I've never understood this argument either. The Bonneville is just what motorcycles looked like at that time. It is basically the Universal Japanese Motorcycle of England... every British manufacturer made an almost identical bike with a similar capacity parallel twin. BSA, Norton, AJS, Matchless, Triumph, RE, Ariel, etc, all made something similar.
@@morri03 I bought mine to turn it into a retro adventure scrambler 😄 I'm looking forward to many long distance and remote adventures when it's finished.
Unfortunately the Universal Japanese Motorcycle of England (and elsewhere) became just that .. Japanese. Inter alia, two-stroke simplicity, performance, reliability, ease of maintenance and not needing an oil pan under the engine on the showroom floor killed the British Motorcycle Industry .. don't forget the Shop Floor too.
People like to pigeon hole everything. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Sometimes it’s nice to just shut up, ride and enjoy a motorcycle. I remind myself of this daily.
I don’t have a Royal Enfield but I appreciate what the brand has brought to motorcycling. They have provided a link to the past using modern engineering. They have take a “minimalist” and slightly retro approach to the design and the market has agreed with their position and voted with their wallets. I appreciate RE expanding the motorcycling market because the greater the number of people who ride bikes the greater will be the provision for them. More accessories, more clothing, more gadgets and more political clout. Well done RE. Signed: A Bonneville Owner.
As a fellow pilot, Challenger 604, I've got to tell ya, you'll love the INT650. I rode a Bonneville T120 and a 2020 Interceptor back to back at my dealer and hands down the Interceptor was the better, more fun, bike to ride. We've been together now for over 12,000 miles and she's definitely a keeper.
As a young 70 year old enthusiast from wayyyyyy back I can assure you that the sound of that classic vintage 750 RE is music to my ears! Thank you from Canada.
To be fair Stuart, I’d be pretty fed up if I’d bought an inferior bike for three times the cost. Luckily I bought a Royal Enfield Himalayan and may add another RE next year too.
@@mrgrizzlyrides iam from india and ROYAL ENFIELD is testing atleast 4 new models right now. One is 650 cruiser and a scrambler of himalayan version. Another one is a low budget bike named as hunter 350.hope it will enter this year😔
When I took the Himalayan in for warranty some two yrs later I tested an Interceptor. Loved it. A Himi and an Interceptor.. having both makes for the perfect bike. Winner!👍
Ah. You've hit the nail well and truly on the head there. I'll wager that the angry Triumph boys are somewhat upset that there is a bike that looks just as good as theirs for half the price. Well nearly as good - I'm a sucker for the two tone Triumph tank with the old badge. Not sure if it's worth five grand though?! As it happens for me the question is academic as I ride a Norton 961 Cafe racer which I think looks better than both of them. But at the end of the day it's all down to personal taste and makes life more interesting, a view with which I am sure the majority of Triumph owners would agree.
I recently bought an interceptor, used to ride a 2014 bullet 350 UCE before, and I'm just blown away by the quality of interceptor and how far royal Enfield has came in terms of quality. I'm an advocate of your channel since 2019, and maybe all those videos I used to watch of servicing the interceptor can be finally put to use now
Based on your videos over the year I've been watching your channel I decided two weeks ago to take an Interceptor for a test ride. Now I'm in my mid 50's and have ridden motorcycles all my life. The moment I threw my leg over the interceptor and took the weight of her I was instantly transported back 30 odd years. I left the shop and went for a ride, I laughed and smiled and had a fantastic time on the bike. The memories that flooded back as I rode were incredible, I have owned some amazing motorcycles but it's the way the interceptor made me feel I wasn't quite ready for. I'm going back to pick up a interceptor I'm just waiting for stock, live in New Zealand.
I did the same based on Stuart's videos of the RE Interceptor. I too have been on motorbikes since youth and I have owned several bikes over the years. The moment I rolled on that throttle, I was transported in time. No bike I have ever owned or ridden gave me this much joy. It's pure, timeless and visceral. I just had to have one, and I did not hesitate to purchase one.
Same here. I've owned more powerful and faster bikes, but nothing all around wonderful like the Interceptor. I knew it was the bike for me, and reminded me of the bikes of my youth, from first sight even before I had ridden it.
25 year old here, I have tried multiple sports bike but yeah it's not just you going down the memory for me too...nothing beats how I feel driving interceptor! The experience is just something else
Royal Enfield provides the best bang for your buck. You get what you pay for, and you get a lot. It's a champion for making motorcycling more affordable to the masses. That being said, one should not be blind to the compromises that made it affordable. There are certain components that are problematic but not impossible to maintain. Like Stuart said in one of his previous videos, the other Enfields that constantly break down and rust are the ones that were neglected. Likewise, Enfields require a bit more TLC than other brands. If you're the kind of owner who loves taking care of their motorcycle, then it's no problem. There's only one bike in production today that has a 360 degree parallel twin, and it ain't a Triumph. Also, joke's on those Triumph aficionados, Triumph is upping its production in India. lol
You know, the only bike I ever owned I felt I can do work on is my classic 500. Thanks to Stu’s calm and clear way of explaining things, plus his way of saying “you can do this” I have been happily talking the maintenance on my own bike. Doing work on my bike, oil changes, upgrading ect is half the fun. And personally I think that the Indian workforce and their love for Royal Enfield should be applauded, I have massive respect for what they have achieved and produced.
@@richardbarry1360 Massive respect indeed! Especially that Classic 500 with the UCE engine. I was shocked to find out that the engine never needs its valve clearances adjusted because its self adjusting.
As an indian who lives in India, i can confirm triumph merely exist in here. They sell 100 bikes a month across country where RE sells approx 50k bikes a month. They have recently partnered with a major indian brand bajaj to make some mid range bikes. I would love to see this competition when triumph breaks into RE's territory.
If you really want to irritate the purists, tell them their new Bonneville is merely a imitation of the real Triumph Bonneville. Adding a "lovely radiator you have there" is optional.
@@redtobertshateshandles each to his own. We're fortunate to have the choice 👍. Here in Derby we're spoiled with two RE dealers within 5 miles of each other 😁. My Thai-built T100 is water cooled, fuel injected and has ABS & TC. A purists nightmare? But it still captures the essence of the original in both looks and feel. I love it 😁
A great video. Nothing like a few facts presented with courtesy to counter the pathetic misplaced brand loyalty and tribalism that social media appears to amplify. One almost thinks that jealousy comes into play.
I've been buying and riding brand new Hinkley Triumphs for 10 before buying a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 last year. I have to say it's a great bike with a great heritage and I love it. I went from Triumph to Royal Enfield because Triumph are too busy chasing HP and electronics when all I want is a fun, relaxed ride. In my opinion none of the new Bonnevilles are as much fun to ride. The Interceptor gives me the perfect blend of HP output and gearing for relaxed riding in town and fun on country lanes.
I agree with you when you say that "the new Bonnies are not as fun to ride." I would also add that they are not as easy to work on either. However, The previous generation (before 2015) are entirely another case. My 2015 air cooled T100 is a more authentic (modern) classic. Why... it is more fun to ride, the motor is not muffled by a water jacket, the build quality is more robust, easier to perform routine maintenance on and yes is has modern features like EFI and an LCD speedo, but it also has steel throttle and clutch cables.
Personally, I haven't encountered this in the States-- at least in Minnesota. I've had it MISTAKEN (sorry, no italics) for a Triumph, and after a polite correction, I'll get asked "Who makes it?" After the usual history lesson I at least get a polite nod-- and a compliment. However, lately more and more people tell me "I've heard of these things!" In my mind, that's progress. I've also encountered a few more on the road, so, not quite like impact it's had in the UK, RE is certainly making inroads "across the pond."
I hadn’t ridden for 10 years and am anything but a motorcycling aficionado. My wife and I decided to get a bike and after searching high and low accidentally learned about Royal Enfield and the INT650. We fell in love with it. 2000 miles later and we know we made the right choice. Also, Stuart’s guide on the first service was exceptional. I couldn’t believe I could work on a modern machine myself! Old timers are shocked to hear its fuel injected and has abs. Often they think it’s one of the bikes from yesteryear.
