New bike! Deciding between Ducati Scrambler and Enfield 650
Discussion
I've been looking for a new middleweight bike as my classics are in pieces and quite frankly I didn't get on with the VFR800, despite it being a great bike. Just a bit too big, heavy and powerful for me and the kind of riding I do. So, the VFR is gone and I was on the hunt for a modern naked middleweight. I rode my mate's 80's BMW hipstermobile a couple of weeks back and I absolutely loved it.
I tried a Ducati Scrambler (2015 model) on Saturday. It was a very accomplished bike, but I didn't love it. The snatchy throttle put me off and whilst I like the icon base spec, that specific bike wasn't for me condition/mileage wise, even though I did have a lot of fun, I was kind of talking my way into buying it as opposed to just effin' WANTING it.
I've liked the look of the Royal Enfield 650s since they were announced, so thought I'd have a go.
It was:
Heavier than the Ducati
Taller than the Ducati
Less powerful
Probably worth less in a year's time
New model so questions over build quality
Suspension not as fancy
Less second hand spares available right now
"ByBre" brakes rather than radially mounted "proper" Brembos
I also took it out on unfamiliar roads in the pissing rain.
Verdict - I got off that bike grinning like an absolute nob. By 5 miles in I was deciding whether I want that engine wrapped in the Interceptor or Continental GT frame. And what an engine! Not for everyone, but how I ride (thrashing the pants off it down country lanes and b-roads) it was absolutely perfect.
I decided to go for the Interceptor. I preferred the slightly lower seat of the Continental GT by far, it's noticeably more effort to get the Interceptor off the side stand, but the rest of the riding position wasn't quite as comfy. Also, on the GT the handle/lever for the sidestand is right by the rearsets which would annoy me EVERY SINGLE TIME I had to use it.
Buying it tomorrow.
I tried a Ducati Scrambler (2015 model) on Saturday. It was a very accomplished bike, but I didn't love it. The snatchy throttle put me off and whilst I like the icon base spec, that specific bike wasn't for me condition/mileage wise, even though I did have a lot of fun, I was kind of talking my way into buying it as opposed to just effin' WANTING it.
I've liked the look of the Royal Enfield 650s since they were announced, so thought I'd have a go.
It was:
Heavier than the Ducati
Taller than the Ducati
Less powerful
Probably worth less in a year's time
New model so questions over build quality
Suspension not as fancy
Less second hand spares available right now
"ByBre" brakes rather than radially mounted "proper" Brembos
I also took it out on unfamiliar roads in the pissing rain.
Verdict - I got off that bike grinning like an absolute nob. By 5 miles in I was deciding whether I want that engine wrapped in the Interceptor or Continental GT frame. And what an engine! Not for everyone, but how I ride (thrashing the pants off it down country lanes and b-roads) it was absolutely perfect.
I decided to go for the Interceptor. I preferred the slightly lower seat of the Continental GT by far, it's noticeably more effort to get the Interceptor off the side stand, but the rest of the riding position wasn't quite as comfy. Also, on the GT the handle/lever for the sidestand is right by the rearsets which would annoy me EVERY SINGLE TIME I had to use it.
Buying it tomorrow.
Hmmm, interesting.
The Enfield twin has been the first I've seen announced in years I've liked the look of. Currently getting my Commando back on the road after er-hmm years and trying to avoid being distracted.
I've been out the biking game for too long (work and classic cars got in the way). Haven't time to spend on more than one project at a time. I've debated chucking my SV650 at the local shop to get it back on the road but wanted to sort the Commando first.
I learnt a long time ago I enjoy riding an old, slow bike fast father than a fast bike slow. Loved the SV more than my Ducati ( pains me to say so).
Pondering if the Enfield could be an SV alternative.
Keep us posted on progress, intrigued...
The Enfield twin has been the first I've seen announced in years I've liked the look of. Currently getting my Commando back on the road after er-hmm years and trying to avoid being distracted.
I've been out the biking game for too long (work and classic cars got in the way). Haven't time to spend on more than one project at a time. I've debated chucking my SV650 at the local shop to get it back on the road but wanted to sort the Commando first.
I learnt a long time ago I enjoy riding an old, slow bike fast father than a fast bike slow. Loved the SV more than my Ducati ( pains me to say so).
Pondering if the Enfield could be an SV alternative.
Keep us posted on progress, intrigued...
Edited by GadgeS3C on Sunday 7th April 19:04
I'm a long time Enfield fan (have a 2016 Classic 500 atm) and will be hopefully test riding a new 650 this week!
They seem to be getting great reviews and £5.5k with 3 year warranty seem a great buy. Only negative I have heard so far is the first 2 services are in quite quick succession
They seem to be getting great reviews and £5.5k with 3 year warranty seem a great buy. Only negative I have heard so far is the first 2 services are in quite quick succession
AceOfHearts said:
I'm a long time Enfield fan (have a 2016 Classic 500 atm) and will be hopefully test riding a new 650 this week!
