Back in the day (for me at least) spoked wheels with tubed tires were used by almost everyone (late 1960s, early 1970s) and no one complained or seemed to have problems. Also, a 650cc bike was considered to be a fairly large displacement with 750cc being essentially the largest displacement normally seen at that time (there were exceptions of course, but very few). A friend and I rode our 1971 Honda CB450s on a long high speed trip that covered almost 2,000 miles in 2 weeks. All day long at 75-80 mph was the norm.Tubed tires and 'only' 450cc. We thought we were riding relatively large displacement bikes (plenty large enough for that trip at least) and the tubed tires gave no troubles at all. I do recall we had to frequently lube and adjust the final drive chains. No such thing as o-ring chains back then. But the bikes were bulletproof and more than up to the task (110mph top speed as I recall).
There’s nothing wrong with tubed tyres, I still have a couple of bikes with them, I think the point I was meaning to make, albeit, unsuccessfully is that if you do get a puncture, it is do much easier with a tubeless tyre, not that tuned tyres are unreliable.
@@lacix22 100% mate ! I really enjoy my Meteor 350 but definitely wouldn't mind upgrading to an Interceptor 650.. or a Super Meteor if they release new colours for it.
I Love my 2021 Interceptor , Silver wheels , Chrome Tank ........Mods I did was to get rid of the silly trail bike handle bars and fitted Western bars , K&N Air filter , One tooth larger front drive sprocket ,Alloy Finned oil cover , LED Headlight and finally a clock on the handlebars ......Raising the gearing really made a difference on the highway .......stock exhausts are fine .
Hey Todd, thanks for being our guide for the day, it was a great day. I reckon RE needs to do a factory paint job like your Interceptor, because that looks awesome.
I live in the Colonies... Glendale, Arizona... Told my dealer I may be looking for a Daily Rider...R.E... Bottom Line... He said he couldn't honestly recommend R.E... Great Stuff... Thanks for posting...👍👍👍
I’m not sure why the dealer wouldn’t recommend RE. My partner has nearly 40000 kms on her Continental GT, no issues apart from one flat tyre when she got a puncture. And simply to work on at home if you have a basic knowledge of Motorcycle maintenance
@@dwightbernheimer331 I couldn't disagree with your dealer more. My parter uses her Continental GT as a daily, and even though I have a few bikes, my go to daily for commuting is the 350 Meteor we have had for 18 months, quality is good, and it's very economical to run.
I agree. LED rear and indicators. Spoked tubeless wheel-tyres. Readjustment of foot peg and gear/brake levers, maybe better seat. And nothing else. The stock silencers are too heavy. I changed mine.
Have you tried the BSA Goldstar here in the UK a UA-cam channel called the Bingley Wheeler, who has owned both the classic and Intercepter for a year and now has the super meteor, test rode the BSA and was impressed by it, even going as far as to say it was better than the RE for the retro style and mid range torque 😊
Unfortunately the BSA Goldstar is not available in Australia as present, and not sure it ever will be. Most importers here seem uninterested as far as I can see, which is a shame. I’d love to ride one, because I think they look great.
Unfortunately the build quality of the bsa is known to be very bad, quite a few videos of people buying them who now want to sell, also why you're starting to see so many second hand on the market now. Maybe they changed things i dont know. But the build quality of the re is superior to bsa. Lot of people who didnt own but were sponsored to make bsa video just bullshitted
@@danielkerr4100 Mmm that's possibly the earliest ones, we had a few bad reviews here last year, but most of the recent ones are very favourable, and as I mentioned one just last week was by a older guy who actually owned an Intercepter for a year and was comparing it to his own RE 🤷🏻♂️
Thank you so much for the update. Just cant get myself to get the INT, the cosmetic changes are just not enough. Please add a few more ponies. And get rid of those tubed tires, unless they are tubeless and I missed it. I was just about to purchase a used one, and after riding an 03 Triumph America, The 800 was just to much to pass up vs the INT 650. Not massive difference but enough that here in American free ways it counts.
