Here is what I read on another forum (the author was doing a comparo prior to buying the next ride)
Quote:
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 - great and cheap bike. Rode it about 3-4 hours to form up an opinion. Looks good (from a far), but if you come any closer then 3-4m -you will see that it is made to a budget. Seriously underpowered. Comfortable upright position. Controls feel cheap (like 125cc chinese no-name cheap). Build quality is ok. But in 2022 the prices risen to the point where you can buy a better bike for Interceptors price. Had to pass due to pricing. Btw Zard pipes sound bloody gorgeous on the Interceptor.
End
No offence to RE owners, but I tend to agree with that perception.
@Chris-CJ :
This was a test of the new Super Meteor cruiser, not the INT650 or Continental GT.
It was as much about the experience of riding in India as it was an in depth exploration of the bike itself.
The RE 650s are built to a price, no question, but it's tough to find another brand new machine in this $$$ range that comes with a 3 year warranty and roadside assistance. I know, I looked.
Here's a test from when they first came out, from a writer that I respect and influenced my decision to buy one: First Rides: 2019 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 | Canada Moto Guide
My take on RE is their latest models are reflect their strategy to expand as a global brand.
Simple, practical, use modern principles in design components, and assembly. Trade performance for dependability and lower cost. Add a splash of nostalgia to get style points.
Target the high end spenders in their domestic market with designs that have some appeal globally. Let's them reach economies of scale while expanding their reach around the world.
I also think they know pavement ripping performance is not required for all motorcyclists. And that price matters.
Isn't this how the Japanese entered the global market market dominized by Brit, US, and German bikes?
My take on RE is their latest models are reflect their strategy to expand as a global brand.
Simple, practical, use modern principles in design components, and assembly. Trade performance for dependability and lower cost. Add a splash of nostalgia to get style points.
Target the high end spenders in their domestic market with designs that have some appeal globally. Let's them reach economies of scale while expanding their reach around the world.
I also think they know pavement ripping performance is not required for all motorcyclists. And that price matters.
Isn't this how the Japanese entered the global market market dominized by Brit, US, and German bikes?
Now if only they could learn a little taste for aesthetics, maybe from the Italians.
Even though I was underwhelmed by the INT, if a cheap one came up on the used market, I might have considered it just to fill the "vintage look" bike gap in my garage after I sold my Bonneville...
But the motor and exhausts are like 5 different colors, because that's part of how you sell a bike cheaper. And, maybe my Italian is showing, but I couldn't look at the bike and not see all of the different finishes happening. My eyes longed for something that held their gaze gently and said "We thought of the details" - but they couldn't find the warm reassuring embrace they were looking for. It left with a feeling of sadness, and a want of something high in carbs and dairy, maybe gnocchi or a panzo, to ease my newfound pain.
The V7 was too small for all the two up riding I do. I ended up just driving to Ottawa and buying another low mileage Bonneville from another old white guy instead. The longer I look at it, the more it just makes sense, like Cameron Diaz's face.
Back to the Enfield now:
Nevermind the various greys, silvers, and aluminums(?), how many different shades of black can we count in one picture?
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