Classic British twin, that's what it is. 👍 I wanted one of the new Triumphs when the Bonnie came out, but now the RE 650 seems more the classic twin, if the Interceptor is copying anything, it's the spirit of the time.
Hi Stuart, why don't you take the old interceptor for a spin and give us your thoughts on it ? The 60s interceptor sounds amazing, would love to hear a flyby someday in one of your videos.
I'm a long term Bonneville rider and my current 2007 T100 is getting a bit tired having clocked up near 200,000 kilometers. getting time for a new bike and I find the RE range of bikes very appealing.
Uncle Stu, I have been following since before I bought my INT650, in fact your reviews, are a basic standard I based my purchase on, after 2 years, my INT650 is still the best bike I have ever owned, Keep your chin up. We love ya
Dear Stuart, As usual very nice video. Very often I am questioned by "old Bonneville" owners about my Interceptor 650 , usually at red signal as they notice that they had some difficulty to follow me in Paris streets, in term of acceleration and agility. I am every time pleased by their interest. Recently I met one of those gentlemen in my favorite RE dealer , coming back from an Interceptor trial and asking to try the Continental GT right after. Of course he asked me if I was satisfied by my motocycle and if I had any complain about my bike. I really understand their concern, as they have sometime a 60 years old bike that they sometimes paid for nothing and cannot afford to replace by a new Triumph. So "will the RE fulfil their expectation for half the price of the Triumph" is a logical question. Now looking at your video , there is no doubt go for the RE.
Listened to a similar 'discussion' recently between two mates of mine with ref triumph v Royal Enfield, The best put down from the lad with the RE was that he neither had the time or the crayons to explain it to a triumph snob! Excellent video again Stu.........
Triumph shot themselves in the foot by milking rich older riders, gradually increasing the price of the Bonneville until it reached stratospheric levels, believing that the loyalty of buyers to British bikes would ensure continued sales. They were wrong!
Well done Uncle Stu! Brand snobbery has no place in motorcycling IMHO. Bought my Classic 500 before I found your treasure trove of a UA-cam channel… Stay safe my friend. 👍
Back when I lived for the day I could get one, dreamt of getting one and was a bit obsessed about getting one. I was living down in Australia at the time. Working 2 jobs, one part time and one full time to have the money ready for the glorious day when it arrived...but in the end it never arrived! I settled for 2nd best. I got a Norton...which made me happy...very happy!
AUSTRALIA: Not met an unhappy RE rider yet. TRIUMPH, (made in Thailand) ROYAL ENFIELD, (made in India). WHAT IS AN ICONIC BRITISH MOTORCYCLE THESE DAYS?
As we say here in Lancashire Stuart, you can't educate pork! Nearly all British manufacturers made a 650-750 twin back in the day, it was the universal British motorcycle...
What ever, Triumph Bonneville is " Triumph ", no other can beat her Smoothness and sweet humming of its engine sound, pulling power, weight, and Style etc 🙏
Some observations: - As I might have known, you know quite well how to settle an argument, at least by my lights. - The Bonneville, of course, is a very cool bike - what I, from childhood onwards, thought a "proper" motorcycle should look and sound like. - The RE 650/750 did the same, but entirely their own way. - And, at the moment, RE probably have a *bit* more street-cred than Triumph in terms of both development and manufacturing/sourcing. (Every moto manufacturer sources components from all over the planet, but in Triumph's case, *the entire engine?* Just sayin'.) I'd say RE have earned their stripes of late, and put everybody, not just Triumph, on notice. And that's a huge win for the motorcycling community.
As a Yorkshire man who rides a 91 triumph trophy 1200 witch I have had from new I can state that it is far superior to any royal Enfield ! As the owner of a royal Enfield I can ensure state that it’s the bike I will keep and use when I’m old and can’t manage the weight of a big bike !
Hi Stuart. That was excellent. As a 64 year old with over 50 bikes that passed through my hands, I can say I owned an RE twin along with a few Triumphs. I loved them all. I had an early 60s 700 Meteor. I see the modern RE twins as exactly what RE UK could have evolved into if their leaders could have pulled their heads out the sand. But they didn't, so they went where they belong. Would love to see RE build a classic rendition of the twins along the lines of the classic 500. Sadly it would probably only appeal to a dwindling bunch of old farts. Keep the great videos coming.
You are wrong to assume it will appeal to only a few, keeping the Indian market in view of course, there are so many who are so eagerly waiting for the 650 heart in a classic 500 frame. Don't forget these people are the same breed who kept buying 5 decade old bike , keeping the company alive , I know cause i am one of those blokes😁, and contrary to popular opinion we know what we paid for, there are those here too who make fun of pre UCE RE's for their vibrations. The bikes had their fair share of quality control issues but these were bikes that were ridden, and I think that should be reason enough to call a bike good, you derive pleasure from riding it, what more do you want, people went about the length and breath of India on these bikes, drove them to the ground, rebuilt them and then drove them some more. The Bullet will ALWAYS have takers in India, in words of one my dear friend and fellow RE owner, " we crave this cause deep down we are Analog people in a digital world", and there may be faster , edgier and feature loaded bikes in market, but nothing as organic as the bullet. P.S : I am 33 and riding RE's since I was 19 years old.
I don't care about all the silly arguing and bickering. I just know that REs are beautiful. I was, at 56, just starting to get the first inklings of a desire to get back in to riding when I saw the INT 650 on Jay Leno's Garage YT channel. My immediate and visceral reaction was "Oh my god! That's my bike!" I don't know though. That Meteor wears it's looks equally as well as the 650, carries a bit more fuel, and burns significantly less fuel. Man! A full tank, and an extra 20 bucks in the pocket, and that is a full day of riding, plus lunch.
I owned a Bonneville back in 1970, I’d waited and saved for years to get that bike and it turned out to be a pile of crap. It had a habit of dismantling itself as I rode along. I was so sick of it that I got rid of it after on 6 months of ownership. I’ve never purchased anything Triumph since, despite the new company being a different organisation. So I would have no trouble purchasing a Royal Enfield. I well remember the original company’s offerings, and they were nice bikes. I love the look of these latest bikes as well. I own a CB1300 and I’ve only got room for one bike in my garage, but I’m seriously considering a RE. Thanks for your great videos Stuart I always look forward to them. 👍😊🏴🇬🇧
I bet the haters failed to point out that the latest batch of triumphs are made predominantly in Thailand. I own a Hinckley made triumph and am proud of ownership. I also own modern Enfields. Definitely not inferior. Motorcycle snobbery is a mortal sin imo. Great vlog Stuart 👍✌
Picked up my brand new 650 Interceptor on Friday 3rd of September 2021 , have done 300km and mate its a sweet bike ! I had a good riding mate that we have been friends since 1990 , he now rides a 2020 Triumph Bonny , we went for a ride on Saturday arvo . We swapped bikes after 50 odd k's and yes his Triumph is good ,, more power ( mine is sill running in 4k rpm max ) but after 20 k's Mike the triumph owner was totally impressed ! ,, the smoothness , 2.5k rpm max torque from this incredible engine ! , gearbox smooth as silk ( yes he mentioned this ) he was happy , as was I . Me I am 52 years young as well , my 1st bike was a 1952 Norton ES2 500m single ,, feather bed frame and Road holder forks , 19 inch TT100 Avons ,,, I feel this new Interceptor in my ( Stolen ) ES2 ,, super sturdy and steady on the road .. again brother keep up the good work . ps. I did the same sort of stony ride in NZ on my Norton that you just did on the 500 Enfield ( and Suzuki ) many times .
Bought an RE GT650 and love every moment riding it, the simplicity of the motorcycle and the price tag was very helpful for a beginner rider like me. it's a motorcyle that catches most people's attention here in my country(not that I like attention). There's always something with "Classic" for me in this fast paced world, here in my country most modern motorcycles are snob and most classic motorcyles alike are friendly.
