[jeepster]

Originally Posted by Captain Slow

Sounds Horrible to me! More like a fart can. The stock exhaust sounds so much nicer.

What can i say, I am RJ fan.

Just like the sound of husky nuda (due to 315-degree offset crank) , I am loving the sound of 650 exhaust. (270 degree crank)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39DqimMJKL8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLRY81Gkty8

[rahul4321]

I had a chance to ride my colleagues Interceptor 650 and a 10 kilometere ride for me was enough to make up my mind that this bike is never going to be meant for me. Since the positives of the bike are covered in detail, i will only focus on the negatives which again cannot be generalized but are speicifc to me as I graduated from a RE Electra to a KTM Duke 390

Why I did not like the Interceptor 650

- I am 5"4. I had a comfortable, touring friendly upright posture on my Electra and the Duke. On the 650, due to my height (or the lack of it) i had to lean forward to reach the handlebars and had to put a lot of pressure on my wrists. It reminded me of the time i test rode a GT535

- Missed the thump of the single and not a big fan of the sound

- Definitely missed the torque of the single. I could be wrong but i felt the bike gave me the feeling of less torque than my 350 Electra in terms of sheer pulling power at very low rpms

- The handling. Because i ride an intuitive point and shoot Duke, obviously the handling cannot be compared. It was like trying to ride a sofa through traffic. But i didnt feel any improvement even compared to my Electra

Points which impressed me: No vibrations, beautiful brakes and fit and finish

Now all my hopes to buy a retro classic rest on Jawa warna main Mar Jawa Mit Jawa

[aravind.anand]

In other news, there was a "launch event" at Coimbatore dealership on Monday evening - a full 40 days after the original launch happened

At a time where deliveries have begun at many dealerships, I gave a call to the dealership last Saturday to ask if a test ride would be possible, to which they shocked me saying they are about to receive the display bikes on Monday after which they have an event, and test rides might start by Friday. And this is a dealership owned by RE mind you. So I guess my bike would probably take at least a month more to arrive.

Hmm, interesting... I always thought Coimbatore was also a part of our country. Looks like RE has other ideas

[zenx]

Test rode one today. Both the Interceptor (longer spin) and the GT (much shorter, for the "feel"). What an engine - pulls all the way to 120 without missing a beat (I didn't push harder in traffic)! Didn't need any getting used to for a CBR 250R rider - felt comfortable weaving through traffic, taking u-turns (slightly wider ones, though), and braking - that bit is just so confidence inspiring.

Pottering around in traffic was an easy, natural switch. In fact felt easier than on the CBR.

Didn't really think the pegs were a huge issue. The tank capacity will be, on he highway :/

The only question in the mind is about the reliability of components - else I'm totally convinced.

[pramods]

I got my GT650 today late evening, need to take her back tomorrow for headlight and few more adjustments which I figured during delivery late in the evening( service center was closed by 7:30PM).
Few observations,
1. GT do have vibration not the level of CL500 but it do have it and you can feel it.
2. Rode in rush hour traffic with metro work all across, bumper to bumper traffic for 20kms and the engine got hot, I could feel it more than GS1200 on both my legs. It may get really hot during summer no doubt about it.
3. The riding position is demanding/committed like first gen R15.
4. When you put you foot down foot rest don't obstruct, which is the case with Int 650.
5. Very flickable in traffic.
6. Torque is low at lower revs, the bike died on me a lot at lower speed. Both GS and CL have enough torque to pull in all gears at almost any speed. Being new to me, having gear indicator would have helped.
7. Mirrors are almost useless on GT650, will try and get them better adjusted to have ok view
8. Mirror do vibrate on GT.

Have done just 30KM that to in bumper to bumper traffic.

Few delivery snapshots

[surjaonwheelz]

Hello Riders,

After returning from a breakfast ride with fellow bhpian @sukiwa I landed up in Brahma Motors, Wakdewadi, Pune.

Met the sales representative and made it clear that I only want a test ride as of now. Documentation done, key was with me within 5 minutes. The sales guy explained the route. I sat on the bike and first thing I felt was the handlebar was narrow and forward. This is due to the fact that my CL350 has a wider handle bar.



Slightly leaning forward translates into better control and connect but can be tiring on long distance. I'm 5'8" only.



The footpegs were a bother for me at standstill and crawling. As I was wearing riding boots checked the shifter for toe shifts before setting off.

The weight of the bike was manageable, same with the size read length and I was not bothered much.

On the move, smooth and loads of power on tap. 1-2-3 shifts and I'm at 80kmph without any fuss. Touching 100 was easy. Few bad patches were dealt with poise and grace. Maneuvering through traffic, u-turn was simple and easy! Braking and stability was good too. All in all was a "ton of fun"



I've some personal commitments to fulfill till then I'm a fence sitter!