They seem to be getting great reviews and £5.5k with 3 year warranty seem a great buy. Only negative I have heard so far is the first 2 services are in quite quick succession
I was impressed with the engine. I've got a 650 BSA twin (A65 Lightning) and had a Bonneville. It felt like riding the best bits of an old bike with the best bits of a new one. Characterful but revved up nice and cleanly, didn't feel like you had to be gentle with it! I've not ridden the Bullets, but I imagine it's a much different experience, not just the same but bigger.They seem to be getting great reviews and £5.5k with 3 year warranty seem a great buy. Only negative I have heard so far is the first 2 services are in quite quick succession
Congratulations! It would be the Interceptor for me too. I honestly think that someone got the names mixed up because the Interceptor should surely be the more cafe racer version?
Anyway, I would definitely have one of these on the list if I was in the new bike mix. Also the Moto Guzzi. Potentially even the new adventure bike they've put out this year.
So many bikes, so little money...
Anyway, I would definitely have one of these on the list if I was in the new bike mix. Also the Moto Guzzi. Potentially even the new adventure bike they've put out this year.
So many bikes, so little money...
Well done mate, I think they look ace too! My old man had a go on one a couple of weeks ago and said he'd have one, except he's decided he's too old to be buying a new bike(?!) and in 60 years of buying bikes he's never bought a parallel twin - and isn't one to rush into a change 
I really like the way Enfield are going. Now we just need them to make the KX v-twin they concepted and I'd be all over that
I really like the way Enfield are going. Now we just need them to make the KX v-twin they concepted and I'd be all over that
SteelerSE said:
Congratulations! It would be the Interceptor for me too. I honestly think that someone got the names mixed up because the Interceptor should surely be the more cafe racer version?
Anyway, I would definitely have one of these on the list if I was in the new bike mix. Also the Moto Guzzi. Potentially even the new adventure bike they've put out this year.
So many bikes, so little money...
The original RE Continental GT was, arguably, the first factory custom. Anyway, I would definitely have one of these on the list if I was in the new bike mix. Also the Moto Guzzi. Potentially even the new adventure bike they've put out this year.
So many bikes, so little money...
RE looked at what their customers were doing, and produced a bike with the cafe racer parts already fitted, so it makes sense that the cafe racer version is called the Continental GT.
gareth_r said:
The original RE Continental GT was, arguably, the first factory custom.
RE looked at what their customers were doing, and produced a bike with the cafe racer parts already fitted, so it makes sense that the cafe racer version is called the Continental GT.
I nearly bought an original Continental GT a couple of years ago. Can't remember what I got instead, either the Starfire, A65 or zzr600.RE looked at what their customers were doing, and produced a bike with the cafe racer parts already fitted, so it makes sense that the cafe racer version is called the Continental GT.
TEC make aftermarket / performance parts for Triumph, and now RE.. here are his thoughts on the bike..
https://youtu.be/M9NL18HZGkc
https://youtu.be/M9NL18HZGkc
The 650 Royal Enfield is a good looking bike, but if I was chucking £5k about, I suspect I'd end up with another T140 Bonnie.
A couple of years ago I inherited a slightly scruffy 1987 BMW R80 Mono when my uncle gave up riding.
It was a lovely bike. Smooth, revved nicely, handled sweetly and was super comfortable. Better in almost every way than an R100.
Nice mix of character and reliability, with just about enough power. Cheap compared to the British stuff, but prices are creeping upwards, so not a bad place to put your cash.
Very much regret selling mine.
A couple of years ago I inherited a slightly scruffy 1987 BMW R80 Mono when my uncle gave up riding.
It was a lovely bike. Smooth, revved nicely, handled sweetly and was super comfortable. Better in almost every way than an R100.
Nice mix of character and reliability, with just about enough power. Cheap compared to the British stuff, but prices are creeping upwards, so not a bad place to put your cash.
Very much regret selling mine.
Pat H said:
The 650 Royal Enfield is a good looking bike, but if I was chucking £5k about, I suspect I'd end up with another T140 Bonnie.
A couple of years ago I inherited a slightly scruffy 1987 BMW R80 Mono when my uncle gave up riding.
It was a lovely bike. Smooth, revved nicely, handled sweetly and was super comfortable. Better in almost every way than an R100.
Nice mix of character and reliability, with just about enough power. Cheap compared to the British stuff, but prices are creeping upwards, so not a bad place to put your cash.
Very much regret selling mine.
In a roundabout way I sold a T140 Bonnie to pay for this! Sold it to spend some on a modern (which ended up being the VFR) and the change in doing up my two BSAs (Starfire and A65 Lightning). Still got the Beezas for some "proper classic" spannering. Not that I think the Enfield/Hinkley Bonneville/etc are "fake" classics, they're good bikes in their own right.A couple of years ago I inherited a slightly scruffy 1987 BMW R80 Mono when my uncle gave up riding.
It was a lovely bike. Smooth, revved nicely, handled sweetly and was super comfortable. Better in almost every way than an R100.
Nice mix of character and reliability, with just about enough power. Cheap compared to the British stuff, but prices are creeping upwards, so not a bad place to put your cash.
Very much regret selling mine.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff