[k_ajay]

Originally Posted by Hammer & Anvil

“ I wondered what the RJU kit was, and given the spell prowess, it could be anything, so they sent me a photo, and still it could be anything. “

you sir have a wonderful sense of humour. Btw, sorry f this was missed by me, but which twin bike have you booked?

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by k_ajay

you sir have a wonderful sense of humour. Btw, sorry f this was missed by me, but which twin bike have you booked?

It's the "interceptro". What the bad guy in james bond movies usually ride.

[param22k]

So I was wondering, if the first deliveries of twins are expected to be begin in January end, why is RE giving a waiting period of 15 days in the booking confirmation emails? They should be mentioning the correct lead time involved, even if approximate. Avoidable confusion.

[AbhiIyengar]

Test rode the Interceptor today morning at HSR, Rajajinagar. They apparently started TDs only today and sure enough the bike had run only 45km when I got my chance. A little over 200m, I could already feel the engine heat through my jeans. It may be because of the relatively new engine?
Anyway, the bike was all about torque for me. The ride position was greater and even for someone like me (I am 5foot 6inches), I was seated comfortably and could easily reach the ground with both my feet firmly planted. A guy from the showroom was sitting pillion and he kept asking me to redline the bike! I did on the last empty stretch of the test ride and the power surge blew me away (literally in some sense). I loved the rubble from the silencers - I think they're just about right. I didn't feel any vibrations whatsoever but felt the handle bar was a little on the heavier side.

I plan to book the bike, but will wait it out a few weeks for more real feedback to trickle in.

[bigron]

Took a test ride recently of the bikes.
Starting with the engine, its brand new and it shows. At lower RPM, under 3k the throttle is crisp and there is a torque surge. Nothing excess but plenty. More importantly its fun and Oh, the fuelling was spot on. Overall, given the category and the old world charm, this motor is perfect for that 120/140 kmph long high way ride.
The steering felt precise and tight and the suspension basic but apt. Brakes were up to the task given the power at hand and the chassis of the bike. I know they could be better but I am not complaining. The dash was decidedly spartan and could be more modern since its 2018.
Overall, RE has done a wonderful job with these and I was a happy camper at the end of the day. I ve never liked the brand or their products but RE has exceeded expectations on almost every account with these. If old world charm and easy un rushed riding either on straight roads or twisties is your thing, drop in to your nearest RE store. These girls should not disappoint.

[neil.jericho]

I dropped in at St Mary's Motors, Cochin today to take quick look at the twins. They have some 60+ bookings with 70% of them being for the Interceptor 650. Waiting period is 3 months irrespective of the bike or colour. Test rides will start by Wednesday / Thursday in the coming week.

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

My first impression (and I could be wrong here) is there might be Interceptor owners opting for this GT seat as its longer and would be better suited to larger pillions.

I got the sales team to swap the stock Interceptor seat for the optional touring seat which is also the stock seat on the GT 650. It fits perfectly and definitely looks to be a lot more comfortable than the stock Interceptor seat as the area for the pillion rider to sit on is larger. I would suggest Interceptor owners definitely try this option if they are going to ride two up.

Straight fit

The sales team confirmed that this seat doesnt fit the GT535 which is unfortunate.

Originally Posted by param22k

So I was wondering, if the first deliveries of twins are expected to be begin in January end, why is RE giving a waiting period of 15 days in the booking confirmation emails? They should be mentioning the correct lead time involved, even if approximate. Avoidable confusion.

Deliveries for some of the customers who booked on day 1 are beginning in the coming week in Cochin.

[HandfulOfHell]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

I got the sales team to swap the stock Interceptor seat for the optional touring seat which is also the stock seat on the GT 650. It fits perfectly and definitely looks to be a lot more comfortable than the stock Interceptor seat as the area for the pillion to sit on is larger. I would suggest Interceptor owners definitely try this option if they are going to ride two up.

I think this will also reduce the seat height by an extra 6-8mm. Won't it?

[sreejith.pish]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

It fits perfectly and definitely looks to be a lot more comfortable than the stock Interceptor seat as the area for the pillion to sit on is larger. I would suggest Interceptor owners definitely try this option if they are going to ride two up.