I love My Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and travel on her full time. I was real sad that they didn't change to belt drive. It was such a pain always having to stop to clean, lube, and adjust a chain every 1,000km/621mi which I can do in one day. I converted to Belt Drive. I also like the looks of the Super Meteor but again was sad there was no belt drive. Over 20,000 miles with no chain lube mess, and not even having to adjust the belt makes me a happy rider. Maybe you could drop a comment in their suggestion box 😉
I have a few shaft drive bikes, even less maintenance and probably more reliable than both belt and chain...but also heavier. What did you have to do to convert your Interceptor to belt drive? Sounds like a great option.
@@BikerTorque Bought a kit from Bandidos Pitstop and installed it in a motel parking lot. I just did the math and have 34,000 miles on the belt with no maintenance except the initial tightening of the belt at 3,000 miles. Happy camper 🥓🏍🏕
@@BikerTorque No drop in power. Their gear ratio was one tooth different which gave a touch more torque off the start which I don't care about. The only thing some might take as a negative is to change the belt you have to remove the rear wheel and swing arm bolt to replace the belt. A chain with a master link is easier. This is not a negative to me considering the many miles of maintenance free riding. And I did my whole conversion in a motel parking lot. Video to come. I recently had someone say their Sportster belt went 100,000 miles.
I am a new Super meteor owner. I would like to know, how fast are you going in sixth gear at 4,000 RPM? because that is the do not exceed RPM for the first 300 miles and I don't have a tachometer on my bike.
Firstly congrats on the new Super Meteor, great bike. I'm actually no sure but form memory about 90-100 kms per hour in top gear at 4000 rpm, could be wrong though.
@@sanjeevdm I know traditionally tubeless spoked wheels have been the domain of Adventure bikes but in all honesty I can’t see why you couldn’t put the on a road bike, they look great and are extremely practical, so why not
They're way more expensive than the traditional spoke wheels or alloys. There are only two companies globally which hold patents to these, hence the price. I'm not sure that Royal Enfield would want to upset their strongest point regarding the Interceptor and Continental GT, which is PRICE. The Himalayan is a niche product, and is being clearly positioned as such so RE will offer that as an option.
well it is well suited for US/EU where you have less traffic , for cut throat indian city traffics it is cumbersome to ride fast since agility is compromised , so hunter with 350 and more agile feedback is easy to maintain constant good speed and squeeze through the traffic , Since this is having two 325cc parallel cylinders at slower speeds a 350 cc is better relaxed motorccyle, however for highway cruising this will give you a comfortable edge over the 350s, try the supermeteor next which is ultra reined than this one.
Do not be fooled by the Super Meteors better fit and finish.other than it's upgraded brakes the Interceptor is a better bike.,more agile ,lighter, faster and it has a real frame below it's engine instead of the lower frame delete of the S.M. It is the better bike.
Certainly not blinding, more of a statement that the stock headlight isn’t as bright as the LED. Also pretty sure LED lights are much more than a fashion statement
@tony5oos if the 10 pounds per horsepower of the 650INT isn't enough, imagine the SM650 with the same power and 65-70 additional pounds; that puts it at almost 12 pounds per horsepower without a rider. Add a 220+ pound typical cruiser buyer and it is north of 16 lbs per hp. Yawning
No change in the engine, but cosmetic changes as we mentioned, the new LED headlight, adjustable levers and new switch gear. So wouldn’t say no change.
Although a 65hp version would be nice I can’t agree that the bike as it is doesn’t attract “serious” riders. I know plenty of riders with more powerful bikes who also have an Interceptor for a weekend cruise.
@@BikerTorque yes I totally agree! Downsized from my two Harleys an xr1200 and a 2020 fatbob to a RE classic 500 and Interceptor.. the 2 REs and my 2008 GS1200 complete my stable
Back in the day (for me at least) spoked wheels with tubed tires were used by almost everyone (late 1960s, early 1970s) and no one complained or seemed to have problems. Also, a 650cc bike was considered to be a fairly large displacement with 750cc being essentially the largest displacement normally seen at that time (there were exceptions of course, but very few). A friend and I rode our 1971 Honda CB450s on a long high speed trip that covered almost 2,000 miles in 2 weeks. All day long at 75-80 mph was the norm.Tubed tires and 'only' 450cc. We thought we were riding relatively large displacement bikes (plenty large enough for that trip at least) and the tubed tires gave no troubles at all. I do recall we had to frequently lube and adjust the final drive chains. No such thing as o-ring chains back then. But the bikes were bulletproof and more than up to the task (110mph top speed as I recall).
