Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Long Term Report: July 2019

Given the rave reviews that I'd read and riding experiences I’d heard first-hand from fellow journalists, I had very high expectations from the Interceptor. Having ridden it for nearly 700 kilometres already, I am happy to report that I am not disappointed one bit. There’s a lot to like about the motorcycle, and at the top of the list is its motor. The new 648cc parallel-twin motor is unlike any other engine from Royal Enfield. Refinement is impressive, especially given what we’re used to from other Royal Enfield offerings. In the past few weeks, I made two quick runs to Lonavla to stretch its, and my, legs. Even at highway speeds, there are barely any vibrations. It still isn’t as smooth as some of the Japanese parallel-twins out there, but it’s certainly impressive in its own right. And then there is the torque spread. Nearly 80 per cent of its 52Nm of torque kicks in at as low as 2,500rpm, which makes finding your way out of traffic, as well as overtaking, absolutely easy.

We are going to live with the Interceptor 650 for the next few months. With the monsoon setting in, and the weather becoming a little more favourable for riding, I think I’m going to plan a long ride soon.