The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is one of the most popular middleweight motorcycles on the market today. But if you’re planning to upgrade or simply want to explore more options the market has to offer, there is a plethora of exciting bikes to look at. From cafe racers and scramblers to premium retro roadsters, riders can choose from a pool of options across different prices. If budget isn’t a restraining factor, here are five of the best alternatives to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 that you can consider.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
If you want the same heart as the Interceptor, but a more aggressive bike personality, then the Continental GT 650 is the closest alternative that you can explore. The bike offers different styling and riding ergonomics than its sibling. Being a classic cafe racer, it comes with low clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs, and a more aggressive riding posture. It also gets a sportier fuel tank design and a single-seat-style setup. The Interceptor 650 is a retro roadster and has an upright riding position, wide handlebars, and mid-set footpegs. It offers a larger 13.7-litre fuel tank, compared to the GT’s 12.5-litre tank. It is priced at Rs 3.53 lakh, which is slightly more than the Interceptor’s Rs 3.35 lakh price. Both are starting and ex-showroom prices.
BSA Goldstar 650
BSA Goldstar 650
Another alternative worth looking at is the BSA Gold Star 650. It belongs to the same retro middleweight segment, but offers a 652cc single-cylinder engine, compared to the Interceptor’s parallel-twin motor. The Gold Star 650 offers an authentic vintage experience with its offset fuel cap, upside-down analogue instrument cluster and classic halogen lighting. It is also lighter, nimbler, and easier to navigate through traffic, with 201 kg of kerb weight. For reference, the Interceptor weighs 218 kg. It is priced starting at Rs 3.46 lakh (ex-showroom).
Royal Enfield Bear 650
If you enjoy occasional off-road adventures, the Royal Enfield Bear 650 could be a more versatile option. While it uses the familiar 650cc twin-cylinder engine, the Bear benefits from a revised exhaust system that produces slightly more torque(56.5Nm vs 52.3Nm). The motorcycle also gets premium Showa upside-down front forks, increased ground clearance, and block-pattern tyres. It is priced starting at Rs 3.75 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kawasaki Z650RS
Kawasaki Z650RS
The Z650RS is among the in India. It pays tribute to Kawasaki’s iconic motorcycles from the 1970s and has a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces considerably more power (67.3bhp) than the Interceptor 650’s 47bhp. The bike’s lower weight of 192 kg translates into sharper handling and greater agility in urban environments. Riders also benefit from premium fit and finish, advanced electronics like traction control and a more performance-oriented riding experience without sacrificing everyday usability. It is priced at Rs 7.83 lakh (ex-showroom)
Moto Morini Seiemmezzo 6½
While the Enfield Interceptor 650 celebrates old-school motorcycling, the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo 6½ delivers a more performance-oriented package. The bike’s 649cc liquid-cooled engine produces higher power (55bhp), and premium cycle parts, like adjustable KYB suspension and Brembo brakes, offer enhanced handling and braking. With a TFT instrument cluster and lower seat height, and the Seiemmezzo targets riders looking for a more sophisticated middleweight. The scrambler version is priced at Rs 4.82 lakh, while the retro street bike costs Rs 4.39 lakh. The prices are ex-showroom.