roads to Interstate 81 (one of if not the worst road for heavy truck traffic in the USA).  Yep, at 75-80mph it gets bounced around some by the turbulence off the trucks.  And it's quite heavy and cumbersome on rough off-camber gravel roads at 7mph. But it does it all and gets 60mpg in the process.. So it's fully functional as a primary motorcycle.

+1

[RalphG]

This post-adolescent, 84 year old rider has never been accused of having a death wish and hopes to make it to the century mark in another 16 years.  My '21 Interceptor is my primary bike.  Tomorrow, I'll spend some time on I-35 as I ride a loop from Bee Cave, TX to San Marcos via back roads and then, temporarily, from San Marcos to Kyle on I-35, zipping along with the big rigs but mostly joining them in the slow (sic) lane.  My bike has been lightened by 30# and I tip the scale (very slightly) at 134#.  I have never felt anxiety with "wake turbulence" from big rigs passing me.  Maybe 68 years of regular riding have tuned out any panic attacks I may have had when younger. Or, perhaps I suppress them to justify my exposure to the high risks inherent, to some, in freeway riding.

Enjoy your Gold Whales, Chiefs and Ultraglides.

Ralph

[Breezin]

This post-adolescent, 84 year old rider has never been accused of having a death wish and hopes to make it to the century mark in another 16 years.  My '21 Interceptor is my primary bike.  Tomorrow, I'll spend some time on I-35 as I ride a loop from Bee Cave, TX to San Marcos via back roads and then, temporarily, from San Marcos to Kyle on I-35, zipping along with the big rigs but mostly joining them in the slow (sic) lane.  My bike has been lightened by 30# and I tip the scale (very slightly) at 134#.  I have never felt anxiety with "wake turbulence" from big rigs passing me.  Maybe 68 years of regular riding have tuned out any panic attacks I may have had when younger. Or, perhaps I suppress them to justify my exposure to the high risks inherent, to some, in freeway riding.

Enjoy your Gold Whales, Chiefs and Ultraglides.

Ralph

Brilliant. Just brilliant. Hope for us all! 

[Karl Fenn]

Well it will do a ton if you got a long enough road but l think that's a bit much for that engine l think cruising is best at 70 or 80 more than adequate to hold its own against modern traffic.

[zimmemr]

Was something lost in translation? I'm pretty sure English isn't their primary language.

And it's odd that user's first post is dumping on the Interceptor.

It also seems odd that the OP assumes the average guy owns more than one motorcycle.  I know a lot of us on the forum do, but I doubt many of us would consider ourselves "average motorcycle owners." Overall I wonder how many motorcycle owners in general own more than one bike?

Just to add another "when I started riding" comment. If a bike like the Interceptor had been available when I started riding it would have been the most sophisticated bike on the planet and capable of doing anything you could think off. Why would you think it's not just as capable and reliable as any other motorcycle being built in it's class today?

[biscot]

I've been riding motorcycles since 1958. Owned my share, but never more than one at a time. Love to now, but wife says no. Oh, well. Interceptor is enough for what I do. Not the fastest I've owned, but I'm past traveling beyond the horizon these days.
If I were doing a trans-world trip I'd probably do some research - I'd hate to be stuck somewhere in Mongolia. Maybe a Himalayan would be a good choice, but not so good on the US interstates or the AutoBahns. Choices.

[Karl Fenn]

Well this is good point, l have had many 130 mph plus machines over the decades, however the roads and conditions have transformed beyond recognition, where can you use 130 mph anymore with all the traffic flow, with the question of reliability many of the newer bikes are proving not so reliable as they once were.

[mwmosser]

Hi All,

I am in the US and I am looking to buy a new INT 650. I am curious to know as how may people use it or GT650 as their primary motorcycle?

It's my primary (and only) bike, but I only ride on weekends around here. Not commuting, or on interstates.

[GordonH]

Given its modern design and production techniques (on a state of the art new production line) and under stressed mechanicals, I’ve got no doubt these will be reliable bikes and complete all rounders.

I was attracted to the Interceptor as a replacement for my written off 1200RS as I felt the BM was just too sterile and soulless and I wanted something more than speed and efficiency after 44 yrs of biking(my previous BM, an R1150R had far more character, and was more engaging as a result, pity it burned more oil than fuel......a common oil head trait!).

I intend to use The Interceptor for all my biking needs - back roads, city work, long haul touring.  I have no doubt that it will cope admirably.   I just have to adjust my mindset in terms of the available performance, although having said that, it’s probably just as quick in real life as the BM for 90% of my riding.

Like my other bike, a 79 MZ TS250, it just has that “feel” about it that suggests a long life........and its a whole lot quicker than the MZ.........but alas, doesn’t smell as good!

[Karl Fenn]

I have had a long string of BMW s over 25 years, l think the reality is l doubt you would notice the difference in speed, what you find is the savings in petrol and insurance.

[Tony in Glendale]

I recently turned 60, and this thread has been an inspiration to me.  Thanks guys!

[Jack Straw]

You're welcome,  we like to help you youngsters.

[Voun]

Ah, the good two stroke oil smell, sometimes I follow young guys on mopeds and it reminds me of so many good memories ...
Even better, some of them are using Castrol R, or similar, better than Chanel #5 to my nose !