25+ years since my last bike... but feeling drawn towards the INT650

[Kampy]

Hey all... just joined this forum... first post:

My name is Kampy and I'm a middle-aged dude in Los Angeles who grew up riding dirt bikes as a kid in CA and MO, then rode my dad's old Honda CB750 for a while, but in my early 20s I wrecked it– ended up in a ditch pinned under the bike with the exhaust manifold burning through my leg. This happened around the same time as busting my tailbone while trying to be Travis Pastrana on an old Yamaha YZ465 2-stroke. These 2 incidents scared me enough to give up riding on 2 wheels (with a motor attached) for the next couple decades. I loved riding, but I just knew I didn't have the self-control (or skill) to not seriously injure or kill myself.

Today, I'm in my mid-50s, currently single & unattached, and have way more bicycles than one man needs... (mostly MTB, but a roadie too), and for the past 5 years I've been riding e-MTBs on the trails, and loving it. Just in the past few months I've gotten into riding a new E-bike (with a throttle) around the city instead of my car... and this has really revived my long-dormant love for twisting a throttle and letting a motor do the work instead of my legs.

I now have an urge to get a motorcycle again, but have resisted even looking into it, because I suspected that once I went down that rabbit hole, I'd end up "needing" a newer motorcycle that cost $10K+ (which I cannot spare right now) and my budget of $3-4K would probably only get me a 20+ year old bike with maintenance issues.

So I chose to ignore the urge, and try to be content with my electric bike, and its' 35 mph top speed.

However... about a week ago, my YouTube algorithm must have gotten confused, and mixed in with all my e-bike crap was a video about the resurgence of Royal Enfield motorcycles. I watched it, and very quickly dove down the RE rabbit hole, and realized I could get a used RE for less money than I paid for my fancy mountain bikes!

My heart is now telling my brain that I "need" an Interceptor 650, ASAP... but my brain is not yet convinced. It wants to make sure my heart isn't ignoring the potential downsides / issues of getting back on a "real" motorcycle after such a long time. So I'm here to do some digging and make sure I really know what I'm getting into re: Royal Enfield bikes, and specifically the Interceptor 650... which I seem to have fallen in love with after watching a dozen YouTube videos about it, lol

 

[jadorff]

welcome to the forum you will be right bet the intercepter

 

[PaulHW]

Welcome.
Interceptor ownership can be a bit of a rabbit hole in itself, there are so many mods and accessories available - more than any other bike I've known. But at least the upgrades can be done over time.
If you are on a budget have a look at insurance write offs. I got a pristine GT, 3 years old, only 150 miles for under half list. Cost me £120 to put it back on the road - but spent another £1500on mods
Love the bike, she's a keeper

 

[BonesNZ]

Interceptors are great bikes.

 

[Tim H]

Welcome, in october 24 I was in the same position after a long break!
I ended up with a 350 Meteor after sitting on loads. My reasoning was the lighter bike would be a more gentle way of getting back into biking, easier to move around, easier to pick up and far better on fuel. Nothing has changed, I still love that little bike, I wouldn't mind more power but I don't NEED it.

 

[Alan F.]

Great intro, welcome from Boston.
I picked up my '20 Interceptor used in '22 for nearly half the out-the-door price at local dealerships and rode 265 miles home. Its a keeper.

If you find any bikes you're interested in, start a thread so we can tell you pros and cons of any mods, there are great deals out there.

 

[Oregonstaffy]

Go for it, or one of their other great bikes, they're all a lot of fun and very affordable. I bought my Interceptor in Reno with some great accessories installed and low mileage, rode it home 400 miles and loved everything about the bike. It turned out it was a little small for my 72 year old 6'1" body so I sold it. They're great fun to ride, accessories are far more affordable than any other bike I've had and look and sound terrific. IF they'd had the little bit taller scrambler version out a few years ago I'd probably still have that in the garage.