There’s nothing wrong with tubed tyres, I still have a couple of bikes with them, I think the point I was meaning to make, albeit, unsuccessfully is that if you do get a puncture, it is do much easier with a tubeless tyre, not that tuned tyres are unreliable.
Every time I see a video about the Interceptor 650.. the more I want to go and trade my Meteor for one of these hahaha
Lol, the Meteor is a very good bike…but…the Interceptor is just so much better. I have the same thoughts myself.
Mmm that makes no sense, if you ride a meteor 350, wouldn't a 650 super meteor be a better fit 🤔
@@kevindarkstar really liked the Super Meteor also
Well……… the best subject over a beer :-), the next bike. My advice ro you = you do what you want, what makes yo happy
@@lacix22 100% mate ! I really enjoy my Meteor 350 but definitely wouldn't mind upgrading to an Interceptor 650.. or a Super Meteor if they release new colours for it.
I love my Interceptor. Yes changed mufflers, adjustable levers, touring seat and a rear rack. Oh and a 16 tooth front sprocket for highway cruising.
Does the 16 tooth sprocket make a big difference? Not that it really needs it.
I Love my 2021 Interceptor , Silver wheels , Chrome Tank ........Mods I did was to get rid of the silly trail bike handle bars and fitted Western bars , K&N Air filter , One tooth larger front drive sprocket ,Alloy Finned oil cover , LED Headlight and finally a clock on the handlebars ......Raising the gearing really made a difference on the highway .......stock exhausts are fine .
Sounds like some good mods in that list, must admit I don’t mind the stock bars though
Enfield built by eicher motors India
Triumph built by Bajaj motors
India
Both British brands are now
Truly Indian 😊
Sure are
Cheers mate. Great day out and the bikes look perfect
Hey Todd, thanks for being our guide for the day, it was a great day. I reckon RE needs to do a factory paint job like your Interceptor, because that looks awesome.
Could be I know a guy....hahaha.
Just waiting for the 650 Classic
That would be sweet also
The S&S mufflers sound brilliant. It would be the first mod I would do if I owned the interceptor.
They do sound epic.
I live in the Colonies... Glendale, Arizona... Told my dealer I may be looking for a Daily Rider...R.E... Bottom Line... He said he couldn't honestly recommend R.E... Great Stuff... Thanks for posting...👍👍👍
I’m not sure why the dealer wouldn’t recommend RE. My partner has nearly 40000 kms on her Continental GT, no issues apart from one flat tyre when she got a puncture. And simply to work on at home if you have a basic knowledge of Motorcycle maintenance
@@BikerTorque My dealer said for a Daily Rider it doesn't have the Reliability... Thanks for getting back to me...
@@dwightbernheimer331 I couldn't disagree with your dealer more. My parter uses her Continental GT as a daily, and even though I have a few bikes, my go to daily for commuting is the 350 Meteor we have had for 18 months, quality is good, and it's very economical to run.
@@BikerTorque Thanks very much for the update...
I agree. LED rear and indicators. Spoked tubeless wheel-tyres. Readjustment of foot peg and gear/brake levers, maybe better seat. And nothing else. The stock silencers are too heavy. I changed mine.
I actually don’t have a problem with the position of the foot pegs, gear and brake levers. Seat on this one was not to bad either.
Interceptor is my dream motorcycle
It is a very good bike
It is a very good-looking machine. Rode it. Can check it. Just drop by, you may like my content. Cheers.
