Royal Enfield Interceptor BS6: Pros, Cons Should You Buy One?

Still worth the asking price?

Royal Enfield introduced the BS6 Interceptor with a significant price hike which may put off some buyers. The fact that it now complies with strict BS6 emission norms also means that it witnesses a minor drop in performance. So does this rob the bike of its value for money quotient? Here’s a list of its strengths and weaknesses that’ll paint a better picture for you:

The Pros

More Refined Than Before?

Despite having undergone strict BS6 emission restrictions, the Interceptor’s power output remains unchanged. What's changed though is the engine tune which results in a minor drop in acceleration times. Having said that, the motor now feels more refined and free-revving than before.

Overall Build Quality

Royal Enfield has really stepped up its game with the 650cc twins. The Interceptor’s paint quality is top-notch and so is its fit and finish levels with clean welds and properly aligned panel gaps. The switchgear plastics and buttons feel robust and built to last.

Lovely Exhaust Note 

Thankfully, the sweet sound of the parallel-twin motor hasn’t changed one bit. It remains one of the best sounding 650s in the Indian market. 

The Cons

Seat Feels Uncomfortable

The seat on the Interceptor works perfectly fine during regular commutes, but it gets quite uncomfortable during long hauls. The narrow seat and soft foam density is too soft for both the pillion and rider meaning you will be taking breaks while going the distance. There is a quick fix through, Royal Enfield offers a touring seat option with a denser seat foam which solves the problem to a certain extent.

Basic Instrument Console 

The retro-looking twin-pod instrument console features a digital insert which displays basic information like the fuel level, an odometer, and two trip meters. We would have loved to see a gear position indicator, clock, and distance-to-empty reading which would have surely added to its practicality quotient.  

Wide Footpegs Tend To Foul With Your Legs

The slightly rearset footpegs paired with the wide handlebars offer a sporty yet comfortable riding posture. However, a large engine crankcase means the footpegs had to be positioned slightly wider than most motorcycles. This placement of the footpegs tends to foul with your ankles when trundling along at crawling speeds or while pushing the motorcycle around in a parking lot. Sure, this isn't a deal-breaker but when you add the bike's 202kg kerb weight into the equation, moving the bike around gets quite annoying.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Interceptor BS6: Road Test Review

Should You Buy One?

Absolutely! The BS6 Interceptor has managed to retain all of the BS4 model’s merits and demerits, except for a minor change in engine performance. The BS6 powerplant witnesses a slight drop in top-end performance, however, it now feels more free-revving and refined than before. All in all, Royal Enfield Interceptor BS6 continues to be the best value-for-money motorcycle in its segment.