Royal Enfield needs no introduction to motorcycle enthusiasts: after all, it is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, second only to Peugeot and older than Triumph, Norton, and Harley-Davidson. Indian was also formed in 1901 but has not been in continuous production like Royal Enfield. Not only that, but the Bullet model has been in production since 1931 and shows no signs of disappearing any time soon, which is a record in its own right. The Interceptor model first appeared in the 1960s, as a response to the Triumph Bonneville and continued until 1970. In 2018, Royal Enfield launched a new 650cc Interceptor model, yet again going head-to-head with the ‘Modern Classic’ range of Triumph Bonnevilles.

Updated March 2023: Royal Enfield continues to upgrade their best-selling modern classic INT650. To better serve our readers, we updated this article, as new information has become available to us.

RELATED: Through The Years: The Remarkable History Of Royal Enfield

1 The Heart Of The Matter

blue 2022 Royal Enfield INT650
Royal Enfield
Side view of the Royal Enfield INT650 near some shipping containers.

Powering the Interceptor is a 649cc parallel twin engine producing 47 horsepower and 38 pound-feet of torque. These might not look like impressive figures, but it still gives the Interceptor a lively performance without ever being intimidating. The long stroke gives great low- and mid-range torque which makes highway cruising and overtaking just so easy and unstressful. Even though the torque is all at the bottom end, the engine will run to 8,000rpm and a top speed of 100mph is possible, although that’s not really what the Interceptor is about. It’s Euro5 compliant but still manages to have a fantastic exhaust note. If you want it louder, you can fit a pair of S&S mufflers.

The vibrations are also conspicuously absent. Ride any parallel twin from the 1960s, and the vibrations are one of the things that will stick in your mind. Modern technology has developed balancing shafts that run counter-rotational to the crankshaft to damp out unwanted vibes. Another factor that helps here is the 270° crankshaft, which staggers the arrival of the pistons at the top and bottom of the stroke and limits the weight transfer which causes the vibrations. Further, isolating the rider are rubber-mounted foot pegs, handlebars, and even the mirrors, so you can at least see what’s going on behind you.

2 Pricing Is Competitive

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Lightning 1
Royal Enfield
The panniers offer 8.5 liters of storage

If you're like the majority of people who are into modern classics, you've probably checked out Triumph's lineup of Bonnevilles. We can promise you that their gorgeous looks are only matched by the riding experience and their reliability. But unfortunately it all comes with a hefty price. That's where Royal Enfield comes in. The Interceptor, starting at $6,149, is $3,746 cheaper than Triumph's lowest priced classic, the Speed Twin 900. Forgive us for the double negative here, but that's not nothing! Yeah, it's air cooled, a bit slower and maybe a bit heavier. But what you get with the Interceptor is a bike that has all the same style, charm and character for 2/3 of the price.

RELATED: Royal Enfield Continental GT And INT 650 Receive Their Biggest Update Yet

3 Six Gears In My Box

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 outdoors shot
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 facing right outdoors shot

If the overall concept of Royal Enfields has long been rooted in the past, this was especially true of the agricultural gearbox, which resolutely stuck to five speeds. The Interceptor 650 is light years ahead in this respect, with a new six-speed gearbox that is as light and switch-like as any gearbox you’d care to mention, irrespective of manufacturer. Now, the gears snick in with barely a ripple, with no trace of clunkiness and no false neutrals. The clutch action is light, helped by the slipper and assist clutch. It is thoroughly modern and reliable.

4 Top Notch Fit And Finish

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 static shot
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 facing right outdoors shot

The Royal Enfield Interceptor belies its low price tag in terms of the fit and finish of every component and the bike overall. It’s well-built and has a high-quality finish to the paint and the chrome. None of the components feel cheap and nasty and there is an air of solidity to the whole machine. There are no unsightly wires that have been badly routed, nor does it look like corners have been cut in terms of nuts, bolts, screws, and fastenings. It just doesn’t feel as if it will start to look tatty after a few years of use.

