Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor

[pdedse]

Trade-in values of Royal Enfield 650's have collapsed in the UK with a number of owners expressing their shock on YouTube. It seems RE fired the UK distributor and are going it alone. Owners are being offered half of what they paid for 1 year old bikes now at the dealers. 2nd hand values are under pressure as the old importer is trying to shift loads of left over stock with £800 off new bikes on what was already a good value purchase.

Perhaps not as drastic a drop-off here in the U.S., but a keen observation, Tev...and a very good reason to buy second hand if thinking about the INT650. When I was looking for one, I passed on several second hand bikes that were very reasonably priced $4800 to low 5k, low miles and late models. They were either too far away or not the color I wanted.

By comparison, a local RE place had new 2022s at msrp of $6. They wanted $6800 out the door (freight and set-up; Oregon has no sales tax, and another $400 if they did the tags/registration for you).

The '22 I found had all of 700 miles, and it came with nice RE thicker seat, handlebar risers, rear rack, "knee-pads" on the tank--all mods that I liked. And at $5200 it was 2k less than a new one from the dealer. I knew I wasn't going to have it long term, so I was a bit concerned that I'd "lose" a lot of $$ on resale. Rode it for 7000 miles, did a 3500 mile trip on it that I was wanting to do for some time, and then put it up for sale. I offered the bike for sale at 4900 before doing my San Diego trip and had one person call me, but he couldn't make up his mind. After the trip I offered it at 4300, had 2 people call me within a few days and I accepted $4100. Was $1100 "good value" for owning a bike 9months and 7k miles? It was good enough for me...it satisfied my curiosity about Royal Enfield and left me with a favorable impression of their bikes, and the experience allowed me to explore areas of California I hadn't been to before...and most importantly...I got to own an orange bike!!!

Well it looks like my "dreams" of owning a Royal Enfield are dashed, I was to meet the seller this morning at 0800 but he tentatively sold it last night.

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

Great information, thanks! Is that your video?

Has anyone had any personal experience with one of these? I see a used one (somewhat) close by and the price seems good but I've never thought of buying a Royal Enfield. I like the looks it reminds me of a modern interpretation of a 70's era Honda CB650/750.

https://www.webbikeworld.com/2021-royal-enfield-int650/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3WGKowbz_0

Yes. Wonderful engine vibe. Easy to work on. Fit and finish perhaps not as high quality as that of Honda CB1100. Weighs 100 lbs less than CB1100. Acceleration is great. 6 gears. Some people have had issues with fuel pump, some other electrics. But parts are relatively cheap.

If you haven't ridden one and if you're able, go to dealership and ask for test ride. Local dealer practically insisted that I try one out. That made up my mind for me. I ended up buying second hand, but only because right after test ride, a nice used one popped up for sale...$5200 for a '22 with 700 miles on it.

I rode it 7000 miles over 9 months. Then I sold it last month. It was never going to be a long-term bike for me, but I always wanted to try one out. Love the bike, no good reason for me to sell it other than I wanted to return to owning a Kawasaki W800.

Forum member "Gone" also has one.

Anything specific that you would like to know?

Maybe this will help, my trip from Portland to San Diego in July:

https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/of-co...t.1659295/

And for more info than you'll really want, visit:

https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/inde...board=30.0

I suppose with RE, people want to know bottom line..."is it reliable?" For me...very. Beyond that...a VERY fun bike to ride.

Yes. Wonderful engine vibe. Easy to work on. Fit and finish perhaps not as high quality as that of Honda CB1100. Weighs 100 lbs less than CB1100. Acceleration is great. 6 gears. Some people have had issues with fuel pump, some other electrics. But parts are relatively cheap.

If you haven't ridden one and if you're able, go to dealership and ask for test ride. Local dealer practically insisted that I try one out. That made up my mind for me. I ended up buying second hand, but only because right after test ride, a nice used one popped up for sale...$5200 for a '22 with 700 miles on it.

I rode it 7000 miles over 9 months. Then I sold it last month. It was never going to be a long-term bike for me, but I always wanted to try one out. Love the bike, no good reason for me to sell it other than I wanted to return to owning a Kawasaki W800.

Forum member "Gone" also has one.

Anything specific that you would like to know?