When did the world change so abrupt? My fond memories of Triumph owners in the 80's who were the nicest people and very well educated in the history of British biking - One even helped me to fix the broken big end on my 1972 Enfield India Bullet 350. I refuse to believe they are all gone. Maybe they are just quiet and we are hearing of just a loud minority trying to ruin the reputation of these very nice people - I won't fall for it! :) And thanks Stu - great video again and appreciated hearing the sound of an original Interceptor :)
I As a Triumph Bonneville AND RE (Himalayan) owner, I agree with most of this. 1. I love my Bonneville but left one FB group on it because I found too many obnoxious commenters. 2. I began riding in 1970 and became a massive fan of motorcycling. I live in the US but in all my years never heard of the RE brand until a spin on an iron barrel Bullet in the Devon fields in 1993. Never saw or even heard of the RE interceptor here on the East Coast. It seems it went mostly to California, so I couldn’t come close to calling the original version common in most states. That said, I just recently learned that a guy who lives near me has an original. It’s a driving survivor, unrestored, and gorgeous, for all its patina. 3. I love my Himalayan as LEAST and much as my Bonnie, and would love to see you post a review. Given your understandable affection for RE, I’m surprised you haven’t done one by now. If you check out the RE sales reports, the Hima outsells the also excellent 650 twins. Whatever the popularity in the UK, the Himalayan has so far been RE’s best- selling export bike. Please review the Himalayan.
Oh boy, that sound really deserves a separate pure exhaust sound and a flyby video. Lovely! I was thinking in my mind that you can say that the Triumph was inspired by RE's design elements, even if it is just to rile such people up. Glad that you put that out in the video itself.
In 1976 I took my motorcycle road test on my collage roommates Rickmen Royal Enfield interceptor. When RE went into liquidation Rickmen purchased a thousand or so engine/trans units and installed them in chrome moly nickel plated frames with double disk front and singe disk rear with fiberglass tank and fender. Great bike and I loved the neutral finder, a great feature.
Before I bought my Interceptor 650 two years ago I test drove both that bike and a Bonnie. There were a few things I liked more about the more powerful Triumph but overall the RE handled better and had a smoother gearbox so I got the RE.
My take is that we are all brassed off with bikes that have too much technology, speed & power we don't have the skills to use, & no chance to do any tinkering unless you possess a phd in advanced electronics. Enter RE - fix with spanners, does as it says on the tin, can be thrashed & still not lose your licence. Perfect recipe for under-helmet giggling.
Handsome bike that old Interceptor, as is the new one. Sounds great too. I think we can thank Kawasaki and its W650 (or possibly even Honda with its GB500) for the current revival in retro bikes combining old school styling and engine / running gear configuration supported by just enough modern tech, although there's an argument that Guzzi never stopped making retro bikes, they just had to wait for them to become desirable again!
Great info and I would always buy a bike based upon quality, comfort, looks and value for money, the latter always falling firmly into the RE bucket. I have had many different brands of bike and have loved all my Harleys, but regulations are making them lose their appeal and prices are increasing (new Sportster for >12k), so an RE is looking like it will find its way into my stable!
Another great video Stuart. Wonderfully amusing, and featuring my two favourite brands. I'm sure your comments have contributed to customer service and quality control of these vehicles. I saw an original Interceptor in the seventies in red and acknowledge the DNA. Love your area, and the trees in blossom. Kind regards.
Royal Enfield Interceptor mark 3 is my first ever bike. Im 29 and got hands on my beauty on April-May 2019 . One of best decisions of my life so far ❤️. I'm upgrading and modifying it bit by bit for performance as per your suggestions. Thanks Mr. Stuart. 👍🏻
Stuart, you’ve convinced me that the new RE range is the way forward. I’m actively saving my pennies to get an Interceptor next year. Keep up the good work!
Love the videos and the Yorkshire plain speaking, Stuart. Thank you for the shots of horse chestnuts in flower, a real delight for an ex-pat living in Canada, where these magnificent trees are not common - though less rare than the RE Interceptor Mk I. 🙂
Is it me or is he sounding more like Christopher Walken,Shatner,Adam West?That broken delivery!Sounds way cool and expecting him to say "wooooow! a lot!
I want to get back into biking , the last one i owned was 30 years ago , it's that age thing wanting to relive your youth or summat like that. I hadn't a clue want i wanted to get until i saw the 650 interceptor bingo ! just the job for me . Thanks for a down to earth no nonsense video Stuart .
Most people are susceptible to propaganda and are swayed by bling and image. Hence most buy BMW's Triumph's and Ducati's, and can be snobby about Japanese bikes. I agree with you 100% I am beginning to become a Royal Enfield fan and my Bullet is my bike for choice if I go out for a ride on my own, I would find it hard to put it into words why. If enjoyment in riding a bike is the qualifying factor then yes it is also my favourite bike ever.
the problem might be the RE is not trying too hard to hang on to retro and does vaguely relate back to something beyond a word. Would the Triumphs sell if they were called Bloorvilles? I find the desire to look back and move forward a strange mix and RE just seem to have hit the spot nicely.
Both of the brands have done great job at their own level . As a motorcycle enthusiasts I want to see how these brands develop into the future market . They both have different lineups and different game strategy. I would never want any of them to become a history . I own a Royal Enfield bike but I also dream to own a triumph... these bikes are to us like what Harley and Indian is to the American market . Let’s keep the motorcycle brotherhood alive . After all these are just machines ... it’s the riders who have to socialise . Love from India 🇮🇳 🙏
In the foggy past when we could travel, always hired a RE when in India as they continued to produce them there for years ( along with the Morris Oxford). So glad to see them doing so well back here. From a Triumph owner ;)
To MY eye, the Interceptor 650 has always looked more like a Norton Commando with a BSA A65 engine. Honestly, the Royal Enfield is just such a pretty bike, who cares what, if any, outside influence its design may (or may not) have had.
Great analogy Stu, I have a modern Triumph Speed Twin, but I also love the Royal Enfields, I'm old enough (70) to remember all the British Twins, I'm lucky, I don't suffer from snobbery, I even like the Japanese Classics, I might be wrong, but maybe the 1938 Edward Turner Speed Twin heralded a new era in motorcycles, and some wonderful motorbikes came on the scene, AJS, BSA, Norton twins. I love them all, plenty of room for diversity, ok mate keep 'em coming, I'll keep watching!, cheers Dave
I wouldn't say they "copied", rather than saw a way to do it better and at a reduced price. Recognising a sweetspot/market niche is the key to success. Triumph abandoned this market when they opted to push the prices up and concentrate on the more premium sector to justify their higher margins. I'll admit I was also initially a bit sceptical especially when you look at the previous Continental GT but I've been completely won over by the price & quality of this new generation of bikes :-)
When I was looking for my first big bike, I was interested in the Bonneville. But here in Australia, Bonnevilles that were around 7 years old and with highish km and no remaining warranty were only a couple of thousand dollars less than a brand new interceptor. I couldn't justify the Triumph and have no regrets buying the interceptor. I actually met a new friend since owning the RE who has an older T100 Bonneville and let me take it for a ride. A nice bike, but also justified my choice to get the interceptor. The interceptor feels like a more athletic bike, and with the few performance modifications I have done the slightly lower power isn't really noticeable to me. Both nice bikes though and no shade on anyone who prefers the Triumph or happened to get one prior to the interceptor being released.
I ride my father's RE machismo 350 red chrome from 1999 and bought my own Interceptor 650 mark 2 last month and I love both of them ❤️ both are great machine.loved your simplistic review.
I’ve said it before, I put off purchasing a RE classic for years (I listened to the build quality nonsense, sorry) and if it wasn’t for finding your channel I would never have bought my bike. Thank you Stu for putting me right and opening my eyes to the unassuming world of Royal Enfield, and more importantly the wonderful people who own them. I shall see you again Friday, ride safe.
Well said mate I have a int and a triumph thruxton and people are very small minded both bikes are great people need to just get out and enjoy both marks
Namaste Stuart...I have been following this series of RE twin reviews of yours from the beginning...and you have really done the justice they deserve by enlightening us of the glorious heritage of these bikes...I have great respect for you...loved your reviews.
