The upcoming Interceptor Bear 650 is likely to be worth the wait.
I have been following Autocar India from the last 10-15 years now, previously reading through magazines and now via this website. I have the following query about the RE Interceptor 650. As we know this bike is now more than 5 years old – should I wait for a newer Interceptor model with new features as I’m eagerly waiting to buy this bike.Please suggest if I should wait for sometime like max 6-9 months or proceed with the current model?
Sudhanshu, Jalandhar
Autocar India says: The Interceptor has been out since 2018 and while it did receive a small update last year, the bike has continued more or less unchanged since launch. Royal Enfield will surely be working on a more significantly updated version, but a launch doesn’t appear to be immediately on the cards and you may have to wait longer than 6-9 months.
However, before you go for the current Interceptor 650, we recommend that you hold on for a few months. That’s because the company is expected to launch the new Interceptor Bear 650 by the end of this year. This will be the scrambler version of the Interceptor and spy images suggest that the bike will be a more rugged version of the Interceptor. It may also pack more suspension travel and have a larger 19-inch front wheel. Another point is that it has only a single exhaust, which should result in a slimmer profile as well as lower weight.
At the same time, the Interceptor Bear is unlikely to be a tall and intimidating bike and there is a good chance that this may end up being the most comfortable and versatile of all the 650s.
Also see:
2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650 review: Retros refreshed
Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 review: On the offensive
Royal Enfield Classic 350 to get 3 new features
