Other Bikes » Royal Enfield 650 twin video review

Here is the first long "independent" review of the new Royal Enfield 650cc twin models that I have seen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vFaZrO3YeM&feature=youtu.be

Who knew that Royal Enfield could build a large-capacity twin cylinder motorcycle in India?

I recognized the roads that they are traveling on shown during the first 8 minutes of the video as I ride these roads quite frequently. I saw Highway 1, 236 out of Big Basin, Highway 35 and Highway 84, but not in any particular order. The reviewer goes into BS talking mode around minute 8. He has not a bad word to say about the new bike, of course - since he was shipped from Australia to Santa Cruz, fed, put up in a hotel and gave a new motorcycle to ride for a couple of days, all on Royal Enfield's dime.

I might add that I saw these guys in Big Basin State Park, located about 25 miles east of Santa Cruz, while riding my Zero electric motorcycle on a 150-mile round trip from my home in Pacifica, to the park and back, all on one charge. After arriving at the Park I was approached by a British rider who asked me about my Zero and then mentioned that he was with a group of journalists who were riding the new Royal Enfield 650 Continental GT and asked me if I wanted to see the bike. I sat on one and it felt pretty solid. The clutch pull is about average and the seating position with the low bars is not bad. Much better than the Thruxton, as an example. The new Royal Enfield reminded my of my Japanese motorcycles of the 1970's as far as fit, finish and general feeling while sitting on it. I watched as the riders took off up the highway that I came down, heading for lunch at Alice's Restaurant. I could see myself buying one, especially at the advertised price in the U.S. - if only Royal Enfield had more dealers here. Photos attached.

Apparently being in a union at the Royal Enfield factory is no fun: https://www.business-standard.com/articl...00500913_1.html

Here is a British review of the new Royal Enfield that is the result of the tests riding around the Santa Cruz Mountains. Nothing to get too excited about, though. Except maybe the low price: https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/re...interceptor-650

And here is a review by MCN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOz3E7qs1M4

Video is blocked, at least it is for me "DownUnder".

Was it a critical review???

I know that India is very big in the IT world, could it use that power to stifle doubters? (only half kidding)

It is now about an hour later... and the Vid became available!!. MCN's tester seemed to be unbiased and was favourable to the RE taking into account its anticipated price and the design intention.

Zitat von Aussie Import im Beitrag #6

---

Video is blocked, at least it is for me "DownUnder".

Was it a critical review???

I know that India is very big in the IT world, could it use that power to stifle doubters? (only half kidding)

It is now about an hour later... and the Vid became available!!. MCN's tester seemed to be unbiased and was favourable to the RE taking into account its anticipated price and the design intention.

---

I read your fuel tank as being 13.7 litres, not 3.7.

If the brakes are suss, it would be useful to know if changes could be made, maybe the forks / front wheel would allow different hydraulics and (if it did not have one) a 2nd disk.

I have no issues at all with changing from the factory spec., if that spec. is wanting. I just like to "fiddle".

My YR5 Yamaha 350 was changed in almost every aspect. It was a constant "fettle". The XS 750 that replaced it, got the full fairing and exhaust (a mistake) changes, but it needed so little attention otherwise. No timing issues. No brake adjustments. No spoke inspections. No chain maintenance. At the time it had better brakes, better power, better economy (not a really important issue) and it moved from a café racer to a sports tourer comfort and practicality wise. The big downside was that it just needed so little, and offered limited options to change things.

Maybe the RE will be endearingly imperfect and real improvement can be made with suspension, brakes, cams, valves, springs and fuel injection. There may be a chance to turn it into a 55 hp fire-breathing RE!! - the fastest RE in the Village!

AND now, after reading the article, I can say that the RE DOES have accessories.

High and Low beam headlight powered through the battery
Electric horn
Electric turn signals
Rear view mirrors
Front and rear disc brakes
Electric starter
Automatic fuel tap / shut off.
Speedometer
Tachometer

Pretty flash compared to the last RE Twin.

Sorry about that tank capacity. Sometimes I just don't hit the keyboard keys hard enough. And the fact that the forum artificial intelligence won't let me correct my mistake once someone replies means that my mistake will be here forever.

Since all RE motorcycles, including the new 650, are so basic they should be easy to modify by the dying breed of wrench-spinners and garage grease monkeys. Certainly easier and cheaper than trying to up the power or improve the ESA suspension of a BMW motorcycle. I might add that many current owners of Royal Enfield Bullets spend much of their time modifying and repairing their Royal Enfield motorcycles. They seem to get great satisfaction out of trying to keep them running and trying to get another hp or two out of that long-stroke engine.