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  • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

    So, i got mine almost 1 and a half months back and now the odo stands somewhere around 2k kms. I really dont want to post a long winded account of how i booked the bike and how long it took to deliver and all, instead i ll just mention few of the things royal Enfield could've improved upon on an otherwise beautifully designed and well engineered bike.
    1, cost cutting measures are all very obvious on this bike, especially when the key itself has a logo on one side and the otherside is left blank , looking at the key triggers my OCD sometimes. And the paint finish on the triple clamp is just sad , so is the finishing of the fork top bolts , they look like they came straight off a 100 cc commuter. Skimping on these parts could have been avoided. considering these are the bits rider sees everytime they get on the bike.

    2, spartan meter console - i do dig the design but adding a clock and a gear position indicator, is that too much to ask for ?

    3,switch gear - again feels very basic, lacks the proper tactile feel, finish too is very mediocre.

    4, headlights - no complaints about the lights , beam and light spread is good. Really usable at night. But what i have a problem with, is when the lights turn on when the key is on. It should only turn on when the engine is fired up IMO. you arent going to notice the headlights are on and draining the battery at daytimes. Maybe they should consider adding a seperate position light instead of using the 55w bulbs to do that function.

    5,seat - rider section is good no problems there but the rear passenger part when someone gets on it ,kinda sags , not the cushion but the seat frame itselfs kinda sinks in, almost as if there is no proper support for the rear section of the seat.
    This becomes very obvious if u remove the stock sissy bars and if the passenger is not properly holding on to the rider there is a really good chance that she/he might end up on the road while u ride away.

    5, although gear shift feel has become much improved after the first oil change , its still not perfect. Occasional false neutrals can be expected. But that being said its still way way way better than all the other RE's out there..

    6,speed wobbles are a thing - front end starts to wobble at tripple digit speeds. But it only happens at not that good section of roads.. on smooth roads it behaved allright.
    But its nerve racking to get wobbles at 130 -140 ish speeds on this bike.
    I hope Someone makes a steering damper for this thing as soon as possible.



    Last edited by REAPER; 09-12-2019, 01:10 PM.
    everybody dies, but not everyone LIVES...
    Carpe diem babysigpic

    Comment


    • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

      Originally posted by Ijs View Post
      You will lose full warranty on every electrical item including the ecu and all relay etc so stay away from slicing or cutting the wires and find some good mechanic who can custom make the required couplers/ connectors for the job.

      Answer: I understand hence the Query. I am quite vary of doing such Foolish Things.

      And one more thing the led headlight popular with twins and other bullet riders doesn't have good throw of beam it falls very short when compared to stock beam.
      First try a good bulb like Philips Xtreme vision or osram night breaker which would work in stock h4 socket and give you better illumination.
      And another thing is that the yellow beam is helpful in winter and rains. Yellow Peirce through fog better than white leds.

      Answer: I have already installed an Aftermarket LED Bulb which costed Rs 800 with 6 months Warranty. So the load is reduced on the Battery. The stock Lens being non clear the spread is not far. Maybe some 100 Mtrs or so are illuminated. Hence wanted to change the Headlight. Can we change the Glass to Clear lens?


      Originally posted by REAPER View Post
      So, i got mine almost 1 and a half months back and now the odo stands somewhere around 2k kms. I really dont want to post a long winded account of how i booked the bike and how long it took to deliver and all, instead i ll just mention few of the things royal Enfield could've improved upon on an otherwise beautifully designed and well engineered bike.
      1, cost cutting measures are all very obvious on this bike, especially when the key itself has a logo on one side and the otherside is left blank , looking at the key triggers my OCD sometimes. And the paint finish on the triple clamp is just sad , so is the finishing of the fork top bolts , they look like they came straight off a 100 cc commuter. Skimping on these parts could have been avoided. considering these are the bits rider sees everytime they get on the bike.



      2, spartan meter console - i do dig the design but adding a clock and a gear position indicator, is that too much to ask for ?
      Response: You are right. Some more Gizmos would have been icing on the cake.

      3,switch gear - again feels very basic, lacks the proper tactile feel, finish too is very mediocre.
      Response: I am planning to change the Switch Gear to a more premium ones. Waiting for 1st Service to be done away with. Have seen some Switch gear from Honda CBR. Even my Apache RR310 Switchgear is good. Still researching.

      4, headlights - no complaints about the lights , beam and light spread is good. Really usable at night. But what i have a problem with, is when the lights turn on when the key is on. It should only turn on when the engine is fired up IMO. you arent going to notice the headlights are on and draining the battery at daytimes. Maybe they should consider adding a seperate position light instead of using the 55w bulbs to do that function.

