Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a beautiful-looking retro-style motorcycle. With its round headlamps, twin-pod instrument console, flat seat, and chrome mudguard, it maintains the nostalgic appearance of a 70’s motorcycle. While it may not have the same road presence as the Royal Enfield Classic 350, it definitely looks impressive if you are into retro motorcycles. The paint quality is excellent, and the bike displays high levels of craftsmanship with clean welds and even panel gaps.

The switchgear plastics and buttons feel sturdy and durable, ensuring longevity. Royal Enfield provides a range of accessories for customization.

Despite the BS6 restrictions, the Interceptor's power output remains the same. However, there is a slight adjustment in the engine tune, resulting in a minor drop in acceleration. The updated 650cc engine now feels more refined and free-revving, although the top-end performance seems to be dialled down a bit. In practical terms, you might only notice the power difference when cruising at higher speeds.

The engine has a tractable nature, allowing comfortable city riding even in higher gears. On the highway, it delivers excellent mid-range performance. The only noticeable impact at higher speeds is a slightly longer overtaking time. The gear ratios remain unchanged, allowing the BS6 Interceptor to maintain a steady 5000rpm at 120kmph. Thanks to a slip-and-assist system, the light clutch actuation eases bumper-to-bumper traffic rides. While city mileage remains similar to its BS6 predecessor at 25.35kmpl, the BS6 Interceptor shows significant improvement in mileage on the highway, BS4 offered 26.82kmpl whereas BS6 offers 33.17kmpl. With a 13.4-litre fuel tank, you can expect a range of around 450km.

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 retains its established underpinnings. The chassis, developed by Harris Performance, traces back its roots in the sweet-handling Royal Enfield Continental GT 535. The softer suspension setup compromises some agility but works well around the corners. The Pirelli Phantom SportComp tyres offer good grip on straight roads but lack confidence while cornering. While not highly manoeuvrable, the bike feels stable at high speeds, making it suitable for touring. In the city, the handlebar feels a bit heavy, reminding you of the bike's weight.

The soft suspension and large tyres allow the Interceptor to handle uneven surfaces smoothly at high speeds, but it tends to bottom out on sharp edges or potholes. Surprisingly, the braking performance on the Interceptor BS6 was disappointing compared to its BS4 predecessor, possibly due to the brakes not being fully bedded in. Despite its tendency to bottom out, the bike doesn't scrape its underbelly on speed breakers, even with a pillion rider.

The Interceptor 650 has a long plush bench-type seat, that’s comfortable enough for commutes. However, with the seat being too soft and narrow, it becomes uncomfortable on long rides. The bike has an easily accessible braced handlebar and mid-set footpegs, providing a relaxed riding position. The narrow seat makes it suitable for shorter riders to easily place their feet on the ground while taller riders also sit comfortably.

Royal Enfield has given the Interceptor BS6 a cool retro look. The LED headlight offers a touch of modernity to the retro roadster. It also provides better illumination at night as compared to the previous halogen ones. However, the tail light and turn signals are still regular bulbs.

The twin-pod instrument console hasn't changed much and still features analogue dials with a digital inset that shows fuel level, odometer and has two trip meters. If it had a clock, distance-to-empty reading, and gear position indicator, it would be even better.

Royal Enfield has truly excelled with the Interceptor 650. It's a powerful, refined, and reliable motorcycle, ticking all the right boxes. The Interceptor 650 is a well-rounded bike, it seamlessly blends classic riding vibes with modern features. The smooth parallel-twin engine delivers sufficient power for both everyday commuting and long-distance touring. With its comfortable riding position, it becomes a delight for long rides, making the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 a solid choice for riders seeking a versatile retro motorcycle with a unique character.