 

[Dabrakeman]

My last bike was also a CB750 ('76). My two and a half decade hiatus was due to kid's etc... The Interceptor to me feels slightly lighter more nimble on the road with a tad less top end hp. Very versatile bike for many different riding environments and scenarios. Gas mileage around 60mpg certainly isn't bad. Would be perfect for city cruising and zipping out of the city and hitting the San Bernadino's or Angeles Forest roads. Can handle occasional longer mileage on highways as well. I have been problem free but for the over-greased/bad relays issue early on. Best bang for the buck out there. Very happy.

 

[Eatmore Mudd]

Hi Kampy and Welcome back to motorcycling from a Himalayan (and Kona Dawg) rider near Seattle.

The Interceptor is a fine machine.
In case no one mentioned, it is quicker handling than the CB 750. I'm not throwing the venerable CB under the bus (much respect ) they're two different bikes.

My advice is go to the largest stocking RE dealer within a half days drive, kick some tires and sit on one of every model several times each to make sure the Interceptor is "the one" then enjoy the hunt for whatever you decide.

 

[old hairy git]

Hi and Welcome from the U.K.......spend a bit of time trying out a few for size at the dealers......then jump in....you won't regret it......ENJOY

 

[StefArmstg]

If you've ever wondered why the British bikes of the sixties are so beloved, get an Interceptor. It's a retro with the character of an original. Without the hassles. And with a minimum of modern tech.

They come up short when compared to a "modern" bike, but ridden like a bike from the 60s, or 70s, they are as satisfying as my favorite rides from the good old days.


Ready for a run through the twisties.

 

[Woodstock]

Echoing everyone else. Sit on a few models to be sure. I have a 22 Interceptor and a 24 Bullet. I won't part with either. If I only had one today, it would be the Interceptor but they give me joy in different ways and unless it is a specific ride, I find I always pull out The Bullet. 64 and also a few decades in the middle I didn't ride other than bicycles.

 

[Captain Jack]

Do it, The Interceptor will make you smile...a lot.
It regenerated my passion like no other bike I've owned.
The engine and sound alone are a joy.

 

[Alan F.]

Do it, The Interceptor will make you smile...a lot.
It regenerated my passion like no other bike I've owned.
The engine and sound alone are a joy.

I don't want you to think that an Interceptor will be the perfect bike right out of the box, unless you buy from someone who took care of the few minor things that always seem to crop up. If you have tools and a willing mindset you'll have a good experience.

 

[Kampy]

I don't want you to think that an Interceptor will be the perfect bike right out of the box, unless you buy from someone who took care of the few minor things that always seem to crop up. If you have tools and a willing mindset you'll have a good experience.

I do have lots of tools and tend to do my own maintenance... but can you tell me more re: "the few minor things that always seem to crop up" ??? So far, I've heard that a common issue with the Interceptor are relay sockets that are drowning in too much grease, that can cause issues with the starter or fuel pump losing connection. But that's the only thing I've heard so far re: known / recurring issues.

 

[Kampy]

Go for it, or one of their other great bikes, they're all a lot of fun and very affordable. I bought my Interceptor in Reno with some great accessories installed and low mileage, rode it home 400 miles and loved everything about the bike. It turned out it was a little small for my 72 year old 6'1" body so I sold it. They're great fun to ride, accessories are far more affordable than any other bike I've had and look and sound terrific. IF they'd had the little bit taller scrambler version out a few years ago I'd probably still have that in the garage.

Thanks for the reply. It's a bit concerning that you being 6'1" felt it was a bit small... as I am 6'3" ... I do know that the "Bear" version of the 650 Twin is a better fit for taller riders, and I love the way the Bear looks... but I have the impression that the Interceptor is more comfortable for touring / long rides due to plusher suspension and upright riding position. I'm now wondering if there are modifications that could make the Interceptor better for tall riders...? Beyond just a thicker seat of course

 

[Kampy]

My last bike was also a CB750 ('76). My two and a half decade hiatus was due to kid's etc... The Interceptor to me feels slightly lighter more nimble on the road with a tad less top end hp. Very versatile bike for many different riding environments and scenarios. Gas mileage around 60mpg certainly isn't bad. Would be perfect for city cruising and zipping out of the city and hitting the San Bernadino's or Angeles Forest roads. Can handle occasional longer mileage on highways as well. I have been problem free but for the over-greased/bad relays issue early on. Best bang for the buck out there. Very happy.

