Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 was released in 2018 and has since become one of the most recognizable Royal Enfield. Due to the fact that it was the first twin-cylinder vehicle offered by an Indian manufacturer, which made it even more special. Royal Enfield offers this package at an unbeatable price point, especially with the classic styling, likable motor, and good performance.
Pros – Refined Motor, Rider-Friendly Ergonomics, Good Comfort, Brakes
Cons – Instrument Cluster, Narrow Seats, Headlight
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Variants
The Interceptor 650 is available in three variants which differ from the other in a few subtle aspects. The variants are:
- Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Standard
- Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Custom
- Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Chrome
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Design
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 features a round halogen headlight, a flat seat, spoke wheels, chrome accents, even the engine is finished in chrome. With all this, the bike looks classic, and it looks Royal Enfield from every angle. Additionally, it gets seven color options, allowing customers their pick their favorite. Blacked-out rims are also available on some models, adding to the overall look. The full halogen setup is, however, dated, and adding LEDs can definitely make this an improved package. All in all, the Interceptor 650 still offers the same old-school design with good quality.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Features
Royal Enfield’s Interceptor 650 is equipped with a twin-pod instrument cluster and switchgear. A semi-digital unit, but the digital part is small and provides limited information. On the digital unit, there are only two trip meters, an odometer, and a fuel gauge. The analog unit includes the speedometer and the tachometer.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Engine Performance
The heart of any motorcycle is the engine. All the Interceptor 650 variants are equipped with the same 648cc, twin-cylinder, 4 stroke, 6-speed, oil-cooled, fuel-injected engine producing 47 BHP at 7150 RPM and 52 Nm of torque at 5250 RPM. With a strong mid-range punch and good low-end grunt, the Interceptor feels very fun to ride. The engine is tremendously refined and the motor doesn’t feel stressed even at triple-digit speeds. The six-speed gearbox shifts with ease, and the clutch feels light, making city driving a breeze. Moreover, a slipper-clutch makes sure that you stay in control at all times. One might experience some heating issues if their knees are very close to the engine.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Mileage (or Fuel Efficiency)
The Interceptor 650 has retained consistent fuel-efficiency figures over the years through various updates and emission norms. The BS6 offering gives 37-38 km/l under economic riding conditions in the city. On the highway, one can expect close to 38-39 km/l further aiding the popularity of Interceptor 650 in the 650cc retro design motorcycles segment. The 13.7-litre fuel tank is capable of offering a total riding range of up to 300-400kms on one full tank of petrol.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Handling (or Dynamics)
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 suspension duties are handled by 41mm telescopic forks up front and a coil-over-shock setup with a five-step pre-load adjustment at the rear. The stock suspension is soft and can handle even the most challenging situations. At the rear, the suspension travel is just 88 mm, which means it bottoms out on hard bumps. At 174 mm, the ground clearance is also adequate. The front end of the Royal Enfield has confidence-inspiring handling, and it is easy to flick in corners.
In straight-line stability, the bike’s long wheelbase is helpful, but the handlebars feel jittery at speeds over 140 kilometers per hour. All in all, the Interceptor 650 maintains some of its original benefits and reaches the end of its versatile range.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Comfort (or Ergonomics)
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a stylish motorcycle with an upright riding position that most people enjoy. A seat height of 804 mm and center-set footpegs also add to its appeal. It offers decent comfort to the pillion, but the rider will find it somewhat uncomfortably angled towards the tank. The obtrusive center-set footpegs and the protruding exhausts further contribute to making the ride unpleasant when moving the bike around at low speeds. The tank shape, however, keeps the rider’s knees locked, while offering good support. Last but not least, the mirrors display an excellent view of the rear, but they feel cheap and vibrate with great force at high speeds, making them less practical.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Safety (or Brakes)
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 offers dual-channel ABS as standard. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is equipped with a 320 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc brake. The braking performance on this motorcycle is highly satisfactory across. The brakes have improved significantly throughout the generations. The inclusion of dual-channel ABS as standard makes the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 safer to ride.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Tyres
The tyres on offer on the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 are the same for all variants. It gets a 100/90/18 front tyre and a 130/70/18 rear tyre.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Service
Royal Enfield is a well-established motorcycle brand that has stood the test of time and proved resilient in all its endeavours. They offer a wide range of authorized service centres and showrooms across the country where people can buy their motorcycles and get them promptly serviced, at an affordable cost. The average service interval for the Interceptor 650 is anywhere between 4000 to 5000 km, this particular motorcycle should cost you somewhere between Rs. 1000/- to Rs. 5000/- for its service.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Price
Following is the price of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (On-Road, Mumbai) –
- Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Standard – Rs. 3,35,017/-
- Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Custom – Rs. 3,44,396/-
- Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Chrome – Rs. 3,60,029/-
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Resale Value
Royal Enfield is a brand that promises motorcycles that are easy to maintain, robust, and have a good build quality. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 should have a moderately adequate resale value depending on the wear and tear, and overall maintenance.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Colours
- Sunset Strip
- Mark 2
- Canyon Red
- Ventura Blue
- Orange Crush
- Downtown Drag
- Baker Express
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Specs
- Engine: 648cc, Oil-Cooled, Parallel-Twin
- Power: 47 BHP @ 7150 RPM
- Torque: 52 Nm @ 5250 RPM
- Transmission: 6-Speed With Slipper Clutch
- Top Speed: 155.6 km/hr (VBOX)
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Fuel Consumption: 28 km/l
- Frame: Steel Tubular Double Cradle Frame
- Suspension: 41 mm Telescopic Forks (Front), Twin Gas Charged Shocks (Rear)
- Tyres: 100/90/18 (Front), 130/70/18 (Rear)
- Brakes: 320 mm Disc (Front), 240 mm Disc (Rear), Dual-Channel ABS
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Dimensions
- Length x Width x Height: 2122 mm x 1165 mm x 789 mm
- Wheelbase: 1400 mm
- Seat Height: 804 mm
- Ground Clearance: 174 mm
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.7-litres
- Kerb weight: 202 kg (Dry)
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Rating
We give the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 a rating of 4/5.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 vs KTM Duke 390
The KTM Duke 390 is loaded with features. One can connect their phone via Bluetooth, answer/reject calls, play music, and operate the throttle with ride-by-wire technology. LED headlamps and a funky display complete the package. The KTM Duke 390 offers fantastic value and is ideal for someone who likes to ride aggressively. It emits an energetic vibe that one can practically feel. For touring purposes, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is better because it feels refined and is better for everyday use. Both motorcycles deliver pure, enjoyable rides on the road. The KTM Duke 390 and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 have a price difference of Rs. 11,483/- making it hard for customers to come to a decision.
Final Verdict
The Interceptor 650 from Royal Enfield starts at Rs 3,35,017 on-road Mumbai. At its current price, it is the most affordable twin-cylinder motorcycle in India. There’s no doubt that it comes in a retro-style package, which means that it lacks some modern-day features. But if you are looking for modern tech and styling, there are better options available.
We hope this article has been helpful to you in addressing all your queries regarding the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and aiding you in making your big purchase. Thank you for reading and ride safely.
