Royal enfied continental GT 650 and the interceptor 650 need no introduction at this point of time. Both of these bikes have stirred the market in past year. They have sent competitors of royal enfield as well as other high capacity engine motorcycles manufactures back to the board room to discuss strategy to compete with such potent bikes introduced at such low price. We Observed with collaboration with Mr. Risabh Pathak (Indian on Indian and Kaivalaya’s Ani-Mall) brings you the most authenticated review of these bikes.
Royal Enfield interceptor 650 and continental GT 650 Review
Ergonomics of interceptor 650
Both of these bikes the interceptor and the continental gt 650 are same in construction. Yet, a little alteration in handle bars, seat and foot pegs made these bikes very different from each other.
The interceptor 650 is a very relaxed motorcycle meant for munching miles and miles without any fatigue creeping in. On this avatar of royal Enfield twin you sit up straight with your hands resting comfortably on the wide and raised handle bar. To reduce vibrations a vibration reduction rod on top of the handle bar has also been provided. You can very easily cruise on 120kmph without feeling the sting under your buttocks.
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Ergonomics of continental GT 650
On the other hand the continental gt 650 is a much more aggressive alternative to ride. Royal Enfield have shod this bike with swan neck clip-on handle bars and foot pegs and controls pushed back by around 5-6 inches. The seat of continental gt is also a bit less cushioned that contributes to the aggressive nature of this bike. You will find yourself sitting in a position similar to sports bikes. This riding position demands to ride this bike more enthusiastically than the interceptor. The aggression in riding is increased by the reduction in weight compared to the interceptor. Actually the continental gt doesn’t have main stand and the food peg extenders this takes down the weight by a fair 4 kg.
Driving manners of interceptor 650 vs continental GT 650
After learning about ergonomics and the basic difference in steering and foot peg setup we can now easily infer driving manners of both or these bikes. Let us first take up the interceptor. As I have quoted earlier that the interceptor will be easier to ride and will be more comfortable. The interceptor is meant for a relaxed driving and the tear drop shaped tank with a 13 liters capacity add to the comfort and riding distance. Cornering should be relaxed and must come easy at relaxed speeds. But some points should be kept in mind regarding enthusiastic driving. Interceptor is not meant for tight cornering and care must be taken in leaning this bike too much. U turns at slow speeds must be managed cautiously. There have been several cases of interceptor misbalancing on tight u turns when riders tend to accelerate too quickly from stand still at some lean angle. Interceptor is not a light bike and getting this bike through tight traffic and populated Indian urban streets will be an exercise. So, be careful and please don’t overestimate capabilities of this bike.
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Coming on to the continental GT 650 it is well established that this avatar of the royal Enfield twin is meant for riders young at heart. The backward set foot pegs, lower swan neck clip on handle bars, that rectangular tank with slim ending to provide sturdy grip for knees all begs for this bike to be ridden hard. Sure this version is more fun to ride but with the same underpinnings like chassis, engine, forks, tires and brakes a rider should apply similar caution as in case of interceptor 650. The cornering ability of this bike is way better than the interceptor. You can tuck in your knees and stretch your arms and get low on the tank in confidence on those swan neck clips on bars. The Pirelli phantom tiers on both ends do the job well and provide much needed stability during enthusiastic driving. But still the weight of bike is to be considered in slow moving traffic. U turns in tight range and quick acceleration would be risky. Also, the steering of bike with clip on handle bars will be difficult and painful. The weight of upper body is not completely supported by the torso in such driving position and much pressure will be on your palms. Just with little bit of caution both of these bikes are super enjoyable.
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Conclusion
At last I would like to highlight the fact that despite some small short comings both interceptor and continental gt 650 are brilliant bikes to have in your garage. They are the most affordable twin cylinder motorcycles in the market. At such small price you are getting refinement and balance of a parallel twin motor. If you compare these bikes with other royal Enfield offerings you may very well observe that how much effort Enfield has put in improving the basic quality of the build. This feeling of refinement and sturdiness in established more once you hop on these bike and give them a quick spin. I know you cannot compare them with triumphs and other European or American motorcycle manufacturers but oh boy! Both of these beauties are demanding half or less than other bikes in same segment.
