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Re: Interceptor 650 Twin
I think its a classic case of miss-reading the product. REs have never been known for making fast or performance bikes or razor sharp handlers. They have been using old school tech and selling on factors such as history, metal, macho, thump, leisure riding, etc. Even when they launched UCE500, its was highly under-powered for a 500cc mill. Himalayan LS 410 being all new engine is still very underpowered. 650 twins follow the same, and are underpowered for 650 twin pot engine, if you compare to its contemporaries like kawi 650 platform. They have always tried cashing in on the BRAND IMAGE and have been promoting leisure riding.
Going by history, with the 650 twins, they have come a long way. 650 twin is built to a cost. Its one of the best engines release by RE in last few decades, but pls dont compare it to the likes of ninjas or Ktms. They are all for different target groups. 650 twin may not have a best of acceleration, or torque, or handling, but its a product at a price point, we have been asking for a long long time. That is the reason they are selling like hot cake. They are jack of most trades. A first 650 paratell twin, for 2.5L ex showroom price, now who would have thought of it. 47 bhp is decent enough power for most usage and most of torque coming around 2-4k rpm is a bliss. Other high revving engines need to be revved hard to be enjoyed. nothing wrong with that, just a different TG. the gear box is smooth and slick, first for an RE. They have dual channel ABS, slipper clutch, a brake that actually works. It does have its share of flaws with ergonomics, odd looking oversized exhaust, uncomfortable seat, etc. but overall its quite a decent package for the price. All these points on the bike and how it is and how it behaves have been covered is so many media and auto journal reviews, and a decent test ride gives good idea on how the bike sounds, feels, handles and stops.
What i am trying to say is that your expectation is miss-aligned with what the bike is, but the bike is been true to whats its projected itself as. If you mean yamaha RD 350 when u mention Rajdoot 350, or bikes like CBR or duke 390, they are all so different from each other and built on different ideologies. the interceptor actually does remind me of the RD350 in some ways. Give it some time, and see if you views change. its a relatively low revving, simple, torquey bike and with some upgrades like tyres, suspension, seat, ergonomics, etc will be a good bike to have. I feel the 650 twins are good as 2nd bike in the garage, for those occasional leisure rides around the city or on good open roads, which takes a rider back to the era where morotcycles and motorcyling were basic and pure.
Perhaps because I shifted from the rajdoot, it feels well, underwhelming, hence my conclusion earlier.
160 kmph from a 650 is just an underutilization of the capability, I hope it does not follow the harley, all that size no performance just 'feel' which is a waste of petrol and creation of noise.
160 kmph from a 650 is just an underutilization of the capability, I hope it does not follow the harley, all that size no performance just 'feel' which is a waste of petrol and creation of noise.
Going by history, with the 650 twins, they have come a long way. 650 twin is built to a cost. Its one of the best engines release by RE in last few decades, but pls dont compare it to the likes of ninjas or Ktms. They are all for different target groups. 650 twin may not have a best of acceleration, or torque, or handling, but its a product at a price point, we have been asking for a long long time. That is the reason they are selling like hot cake. They are jack of most trades. A first 650 paratell twin, for 2.5L ex showroom price, now who would have thought of it. 47 bhp is decent enough power for most usage and most of torque coming around 2-4k rpm is a bliss. Other high revving engines need to be revved hard to be enjoyed. nothing wrong with that, just a different TG. the gear box is smooth and slick, first for an RE. They have dual channel ABS, slipper clutch, a brake that actually works. It does have its share of flaws with ergonomics, odd looking oversized exhaust, uncomfortable seat, etc. but overall its quite a decent package for the price. All these points on the bike and how it is and how it behaves have been covered is so many media and auto journal reviews, and a decent test ride gives good idea on how the bike sounds, feels, handles and stops.
What i am trying to say is that your expectation is miss-aligned with what the bike is, but the bike is been true to whats its projected itself as. If you mean yamaha RD 350 when u mention Rajdoot 350, or bikes like CBR or duke 390, they are all so different from each other and built on different ideologies. the interceptor actually does remind me of the RD350 in some ways. Give it some time, and see if you views change. its a relatively low revving, simple, torquey bike and with some upgrades like tyres, suspension, seat, ergonomics, etc will be a good bike to have. I feel the 650 twins are good as 2nd bike in the garage, for those occasional leisure rides around the city or on good open roads, which takes a rider back to the era where morotcycles and motorcyling were basic and pure.
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