Ride safe
surjaonwheelz

[param22k]

Originally Posted by jeepster

Red rooster exhaust on 650.

I'm not too sure how successful red roosters would be on a 650. Their pipes fitted on 500s burn at two places which leads to paint fade on the matte blacks. I've got 3 replacements from them and observed that on all of them. Finally replaced the painted one with a mirror finish. That one is burning at those same places. Observed this on a friend's 500 as well which has a brush steel finish RR. I've been told this happens less on 350s though. They might need a redesign for the 650s.

[Herbie]

Date : 27th December 2018
Place : Cochin, Kerala

Fit and Finish - paint / chrome/ rubber quality
Ergonomics
Engine
Exhaust Note
Tappet Noise
Engine Heat
Chassis
Suspension
Brakes
Electricals
Differing views from different generations

Dealership ; Kaizen Motors, Vytilla, Cochin.

When we review a motorcycle - the above list comes on top of the mind of every biker. There are other things as well- but after the list above. The details of power, torque, etc comes in the spec sheet and do not need much understanding, but simply needed to figure out if the bike is worth riding at all.

Before we review the bike- the reviewer. I am 5’6” 68 kilos, age remains a mystery. I have had the good fortune to ride bikes from the 1950’s upwards as my father was a true biker, owning bikes from the English era (my first ride and accident was on a Triumph Tiger 500 cc - circa 1960 model) to the Japanese greats as times changed. Current list of motorcycles being used includes India’s only BMW R9T Vintage 21 Spezial with Option 719 (review of this will be done some time soon), Triumph T120, Street Triple RS, RE Bullet 1969 ex Military- single Owner, 1987 RX100 + a mystery bike- the only one in Kerala.

My partner in crime - Sam - all of 25 years of age - long time owner of a Triumph Bonneville SE, avid rider, passionate explorer, self made musician, fabulous crooner and an eligible bachelor losing his freedom in a few months ! Proper city biker- owner of several two wheelers. Average daily run of 120 kms in city.

Having read the reviews of the Interceptor and unable to actually comment, not having had the opportunity to test ride, decided that this was important enough for me to cut short my overseas trip, to ride the bike.

Kaizen Motors at Vytilla had called me - asking me to test ride the bike 10 days ago when I was overseas, so decided I would simply go there unannounced and check out the dealership as well. I have never been inside of a RE dealership ever!!

Was greeted at the door by a frail looking 20 something girl (not even a lady - looking not a day beyond 15 years) with a nice smile and a short boy cut curly hair. In less than 5 minutes, our licences photocopied, Sam and I were ready to go. We had brought our own helmets - so she knew we were serious test riders (!). I then asked her about the specs- she smiles and responds “ I am sure you know all the specs - but here it is - and reels off everything I need to know in less than 5 minutes - Displacement, Transmission, Power, Torque, Service intervals, Brakes, Electricals and more. Now I am pleasantly surprised. This 15 year old has all the info a biker needs of a bike - so now I am fairly certain- she also knows to ride well enough. First impressions are quite positive so far. This is as good a reception you would get in any premium bike showroom.

Bike: Orange Crush - having been test ridden every day since its arrival at the dealership - 9837 Kms on the clock - still looking fresh and new.

Review:

1. Fit and Finish : Orange Crush looked nice. I did expect scruffs and oil smudges, worn human contact points - none - tells me at first look that there is a higher quality build than an average RE. The paint finish is top notch, the orange had a glimmer to it, the colour grows on you and am sure it will be one of the most sought after colours.

Instruments look basic, I would have liked it a bit classier - this one is thoroughly functional. It could have been done with minimal incremental costs as I know the Maruti cars have real good instrument panels that are not expensive.

The polished Aluminium of the engine and clutch casings do look expensive and good- I shall remain sceptical, as to how well they will last our dust, grime and humidity. It may need constant polishing to keep the lustre. Perhaps a powder coated black may have been a more practical option, unless I am proven wrong in a few months time.

The spoked wheel in Aluminium finish in the Interceptor and black coloured in the GT looks distinctly different from one another.

The exhaust cans are a tad too big and probably the only eyesore - they are indeed clumsy and disproportionate,.

The can ends had some rough edges, the finned exhaust outlet at the cylinder head was not finished too well either. But this I found out when I began to look for faults.

2. Ergonomics : Spot On …the seating is more upright than even the Triumph SE and T100’s/120’s. It was a near perfect position for me. I would need absolutely no tampering to the seat/handle bars and foot peg positions. I was more than surprised at this. I did expect a wee bit of odd angles here and there. None. I could plant both my feet despite being on the shorter side. The seat was soft and plush - I am sure I would need an inch or two of a broader seat (probably also wee bot firmer) for longer rides. But so far , this story is unfolding better than I expected.