I have ordered a RE interceptor, It was an easy decision as the RE is about 10 grand, and the Bonny is about 15 grand here in Aus. I even the Kwaka W 800 is about 14 grand, and most reviews I’ve read put the RE well ahead. Great video once again Stu.
Adored my Interceptor until some unexpected bills arrived. Kept the Tiger as it’s set-up for touring but will definitely look at getting an RE again and it easily delivered that retro ‘smile on the face’ experience.
I yearn to own a RE, but unfortunately there are no dealerships nor a used market for them in my location, closest dealership is 356 miles away. Love the simplicity of all their machines and the working class pricing.
What a beauty. The 1969 Interceptor looks gorgeous! And it has got the quick-back-to-neutral lever. Lovely! It looks like a Bullet with more oomph. Purely bobberesque
I really don’t see the problem, surely great value bikes are a good thing for motorcycling in general. Doesn’t matter whether you like them or not, at least we have the choice. Motorcycling isn’t elitist and was never intended to be, I suppose there will always be brand snobbery. I for one like the look of both triumphs and RE as they both look like classic motorcycles. Great vid and thanks for bringing more RE content.
My only hands-on experience with Royal Enfield was in 1992, when I bought a new Bullet 500 (they were badged as Enfield in those days). It was cheap and cheerful, basically a 50s model with indicators fitted, but the build quality was poor and it had a hard time keeping up with the motorway traffic, so I sold it and found a 750 Bonneville, which I still ride now. I don't feel snobbish about it, and since they started modernising their models, I've looked at them from time to time. I considered buying an Interceptor when they introduced it, but the free road tax on the Triumph and appreciating value tipped the balance, so I'm going to stay with that for now. Once the knees give out and I need electric start, the Interceptor will definitely be on the list.
Back in the 1930’s RE produced the KX, which was an 1100cc V twin. My metalwork teacher at school was rebuilding one in the classroom back in the mid 70’s. I’ve never seen another since. My current bike is an Interceptor 650, which suits me fine.
The burble of the grandfather's bike was amazing. What a beauty. Why cant more bikes be styled like them? I mean the tanks are so clean, the handle-bar is righly swept backward, the height seems to be manageable by anyone over 5 feet, the sound raises my testosterone levels :) Blessed are people who get to ride on such amazing machines. These rare bikes are history lessons.
The handle bar on the original version looks more comfy and upright also has more attitude that the handlebars on the latest ones. It would be a great idea to swap them and see how it changes the ergonomics.
I bought a brand new bullet a few years back, and it soured me on the brand. Over 10 different warranty issues, and extremely poor customer service here in Canada. I've heard they've made leaps and bounds in the quality department, but I personally wouldn't get another one. That doesn't mean everyone's experience with Royal Enfield will be the same as mine, and I enjoy talking to R.E. riders to see what their experience has been like. At the end of the day, as long as you're out there enjoying riding, that's all that matters.
I dont believe that RE is copying Triumph or any motobike company make a classic bike look alike Triumph, although i owned a Triumph ST. Paralleo-Twin Engine is a oldschool engine, just like basic math we used to learn when we a kid. And RE did a great job to make their own machine that base on a strong and well develop engine and their knowleage about it. Call it "copying" is like call a kid learning math is copy from the guy who invented math. :D
Thank you for such an informative content! I live in India and I'm a proud owner of Interceptor 650. Can't say anything about "superior" or 'inferior", but I love my machine and, after purchasing it, I have no need of using intercity public transport, at all. Besides, here, in India, it is a cheapest bike in 650 cc segment - about 3000 British Pounds, just a half of for example, the cheapest 650 cc bike from Honda (and the price of 900 cc Triumph bikes starts from 8000 British Pounds). Also, there are no issues with 92 octane petrol (which we have here mostly), and ground clearance, too, is suitable for each kind of roads.
At 9:19, the arrow on the rear tire..... Thanks Stuart for this comparison, I'm 55 and you convinced me to take a bike course in order to obtain my licences and later buy an int650. Keep up your good work.
65yr old Canadian who loves the retro styling of the new Enfields, and another who cannot fathom the density of the Triumph complainers. I have driven a Bonnie 650 many years ago, much fun and pretty spunky, but never had a chance to ride an Interceptor though I've watched numerous videos of them. I did not realize they did a 750 in 1969, sounds beautiful! My dear ol' pops and his gang of ex-military buddies drove lots of BSA's, Enfields, Nortons and Indians circa '50's, from what I recall it was the smaller displacement British bikes that were favoured on the primitive twisting roads of British Columbia, dad's favorite was his BSA Silver Star (single 500cc?) from what I recall, miss ya pops, wish we could have had a ride together, maybe later eh :)
I’ve ridden and owned several different brands of motorcycles and came to an odd conclusion…I like all of them!! I’ve had Chinese, Japanese, Russian, American, British and,Indian made motorcycles and scooters. They have ALL been very enjoyable!!!
Here in India,in the 1980's either one liked RE's or would be in the other club,the jawa club.I rode Jawa's.I still ride the other club type bikes.The video is a good rebuttal and made the point.
What Royal Enfield has done by the introduction of Interceptor is the re-introduction of above 600CC motorcycles to the masses. They are pretty well made and intelligently priced so that one need not win a lottery to own one. In India, the entry into Triumph's modern classics start at £10,000 and that is a ridiculous amount of money and after spending that what you'll end up with is a Street Twin. Hey Stuart, thank you for flying the Enfield flag high and more power to companies like Enfield who are re-democratising the biking world. Now they should come by with a 650+CC Himalayan and that will kick all the exorbitantly priced adventure tourers. I'm waiting (gleefully) for that. Signed: Another Triumph Owner.
I've never understood this argument either. The Bonneville is just what motorcycles looked like at that time. It is basically the Universal Japanese Motorcycle of England... every British manufacturer made an almost identical bike with a similar capacity parallel twin. BSA, Norton, AJS, Matchless, Triumph, RE, Ariel, etc, all made something similar.
I often call my 2014 scrambler a british UJM!!
The UBM?
@@morri03 I bought mine to turn it into a retro adventure scrambler 😄 I'm looking forward to many long distance and remote adventures when it's finished.
Unfortunately the Universal Japanese Motorcycle of England (and elsewhere) became just that .. Japanese.
Inter alia, two-stroke simplicity, performance, reliability, ease of maintenance and not needing an oil pan under the engine on the showroom floor killed the British Motorcycle Industry .. don't forget the Shop Floor too.
People like to pigeon hole everything. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Sometimes it’s nice to just shut up, ride and enjoy a motorcycle. I remind myself of this daily.
I don’t have a Royal Enfield but I appreciate what the brand has brought to motorcycling. They have provided a link to the past using modern engineering. They have take a “minimalist” and slightly retro approach to the design and the market has agreed with their position and voted with their wallets. I appreciate RE expanding the motorcycling market because the greater the number of people who ride bikes the greater will be the provision for them. More accessories, more clothing, more gadgets and more political clout. Well done RE. Signed: A Bonneville Owner.
As a fellow pilot, Challenger 604, I've got to tell ya, you'll love the INT650. I rode a Bonneville T120 and a 2020 Interceptor back to back at my dealer and hands down the Interceptor was the better, more fun, bike to ride. We've been together now for over 12,000 miles and she's definitely a keeper.
As a young 70 year old enthusiast from wayyyyyy back I can assure you that the sound of that classic vintage 750 RE is music to my ears! Thank you from Canada.
To be fair Stuart, I’d be pretty fed up if I’d bought an inferior bike for three times the cost. Luckily I bought a Royal Enfield Himalayan and may add another RE next year too.