      Response: I suggest to get an LED. This will reduce the load on the Battery a lot. I am not sure if only White LEDs are available. This is a Plug and Play. LED Bulb with a Cooler. Also suggest changing the Taillight Bulb to LED. Reduces load on Battery. I replaced the Taillight bulb as well. Red stays lighted all the times and blink when Brakes are pressed.

      5,seat - rider section is good no problems there but the rear passenger part when someone gets on it ,kinda sags , not the cushion but the seat frame itselfs kinda sinks in, almost as if there is no proper support for the rear section of the seat.
      This becomes very obvious if u remove the stock sissy bars and if the passenger is not properly holding on to the rider there is a really good chance that she/he might end up on the road while u ride away.

      Response: Only option is to strengthen the Seat by adding Foam.

      5, although gear shift feel has become much improved after the first oil change , its still not perfect. Occasional false neutrals can be expected. But that being said its still way way way better than all the other RE's out there..

      Response: This I suggest check the Clutch Play. I have never had false neutrals and the Gear Shift is Butter Smooth. Only the 1st Gear when engaged makes the "Thad" Sound. Make sure some Play is available when Clutch lever is pressed. You may want to move the Clutch lever a bit outward. I feel there is some slack on the Clutch Cable.

      6,speed wobbles are a thing - front end starts to wobble at tripple digit speeds. But it only happens at not that good section of roads.. on smooth roads it behaved allright.
      But its nerve racking to get wobbles at 130 -140 ish speeds on this bike.
      I hope Someone makes a steering damper for this thing as soon as possible.

      Response: I have been successful in overcoming teh urge to cross 3000 RM or 80 KMPH.


      Thank You mate. Please see my responses above
      Last edited by RR310; 09-12-2019, 05:27 PM.

      Comment


      • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

        Originally posted by RR310 View Post
        Answer: I have already installed an Aftermarket LED Bulb which costed Rs 800 with 6 months Warranty. So the load is reduced on the Battery. The stock Lens being non clear the spread is not far. Maybe some 100 Mtrs or so are illuminated. Hence wanted to change the Headlight. Can we change the Glass to Clear lens?

        Thank You mate. Please see my responses above
        Yes the older Thunderbird headlight glass but you need to buy the whole headlight for it. Someone has already done it.

        Comment


        • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

          Disclaimer: Long Post. For details on the Bike please skip Para 1.

          Easy Got Back. Here goes my Interceptor Story

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          I really did not need a Bike. Already have 2 scooters (Maestro Edge and NTorq) and an RR310. Life was going smooth and It was a casual Sunday Morning when I got a call from a known person asking if I would like to sell off my Maestro. There you go, out of no where someone inside me suggesting to sell it off and go for a bigger Bike. The trigger has been pressed and the Bullet has left the Gun. I am 36 and touchwood (with God's grace) successful in my endeavors so far. Already had Apache RR310 so anything below 300 cc would have been a downgrade. So wanted bigger and powerful. I wanted something which will make me smile everytime I ride, I must ensure I keep turning back to glance it while parked, I wanted something, others will appreciate, something Unique (means less visible on road). After all it was going to be a fourth two wheeler so it better be good and exclusive. Else the Home Minister (Wife) and Prime Minister (Mother) would have their guns blazing. Afterall I do not need a Bike. So my hunt begin.

          Booking Experience:
          I was sure I wanted a Multi Cylinder Bike so Bikes Considered were:
          1. Benelli TNT 600i (Could not Flat Foot).
          2. Benelli TNT 300 (Just for the Benelli Exhaust but would have been a downgrade)
          3. Benelli Leoncino (Test Rode it but it Did not connect with me)
          4. Triumph Street Twin (2019 Version did not connect with me. 2018 version was amazing when I test rode last year)
          5. Kawasaki Z 650 (It was gooood. 2 Test Rides and I wanted one)
          6. RE Interceptor 650 (Took 3 Test Rides and came out impressed everytime).


          Never considered the Sports versions of Benelli and Kawasaki since I already had one and wanted a Bike with relaxed riding style. Finally after 2 weeks of Research I zeroed in on the INT 650. I could not find reasons to discard it. Listened to the Easy Got Back - Interceptor story on YouTube many times. I accept that video played 25% role in me finalizing the INT 650 with Price being 25% and Test Drive Experience playing the remaining 50%.

          Wanted Baker Express and booked the bike on 28 Aug. 2019. Was told 45 days but I was sure it would take 90 days and more. I have not seen an Interceptor in Baker express till now. So visited another showroom on 5 Sep and there was an Orange Interceptor (18 Aug 2019 Manufactured date). Had 3 Kms on the Odo. Confirmed availability and Booked it. Down Payment finalized and loan approved and voila Payment completed on 6 Sep. Due to auspicious reasons took delivery on Sunday 8 Sep.


