- The Royal Enfield seems to be a good option but there are a few things that I don’t like about it.
- What I need
The Royal Enfield seems to be a good option but there are a few things that I don’t like about it.
BHPian LiamJose recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
I’ve been riding my KTM RC 390 for almost 4 years. At that time, I wanted to get a sporty bike with the highest acceleration under 4 lakh INR. Even now after 4 years, it puts a smile on my face when I accelerate. I have taken it for long rides once every month and while it was much harder than my Royal Enfield Bullet, I didn’t feel much of an issue – maybe because I am young and hit the gym 5 days a week and swim every day. My friends tell me that they wouldn’t be able to do it. Even now riding for like 100-200 km doesn’t tire me much.
I don’t like 4 things about this motorbike though. It has hard suspension, especially the front suspension and while I seldom off-road, I wish it had a plusher ride quality. I am not really liking the posture as much as I liked it before. It was cool back then and I don’t know if my love for sports bikes has decreased a bit. I find other types of bikes more appealing now. I thought I’d never say this. I am a sport bike lover. Also, another gripe that I have is it’s very hard to travel with my pillion rider. I mean, we do go 100 km at times but I guess, it puts a lot of stress on me and her. Also, I don’t like the fact that I have to downshift all the time compared to other bikes. I don’t really love how it sounds unless we go extremely fast.
I saw an RE showroom and just out of curiosity test rode a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Royal Enfield Himalayan. I was amazed by how comfortable both bikes were compared to my bike. Both of them had amazing ride quality. I didn’t like Himalayan for its power but the 650 didn’t disappoint me. While it didn’t deliver quite a punch like the 390, it could reach triple-digit speeds with ease and the exhaust was lovely. They told me a Super Meteor is coming soon and it’s going to be even more comfortable.
In fact, my dream was to upgrade to a 4-cylinder bike (used CBR 650) but now I am confused. RE Interceptor seems to be a good bike for long rides. Nowadays, I am really into long rides. I am not addicted to speed as much as I used to but I still don’t like powerless bikes. I am from Kerala where there are different types of terrains but we don’t have long highways to push the bike through.
Can you guys give me suggestions? My plan is to sell both Royal Enfield Bullet and KTM RC 390 to buy a new bike because I don’t think I need these two bikes, I thought I’d use both but right now, I am using only RC 390. I want to buy a bike that can do everything.
TDLR
I am thinking about updating from KTM RC 390. I am willing to look for used bikes too but newer ones might be safer.
What I need
- Power
- Comfort
- Beautiful exhaust note
- Masculine looks
- Long travel capability
- Reliability and durability (I think we’ll get resale value too)
Here’s what BHPian WhiskeyTangoFox had to say about the matter:
I think you should wait for the Himalayan 450. Might have just about the right balance of power, torque and that rugged go-anywhere touring ability.
Here’s what BHPian Red Liner had to say about the matter:
Get a pre-owned CBR650. Been in the market long enough, Honda shop support. That bike is a great upgrade and will keep you happy for years to come.
Here’s what BHPian dinu2506 had to say about the matter:
You have not indicated your budget. If that is not a big issue, the best upgrade which will put a smile on your face is the Triumph Street Triple R.
- Power – Check
- Comfort – Check (excellent for the rider, OK for the pillion)
- Beautiful Exhaust Note – Check
- Masculine Looks – Check
- Long Travel Capability – Check
- Reliability – Check
It’s extremely lightweight for its class and has fully adjustable suspension on both ends, a slipper clutch, and everything that you need. Having been used to the RC390, this looks like a perfect upgrade.
Here’s what BHPian shancz had to say about the matter:
IMO that’s the Interceptor.
Deriving from your feedback and some experiences:
- The Interceptor has that dose of power and comfort to keep someone moving away from a KTM 390 satiated and happy.
I can say so because a friend, riding a 390 Duke regularly okayed only the 650 twins in the under 4 lakh, reliable, cheap to maintain with good ASC coverage. Everything else according to him was underwhelming, with the Interceptor being chosen over the GT650 due to pillion comfort.
- CBR650 or any other Honda Topline bikes will be limited in their ASC to Topline only and that coverage has to be checked for the locations you ride to. While the RE service experience might not be what you’ve been used to but the coverage is excellent. Same applies to other premium makers.
- ADVs like the Himalayan (410 or the 450) are capable but your use case is road based and so their USPs don’t apply to you. On the other hand, the compromises in handling due to the larger wheels, soft long travel suspension and lesser bite from the brakes will go against your requirements. Also assuming that they’ll be single-cylinder units, the smoothness of the twin and the exhaust note will be missing.
- The exhaust note of the Twin is great in itself but no match to that of a triple or an inline four. If that’s your motivation stop no less than the four.
- I am assuming that your budget is limited since if you could afford the Street Triple (reliable but expensive maintenance) or an inline four we would be looking at a completely different thread.
Considering all options I can suggest the following:
- Take test rides of the CBR650R and the Interceptor back to back and with your pillion to feel the difference. I am not recommending the other options because if you’re going to spend more than the Interceptor then don’t settle for anything less than an inline four.
- Since this will be your only motorcycle so buying something premium with expensive maintenance will turn out to be an expensive affair and could mean downtimes if spares aren’t easily available. This is something you’ve to check for your location. Other members can give a better account of it.
Keyword: Motorcycle to replace my 4-yr-old KTM RC 390: How's the Interceptor 650