@@mrgrizzlyrides iam from india and ROYAL ENFIELD is testing atleast 4 new models right now. One is 650 cruiser and a scrambler of himalayan version. Another one is a low budget bike named as hunter 350.hope it will enter this year😔
When I took the Himalayan in for warranty some two yrs later I tested an Interceptor. Loved it. A Himi and an Interceptor.. having both makes for the perfect bike. Winner!👍
Ah. You've hit the nail well and truly on the head there. I'll wager that the angry Triumph boys are somewhat upset that there is a bike that looks just as good as theirs for half the price. Well nearly as good - I'm a sucker for the two tone Triumph tank with the old badge. Not sure if it's worth five grand though?! As it happens for me the question is academic as I ride a Norton 961 Cafe racer which I think looks better than both of them. But at the end of the day it's all down to personal taste and makes life more interesting, a view with which I am sure the majority of Triumph owners would agree.
LK la
It would be great if Himalayan is launched with 650 cc or puts on slightly more power than the existing one.
I recently bought an interceptor, used to ride a 2014 bullet 350 UCE before, and I'm just blown away by the quality of interceptor and how far royal Enfield has came in terms of quality.
I'm an advocate of your channel since 2019, and maybe all those videos I used to watch of servicing the interceptor can be finally put to use now
Based on your videos over the year I've been watching your channel I decided two weeks ago to take an Interceptor for a test ride. Now I'm in my mid 50's and have ridden motorcycles all my life. The moment I threw my leg over the interceptor and took the weight of her I was instantly transported back 30 odd years. I left the shop and went for a ride, I laughed and smiled and had a fantastic time on the bike. The memories that flooded back as I rode were incredible, I have owned some amazing motorcycles but it's the way the interceptor made me feel I wasn't quite ready for. I'm going back to pick up a interceptor I'm just waiting for stock, live in New Zealand.
I did the same based on Stuart's videos of the RE Interceptor. I too have been on motorbikes since youth and I have owned several bikes over the years. The moment I rolled on that throttle, I was transported in time. No bike I have ever owned or ridden gave me this much joy. It's pure, timeless and visceral. I just had to have one, and I did not hesitate to purchase one.
Same here. I've owned more powerful and faster bikes, but nothing all around wonderful like the Interceptor. I knew it was the bike for me, and reminded me of the bikes of my youth, from first sight even before I had ridden it.
25 year old here, I have tried multiple sports bike but yeah it's not just you going down the memory for me too...nothing beats how I feel driving interceptor! The experience is just something else
Your fair minded reviews of Enfields led me to purchase one, the best damn thing ive done with my life. Keep up the good mate.
Work i meant to say
Royal Enfield provides the best bang for your buck. You get what you pay for, and you get a lot. It's a champion for making motorcycling more affordable to the masses. That being said, one should not be blind to the compromises that made it affordable. There are certain components that are problematic but not impossible to maintain. Like Stuart said in one of his previous videos, the other Enfields that constantly break down and rust are the ones that were neglected. Likewise, Enfields require a bit more TLC than other brands. If you're the kind of owner who loves taking care of their motorcycle, then it's no problem.
There's only one bike in production today that has a 360 degree parallel twin, and it ain't a Triumph. Also, joke's on those Triumph aficionados, Triumph is upping its production in India. lol
You know, the only bike I ever owned I felt I can do work on is my classic 500. Thanks to Stu’s calm and clear way of explaining things, plus his way of saying “you can do this” I have been happily talking the maintenance on my own bike. Doing work on my bike, oil changes, upgrading ect is half the fun. And personally I think that the Indian workforce and their love for Royal Enfield should be applauded, I have massive respect for what they have achieved and produced.
@@richardbarry1360 Massive respect indeed! Especially that Classic 500 with the UCE engine. I was shocked to find out that the engine never needs its valve clearances adjusted because its self adjusting.
As an indian who lives in India, i can confirm triumph merely exist in here. They sell 100 bikes a month across country where RE sells approx 50k bikes a month. They have recently partnered with a major indian brand bajaj to make some mid range bikes. I would love to see this competition when triumph breaks into RE's territory.
If you really want to irritate the purists, tell them their new Bonneville is merely a imitation of the real Triumph Bonneville. Adding a "lovely radiator you have there" is optional.
Just what I was thinking as I watched the video. If they say that the present manufacturer is the original one, then neither is Triumph
Yes, my T100 has a "radiator" but judging by the heat from the engine it's mainly for show 😉
@@PhilipBallGarry Same here ! (Tiger 800 XC)
Nah, a purist would never say such a thing. I believe you meant fanatics.
@@redtobertshateshandles each to his own. We're fortunate to have the choice 👍. Here in Derby we're spoiled with two RE dealers within 5 miles of each other 😁. My Thai-built T100 is water cooled, fuel injected and has ABS & TC. A purists nightmare? But it still captures the essence of the original in both looks and feel. I love it 😁
A great video. Nothing like a few facts presented with courtesy to counter the pathetic misplaced brand loyalty and tribalism that social media appears to amplify. One almost thinks that jealousy comes into play.
I've been buying and riding brand new Hinkley Triumphs for 10 before buying a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 last year. I have to say it's a great bike with a great heritage and I love it. I went from Triumph to Royal Enfield because Triumph are too busy chasing HP and electronics when all I want is a fun, relaxed ride.
In my opinion none of the new Bonnevilles are as much fun to ride. The Interceptor gives me the perfect blend of HP output and gearing for relaxed riding in town and fun on country lanes.
I agree with you when you say that "the new Bonnies are not as fun to ride." I would also add that they are not as easy to work on either. However, The previous generation (before 2015) are entirely another case. My 2015 air cooled T100 is a more authentic (modern) classic. Why... it is more fun to ride, the motor is not muffled by a water jacket, the build quality is more robust, easier to perform routine maintenance on and yes is has modern features like EFI and an LCD speedo, but it also has steel throttle and clutch cables.
That 52 years old bike sounds awesome and would make Harley Davidson owners jealous .
I'm a harley davidson owner, and your right I am
It's nice. But so are the old harleys. Don't like the new ones.
the sound could actually be mistaken for an old harley to the untrained ear
The sound reminds me of my old Norton Fastback.
Haters will be haters. Both are original designs and splendid machines, and that comes from a Bonneville owner;) Keep up the good work Stuart!
Personally, I haven't encountered this in the States-- at least in Minnesota. I've had it MISTAKEN (sorry, no italics) for a Triumph, and after a polite correction, I'll get asked "Who makes it?" After the usual history lesson I at least get a polite nod-- and a compliment. However, lately more and more people tell me "I've heard of these things!" In my mind, that's progress. I've also encountered a few more on the road, so, not quite like impact it's had in the UK, RE is certainly making inroads "across the pond."
I hadn’t ridden for 10 years and am anything but a motorcycling aficionado. My wife and I decided to get a bike and after searching high and low accidentally learned about Royal Enfield and the INT650. We fell in love with it. 2000 miles later and we know we made the right choice. Also, Stuart’s guide on the first service was exceptional. I couldn’t believe I could work on a modern machine myself! Old timers are shocked to hear its fuel injected and has abs. Often they think it’s one of the bikes from yesteryear.
Classic British twin, that's what it is. 👍 I wanted one of the new Triumphs when the Bonnie came out, but now the RE 650 seems more the classic twin, if the Interceptor is copying anything, it's the spirit of the time.
Love my RE interceptor it holds its own
Hi Stuart, why don't you take the old interceptor for a spin and give us your thoughts on it ? The 60s interceptor sounds amazing, would love to hear a flyby someday in one of your videos.
yes please
Hi. Ye Olde 750 c.c. TT Interceptor UA-cam video: Royal Enfield 750 Interceptor MK 1 road test by Performance Classics.
I'm a long term Bonneville rider and my current 2007 T100 is getting a bit tired having clocked up near 200,000 kilometers. getting time for a new bike and I find the RE range of bikes very appealing.
Have to admit, I moved from a T100 (first of the LC models) to an RE GT650. Love it, have never looked back.
Lovely - very nice indeed. As for the “rip-off” theory, that is as absurd as saying that the current British PM is emulating Winston Churchill.
The current Interceptor is only ripping off another Royal Enfield. The current Prime Minister ……………..( complete sentence as you wish)
I would still prefer Triumph styling, but how great is having both options to choose from!