Good to hear. My dad's CB750 was a 1980 model, with a Vetter "Windjammer" fairing added to the front. I don't really remember the handling characteristics, and even if I did, I have nothing to compare it to since that was the only road bike I ever rode. The Interceptor seems to be right in the sweet spot of what I would want in a bike– I'd definitely want it to be comfy on the occasional long road trip, and would want a bigger fairing to block wind on the long trips, but removable to have a clean, stripped-down look for short local rides. But yeah the "bang for the buck" factor is the only way I can even consider it right now!

 

[Kampy]

Welcome.
Interceptor ownership can be a bit of a rabbit hole in itself, there are so many mods and accessories available - more than any other bike I've known. But at least the upgrades can be done over time.
If you are on a budget have a look at insurance write offs. I got a pristine GT, 3 years old, only 150 miles for under half list. Cost me £120 to put it back on the road - but spent another £1500on mods
Love the bike, she's a keeper

I'm definitely on a budget... not looking to buy new, as spending more than $4K USD right now on anything I don't actually need would be irresponsible... Where would be a good place to check for insurance write-offs? So far I have only browsed the listings on eBay and Facebook Marketplace... where else could I be looking? (I'm in the US)

 

[Alan F.]

I found mine on Craigslist.

If you're no stranger to tinkering you'll do fine. Apart from the relay sockets and the need for aftermarket relays, there are the loose steering bearings, the forks with often low quality oil and unequal amounts side to side, brake fluid should likely be replaced, the too short sidestand, the possibility of needing handlebar risers or just taller bars, aftermarket mufflers or full exhaust systems or 2 into 1 pipes (my recommendation). For tire sizing and type there are many directions in which to go, some will make the bike taller. It won't be difficult or expensive to make one of these bikes fit your needs.

Not that a stock bike has anything inherently wrong with it, many of us love our stock bikes and regularly have dealer mechanics perform our maintenance.

2019 Royal Enfield INT Interceptor 650 Motorcycle, super nice - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle automotive...

I'm putting this machine up for a friend. Pretty little mileage, about 6,000, condition excellent. Recent rear tire. Aftermarket free-flowing mufflers, recent oil change. These enfields are among...

sfbay.craigslist.org

2020 Royal Enfield 650 INT - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle automotive bike sale - craigslist

For sale Royal Enfield 650INT with some modifications $4000 14804 miles All service intervals have been maintained per RE guidelines I love this bike but I want a dirtbike so I'm selling this one....

sfbay.craigslist.org

 

[Kampy]

I found mine on Craigslist.

If you're no stranger to tinkering you'll do fine. Apart from the relay sockets and after marker relays, there are the loose steering bearings, the forks with often low quality oil and unequal amounts side to side, brake fluid should likely be replaced, the too short sidestand, the possibility of needing handlebar risers or just taller bars, aftermarket mufflers or full exhaust systems or 2 into 1 pipes (my recommendation). For tire sizing and type there are many directions in which to go, some will make the bike taller. It won't be difficult or expensive to make one of these bikes fit your needs.

Not that a stock bike has anything inherently wrong with it, many of us love our stock bikes and regularly have dealer mechanics perform our maintenance.

2019 Royal Enfield INT Interceptor 650 Motorcycle, super nice - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle automotive...

I'm putting this machine up for a friend. Pretty little mileage, about 6,000, condition excellent. Recent rear tire. Aftermarket free-flowing mufflers, recent oil change. These enfields are among...

sfbay.craigslist.org

2020 Royal Enfield 650 INT - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle automotive bike sale - craigslist

For sale Royal Enfield 650INT with some modifications $4000 14804 miles All service intervals have been maintained per RE guidelines I love this bike but I want a dirtbike so I'm selling this one....

sfbay.craigslist.org

Ahh yeah, good ol' Craigslist. I will start checking there, and probably CycleTrader too. I'm curious why you recommend the 2-into-1 pipe? Just to make the bike less wide? Better for lane-splitting?