Maybe this will help, my trip from Portland to San Diego in July:

https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/of-co...t.1659295/

And for more info than you'll really want, visit:

https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/inde...board=30.0

I suppose with RE, people want to know bottom line..."is it reliable?" For me...very. Beyond that...a VERY fun bike to ride.
That's great to hear. I wasn't looking for anything specific just curious about your overall thoughts and if it was a bike worth looking into.

The Kawasaki W800 looks to be very similar (in appearance), do you still have it?

The INT is worth looking into! Can't over-state the smile factor with it.

RE: do I still have the w800?

Um...no...I mean, yes!

No: I bought a new, left-over 2020 Kawasaki w800 café version (brown, funky handlebars) and owned it for a year. I road it 4500 miles and was able to sell it for the same price I bought it for, so that turned out well. Loved the engine, but the forward riding position...while fun to experiment with, really wasn't the best for me. I could have put other handlebars on it, but I wanted to try out an INT650, too. So I went that route.

The INT650 was going to be a fun "interum" ride till the w800 2023 version (matte blue) came to the States. I've been checking dealerships all year, but I'm convinced the '23 W is not going to make it to the States. Canada got some, though.

I mean YES!:

So I started looking at the red '22 W800 standards--but they're red...I really wanted a blue one. There are several new '22 red ones at dealerships near me, and decenlty priced. But then about 2 weeks ago, I came across a new, leftover 2021 Blue in Port Angeles, WA...about a 4 hour drive away from me. But they were selling it at MSRP, $9200. That was the add anyway. I called them up and asked, "are you really asking 9200 for that 2 year old '21 w800?" And the salesman said..."no, we can discount that". I told him a local to me dealer said $7300 would buy a new red '22 (true out the door price)...he asked if 7k would work..."no hidden costs, nothing added on, right?" I asked. He said "you bring me 7k cash and that's it".

Last Saturday, I left the house at 530am, drove 4 hours there, one signature, they loaded the bike on my pick-up and I was driving home within an hour and back by 3pm. The blue is...for me...stunning!

So are you considering a W800 as an alternative to the INT650? If so, check out this video where 2 guys give both a fair shake:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o126vI1SxRQ

My thoughts: they are both fun, fun bikes to ride. Very pleasing exhaust note. W800 has a 360 degree crank, the INT650 has 270. Both air cooled, abs. The finish on my new W800 is nicer than that of the INT650. The INT is 45 lbs lighter, has six gears while the W has five. Valve checks will be easier on the INT, but apparently not too bad on the W.

But...I obviously chose the W. Seems a little more solidly built...but, more importantly...

it's blue.

The INT is worth looking into! Can't over-state the smile factor with it.

RE: do I still have the w800?

Um...no...I mean, yes!

No: I bought a new, left-over 2020 Kawasaki w800 café version (brown, funky handlebars) and owned it for a year. I road it 4500 miles and was able to sell it for the same price I bought it for, so that turned out well. Loved the engine, but the forward riding position...while fun to experiment with, really wasn't the best for me. I could have put other handlebars on it, but I wanted to try out an INT650, too. So I went that route.

The INT650 was going to be a fun "interum" ride till the w800 2023 version (matte blue) came to the States. I've been checking dealerships all year, but I'm convinced the '23 W is not going to make it to the States. Canada got some, though.

I mean YES!:

So I started looking at the red '22 W800 standards--but they're red...I really wanted a blue one. There are several new '22 red ones at dealerships near me, and decenlty priced. But then about 2 weeks ago, I came across a new, leftover 2021 Blue in Port Angeles, WA...about a 4 hour drive away from me. But they were selling it at MSRP, $9200. That was the add anyway. I called them up and asked, "are you really asking 9200 for that 2 year old '21 w800?" And the salesman said..."no, we can discount that". I told him a local to me dealer said $7300 would buy a new red '22 (true out the door price)...he asked if 7k would work..."no hidden costs, nothing added on, right?" I asked. He said "you bring me 7k cash and that's it".

Last Saturday, I left the house at 530am, drove 4 hours there, one signature, they loaded the bike on my pick-up and I was driving home within an hour and back by 3pm. The blue is...for me...stunning!