Uncle Stu, I have been following since before I bought my INT650, in fact your reviews, are a basic standard I based my purchase on, after 2 years, my INT650 is still the best bike I have ever owned, Keep your chin up. We love ya
Dear Stuart, As usual very nice video. Very often I am questioned by "old Bonneville" owners about my Interceptor 650 , usually at red signal as they notice that they had some difficulty to follow me in Paris streets, in term of acceleration and agility. I am every time pleased by their interest. Recently I met one of those gentlemen in my favorite RE dealer , coming back from an Interceptor trial and asking to try the Continental GT right after. Of course he asked me if I was satisfied by my motocycle and if I had any complain about my bike. I really understand their concern, as they have sometime a 60 years old bike that they sometimes paid for nothing and cannot afford to replace by a new Triumph. So "will the RE fulfil their expectation for half the price of the Triumph" is a logical question. Now looking at your video , there is no doubt go for the RE.
Listened to a similar 'discussion' recently between two mates of mine with ref triumph v Royal Enfield, The best put down from the lad with the RE was that he neither had the time or the crayons to explain it to a triumph snob!
Excellent video again Stu.........
nice riposte! i will use that next time some dick asks if my 2007 bullet `is a real one`
Triumph shot themselves in the foot by milking rich older riders, gradually increasing the price of the Bonneville until it reached stratospheric levels, believing that the loyalty of buyers to British bikes would ensure continued sales. They were wrong!
Well done Uncle Stu! Brand snobbery has no place in motorcycling IMHO. Bought my Classic 500 before I found your treasure trove of a UA-cam channel… Stay safe my friend. 👍
Bought my interceptor after your first review. After riding this is my default recommendation for any one in the market for these type of bikes.
Back when I lived for the day I could get one, dreamt of getting one and was a bit obsessed about getting one. I was living down in Australia at the time. Working 2 jobs, one part time and one full time to have the money ready for the glorious day when it arrived...but in the end it never arrived! I settled for 2nd best. I got a Norton...which made me happy...very happy!
AUSTRALIA: Not met an unhappy RE rider yet. TRIUMPH, (made in Thailand) ROYAL ENFIELD, (made in India). WHAT IS AN ICONIC BRITISH MOTORCYCLE THESE DAYS?
As we say here in Lancashire Stuart, you can't educate pork! Nearly all British manufacturers made a 650-750 twin back in the day, it was the universal British motorcycle...
What ever, Triumph Bonneville is
" Triumph ", no other can beat her Smoothness and sweet humming of its engine sound, pulling power, weight, and Style etc 🙏
yes they are a bit heavy!
Some observations:
- As I might have known, you know quite well how to settle an argument, at least by my lights.
- The Bonneville, of course, is a very cool bike - what I, from childhood onwards, thought a "proper" motorcycle should look and sound like.
- The RE 650/750 did the same, but entirely their own way.
- And, at the moment, RE probably have a *bit* more street-cred than Triumph in terms of both development and manufacturing/sourcing. (Every moto manufacturer sources components from all over the planet, but in Triumph's case, *the entire engine?* Just sayin'.)
I'd say RE have earned their stripes of late, and put everybody, not just Triumph, on notice. And that's a huge win for the motorcycling community.
As a Yorkshire man who rides a 91 triumph trophy 1200 witch I have had from new I can state that it is far superior to any royal Enfield !
As the owner of a royal Enfield I can ensure state that it’s the bike I will keep and use when I’m old and can’t manage the weight of a big bike !
Hi Stuart. That was excellent. As a 64 year old with over 50 bikes that passed through my hands, I can say I owned an RE twin along with a few Triumphs. I loved them all. I had an early 60s 700 Meteor. I see the modern RE twins as exactly what RE UK could have evolved into if their leaders could have pulled their heads out the sand.
But they didn't, so they went where they belong.
Would love to see RE build a classic rendition of the twins along the lines of the classic 500. Sadly it would probably only appeal to a dwindling bunch of old farts.
Keep the great videos coming.
You are wrong to assume it will appeal to only a few, keeping the Indian market in view of course, there are so many who are so eagerly waiting for the 650 heart in a classic 500 frame. Don't forget these people are the same breed who kept buying 5 decade old bike , keeping the company alive , I know cause i am one of those blokes😁, and contrary to popular opinion we know what we paid for, there are those here too who make fun of pre UCE RE's for their vibrations. The bikes had their fair share of quality control issues but these were bikes that were ridden, and I think that should be reason enough to call a bike good, you derive pleasure from riding it, what more do you want, people went about the length and breath of India on these bikes, drove them to the ground, rebuilt them and then drove them some more. The Bullet will ALWAYS have takers in India, in words of one my dear friend and fellow RE owner, " we crave this cause deep down we are Analog people in a digital world", and there may be faster , edgier and feature loaded bikes in market, but nothing as organic as the bullet.
P.S : I am 33 and riding RE's since I was 19 years old.
@@jochenschrey2909 totally agree with that. Can't understand why modern bikes are designed to block the neat fitting of panniers. Makes no sense
Great sound on the old Interceptor!
I really appreciate that there is at least a company who’s bikes are affordable. M sick of over priced bikes
I don't care about all the silly arguing and bickering. I just know that REs are beautiful. I was, at 56, just starting to get the first inklings of a desire to get back in to riding when I saw the INT 650 on Jay Leno's Garage YT channel. My immediate and visceral reaction was "Oh my god! That's my bike!" I don't know though. That Meteor wears it's looks equally as well as the 650, carries a bit more fuel, and burns significantly less fuel. Man! A full tank, and an extra 20 bucks in the pocket, and that is a full day of riding, plus lunch.
I really like how you think!! 👍🏻
@@neosmith166 Thanks. 😃
I owned a Bonneville back in 1970, I’d waited and saved for years to get that bike and it turned out to be a pile of crap. It had a habit of dismantling itself as I rode along. I was so sick of it that I got rid of it after on 6 months of ownership. I’ve never purchased anything Triumph since, despite the new company being a different organisation. So I would have no trouble purchasing a Royal Enfield. I well remember the original company’s offerings, and they were nice bikes. I love the look of these latest bikes as well. I own a CB1300 and I’ve only got room for one bike in my garage, but I’m seriously considering a RE. Thanks for your great videos Stuart I always look forward to them. 👍😊🏴🇬🇧
Yeah, I had a 1970 Bonneville Tiger.
The engine casing cracked, along with various other maladies. Loved the bike, but never got another one. Love my RE Continental GT now.
Imagine driving up to a café in that Mark Two, now that will definitely drop some jaws, particularly of other riders.
This comment made my day brother , got my Mark 2 a few weeks back 🥳
Oh my lord that 1960 interceptor firing is so good!!
I bet the haters failed to point out that the latest batch of triumphs are made predominantly in Thailand. I own a Hinckley made triumph and am proud of ownership. I also own modern Enfields. Definitely not inferior. Motorcycle snobbery is a mortal sin imo. Great vlog Stuart 👍✌
You've got balls of steel ,
old awesome dude , very honest guy, love the fact that you embrace reality... thank you for clarifying! !!
Picked up my brand new 650 Interceptor on Friday 3rd of September 2021 , have done 300km and mate its a sweet bike ! I had a good riding mate that we have been friends since 1990 , he now rides a 2020 Triumph Bonny , we went for a ride on Saturday arvo .
We swapped bikes after 50 odd k's and yes his Triumph is good ,, more power ( mine is sill running in 4k rpm max ) but after 20 k's Mike the triumph owner was totally impressed ! ,, the smoothness , 2.5k rpm max torque from this incredible engine ! , gearbox smooth as silk ( yes he mentioned this ) he was happy , as was I .
Me I am 52 years young as well , my 1st bike was a 1952 Norton ES2 500m single ,, feather bed frame and Road holder forks , 19 inch TT100 Avons ,,, I feel this new Interceptor in my ( Stolen ) ES2 ,, super sturdy and steady on the road .. again brother keep up the good work . ps. I did the same sort of stony ride in NZ on my Norton that you just did on the 500 Enfield ( and Suzuki ) many times .
Bought an RE GT650 and love every moment riding it, the simplicity of the motorcycle and the price tag was very helpful for a beginner rider like me. it's a motorcyle that catches most people's attention here in my country(not that I like attention). There's always something with "Classic" for me in this fast paced world, here in my country most modern motorcycles are snob and most classic motorcyles alike are friendly.
When did the world change so abrupt? My fond memories of Triumph owners in the 80's who were the nicest people and very well educated in the history of British biking - One even helped me to fix the broken big end on my 1972 Enfield India Bullet 350. I refuse to believe they are all gone. Maybe they are just quiet and we are hearing of just a loud minority trying to ruin the reputation of these very nice people - I won't fall for it! :) And thanks Stu - great video again and appreciated hearing the sound of an original Interceptor :)
India adopted, loved and raised the Royal Enfield when it exiled from its home. Now the Royal Enfield has grown up and gone back to its country.
If Royal Enfield could make a new Interceptor to sound like that Mk2, I think that they would double the sales. Great video Stuart 👍👍
Couldn't agree more!
I
As a Triumph Bonneville AND RE (Himalayan) owner, I agree with most of this.
1. I love my Bonneville but left one FB group on it because I found too many obnoxious commenters.
2. I began riding in 1970 and became a massive fan of motorcycling. I live in the US but in all my years never heard of the RE brand until a spin on an iron barrel Bullet in the Devon fields in 1993. Never saw or even heard of the RE interceptor here on the East Coast. It seems it went mostly to California, so I couldn’t come close to calling the original version common in most states.
That said, I just recently learned that a guy who lives near me has an original. It’s a driving survivor, unrestored, and gorgeous, for all its patina.
3. I love my Himalayan as LEAST and much as my Bonnie, and would love to see you post a review. Given your understandable affection for RE, I’m surprised you haven’t done one by now. If you check out the RE sales reports, the Hima outsells the also excellent 650 twins. Whatever the popularity in the UK, the Himalayan has so far been RE’s best- selling export bike.
Please review the Himalayan.
RE are doing very well for a reason, they build bikes people want to buy. Simple as that. The new 650’s and Meteor/Himmy are terrific VFM
Oh boy, that sound really deserves a separate pure exhaust sound and a flyby video. Lovely! I was thinking in my mind that you can say that the Triumph was inspired by RE's design elements, even if it is just to rile such people up. Glad that you put that out in the video itself.
Can’t wait to get my paws on a Royal Enfield Int 650. 👍
Reliable Fun Bike had mine one year it rides nice and an occasional twisting of the throttle a bit of fun
In 1976 I took my motorcycle road test on my collage roommates Rickmen Royal Enfield interceptor. When RE went into liquidation Rickmen purchased a thousand or so engine/trans units and installed them in chrome moly nickel plated frames with double disk front and singe disk rear with fiberglass tank and fender. Great bike and I loved the neutral finder, a great feature.
Before I bought my Interceptor 650 two years ago I test drove both that bike and a Bonnie. There were a few things I liked more about the more powerful Triumph but overall the RE handled better and had a smoother gearbox so I got the RE.
My take is that we are all brassed off with bikes that have too much technology, speed & power we don't have the skills to use, & no chance to do any tinkering unless you possess a phd in advanced electronics. Enter RE - fix with spanners, does as it says on the tin, can be thrashed & still not lose your licence. Perfect recipe for under-helmet giggling.
Handsome bike that old Interceptor, as is the new one. Sounds great too. I think we can thank Kawasaki and its W650 (or possibly even Honda with its GB500) for the current revival in retro bikes combining old school styling and engine / running gear configuration supported by just enough modern tech, although there's an argument that Guzzi never stopped making retro bikes, they just had to wait for them to become desirable again!
Or the 1975 Honda CB500 twin
Uncle Stu: some people seem to be crazy aggressive these days. Triumph makes nice bikes, Royal Enfield even so! Nice video! :-)
What a great comparison between original and today's interceptor - thank you Stuart.
I'm a Harley guy, but I love the channel and really enjoyed the snark to the naysayers today. Good on ya..
So sorry to hear that , you could get that taken care of by trading in you know. Self punishment is silly.
Great info and I would always buy a bike based upon quality, comfort, looks and value for money, the latter always falling firmly into the RE bucket. I have had many different brands of bike and have loved all my Harleys, but regulations are making them lose their appeal and prices are increasing (new Sportster for >12k), so an RE is looking like it will find its way into my stable!
Another great video Stuart. Wonderfully amusing, and featuring my two favourite brands. I'm sure your comments have contributed to customer service and quality control of these vehicles.
I saw an original Interceptor in the seventies in red and acknowledge the DNA. Love your area, and the trees in blossom. Kind regards.
Royal Enfield Interceptor mark 3 is my first ever bike. Im 29 and got hands on my beauty on April-May 2019 . One of best decisions of my life so far ❤️.
I'm upgrading and modifying it bit by bit for performance as per your suggestions.
Thanks Mr. Stuart. 👍🏻
Stuart, you’ve convinced me that the new RE range is the way forward. I’m actively saving my pennies to get an Interceptor next year. Keep up the good work!
Love the videos and the Yorkshire plain speaking, Stuart. Thank you for the shots of horse chestnuts in flower, a real delight for an ex-pat living in Canada, where these magnificent trees are not common - though less rare than the RE Interceptor Mk I. 🙂
Another great video, the content is just out of the world. Its a true biker's delight to watch this channel. Very few like this one there.
Thank you.
Why do people care? Buy the bike you like and enjoy it.
Is it me or is he sounding more like Christopher Walken,Shatner,Adam West?That broken delivery!Sounds way cool and expecting him to say "wooooow! a lot!
I want to get back into biking , the last one i owned was 30 years ago , it's that age thing wanting to
relive your youth or summat like that. I hadn't a clue want i wanted to get until i saw the 650 interceptor
bingo ! just the job for me . Thanks for a down to earth no nonsense video Stuart .
Most people are susceptible to propaganda and are swayed by bling and image. Hence most buy BMW's Triumph's and Ducati's, and can be snobby about Japanese bikes. I agree with you 100% I am beginning to become a Royal Enfield fan and my Bullet is my bike for choice if I go out for a ride on my own, I would find it hard to put it into words why. If enjoyment in riding a bike is the qualifying factor then yes it is also my favourite bike ever.
RE Interceptor 750 - nice looking classic. I was surprised with the upswept pipes though.I thought that was a modern thing
the problem might be the RE is not trying too hard to hang on to retro and does vaguely relate back to something beyond a word. Would the Triumphs sell if they were called Bloorvilles? I find the desire to look back and move forward a strange mix and RE just seem to have hit the spot nicely.
Both of the brands have done great job at their own level . As a motorcycle enthusiasts I want to see how these brands develop into the future market . They both have different lineups and different game strategy. I would never want any of them to become a history . I own a Royal Enfield bike but I also dream to own a triumph... these bikes are to us like what Harley and Indian is to the American market . Let’s keep the motorcycle brotherhood alive . After all these are just machines ... it’s the riders who have to socialise . Love from India 🇮🇳 🙏
In the foggy past when we could travel, always hired a RE when in India as they continued to produce them there for years ( along with the Morris Oxford). So glad to see them doing so well back here. From a Triumph owner ;)
To MY eye, the Interceptor 650 has always looked more like a Norton Commando with a BSA A65 engine. Honestly, the Royal Enfield is just such a pretty bike, who cares what, if any, outside influence its design may (or may not) have had.
Great analogy Stu, I have a modern Triumph Speed Twin, but I also love the Royal Enfields, I'm old enough (70) to remember all the British Twins, I'm lucky, I don't suffer from snobbery, I even like the Japanese Classics, I might be wrong, but maybe the 1938 Edward Turner Speed Twin heralded a new era in motorcycles, and some wonderful motorbikes came on the scene, AJS, BSA, Norton twins. I love them all, plenty of room for diversity, ok mate keep 'em coming, I'll keep watching!, cheers Dave
Love the sound of an old British twin!
