Royal Enfield - any good?

[JRG23]

So I've ridden my old Honda 250 in BKK for many years. 

Looking to buy a new bike. Considering Royal Enfield, either the 350 Meteor, 650 Interceptor, or maybe the 500 Bullet. 

Slightly hesitant though - I know these come from India.

Any thoughts on whether these are any good? Would any owners kindly share any thoughts?

Thanks for any ideas!

J

[MartinL]

Search Youtube for UK channels 'Stuart Fillingham' or 'Missenden Flyer'. They've both got lots of RE info. which should help you make a choice, warts an' all - owning, riding, maintenance, modifications and accessories. Mainly 650 but some on the 500 singles. Nothing on 350 Meteor though since it's not available in UK yet. You'll have to look at Indian Youtubers for that.

 

General consensus is that the 650s are VERY good, especially considering the price.

 

Also a number of threads on RE 650 and Himalayan (which turns into a 650 thread) in this Motorcycle forum. Search in the first 4 pages of the index.

Edited March 4, 2021 by MartinL

[siam dreamers]

Interceptor 650 is an excellent motorcycle.  I ride mine 7  days a week and have zero complains.  Very reliable and starting to be available used around Bangkok for about 170,000Baht.  I highly recommend this bike to anyone snd always enjoy my time on the bike. Also the engine does not not run too hot and very nimble in the city.  

[MartinL]

From RE India website. 

New colours for 650 Interceptor and Conti.

 

Iinterceptor Colours.pdf

 

Conti Colours.pdf

 

Still no official mention of cast wheels.

[canthai55]

Riding buddies have the 650. Like it.

Talked to a few 500 riders, took one for a short ride. Not my thing.

What type of riding do you do ? Hard to give advice not knowing how you use a bike

[guzzi850m2]

If you want something with a bit of power you should go for one of the 650cc models.

 

The 350 & 500 have less power than the Forza300/350, the 500 is really old design and don't like to go much over 100km/h from what I can read about it. Don't know anything about the 350, very good looking but absolutely no power which is a shame.

 

Tried the IC650, sweet bike, I liked it.