So are you considering a W800 as an alternative to the INT650? If so, check out this video where 2 guys give both a fair shake:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o126vI1SxRQ

My thoughts: they are both fun, fun bikes to ride. Very pleasing exhaust note. W800 has a 360 degree crank, the INT650 has 270. Both air cooled, abs. The finish on my new W800 is nicer than that of the INT650. The INT is 45 lbs lighter, has six gears while the W has five. Valve checks will be easier on the INT, but apparently not too bad on the W.

But...I obviously chose the W. Seems a little more solidly built...but, more importantly...

it's blue.
Well every man must have his priorities and you have yours

Great story, thanks for sharing. I would consider a w800 but it doesn't seems to be a very common bike but it checks the boxes as far as appearance.

I'll be looking for another bike it will be an interesting mix of not too heavy or expensive and beginner bike yet still be "cool" as this will be the 4th bike and it will be something my wife will learn on (hopefully).

Was that the one you mentioned was for $3500? That sounds like a great price. too bad it didn't work our for you, but I'll bet you can find another good deal soon enough.

Well it looks like my "dreams" of owning a Royal Enfield are dashed, I was to meet the seller this morning at 0800 but he tentatively sold it last night.

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

Great information, thanks! Is that your video?

Has anyone had any personal experience with one of these? I see a used one (somewhat) close by and the price seems good but I've never thought of buying a Royal Enfield. I like the looks it reminds me of a modern interpretation of a 70's era Honda CB650/750.

https://www.webbikeworld.com/2021-royal-enfield-int650/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3WGKowbz_0

Yes. Wonderful engine vibe. Easy to work on. Fit and finish perhaps not as high quality as that of Honda CB1100. Weighs 100 lbs less than CB1100. Acceleration is great. 6 gears. Some people have had issues with fuel pump, some other electrics. But parts are relatively cheap.

If you haven't ridden one and if you're able, go to dealership and ask for test ride. Local dealer practically insisted that I try one out. That made up my mind for me. I ended up buying second hand, but only because right after test ride, a nice used one popped up for sale...$5200 for a '22 with 700 miles on it.

I rode it 7000 miles over 9 months. Then I sold it last month. It was never going to be a long-term bike for me, but I always wanted to try one out. Love the bike, no good reason for me to sell it other than I wanted to return to owning a Kawasaki W800.

Forum member "Gone" also has one.

Anything specific that you would like to know?

Maybe this will help, my trip from Portland to San Diego in July:

https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/of-co...t.1659295/

And for more info than you'll really want, visit:

https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/inde...board=30.0

I suppose with RE, people want to know bottom line..."is it reliable?" For me...very. Beyond that...a VERY fun bike to ride.

Yes. Wonderful engine vibe. Easy to work on. Fit and finish perhaps not as high quality as that of Honda CB1100. Weighs 100 lbs less than CB1100. Acceleration is great. 6 gears. Some people have had issues with fuel pump, some other electrics. But parts are relatively cheap.

If you haven't ridden one and if you're able, go to dealership and ask for test ride. Local dealer practically insisted that I try one out. That made up my mind for me. I ended up buying second hand, but only because right after test ride, a nice used one popped up for sale...$5200 for a '22 with 700 miles on it.

I rode it 7000 miles over 9 months. Then I sold it last month. It was never going to be a long-term bike for me, but I always wanted to try one out. Love the bike, no good reason for me to sell it other than I wanted to return to owning a Kawasaki W800.

Forum member "Gone" also has one.

Anything specific that you would like to know?

Maybe this will help, my trip from Portland to San Diego in July:

https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/of-co...t.1659295/

And for more info than you'll really want, visit:

https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/inde...board=30.0

I suppose with RE, people want to know bottom line..."is it reliable?" For me...very. Beyond that...a VERY fun bike to ride.
That's great to hear. I wasn't looking for anything specific just curious about your overall thoughts and if it was a bike worth looking into.

The Kawasaki W800 looks to be very similar (in appearance), do you still have it?

The INT is worth looking into! Can't over-state the smile factor with it.

RE: do I still have the w800?

Um...no...I mean, yes!

No: I bought a new, left-over 2020 Kawasaki w800 café version (brown, funky handlebars) and owned it for a year. I road it 4500 miles and was able to sell it for the same price I bought it for, so that turned out well. Loved the engine, but the forward riding position...while fun to experiment with, really wasn't the best for me. I could have put other handlebars on it, but I wanted to try out an INT650, too. So I went that route.