5 It Is Gorgeous

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Alloys 2
Royal Enfield
2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 in Barcelona Blue

There’s a good reason that the retro motorcycle market is doing so well, and it’s because there is still a lot of affection for 1960s motorcycle design. With modern motorcycles getting ever more outlandish in their angularity, the simplicity of line that marks out these modern copies of older models is attractive in more ways than one. Polished alloy, tastefully applied chrome, black rims, circular headlights and bright and funky colors for the gas tanks are just so attractive to the eye. The Interceptor 650 is a motorcycle that you’ll never get tired of looking at. In addition, in a market where most bikes come in 1 to 2 color schemes only, Royal Enfield has at least 7 color schemes (depending on the market) for you to choose from.

6 Cheap To Run

INT650
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 at the beach

While the last tank looks a little on the small side, it will hold 3.6 gallons, which will give a range of nearly 250 miles of mixed-condition riding. The engine is completely unstressed and doesn’t really encourage you to wring its neck and keep the needle of the rev-counter up near the red line. The fuel injection is spot on, giving a super smooth response at any revs, and also allows the fuel/air mixture to run on the lean side with no danger of holing a piston.

RELATED: 10 Best Modern Classic Motorcycles Under 1000cc

7 Easy To Ride

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 riding shot
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 riding left to right

Yet another characteristic of retro motorcycles is just how easy they are to ride. Whether pottering around town or riding through a series of bends on the open road, the Interceptor 650 is really well-balanced and carries its 466 pounds low down, so it never feels unwieldy or top-heavy. The wide handlebars and upright riding position offer great leverage and visibility, adding to the relaxing riding experience. However, the suspension is not the most sophisticated, and it can feel a little flustered when really pushing on due to overly-soft settings which might be perfect for the home market of India but could do to be tightened up a bit for other markets. All of that not withstanding, INT650 is tailor-made for beginners looking to upgrade to a 600-cc motorcycle that's not a sport bike. Or, for that matter, those riders that are done riding heavier, faster motorcycles and just want to cruise the coastal highways and watch the sunset.

8 Great On The Highway

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 studio shot
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 rear three quarter view

While the suspension might militate against keeping up with class rivals when pushing on along a winding road, out on the highway it offers a magic carpet ride without ever feeling uncontrolled. The seat is reasonably comfortable for long distances, although the lack of any wind protection will get tiring after a while. The engine, on the other hand, feels like it will never get tired of cruising at legal speeds or higher and, while it will reach 100mph, it is happiest at 70-80mph, with a lovely burble from the mufflers and very little vibration. And to fix that wind issue you can always access a rapidly growing parts aftermarket.

RELATED: These Special Royal Enfield 650s Want You To Hit The Highway

9 Basic Equipment Is All You Need

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 static shot
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 facing right against shipping containers

It’s not only top-of-the-range motorcycles that have all the complex electronics: they have trickled down to smaller models in the range as well. However, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is not only retro in appearance and concept, but also in equipment. Yes, there is dual-channel ABS - although the ByBre brakes leave a little to be desired in terms of performance - and LED lighting to go with the fuel injection, but that’s about your lot: no traction control, rider or engine power modes, or cruise control. This is about as basic a motorcycle as you can buy and is all the better for it: simply get on and ride.

10 It Faces Stiff Competition

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 static shot
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 facing right against a blue sky

In terms of direct rivals, there's the company’s own Bullet 350 and Continental GT 650 café racer model, which uses the same engine and chassis. You can also check out the Moto Guzzi V7, the previously mentioned Triumph Street Twin 900, Kawasaki Z650 RS and the Yamaha XSR900. But none of those would come even close to Royal Enfield's pricing. They may have some of the better features available, but strictly on pricing - Royal Enfield can't be beat. And if you're on a budget, you really can't go wrong with the Interceptor. Because it's not like you're getting a poorly manufactured, unreliable motorcycle. It is objectively good. So there's no need to break the piggy bank, because with the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, you'll be in a class of your own.