          Delivery Experience:

          Special mention to the Dealership - They were Professional and opened the showroom and the workshop on a Sunday just to deliver my bike. I did not see the "Take it or leave it attitude" during the entire experience. Had bought the TB 350X from same dealership last year and the buying experience was nothing special but in the case of INT650 I could feel that they were making me feel like King.

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          Accessories installed:
          1. From RE: Engine Guard, Sump Guard, Bar End Weights, Visor, Intake covers.
          2. Market: Pillion Leg Guard from Avenger, LED Bulb inside the same Headlight casing, LED Taillight Bulb.


          Left Side
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          Left Side
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          Right Side
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          3. 3M: Got Paint Protection Film for the tank and side panels, Stickering to break the Monotony of Orange Tank.

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          4. Handlebar Risers: 1 Inch Risers used to raise the handlebar. Now the seating position is more upright.

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          Accessories planned:

          1. LED Headlight assembly (Not sure about this so will delay).
          2. Alloy Wheels when available.
          3. Rearview Mirrors, wants good looking plus functional ones. Wait goes on. RE Mirrors do not look special.
          4. Pillion Backrest.


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          Looks:
          Somehow to me, RE Bikes do not impress in Photos. INT650 too looked like different pieces put together but in person it looks really good. All parts seems to gel together. Similarly with the CL or the TB.

          Driving Experience:
          I have ridden the Bike for 200 Kms. Here are my Observations
          1. The Bike is very heavy. Need to get used to the weight. Moving it with Engine Off is a Task. Do it every day and you will get good Biceps to flaunt.
          2. The Engine is very smooth and Gearshifts are precise, Clutch is light and Slip and Assist clutch helps in ensuring right amount of power is transferred to the wheels. Touchwood I have never had False Neutral so far.
          3. The Bike is flickable on the move and believe me, on the move it is hard to believe it is a Royal Enfield and Weighs 213 Kgs. So Agile.
          4. The stance definitely resembles Street Twin. Trust me Put TB 350 X type Alloys, Change Headlight to Clear lens, Change Exhausts, Remove RE Stickering. It can easily pass off as a Bonneville.
          5. It is Attention Magnet - People follow to ask about it, People asking me if it makes the Bullet Thump, About its Power output. It is a head turner.


          Gearshift Experience
          1. 1st Gear is tall and can easily putter around the city in 1st gear. I prefer to move in 1st Gear at the slightest available opportunity. Best for stop and go traffic.
          2. 2nd Gear is also tall. I have read that one can reach 85kmph in 2nd gear. I will never try that but have reached speeds of 50 kmph / 3000 RPM.
          3. 3rd is where the Bike really brings about a lot of smiles, simply pulls like a locomotive. Reached a maximum of 70 kmph/3000 RPM. Can go as low as 25 kmph. Pull the throttle and it simply does not stutter. Pulls cleanly.
          4. 4th Gear is liking an icing on the cake after the 3rd gear propels the bike. 4th gear up to a speed of 80 kmph never let me feel like upshifting. Many times I used to think I was in 5th gear only to find I have 2 more gears to Use.
          5. 5th gear - Do we really need it?
          6. 6th Gear - We definitely do not need it. Engaging all other gears feel like the Bike is propelled further but engaging 6th gear does not propel it but settles into Cruise mode. You feel like the Bike now has gone into Relax mode after all the sprinting in the first 5 gears.


          Just feel like the 5th and 6th Gears are only to propel the Bike beyond 100 kmph and 150 kmph. 4th Gear is really enough for reaching speeds of 100 kmph at around 4000 RPM. Disclaimer - These are only experiences I felt. Always use right gears to keep Engine Stress Free.

          My Running in procedure - I AM BABYING my Bike
          1. Up to 200 kms - Kept Speed maximum 60 kmph and 2500 RPM.
          2. 200 kms to 300 kms - Increase speed to 80 Kms and 3000 RPM. I ensure to reach 3000 RPM in each gear
          3. 300 Kms to 500 Kms - Plan to keep Maximum speed 80 kmph but vary Engine RPM up to 4000 RPM in each gear.


          I am following Running in religiously. Good thing so far is there are no oil marks under the bike. My brother's TB 350X gives black marks wherever it is parked.

          All in all I am happy with the Purchase.
          Last edited by RR310; 09-13-2019, 12:58 PM.

          Comment


          • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

            Hi everyone, my issue with the handlebar wobble post 60-70 kmph has been resolved. They changed the front wheel assembly and the issue sorted out. A huge thanks to RE service for their immense support on this regard. Thank you all!!!

            Comment


            • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

              Originally posted by surencameo View Post
              Hi everyone, my issue with the handlebar wobble post 60-70 kmph has been resolved. They changed the front wheel assembly and the issue sorted out. A huge thanks to RE service for their immense support on this regard. Thank you all!!!
              What have all been changed, could you share more details.