The INT650 was going to be a fun "interum" ride till the w800 2023 version (matte blue) came to the States. I've been checking dealerships all year, but I'm convinced the '23 W is not going to make it to the States. Canada got some, though.

I mean YES!:

So I started looking at the red '22 W800 standards--but they're red...I really wanted a blue one. There are several new '22 red ones at dealerships near me, and decenlty priced. But then about 2 weeks ago, I came across a new, leftover 2021 Blue in Port Angeles, WA...about a 4 hour drive away from me. But they were selling it at MSRP, $9200. That was the add anyway. I called them up and asked, "are you really asking 9200 for that 2 year old '21 w800?" And the salesman said..."no, we can discount that". I told him a local to me dealer said $7300 would buy a new red '22 (true out the door price)...he asked if 7k would work..."no hidden costs, nothing added on, right?" I asked. He said "you bring me 7k cash and that's it".

Last Saturday, I left the house at 530am, drove 4 hours there, one signature, they loaded the bike on my pick-up and I was driving home within an hour and back by 3pm. The blue is...for me...stunning!

So are you considering a W800 as an alternative to the INT650? If so, check out this video where 2 guys give both a fair shake:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o126vI1SxRQ

My thoughts: they are both fun, fun bikes to ride. Very pleasing exhaust note. W800 has a 360 degree crank, the INT650 has 270. Both air cooled, abs. The finish on my new W800 is nicer than that of the INT650. The INT is 45 lbs lighter, has six gears while the W has five. Valve checks will be easier on the INT, but apparently not too bad on the W.

But...I obviously chose the W. Seems a little more solidly built...but, more importantly...

it's blue.

The INT is worth looking into! Can't over-state the smile factor with it.

RE: do I still have the w800?

Um...no...I mean, yes!

No: I bought a new, left-over 2020 Kawasaki w800 café version (brown, funky handlebars) and owned it for a year. I road it 4500 miles and was able to sell it for the same price I bought it for, so that turned out well. Loved the engine, but the forward riding position...while fun to experiment with, really wasn't the best for me. I could have put other handlebars on it, but I wanted to try out an INT650, too. So I went that route.

The INT650 was going to be a fun "interum" ride till the w800 2023 version (matte blue) came to the States. I've been checking dealerships all year, but I'm convinced the '23 W is not going to make it to the States. Canada got some, though.

I mean YES!:

So I started looking at the red '22 W800 standards--but they're red...I really wanted a blue one. There are several new '22 red ones at dealerships near me, and decenlty priced. But then about 2 weeks ago, I came across a new, leftover 2021 Blue in Port Angeles, WA...about a 4 hour drive away from me. But they were selling it at MSRP, $9200. That was the add anyway. I called them up and asked, "are you really asking 9200 for that 2 year old '21 w800?" And the salesman said..."no, we can discount that". I told him a local to me dealer said $7300 would buy a new red '22 (true out the door price)...he asked if 7k would work..."no hidden costs, nothing added on, right?" I asked. He said "you bring me 7k cash and that's it".

Last Saturday, I left the house at 530am, drove 4 hours there, one signature, they loaded the bike on my pick-up and I was driving home within an hour and back by 3pm. The blue is...for me...stunning!

So are you considering a W800 as an alternative to the INT650? If so, check out this video where 2 guys give both a fair shake:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o126vI1SxRQ

My thoughts: they are both fun, fun bikes to ride. Very pleasing exhaust note. W800 has a 360 degree crank, the INT650 has 270. Both air cooled, abs. The finish on my new W800 is nicer than that of the INT650. The INT is 45 lbs lighter, has six gears while the W has five. Valve checks will be easier on the INT, but apparently not too bad on the W.

But...I obviously chose the W. Seems a little more solidly built...but, more importantly...

it's blue.
Well every man must have his priorities and you have yours

Great story, thanks for sharing. I would consider a w800 but it doesn't seems to be a very common bike but it checks the boxes as far as appearance.

I'll be looking for another bike it will be an interesting mix of not too heavy or expensive and beginner bike yet still be "cool" as this will be the 4th bike and it will be something my wife will learn on (hopefully).

For your wife to learn on? Ooh, I think the INT650 could be a very nice bike for her! The stock seat isn't too tall, and the 450lbs isn't crazy heavy. The only problem is that she wouldn't get the chance to ride it much as you would be out riding it all the time.