09-28-2023, 01:31 PM
Hi guys, on an extended business trip, just catching up.
I’ve ridden a Bonneville for years. When the Interceptor 650 came out, I said “Huh. Looks like a Harbor Freight knock off of a Bonneville.”
Then, I got to rent one for a day, and I really dug it. The 270 degree twin has a lot of character, plenty of power and a neat exhaust note. Looking online, I found near-new low-mile examples in the $5k range. Picked one up and really enjoy it. Even got to ride with Pdedse and his for a bit.
The ergonomics can take a bit of getting used to and some find the seat uncomfortable. But parts are laughably cheap compared to Honda or Triumph. Different styles of OEM seats can be had for a little more than a hundred bucks. Yeah, the quality, fit and finish are nowhere near Honda. I can see sanding marks under the paint on my gas tank. The finish on the chrome parts isn’t too smooth.
But, I haven’t had a mechanical issue yet. Valve adjustments are called for every 6k miles, but can be done quickly with screw adjusters rather than shims. It has enough character and a unique enough feel to it that it is different from my Triumph and my CB1100. And with six speeds, the little 48 hp mill is happy at freeway speeds with no problem.
It’s definitely a “more than the sum of its parts” bike.
https://youtu.be/HjJ491Kfeic?feature=shared
I’ve ridden a Bonneville for years. When the Interceptor 650 came out, I said “Huh. Looks like a Harbor Freight knock off of a Bonneville.”
Then, I got to rent one for a day, and I really dug it. The 270 degree twin has a lot of character, plenty of power and a neat exhaust note. Looking online, I found near-new low-mile examples in the $5k range. Picked one up and really enjoy it. Even got to ride with Pdedse and his for a bit.
The ergonomics can take a bit of getting used to and some find the seat uncomfortable. But parts are laughably cheap compared to Honda or Triumph. Different styles of OEM seats can be had for a little more than a hundred bucks. Yeah, the quality, fit and finish are nowhere near Honda. I can see sanding marks under the paint on my gas tank. The finish on the chrome parts isn’t too smooth.
But, I haven’t had a mechanical issue yet. Valve adjustments are called for every 6k miles, but can be done quickly with screw adjusters rather than shims. It has enough character and a unique enough feel to it that it is different from my Triumph and my CB1100. And with six speeds, the little 48 hp mill is happy at freeway speeds with no problem.
It’s definitely a “more than the sum of its parts” bike.
https://youtu.be/HjJ491Kfeic?feature=shared