The Switch gears, rear view mirrors, horn switch is all well positioned. The twin Minda horns were actually the best in any 2 wheeler I have ever come across. Really sweet sounding and perfect (just loud enough) for India.

3. Engine & Transmission : I start the motor and the engine comes alive. It is here that the senses take over from just the sight and feel so far. The touch, the life of the bike … It is underwhelming as the cans literally quieten the engine beats. I was wearing my Shoei helmet known to reduce the noises, hence decided will listen to it it once I put her through the paces and heat up the engine really well. Nothing to comment as yet.

Clutch is super smooth, the first gear slots in with a slight thump. I look for the gear indicator- cannot find it on the panel. Could have been a welcome addition given that Indians are not used to having 6 gears. Am off , no rush, but neither is it subdued. I do not expect to see many accidents on this bike like we see on the KTM. Acceleration is very decent, not spine breaking nor under 3 secs to 60 mph- but more than adequate for our conditions (it is about 6.8 secs to 100 mph). It is not a super bike nor is it a pretender. Knowing and accepting that the bike has only 47 BHP and 53 Nm Torque I wasn’t expecting lighting fast responses. I expected adequate performance and that it was.

Engine is super smooth as I rev it up in each gear and settling down at 100 Kmph @ 4000 rpm abouts. There are no false neutrals and each gear is in perfect ratio. I am trying to seriously find faults now. I typically test the transmissions by upshifting without clutch. It does this with very little/ nay, no drama. I am glad. This is looking good. I push the bike now. I go on a short ride through heavy traffic, darting in and out. I was wearing soft moccasins and was careful not to damage them, but I need not have feared - the gear shifts needed minimal effort. Front turn in feels a little too light and may need to do so carefully. The time is 1500 hrs and the weather is hot at 34 deg C, engine is at constant 3500 rpm through this, with short blasts in between to 6000 rpm- no vibrations, no change in engine characteristics. Am beginning to wonder, I had issues with other air cooled engines in heavy traffic, nor can I feel any engine heat now.

Where is the legendary tappet noise - I need to do this once again- so I do the same ride , stop the bike, take off my helmet and listen to any untoward noises - none .. this is bordering on bewilderment now. I rev the engine to see if I hear any slack - none. Not convinced, I take off again for a longer ride, pushing the bike. It happily obliges. The thump of the exhaust is now clearly audible through the helmet, so much so, I mistake it and look around for any Bullet trying to catch up with me. There aren’t any.

5. Chassis, Suspension and Brakes : I cannot test the chassis as such as I am on city roads , but the bike handles beautifully. Suspension is made for India. It is just about right - or so I think at this moment. Goes over expansion joints like a dream. No fuss, just soft cushion coupled with the soft seats, it is bordering on brilliant ride characteristics - until a mangy dog decides to jump in front of me. I go hard on the front brakes and the bike responds well, but wobbles just a bit - suspension being a tad too soft. It is similar to the Hyundai cars. Great for poor roads in city, not for spirited runs - so I suspect the bike may not handle all that great on twists and turns or over bigger ruts and large potholes. It is the suspension set up that may be to blame and I am already thinking “ Can I use a higher grade fork oil to fix this little blemish for a spirited / heavy rider “. I bet we can !! The rears being adjustable. The brakes have proven to be good.

Sam says “ The bike is absolutely perfect for our roads. It was very easy to ride through traffic, very nimble. Has the torque when you need it. I was pretty impressed with the suspension. I did push the bike to 6000+ rpm and it was still good- not what is expected from a regular RE. The seats are better than my Bonnie’s”

Fundamentals of this project : I recall Sid Lal stating at the launch, something along the lines of a “ thoroughly modern bike experience at an affordable price “ - To me, this means - a bike that is affordable to own and maintain, a daily rider, no hassles bike, powerful and comfortable enough and yet classy. I think RE has nailed it. There is no competition for this bike - neither in its price, quality, performance and positioning. It is not aimed at anyone who can afford a Triumph or a Harley. It is aimed at those who want to own one of the brands mentioned but cannot afford it, yet would love to stretch, to aspire for a modern biking experience. It is an every day bike without the associated fear of unaffordable service costs and yet a user friendly adequate bike. It could be a good second bike to the owners of the above mentioned brands and I can bet that they would run this bike far more every day than the Triumphs or HDs or the Kawasaki’s ….

You get peace of mind (with 100’s of service centres) , a low risk, high value motorcycling experience.