Have you tried the BSA Goldstar here in the UK a UA-cam channel called the Bingley Wheeler, who has owned both the classic and Intercepter for a year and now has the super meteor, test rode the BSA and was impressed by it, even going as far as to say it was better than the RE for the retro style and mid range torque 😊
Unfortunately the BSA Goldstar is not available in Australia as present, and not sure it ever will be. Most importers here seem uninterested as far as I can see, which is a shame. I’d love to ride one, because I think they look great.
@@BikerTorque ahh right, shame
Unfortunately the build quality of the bsa is known to be very bad, quite a few videos of people buying them who now want to sell, also why you're starting to see so many second hand on the market now. Maybe they changed things i dont know. But the build quality of the re is superior to bsa. Lot of people who didnt own but were sponsored to make bsa video just bullshitted
@@danielkerr4100 Mmm that's possibly the earliest ones, we had a few bad reviews here last year, but most of the recent ones are very favourable, and as I mentioned one just last week was by a older guy who actually owned an Intercepter for a year and was comparing it to his own RE 🤷🏻♂️
Yep, it's just the distributors stopping me from getting it. Here in New Zealand, I have major doubts that I'll even see it. 😂
Been running an Outex tubeless kit in my 650 for a couple of years and about 17,000km. Highly recommended
I’ve heard of these tubeless conversion kits, wasn’t sure of the name of the brand. Sounds like a good option.
Thank you so much for the update. Just cant get myself to get the INT, the cosmetic changes are just not enough. Please add a few more ponies. And get rid of those tubed tires, unless they are tubeless and I missed it. I was just about to purchase a used one, and after riding an 03 Triumph America, The 800 was just to much to pass up vs the INT 650. Not massive difference but enough that here in American free ways it counts.
Did you ride an Intereptor? I must admit I do like the America, but for my money it would be an Interceptor
Does it have a gear indicator for the New Royal Enfield Interceptor?
No I don't believe it does
Don't you think that the USD fork is not in keeping with the retro style of the Intercepter?
It’s probably not in keeping, but I do think it would give it a slightly more modern look without being a distraction.
They look great!
And they ride even better than they look
Cool bike. Looks easy to ride.
It is!
I love My Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and travel on her full time. I was real sad that they didn't change to belt drive. It was such a pain always having to stop to clean, lube, and adjust a chain every 1,000km/621mi which I can do in one day. I converted to Belt Drive. I also like the looks of the Super Meteor but again was sad there was no belt drive. Over 20,000 miles with no chain lube mess, and not even having to adjust the belt makes me a happy rider. Maybe you could drop a comment in their suggestion box 😉
I have a few shaft drive bikes, even less maintenance and probably more reliable than both belt and chain...but also heavier. What did you have to do to convert your Interceptor to belt drive? Sounds like a great option.
@@BikerTorque Bought a kit from Bandidos Pitstop and installed it in a motel parking lot. I just did the math and have 34,000 miles on the belt with no maintenance except the initial tightening of the belt at 3,000 miles. Happy camper 🥓🏍🏕
@@MeAndMyRoyalEnfield that sounds ideal. Any negatives? Any drop in power delivery?
@@BikerTorque No drop in power. Their gear ratio was one tooth different which gave a touch more torque off the start which I don't care about. The only thing some might take as a negative is to change the belt you have to remove the rear wheel and swing arm bolt to replace the belt. A chain with a master link is easier. This is not a negative to me considering the many miles of maintenance free riding. And I did my whole conversion in a motel parking lot. Video to come. I recently had someone say their Sportster belt went 100,000 miles.
Hope you had a great time in Tassie Amber 😎 RE another great bike 👍🏼
Hey Big Bert, Tegan went to Tassie, Amber. She did have a great time, drove around, didn’t get a chance to ride.
Popular here in Sydney!
Absolutely
I am a new Super meteor owner. I would like to know, how fast are you going in sixth gear at 4,000 RPM? because that is the do not exceed RPM for the first 300 miles and I don't have a tachometer on my bike.
Firstly congrats on the new Super Meteor, great bike. I'm actually no sure but form memory about 90-100 kms per hour in top gear at 4000 rpm, could be wrong though.
Also I think the key thing to do when running in is vary your speed and revs as much as possible.