              Comment


              • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

                Originally posted by surencameo View Post
                Hi everyone, my issue with the handlebar wobble post 60-70 kmph has been resolved. They changed the front wheel assembly and the issue sorted out. A huge thanks to RE service for their immense support on this regard. Thank you all!!!
                Suren, thank you for following back, and glad to hear your issue is sorted out. Could you expand a bit more on as to what were replaced. i.e. was only the front wheel replaced or the entire front end including the T stem, forks, wheels, the complete front end replaced?

                Cheers!
                VJ
                Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl 'Will you marry me?'
                The girl said, 'NO!'


                And the guy lived happily ever after and rode motorcycles and watched sport on a big screen TV, went fishing and surfing, and played golf a lot, and drank beer and scotch and had tons of money in the bank and left the toilet seat up and farted whenever he wanted.


                THE END

                Comment


                • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

                  Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post
                  Suren, thank you for following back, and glad to hear your issue is sorted out. Could you expand a bit more on as to what were replaced. i.e. was only the front wheel replaced or the entire front end including the T stem, forks, wheels, the complete front end replaced?

                  Cheers!
                  VJ
                  Yes, to start with, they first checked wheel alignment, balanced the wheel, checked air pressure, etc and test rode and the wobble happened. Secondly, they changed the front tyre and did wheel alignment and balancing and test rode and again the wobble happened. Finally, they changed the front wheel assembly, that is the front wheel disc with tyre and brake disc which came from factory pre-fitted, aligned, and balanced and they just had to remove the old wheel and fit this new one and test rode and finally it sorted out. I got the delivery same day but got to ride it today only and I touched around 90-100 kmph and left both my hands off the handlebar and the bike was stable. I had a doubt whether the tyre could be over-inflated and so took it to a petrol pump and deflated front tyre fully and inflated it to 32 psi of N2 in front with 36 psi at back and rode it at around 90-100 kmph and the wobble did not happen. Could not try higher speeds due to traffic conditions. I am very happy that the issue finally sorted out as I was heartbroken due to this for the past few days. I would really thank people at RE service for their patience and response. I would rate them the best now at least for the 650 twins. Thank you.

                  Comment


                  • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

                    Originally posted by Ijs View Post
                    Yes the older Thunderbird headlight glass but you need to buy the whole headlight for it. Someone has already done it.
                    Is the TB headlight assembly a direct plug and play? It has projector so not sure if it will be plug and play

                    Comment


                    • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

                      Originally posted by RR310 View Post
                      Is the TB headlight assembly a direct plug and play? It has projector so not sure if it will be plug and play
                      It would be great if it fits!
                      I am more interested in the clear lens glass. Will make the bike look so much better along with improved visibility. Not sure if thats available standalone though!
                      Sayan

                      Caliber Croma(2001)
                      RTR 180(2009)
                      YZF R15(2010)
                      CBR250R HRC ABS(2012)
                      VersysX300(2018)
                      Xpulse200(2019)

                      Comment


                      • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

                        Are there any Interceptor rider groups in Pune?

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                        • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

                          Soft luggage (tail bag) solution for Interceptor which can be mounted on Zana Top Case Plate..

                          Comment


                          • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

                            Observed a change in the run in methodology mentioned in the RE owners manual. Have seen a screenshot of the run in instructions posted on team bhp sometime back and it mentions speed limit for every gear and to be within 4k rpm till 800kms and 6k rpm till 1600kms.

                            I received my bike last week and while going through the owners manual observed that it just mentions the following rpm limitations:
                            Upto 500kms: 4k rpm
                            500-2000kms: 6k rpm.
                            No mention of any gear wise speed limit.

                            Anyone else who received the bike recently please confirm from your owners manual and let me know if you observe the same.
                            Sayan

                            Caliber Croma(2001)
                            RTR 180(2009)
                            YZF R15(2010)
                            CBR250R HRC ABS(2012)
                            VersysX300(2018)
                            Xpulse200(2019)

                            Comment


                            • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

                              Which leg guard is better in strongness and weight Zana or Royal Enfield?

                              Comment


                              • Re: Interceptor 650 Twin

                                Hi every one... I've been following this thread for a while now and it's good to see lot of experienced riders sharing their knowledge and helping others.
                                I took delivery of my Int 650 RR last week and clocked 150km as of now. I am all smiling when I sit on it. Great job by RE. I love the looks and the performance. Two issues I noticed not sure if the 1st an issue.
                                1. I feel the clutch and brake lever are little far to reach. Getting pain near the palm and fingers.
                                2. As everyone highlighted the rear foot pegs, My wife is not at all comfortable for even a 30km ride as the legs starts to pain. Is there a possibility to fix an footrest a little front positioned?

                                I read somewhere in the previous comments that they got 20% discount on engine guard, visor and sump guard is this available on all showrooms? Because I didn't get any discount.

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