I will be mostly doing weekend rides and occasional 2-3 days trips on the motorcycle and presently don’t intend to go long on weeks-long touring.
BHPian Growler86 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Hi Interceptor owners and fellow BHPians!
I need some advice. I own a 2008 Bullet STD CI Engine which has been sitting in my garage for the past 5-6 years with hardly any running. Majorly because I feel I’ve overgrown the single-cylinder vintage engine. The thump is still loveable but with the rest of the 1950s technology, I’ve been feeling left out for quite some time now. Since the RE twins came out all those years back, I’ve been thinking of getting one and the Interceptor has always been a no-brainer for me.
In between, I had to upgrade the four wheels so I had to invest in a Thar in 2022. Have been loving the beast ever since but the lack of ‘wind on my face’ feeling has been slowly creeping up. So last week, I finally decided to part with my Bullet.
Now, coming to the new acquisition project, I am split between two choices: The Upgraded Interceptor (with alloys) or the latest Bear 650.
Of course, I’ve devoured all the YouTube videos and gone through the Bear 650 forum on Team-Bhp multiple times. I’m fairly acquainted with the pros and cons of both bikes now. Rather than help me choose one, the research has made me equally split in decision-making. So I’ve come to this thread hoping that the long-time owners of the Interceptor may help me make a better decision.
The new Interceptor deal that I am getting will cost me around 50-60K cheaper than the base variant of Bear 650. If you’re wondering how, I am in the Defence Forces and the new Interceptor is available through CSD for an ex-showroom price of approx. Rs. 2.78 lacs in Chandigarh. However, the Bear 650 is not yet available in the CSD.
If I go with the Interceptor, I can use the spare 50-60K for some good functional upgrades like YSS forks and better seats etc. However, I’d be losing on better ground clearance, USD forks and the new TFT display (Tripper Dash) among a few other things.
I will mostly be doing weekend rides and occasional 2-3 days trips on the bike and presently don’t intend to go long on weeks-long touring. Also, off-roading will be limited to Indian road conditions other than highways (Basically, don’t intend to go in search of trails).
Also, I intend to keep this bike for long.
So Interceptor people! please share your wisdom and opinions on the issue. Thank you in advance!!
PS. Attaching a few photos of my old faithful. It’ll be tough to let her go but it’s about time.
Here’s what Bhpian shield replied:
I would suggest the Bear 650 and then upgrade the shocks too. It is a better bike to ride overall mainly because of the rider triangle and also because of how nimble it is to ride compared to the Interceptor.
For me, it is painful to do a long ride on the Interceptor. Although I have gotten used to it, it is still not a comfortable long-distance bike. The Bear I feel will be better in that sense in both city and highway.
P.S. You should try and keep the cast iron 350. Those kinds of motorcycles are hard to come by now.
Here’s what BHPian sandeepmohan replied:
That’s a beautiful 350.
Personally, if I could afford to do this, I’d go buy a New Bullet 350. It’s not a fast bike. That said, the new engine is a gem of a unit. Something to keep alongside the Interceptor in the garage (If I could).
If you have never ridden an Interceptor (Or the Bear), then please do. Take it for a long spin. Pay the dealer if you have to. Or rent one. The real deal of this bike is known only after you spend a considerable amount of time on the saddle. The initial experience will be “wow’, cause you’re amazed by the amount of torque that there. If you’re going to be doing quick 100km blasts down the highway, you’ll love it to bits. Especially on a twisty road (It has a beautiful gearbox to complement). Anything more than this and the bike gets tiring. Fast. That’s my experience after spending 34,000+ km with my Interceptor.
Take a test ride of the new Bullet 350 as well. A vastly different machine in feel and comfort.
If you must have a twin cylinder, then take the Super Meteor for a spin.
Here’s what BHPian rajeevsulu replied:
I have owned the Interceptor for a couple of years now. 35,000 km up and I am having a lot of fun. If 100,200 km blasts are your rides, this bike is very good. I do these sorts of rides almost 3 -4 times a week.
I have done 300 km blasts about 6 times. It was not much trouble. I have never taken a pillion, hence, no comments. I have had no trouble as yet barring a few punctures. I have the alloy-tubeless tyres setup now.
Mine is the 2023 version. The bikes have improved a lot after that too is what I hear.
Do a long-term rent out. You will get all your answers. All the best.
Cheers
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
