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Our long-termer Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has completed a little over four months with us amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown. If you have read our previous report, you must be aware that we last updated you about the performance of the bike just before it entered hibernation due to the then announced 21-day lockdown. As we didn't manage to ride the bike much during lockdown, let's have an overall insight of the performance of the bike during its companionship with us including pros and cons.
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During these four months, our long termer Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has clocked 3,250 km. During its journey, the bike has seen free flowing expressways of Rajasthan, snowy paths of Mussoorie and the daily traffic chaos in Delhi-NCR. Here's what we like about the bike and what we don't.
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First up is the design. The Interceptor 650 stays true to the modern classic design language and despite having a minimalistic approach in terms of visuals, the bike still manages to look fantastic. What further acts as a cherry on top is its high fit and finish and build quality. The bike also looks premium with a decent amount of chrome that is thrown just at the right places.
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Now comes the engine. The 648cc, parallel twin engine is good for producing peak power and torque outputs of 47hp and 52Nm. The six-speed transmission gets a slipper clutch as well that works seamlessly. The engine offers surprisingly low vibration levels and hence, the Interceptor 650 feels unlike any other Royal Enfield out there. Moreover, the rumble melody coming out from the twin exhaust gives the rider another reason to rejoice.
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Even at speeds of over 130 kmph, the Interceptor 650 feels rock solid and offers brilliant stability which is a big add on for mile munching. At the same time, the bike offers decent handling and is easy to maneuver even in dense traffic conditions despite its high kerb weight of 202 kg.
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Now, like they say that almost any motorcycle is not absolutely flawless, same is the case with the Interceptor 650. While the bike continues to impress us with its engine performance and riding dynamics, its seating comes up as an Achilles Heel. The outright flat and narrow seat fails to offer a decent hip and thigh support, though the cushioning is good enough. Now this isn't generally a problem during daily commutes but things start to get really problematic once you are out on long rides.
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Moreover, the clutch on the Interceptor 650 is on a heavier side which can be a bit annoying while you are stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Prolonged use of the clutch lever in such scenarios leaves you with aching fingers.
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On a concluding note, our long termer Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 returned an overall fuel efficiency of 27 kmpl which is decent for a 650cc bike. The first service of the bike is fixed at 500 km after which there is an impressive interval of 10,000 km between the first and second service. As our test bike came to us after its first service, with 3,250 km on the odo at present, there is a significant time left for it to visit the service center for a comprehensive service. More on this in the next report. Ciao!
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