Interceptor vs Bonneville

[Matjb2512]

Hi all, hopefully this is the right place on the forum for this. 

 

I'm new to riding this year and ahead of my DAS course in autumn I'm trying to make my mind up on my first 'proper' bike. 

 

Whilst a sensible Honda  adventure/tourer seems like the common entry, for me what draws me to motorbikes is the (modern) classic/retro style. It seems that I've narrowed things down to either a Triumph Bonneville or RE Interceptor. Within my budget (~5k) I could get a new/near new Interceptor, or a old Bonny around 10 years old with a few 1000 miles on the clock. 

 

Any suggestions as to which would be the better choice here? (or perhaps a different model all together). 

 

This is to be my daily, with a fairly short commute but with scope for longer journeys here and there too. 

 

Thanks in advance. 

[Breezin]

Most definitely the Interceptor. I'm very biased though.

 

For starters, the Interceptor is underpriced for what it is...

[KiwiBob]

If its that style your after then Kawasaki W800 might be worth looking at?

 

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/kawasaki/w800/2011/

[bonio]

Not owned either, but I think I'd prefer the reliability of Triumph over a newish Enfield.

Also, I reckon you'll be happier with an older bike: you *will* drop it at some time, and when you do, you'll be so pleased that it's already had one or battle scars and the new scratch isn't its first. And when you come to sell it on after a few years, you should be able to sell it at more or less cost price.

Thought about a Yamaha XSR700? Just within your budget perhaps. Or a Kawasaki W800? 

Others will be on here with better ideas

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

You ought to be able to get a newer Triumph with less miles for £5k. Personally I'd go for the Triumph but I'm biased towards them.

 

You really need to try both and see which suits you best.

[Bender]

Pass your das and try some bikes, you may have a different view by the time you do  

[Throttled]

This video about build quality may influence your decision

 

 

[Bender]

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/long-term-test-bikes/royal-enfield-long-term-test-bikes/royal-enfield-interceptor-650-review-reliability-build-quality

 

[Silentbob83]

On 06/05/2021 at 18:11, Bender said:

Pass your das and try some bikes, you may have a different view by the time you do  

This is a sound comment....for years I had the type of bike I would have if/when I got my licence - always had to be a bobber. Hated every second of it (may have been because it was an under powered Chinese 125 engine) but still. Did DAS, bought a Cb500f, comfortable, practical everyday bike. Now my thoughts are filled with sports tourers, desperate to try a vfr800, which I wouldn’t have looked at twice back then. 

 

However, from my very limited experience anything will give you a grin!
 

Enjoy the process!

[Trooper74]

Get a Himalayan .... you know you want too ..

 

 

 

Edited May 7, 2021 by Trooper74