Five Years with the Interceptor 650

 

Five years ago, owning the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 was not even on my radar. I was all set for the Classic 350, but one spontaneous visit to the showroom and a glimpse of the Interceptor in red completely changed my plans. The retro modern design, the promise of power, and the twin exhausts drew me in. On a moment, I canceled my Classic 350 booking and chose the Interceptor. What started as an impulsive decision turned into one of the best choices I have ever made. Got my bike delivered on 22-11-2019. 

The Ride

The Interceptor 650 does not rush you into a wild burst of power, it is a gentle, steady pull that makes you fall in love with its effortless ride. On smooth, open roads, it feels stable, planted, and ready to conquer any distance. It is a joy to cruise on highways. But when you venture off the road or in stop and go traffic, it shows its limitations. The suspension is stiff, making it difficult to handle uneven roads, and the low ground clearance often gets in the way. The stock CEAT tires are decent for everyday use, but they are not ideal for high speed corners, heavy rain, or off road trails. 

The Comfort

While the Interceptor excels in performance, comfort is where it falls. The firm seat and rigid suspension do not make for the most comfortable long distance rides. The cramped pillion seating position is hardly ideal for passengers, and the bike can become unbearably hot in traffic. On highways the heat recedes, and the ride becomes more manageable. For short weekend trips it is fine, but for hours of riding the discomfort starts to show.

A Motorcycle of Character

To me the Interceptor 650 is still more of a machine than a companion. It has served its purpose faithfully over the years, with its weight being a challenge at times, but also a reminder of its solid build. I have learned to maneuver it better, adapting to its quirks. It has been dependable, taking me on rides across different landscapes, always ready to get me from point A to point B. And though it is just a bike, over the years it has quietly become a part of my journey.

The Bigger Picture

While it is true the Interceptor has some drawbacks, like its weight, bad seat and stiff suspension, it has more than made up for these with its performance and reliability. Even with the price now crossing ₹4 lakh, it still feels like a worthy investment. The engine has surprised me with its refinement, and the handling on the road continues to impress. What truly stands out is the ability to personalize it by adding custom parts or tweaking it here and there has made the bike feel like an extension of myself.

Five Years Later

Looking back at the last five years, I realize the Interceptor is not just about specs or the ride itself. It is more about the countless experiences that have been built around it. The memories, the moments, and the lessons learned with it. It has not always been the most comfortable ride, nor has it been flawless, but it has been reliable, it has been mine, and that is what makes it special.

Would I choose the Interceptor again?
Without a doubt.