Did you sit and check? I agree that it looks better. But the foam density feels the same. I have my apprehensions.

[Relax&Cruise]

A friend of mine got the RE Interceptor, yesterday. The first bike in Maharashtra as per the dealership.

Did a small test ride and this is not the typical RE, this is a nice refined bike which can be easily manuvered in traffic and maybebe good to take offroading.

Once in the saddle, you can't see the front wheel/mudguard, nothing important but this added to the different feel from the RE lineage.

The delivery experience was good at Royal Enfield store Nerul with Sales Advisor Iqbal and Store Manager Sameer providing a smooth, seamless purchase transaction. A cake, party poopers etc was arranged. The send off included an RE escort.

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by HandfulOfHell

I think this will also reduce the seat height by an extra 6-8mm. Won't it?

It will reduce the seat height for the pillion but it gets you a wider surface area. I feel the top of the Interceptor seat tapers off a bit abruptly for it to be really comfortable for a pillion. A price to pay for the period look of the OEM Interceptor seat.

Originally Posted by sreejith.pish

Did you sit and check? I agree that it looks better. But the foam density feels the same. I have my apprehensions.

I did and honestly couldnt make out much of a difference for the riders seat. The real gains would be for the pillion seat. I was wearing my riding pants at the time so Im not sure if differences would translate quickly in a 2 minute check. A proper test ride should give a clearer picture.

[HandfulOfHell]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

It will reduce the seat height for the pillion .....

I actually meant for the rider. The touring seat appears to be lower than the stock Int seat at the front (it almost looks like the front has been shaved off/ flattened)and so presumed that this will translate to an overall lower seat height thereby helping slightly shorter riders flat-foot better. Am I missing something?

[HandfulOfHell]

Originally Posted by Relax&Cruise

A friend of mine got the RE Interceptor, yesterday. The first bike in Maharashtra as per the dealership.

Just curious... I've been wondering if one can pay the entire amount using a credit card without any additional transaction/gateway fees. How did your pal pay? Were they also ok with a Credit Card?

[aravind.anand]

Originally Posted by HandfulOfHell

I actually meant for the rider. The touring seat appears to be lower than the stock Int seat at the front (it almost looks like the front has been shaved off/ flattened)and so presumed that this will translate to an overall lower seat height thereby helping slightly shorter riders flat-foot better. Am I missing something?

Yes, you are right. And RE quotes the CGT's seat height at 798 mm IIRC, and that is 6 mm lower than the Interceptor. But I think that the actual difference might be too low for one to feel and recognise.

[schitre05]

It seems the deliveries have begun... Here is another video taking the CGT 650 delivery at Hyderabad

https://youtu.be/7HyQJfS9njw

[thumpmeister]

Visited the RE showroom in Kandivli West in Mumbai near Poisar in mid of this week actually. The twins were there on display in the showroom, but not available for test rides as the registration was not done yet, it seems. A much better experience compared to the Bajaj showroom where I had been a week earlier for the Dominar test ride. But, that another story and might be OT.

The showroom manager, was very attentive and came out from the crowd at his counter to help me with my queries noticing probably that I had come there for one of the Twins. There was a decent crowd in the showroom and it was of customers who were interested in the regular RE models like the C350 & others. The INT 650 does look very underwhelming and will be an ideal buy for someone who wants to own a modern classic and yet doesnt want to attract crowd attention.

There was only one person apart from me who was checking out the INT 650. Maybe because the test ride bikes were not available. On my request, the manager of the showroom, started the bike, and had no issues when I asked him if i could rev it, he gestured me as if to say, 'Go ahead, be my guest! ". He informed me that the test ride would have been available from today, but unfortunately I could not make it today. Once the bike was cranked, the sweet exhaust note was like music to the ears. So understated and so soothing, unlike the typical REs. I remember having decided never to own a RE again after having had a '95 STD 350 and having undergone the not so pleasant ownership experience. Yet, after seeing and hearing the INT 650 in flesh, I was tempted to book it right there, right now but sense prevailed and I promised myself that I would come on Sunday i.e. today to ride it and then decide. Maybe in the coming week, I will need to make time...

Anyways, enough of the words, here are the pictures.