For a long time, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has been the go-to choice for riders who crave retro design and solid highway manners. But for those who like to stand out or want something a bit different, several bikes now offer a fresh take on that mid-size motorcycle vibe. These machines bring a blend of performance, comfort, and unique identity to the table—and they deserve just as much attention.
Here’s a closer look at four motorcycles that stand out as the best alternatives to Royal Enfield 650, each with a flavor of its own.
Kawasaki Z650RS: For the Tech-Savvy Rider with a Nostalgic Heart
Kawasaki’s Z650RS looks like it time-traveled straight from the 1970s, but don’t let the vintage charm fool you. Under the skin, it’s packed with modern tech. The 649cc twin-cylinder motor produces 67 horsepower—plenty for highway blasts and city hops alike. Its ride quality and refinement are top-notch, something you’d expect from a Japanese manufacturer.
What makes it different from the Royal Enfield 650 is its finesse. The clutch action is featherlight, gear shifts are slick, and the engine purrs like a dream at higher speeds. If budget isn’t a constraint (priced around ₹7.20 lakh), and you want to blend retro looks with modern hardware, this one is worth every rupee.
Also Read: Kawasaki Versys X 300 Returns to Indian Roads: Adventure Calls at ₹3.80 Lakh
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650: Interceptor’s Sportier Twin
Technically, yes—it’s another Royal Enfield 650, but it deserves its own spotlight. The Continental GT 650 takes the same reliable engine and wraps it in a racier, café racer package. Clip-on bars, rear-set footpegs, and a tank that invites you to tuck in—it’s built for weekend runs with your riding crew.
At ₹3.19 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s slightly more expensive than the Interceptor. But if you’re someone who appreciates a more aggressive stance and a sharper cornering feel, this version offers a fresh experience without stepping too far from the Royal Enfield family.
BSA Gold Star 650: A Nostalgia Trip on Two Wheels
If heritage is what you’re after, the BSA Gold Star 650 speaks your language. Reintroduced by Classic Legends, the BSA brings back an iconic name from motorcycling’s golden era. Its 652cc single-cylinder engine puts out a healthy 45 bhp. The beat from the exhaust and that raw thump feels unmistakably old-school.
With an expected price around ₹3.09 lakh, it’s a direct competitor to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, but it’s a different beast. The ride is more relaxed. The styling is textbook retro—no frills, just chrome and character. This one’s for those who want their motorcycle to feel like a time machine with a warranty.
Yezdi Adventure (2025): Built to Go Beyond
Adventure riders, this one’s for you. The 2025 Yezdi Adventure may not match the Interceptor 650 in outright power, but it offers something entirely different—versatility. With a revised 334cc engine producing 29 bhp and nearly 30 Nm of torque, it’s made for long journeys and unexpected detours.
Updates in the 2025 model include a sleeker headlamp unit, LED DRLs, an adjustable windscreen, and added protection via crash guards. What really makes this bike stand out is its feature list—switchable ABS, traction control, and built-in navigation. All this between ₹2.15 to ₹2.27 lakh? That’s a lot of value for a machine that’s ready for every kind of terrain.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a brilliant motorcycle, no doubt. But it’s no longer alone in the spotlight. Bikes like the Kawasaki Z650RS, Continental GT 650, BSA Gold Star, and Yezdi Adventure are giving riders more choices—and more reasons to step out of the comfort zone.
Each of these four motorcycles brings its own flavor to the table. Whether you want a café racer, a retro-modern roadster, a hardcore ADV, or a nostalgic single-cylinder machine, there’s something here for every kind of rider.
So if you’re looking beyond the Interceptor, now is the perfect time to explore the best alternatives to Royal Enfield 650 that offer more than just a different badge—they offer a different experience altogether.
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