Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 variants

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While the 250cc Suzuki bikes are undoubtedly good machines, we'd recommend you hold off on that because Suzuki is readying an all-new Gixxer lineup which will debut at the end of this year and these will be next-gen models which will bring in a host of functional improvements. If you can't wait that long, we'd recommend looking at the Bajaj Pulsar N250, which is a sorted machine and will serve you well. Do bear in mind that coming from your twin-cylinder Interceptor 650, these smaller, single-cylinder 250s will feel like a big step down and you may perhaps wish for something slightly more substantial and premium feeling after a while. Instead of downsizing so severely, you should look at the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 which will be pleasant and comfortable to use inside the city but will still give you a premium, feel-good experience which the smaller bikes won't be able to match. Since you're intimately acquainted with RE ownership, the Hunter will slot in nicely into your life as well. Take a test ride of these bikes to see which one fits your usage better ultimately and then make your decision.

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Since you've mentioned that a lot of your usage is inside the city with only occasional highway work, we'd recommend sticking with the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X. The reason being, Scrambler is a lighter machine with better handling and suspension comfort, which will make it easier to ride on a daily basis inside the city. Then there is also the fact that the Dominar - as objectively sorted a bike as it is - cannot match the kerb appeal of the Scrambler, and the Triumph is sure to be a special machine to walk toward in the morning. In case you want to move away from a single-cylinder machine, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 remains a tried and tested option, and will be lovely on the highway. Do bear in mind that while it can surely wade through the drudgery of city traffic, it will be the machine that demands more effort from the rider to do so. After GST 2.0, the Interceptor has also become a fair deal pricier, so it might not fit in your budget. A test ride of both, as well as determining your budget, should be your next move.

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From a logical point of view, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 makes sense for your use case, which is primarily in the city. The Classic is a lighter machine and will be easier to manage in the city. In your case, it will also be a largely familiar machine since you're coming from an older Classic 350, and there won't be too much of a learning curve. Plus, in comparison to the Interceptor 650, you'll also get better fuel economy from the Classic.On the flip side, the Interceptor will be a far better machine for highway riding, and its twin-cylinder engine gives it a different character. If you're looking for a change of pace from your Classic, the Interceptor could be the perfect step up because, despite its added power and weight, it is still an approachable machine. The one thing you need to be mindful of on the Interceptor inside the city is its wide exhaust pipes, which will stick out in traffic.A test ride will reveal whether you should go for the Interceptor or the Classic.

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If you want a retro-looking motorcycle, look no further than the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. With its old-school looks, smooth yet punchy engine, reasonable comfort and relatively affordable price tag, it is an option that warrants serious consideration. Since you already have a Honda, you can take a look at the NX500, which will be a good option with its refined twin-cylinder engine and comfortable long-distance capability. If you are open to the idea of a pre-owned machine, in your budget, you can get a Kawasaki Z650 / Ninja 650 / Versys 650. All three are good both in the city and out on the highway, but the Versys would be our pick because it will be the most adept at tackling Indian roads.

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You have already done the right thing by test riding the bikes on your shortlist. That is the best way to make a decision, because all of these are very different motorcycles in terms of character and ownership experience.Given that you are an aggressive rider who likes a bit of punch, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 makes more sense because it has plenty of performance as well as character, and you can always upgrade the suspension and tyres to improve its handling. The Continental GT 650 is an eye-catching and unique motorcycle, but its committed riding position is not practical for long-term ownership.Do bear in mind that updates to both of these Royal Enfield bikes are expected soon, so we'd advise you to wait.