I wouldn't say they "copied", rather than saw a way to do it better and at a reduced price. Recognising a sweetspot/market niche is the key to success. Triumph abandoned this market when they opted to push the prices up and concentrate on the more premium sector to justify their higher margins. I'll admit I was also initially a bit sceptical especially when you look at the previous Continental GT but I've been completely won over by the price & quality of this new generation of bikes :-)
When I was looking for my first big bike, I was interested in the Bonneville. But here in Australia, Bonnevilles that were around 7 years old and with highish km and no remaining warranty were only a couple of thousand dollars less than a brand new interceptor. I couldn't justify the Triumph and have no regrets buying the interceptor.
I actually met a new friend since owning the RE who has an older T100 Bonneville and let me take it for a ride. A nice bike, but also justified my choice to get the interceptor. The interceptor feels like a more athletic bike, and with the few performance modifications I have done the slightly lower power isn't really noticeable to me.
Both nice bikes though and no shade on anyone who prefers the Triumph or happened to get one prior to the interceptor being released.
I ride my father's RE machismo 350 red chrome from 1999 and bought my own Interceptor 650 mark 2 last month and I love both of them ❤️ both are great machine.loved your simplistic review.
Bless your soul Stuart for you have gone the extra mile to put to rest all doubters.
Great Video as always. Good timing as my new interceptor in baker express is being delivered in 3 hours. Barely slept last night :)
OOh a new bike! congratulations!
I’ve said it before, I put off purchasing a RE classic for years (I listened to the build quality nonsense, sorry) and if it wasn’t for finding your channel I would never have bought my bike. Thank you Stu for putting me right and opening my eyes to the unassuming world of Royal Enfield, and more importantly the wonderful people who own them. I shall see you again Friday, ride safe.
Well said mate I have a int and a triumph thruxton and people are very small minded both bikes are great people need to just get out and enjoy both marks
Namaste Stuart...I have been following this series of RE twin reviews of yours from the beginning...and you have really done the justice they deserve by enlightening us of the glorious heritage of these bikes...I have great respect for you...loved your reviews.
Wow, thank you!
I have ordered a RE interceptor, It was an easy decision as the RE is about 10 grand, and the Bonny is about 15 grand here in Aus. I even the Kwaka W 800 is about 14 grand, and most reviews I’ve read put the RE well ahead.
Great video once again Stu.
Adored my Interceptor until some unexpected bills arrived. Kept the Tiger as it’s set-up for touring but will definitely look at getting an RE again and it easily delivered that retro ‘smile on the face’ experience.
I yearn to own a RE, but unfortunately there are no dealerships nor a used market for them in my location, closest dealership is 356 miles away. Love the simplicity of all their machines and the working class pricing.
What a beauty. The 1969 Interceptor looks gorgeous! And it has got the quick-back-to-neutral lever. Lovely! It looks like a Bullet with more oomph. Purely bobberesque
I really don’t see the problem, surely great value bikes are a good thing for motorcycling in general. Doesn’t matter whether you like them or not, at least we have the choice. Motorcycling isn’t elitist and was never intended to be, I suppose there will always be brand snobbery. I for one like the look of both triumphs and RE as they both look like classic motorcycles. Great vid and thanks for bringing more RE content.
My only hands-on experience with Royal Enfield was in 1992, when I bought a new Bullet 500 (they were badged as Enfield in those days). It was cheap and cheerful, basically a 50s model with indicators fitted, but the build quality was poor and it had a hard time keeping up with the motorway traffic, so I sold it and found a 750 Bonneville, which I still ride now. I don't feel snobbish about it, and since they started modernising their models, I've looked at them from time to time. I considered buying an Interceptor when they introduced it, but the free road tax on the Triumph and appreciating value tipped the balance, so I'm going to stay with that for now. Once the knees give out and I need electric start, the Interceptor will definitely be on the list.
Back in the 1930’s RE produced the KX, which was an 1100cc V twin. My metalwork teacher at school was rebuilding one in the classroom back in the mid 70’s. I’ve never seen another since. My current bike is an Interceptor 650, which suits me fine.
The burble of the grandfather's bike was amazing. What a beauty. Why cant more bikes be styled like them? I mean the tanks are so clean, the handle-bar is righly swept backward, the height seems to be manageable by anyone over 5 feet, the sound raises my testosterone levels :) Blessed are people who get to ride on such amazing machines. These rare bikes are history lessons.
The handle bar on the original version looks more comfy and upright also has more attitude that the handlebars on the latest ones. It would be a great idea to swap them and see how it changes the ergonomics.
I worked on them in the 1960's whilst living in the UK - the crankshaft/crankcase with a mid bearing was well ahead of the competition
I bought a brand new bullet a few years back, and it soured me on the brand. Over 10 different warranty issues, and extremely poor customer service here in Canada. I've heard they've made leaps and bounds in the quality department, but I personally wouldn't get another one. That doesn't mean everyone's experience with Royal Enfield will be the same as mine, and I enjoy talking to R.E. riders to see what their experience has been like. At the end of the day, as long as you're out there enjoying riding, that's all that matters.
I dont believe that RE is copying Triumph or any motobike company make a classic bike look alike Triumph, although i owned a Triumph ST.
Paralleo-Twin Engine is a oldschool engine, just like basic math we used to learn when we a kid. And RE did a great job to make their own machine that base on a strong and well develop engine and their knowleage about it. Call it "copying" is like call a kid learning math is copy from the guy who invented math. :D
Thank you for such an informative content! I live in India and I'm a proud owner of Interceptor 650. Can't say anything about "superior" or 'inferior", but I love my machine and, after purchasing it, I have no need of using intercity public transport, at all. Besides, here, in India, it is a cheapest bike in 650 cc segment - about 3000 British Pounds, just a half of for example, the cheapest 650 cc bike from Honda (and the price of 900 cc Triumph bikes starts from 8000 British Pounds). Also, there are no issues with 92 octane petrol (which we have here mostly), and ground clearance, too, is suitable for each kind of roads.
At 9:19, the arrow on the rear tire.....
Thanks Stuart for this comparison, I'm 55 and you convinced me to take a bike course in order to obtain my licences and later buy an int650.
Keep up your good work.
65yr old Canadian who loves the retro styling of the new Enfields, and another who cannot fathom the density of the Triumph complainers. I have driven a Bonnie 650 many years ago, much fun and pretty spunky, but never had a chance to ride an Interceptor though I've watched numerous videos of them. I did not realize they did a 750 in 1969, sounds beautiful! My dear ol' pops and his gang of ex-military buddies drove lots of BSA's, Enfields, Nortons and Indians circa '50's, from what I recall it was the smaller displacement British bikes that were favoured on the primitive twisting roads of British Columbia, dad's favorite was his BSA Silver Star (single 500cc?) from what I recall, miss ya pops, wish we could have had a ride together, maybe later eh :)
The Enfield is all Enfield - always has been and still is.
I’ve ridden and owned several different brands of motorcycles and came to an odd conclusion…I like all of them!! I’ve had Chinese, Japanese, Russian, American, British and,Indian made motorcycles and scooters. They have ALL been very enjoyable!!!
Here in India,in the 1980's either one liked RE's or would be in the other club,the jawa club.I rode Jawa's.I still ride the other club type bikes.The video is a good rebuttal and made the point.
What Royal Enfield has done by the introduction of Interceptor is the re-introduction of above 600CC motorcycles to the masses. They are pretty well made and intelligently priced so that one need not win a lottery to own one. In India, the entry into Triumph's modern classics start at £10,000 and that is a ridiculous amount of money and after spending that what you'll end up with is a Street Twin. Hey Stuart, thank you for flying the Enfield flag high and more power to companies like Enfield who are re-democratising the biking world. Now they should come by with a 650+CC Himalayan and that will kick all the exorbitantly priced adventure tourers. I'm waiting (gleefully) for that. Signed: Another Triumph Owner.