Looking to buy a used Interceptor 650: Points to keep in mind

I have looked at a couple of motorcycles & noticed a slight whining noise in both of them. Has any Royal Enfield Interceptor owner experienced the same?

BHPian Rahulkool recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi, fellow Interceptor owners. I am planning to buy a used Interceptor and going to have a look at a couple of bikes this weekend. Please let me know what all should I check? Also, is there any way to check if bikes are flood affected or not?

• 2019 Chrome – 4k kms done, quoted 2.6L
• 2020 Silver – 2k kms done, quoted 2.4L

Both owners said not used because of lockdown and work from home.

Also, a couple of Interceptors I have observed had slight whining noise. The TD bikes didn’t have this noise. This one I have observed only on the road on other bikes being ridden. I find it very annoying, I remember the first-gen Pulsar had it. Has anyone experienced the same?

Here’s what BHPian sandeepmohan had to say about the matter:

• Makes sense to look at the 2020 model as it’s cheaper.
• I’d start by checking there are no insurance or warranty claims. With such low running, I doubt it but no harm in checking.
• Check that the RC has the sellers name on it.
• Have they been serviced, at all? Both bikes should have first service records. Factor this as a cost as you definitely want to replace the oil and filter on both.
• I am pretty sure the battery will be flat on both these motorcycles. Even if they’ve been charged and the bikes start, you need to prepare for replacing them immediately. That sort of mileage is too low for the battery to have gained any charge at all.
• Look for Corrosion. An idle bike will have some for sure. The Interceptor can catch corrosion easily if the bike has been exposed to high moisture levels or if the bike has not been wiped down. Surface corrosion can be ignored. A clean up with some WD40 or a polish job can correct this.
• Tires. You’ll definitely need to replace them on the 2019 model. Again, can be ascertained only after you see the bike.
• There is slight whining noise on my bike too. This is not a fault. Then again, need to hear it to know if the whine is what the motor usually makes or if it’s something else. Take the bike to a RE garage and ask them if that is normal.
• The flood-affected bit is a question for the owner and needs to work on trust. I don’t think anyone of us can answer that question. The owner can change the oil, replace the air filter, wash the bike and that’s going to give it a clean slip. At the most, pop the seat and check. If there are deposits of mud or muck, you can be sure the bike has been underwater.
• Check free play of clutch and throttle. This is minor. If it’s bad, cables can be replaced.
• You’re likely to find the exhaust a bit more audible on the 2019 model, before BS6 norms kicked in.
• Check all electricals work.
• Test ride the bike.

To end, both these motorcycles have low mileage on them. There isn’t much more one can check.

Good luck.

Here’s what BHPian aargee had to say about the matter:

Your location shows you hail from Chennai, if so, avoid Chrome at all costs.

Flood-affected or not can be easily checked through service history unless someone is really really clever enough to hide it, which also is a very rare breed.

Another reliable option is to visit RE ASC & inquire if they know any Inty that’s up for sale as well.

Is it the whistling noise you mean when deceleration? That whistling/whining sound is more predominant only during riding than idling. If so, this is quite normal. If you don’t like this, then you should stay off of Interceptor. I bought Interceptor as it sounded more like a cousin of Triumph S-Triple.

Keyword: Looking to buy a used Interceptor 650: Points to keep in mind