It is not a perfect bike - for that matter- there is no perfect bike - but it satisfies the basic needs of most bikers. This dealership has so far received 59 bookings in 60 days - the ratio being 50:50 - existing RE owners : First time RE owners. If I were one who did not have the resources to buy a premium motorcycle, for this price, I would be willing to accept this bike with its known little flaws which are easy to live with and affordability of service. Whether this bike meets the sales numbers it is expected to garner or not - it has put RE on the global map, it has put India in the global bike mfrs map.

I tip my hat to the folks at RE. For their sake and for the sake of motorcycling in India, I hope this bike succeeds.

[jeepster]

Originally Posted by param22k

I'm not too sure how successful red roosters would be on a 650. Their pipes fitted on 500s burn at two places which leads to paint fade on the matte blacks.

I've been told this happens less on 350s though. They might need a redesign for the 650s.

Its not a final version AFAIK.

As you said, It will happen less one 650twin because its a 648cc twin so one exhaust for 324cc only.

[aravind.anand]

Originally Posted by jeepster

Its not a final version AFAIK.

As you said, It will happen less one 650twin because its a 648cc twin so one exhaust for 324cc only.

Maybe not directly related to the cylinder volume alone, as the compression ratio on the new 650 cc engine is 9.5:1 again 8.5:1 used by the UCE engines. So higher compression ratio means higher temperature being produced by the engine, and this along with the higher rpm that the new twin is capable of gives a much higher mass flow rate.

So there is no guarantee that the red rooster exhaust would work with the new engine. We probably need to wait and watch what would happen with this new combination.

[JayKis]

Originally Posted by Herbie

Date : 27th December 2018
Place : Cochin, Kerala

Fit and Finish - paint / chrome/ rubber quality
Ergonomics
Engine
Exhaust Note
Tappet Noise
Engine Heat
Chassis
Suspension
Brakes
Electricals
Differing views from different generations

Dealership ; Kaizen Motors, Vytilla, Cochin.


I tip my hat to the folks at RE. For their sake and for the sake of motorcycling in India, I hope this bike succeeds.

Thanks for your test ride review. As an existing owner of a RE, i need to test ride this damned thing now!

[pedrolourenco]

Originally Posted by Herbie

The exhaust cans are a tad too big and probably the only eyesore - they are indeed clumsy and disproportionate,.

The can ends had some rough edges, the finned exhaust outlet at the cylinder head was not finished too well either. But this I found out when I began to look for faults.

Exactly my thoughts. Why didn't they go with something like the Classic bottle style exhausts.

To me, this means - a bike that is affordable to own and maintain, a daily rider, no hassles bike, powerful and comfortable enough and yet classy. I think RE has nailed it. There is no competition for this bike - neither in its price, quality, performance and positioning.

Wake up Yamaha. Why can't you launch a RD350 styled 4 stroke twin cylinder? It will sell like hotcakes.

It is not aimed at anyone who can afford a Triumph or a Harley. It is aimed at those who want to own one of the brands mentioned but cannot afford it, yet would love to stretch, to aspire for a modern biking experience.

I do think many who can afford a Harley or Triumph will be tempted to save a few bucks and go for this.

[dinu2506]

Took a shortish test ride today of the GT650 as the Interceptor was not available. Contrary to popular opinion, I did not enjoy it. The riding position is pretty committed and my wrists were paining in no time. The engine is a leap ahead compared to the other RE's but I did not find it overly refined or explosive. The bike also did not feel very premium. The exhaust note too did not sound that great. The Interceptor should feel better on the ergonomics front but overall I do not see much differences from the GT. Definitely a VFM bike, bang for the buck, but unfortunately it did not connect with me.

Probably my expectations were too high with the wave of reviews all over the media and the TD was too short to give a full opinion, but it did not strike a chord for me

[Beast_of_Burden]

Originally Posted by Herbie

The exhaust cans are a tad too big and probably the only eyesore - they are indeed clumsy and disproportionate,.

.

Only thing that sticks out on the 650, otherwise it is tastefully done in an understated way. It would have been nicer to have them closer to the body. I am 5' 11 and it was a slight stretch to the bars but I appreciated the roomy ergonomics. I was a little apprehensive about the weight but the bike is a puppy to ride in traffic. Booked black, I was leaning silver but the silver test bike wasnt what I had in mind. An Indian manufacturer is daring to dream, and the bike is a good honest effort.

[n.devdath]

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

I do think many who can afford a Harley or Triumph will be tempted to save a few bucks and go for this.

You echo my thoughts.

Most people who purchased a Harley/Triumph did it because there were no other options.

India is a hugely value conscious market and with the Interceptors offering 70% of the haloed brands at 40% of the cost, they will surely wean many customers to themselves.

Look that the offers being offered by Triumph/Harley post the launch and it is amply clear.

Remember the line "Jab wohi safedi, wohi jhaag, kam daam mein mile, to yeh kyun lun?" "Woh na lun?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPd5NwdkUpY