The spoked tubeless tires are coming to the Himalayan 450. So it's more than likely that the interceptor will get those too.
Yes I saw that, it would be a great upgrade
Very unlikely, considering that the Interceptor is not aimed at off road use.
@@sanjeevdm I know traditionally tubeless spoked wheels have been the domain of Adventure bikes but in all honesty I can’t see why you couldn’t put the on a road bike, they look great and are extremely practical, so why not
They're way more expensive than the traditional spoke wheels or alloys. There are only two companies globally which hold patents to these, hence the price. I'm not sure that Royal Enfield would want to upset their strongest point regarding the Interceptor and Continental GT, which is PRICE. The Himalayan is a niche product, and is being clearly positioned as such so RE will offer that as an option.
Lovely bike 😍
We agree!
Stupendo, bravissimi
Thanks for watching
well it is well suited for US/EU where you have less traffic , for cut throat indian city traffics it is cumbersome to ride fast since agility is compromised , so hunter with 350 and more agile feedback is easy to maintain constant good speed and squeeze through the traffic , Since this is having two 325cc parallel cylinders at slower speeds a 350 cc is better relaxed motorccyle, however for highway cruising this will give you a comfortable edge over the 350s, try the supermeteor next which is ultra reined than this one.
It’s great in Australia also, but agree maybe a Hunter or Classic is better suited to Indian conditions.
Tube tires are really a setback for me.
Yes, much more peace of mind on tubeless, but only if you carry a puncture repair kit.
Why would you want USD forks on a retro, doesn't that go against the grain of what a retro is!
I actually quite like the look of them, but can understand the purists might not agree
Don,t think I will part with my TDM just yet not with its 90 nm.
TMD?
Do not be fooled by the Super Meteors better fit and finish.other than it's upgraded brakes the Interceptor is a better bike.,more agile ,lighter, faster and it has a real frame below it's engine instead of the lower frame delete of the S.M. It is the better bike.
Thanks for sharing your insights! It's always interesting to hear different perspectives on bikes and their features.
Blinding oncoming traffic with LED headlights is no ‘safety upgrade’. There’s too many fashion victims out there
Certainly not blinding, more of a statement that the stock headlight isn’t as bright as the LED. Also pretty sure LED lights are much more than a fashion statement
@@BikerTorque I have a low-ish car…they are blinding…and remember I may be driving towards you.
@@hectorshouse7348 Oh my! We are a 'grumpy old Hector', today, aren't we? 😄
@@markfranks1329 lol😬😀👍
@@hectorshouse7348 Drive/Ride safe. 👍
Upside down forks on an Interceptor?🤮
Heresy! 😂
Lol, I reckon it will happen
If they replaced those beautiful twin clocks with a TFT, that would be heresy😂😂😂
why australian people are alwys happy?😀😀
LOL, because we live in Australia.
Still running on gerbil power , the age of the disabled motorcycle is here for both abled and disabled riders
I don’t understand why people complain about the power on this bike, if you want more power buy something else, simple.
@tony5oos if the 10 pounds per horsepower of the 650INT isn't enough, imagine the SM650 with the same power and 65-70 additional pounds; that puts it at almost 12 pounds per horsepower without a rider. Add a 220+ pound typical cruiser buyer and it is north of 16 lbs per hp. Yawning
So, no change.
No change in the engine, but cosmetic changes as we mentioned, the new LED headlight, adjustable levers and new switch gear. So wouldn’t say no change.
So basically it is just new paint schemes. Nothing to see here...move on.
And a couple of other options, but definitely an update, not a whole redesign.
They need to release a 65 HP version. Learner power is not enough to attract serious riders.
Although a 65hp version would be nice I can’t agree that the bike as it is doesn’t attract “serious” riders. I know plenty of riders with more powerful bikes who also have an Interceptor for a weekend cruise.
@@BikerTorque yes I totally agree! Downsized from my two Harleys an xr1200 and a 2020 fatbob to a RE classic 500 and Interceptor.. the 2 REs and my 2008 GS1200 complete my stable
@@tonyt6172 👍 point proven.