For a relatively new RE enthusiast like me, it was indeed a delightful moment when - all new Interceptor 650 was launched on the 14th Nov 2018 for our domestic Indian market!
It was as if the long wait for a great performance oriented, reliable cruiser was going to fructify in reality. As far as I am concerned, my expectation was boosted multifolds by the numerous, positive reviews from professional and amateur reviewers alike!
The impression created for the product is that of a panacea of a bike - the “perfect, inexpensive cruiser! ”
However, the mini test ride ( less than 3 kms)
offered by Manzil Motors, though not adequate did reveal the misses precisely as much the hits already highlighted by motivated reviewers on various Internet based platforms, in plenty!
Actually assuming that the dealerships including Manzil motors sohna road Gurgaon, the one I visited, have been advised not to let prospective buyers spend more time on the machine for obvious reasons! I have seen only positive reviewers driving it for decent span of time!
Pros:
Nice retro look and decent, unique growling rumble sound with wonderful pick up to match it
Unique retro styling
Great front brakes and just about OK rear brakes
Cons:
Wrists and shoulders start straining while riding through heavy traffic and mitigating pot holes present all over typical gurgaon colony roads
Seating position, the handle bar position and the location of foot pegs are just not right for riders of short height e.g 5.7” or lesser.
The legs strain backwards on the foot pegs while upper part of the body is forced into an upright position due to the handle bars being set that way. It is like performing unavoidable yoga while riding.
While moving through heavy traffic, when you set your foot down for balance and then again start to move, you invariably hit the foot pegs behind your calf!
Mileage about 15-18kmpl. ( Heard showroom people discussing about it.) Though not verified personally.
Unreliable speedometer console reading. False neutral came up multiple times in those short < 3 kms ride.
Unidentifiable noise from the rear kept bothering me about the quality and reliability of parts used.
I’ve already booked the bike, in fact pre-booked the bike even before its formal launch in India, with the same dealership but now seriously contemplating to review my decision.
Might actually cancel the booking and explore the upcoming iconic Jawa but then if it too turns out to be a similar nondependable product, will go for a safer bait- the dominar 400 cc 2019 version. Hence fingers crossed.
I like to ride a bike for pleasure, not for daily commuting and own an RE Electra 350 cc ( which has just run some 2400 kms in 1.5 years) . Hence now doubly cautious about not picking up another unreliable machine just because it is hell lot cheaper than the one( s) that inspired the creation of the RE flagship interceptor 650 in the first place.
Hope RE will consider actual user reviews besides the professional ones and do the needful, in time!
All the best RE. Hope the hype turns out to be real by the time delivery of the vehicles start next year!
Cheers!