The Cadillac of Motorcycles: 1965 Royal Enfield Interceptor 750 Twin
Motorcycles & ATVs
Motorcycles
England’s Royal Enfield had the US market in its sights when it launched its top-of-the-line Interceptor 750 in 1962. The company powered the bike with the biggest engine it had ever produced.
The 736cc Parallel Twin—with a center main bearing—features a long stroke and strong bottom end. Fed by a pair of Amal Monobloc carbs - opens in new window or tab., it could break the 100 mph barrier. That was no small feat for a motorcycle made in 1965.
A Rare Single-Carb Specimen
While most 1965 Interceptor 750s ran twin carbs, Royal Enfield produced a few Sports Interceptor models (like the one recently sold on eBay) with a single 3/16-inch carburetor. Collectors prize the single-carb design, mostly for its rarity.
A vintage newspaper ad from 1965 proclaims:
Cruise all day at 85 mph on a 750cc Sports Interceptor, the Cadillac of Motorcycling.
Royal Enfield built the bike’s engine from the bottom up. It employed new crankcases, crankshaft, cylinder barrels and heads, and a new primary case. The overhead-valve engine had big intake and exhaust valves, too. That was good for 52 horsepower and a top speed of about 120 mph.
Royal Enfield Sports Interceptor print ad from 1965
The Intercepter 750 had a factory-lightened and balanced crankshaft making the engine smooth and powerful. Those traits make the bike worthy of comparison to Cadillac.
Still Pristine, 56 Years Later
It is, by an impressive margin, the fastest true road machine we have ever tested. Fast, in the sense that it will reach 120 mph (we no longer make high-speed runs with touring bikes, but the bike should pull 7,000 rpm in 4th). Fast, too, in that it covers distance from a standing start at a rate few others can approach.
This numbers-matching 1965 Interceptor 750 weathered the past 56 years well. Glimmers of sunshine still reflect in the chrome fenders. The twin down swept pipes and mufflers hold their sheen.
The Royal Enfield logo is sharp and clean on the sporty 2.3-gallon tank gas tank. Yet, the faded black paint exhibits some effects of the sun over time—as you would expect.
The speedometer shows less than 10,000 miles. The engine appears to be in great shape, particularly the covers. The engine is mated to a four-speed gearbox. Together, they do double-duty supporting the frame as the swingarm pivots are bolted to the transmission.
Unlike modern motorcycles, the Interceptor 750 shifts with the right foot.
Sold Fast
The 1965 RE Interceptor 750 still maintains its “sports” status—thanks to its black gaiter, fender stays, and 19-inch spoked wheel. The long, padded straight leather seat screams “Cadillac.”
It’s little wonder that an eBay buyer snatched this bike up quickly. After all, the RE is in near-original condition, has low miles, and is a matching-numbers - opens in new window or tab. example. You might have missed this one. But fortunately, eBay has a steady and ongoing supply of Royal Enfield motorcycles, parts, and accessories.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.