Most motorcyclists these days associate the Interceptor moniker with Honda, but former British bike-maker Royal Enfield had an Interceptor model—a parallel twin ranging in displacement over the years from 692cc to 736cc—long before Honda introduced its groundbreaking V-4 sportbike in 1983. Unfortunately for Royal Enfield, which is now Indian owned, Honda has trademarked the Interceptor name in the US, so the classically styled machine seen here is simply known as the INT650. Just like its cousin, the Continental GT, the INT650 has a steel double-downtube cradle frame with sporty steering geometry, a conventional fork, twin shocks, ABS-equipped disc brakes, and wire-spoked 18-inch wheels.

Unlike the café-racer-styled Continental GT with its clip-on handlebars, the INT650 has a crossbar-equipped high-rise tubular bar mounted to the top triple clamp. The seat is much longer and significantly better-padded (upping seat height by nearly half an inch) with plenty of room for both rider and passenger. The footpegs are moved forward about 1.5 inches and lowered half as much. Finally, the INT650 has a teardrop-style gas tank minus the knee cutouts of the Continental GT’s fuel cell, giving the INT650 a little more capacity.

Likes: Good low-end and midrange power; cruises at highway speeds with ease

Dislikes: Smallish gas tank; no protection from the elements; tubed tires

Verdict: Retro-cool authenticity with modern-day approachability

“The more comfy seating arrangement of the INT650 is immediately noticeable,” contributing editor Kent Kunitsugu wrote in his riding impression, “with an overall feel that harkens back to the do-it-all motorcycles of the 1960s and ’70s prevalent in California—the same fun culture that inspired the original Interceptor during that time.”

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Retro-style streetbikes represent a growing percentage of the motorcycle populace, with BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, and Triumph, to name a few, producing machines that look like they could have rolled off the assembly line 40 or more years ago. The 2019 Royal Enfield INT650 may be the most authentic—and certainly affordable—example.

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Give yourself an eye-popping reason to wake every morning. The 2019 Royal Enfield INT650 is available in six color choices, including three two-tones: Ravishing Red ($5,799), Orange Crush ($5,799), Silver Spectre ($5,799), Mark Three ($5,799), Baker Express ($5,999), and Glitter And Dust ($6,499).

Manufacturer Claimed Specifications

Cycle World Tested Specifications