In an interview with Autocar Professional, Royal Enfield President, Rudratej Singh said that the Interceptor INT 650 and Continental GT 650 are awaited by a large number of existing Royal Enfield owners. He said that the new motorcycles will offer an upgrade to the 2.5 million Royal Enfield owners who are eagerly waiting for the twins.
Also read: German Royal Enfield dealer shares first look experience of Interceptor & Continental 650
Singh added that the new motorcycles are expected to see a similar response in developing markets such as South East Asia and Latin America. "I believe that the Interceptor and the Continental GT are the first true global product launches for Royal Enfield ever. Therefore, the appeal will be global," he said. He points out that there is no motorcycle today in the middleweight category that is "evocative and accessible, and authentic," and believes the 650 cc twins will expand the category and the leisure motorcycling segment.
Speaking to IAB at the launch of the Classic special edition, Rudratej Singh had confirmed that the Indian bookings of the new Royal Enfield 650 duo will commence after the launch. He said the bikes are scheduled to arrive by the end of this year or in January 2019.
A report from August 23 suggests that the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650 could be priced at INR 3 lakh (ex-showroom) which will make them the most affordable 650cc motorcycles in the Indian market.
Leaked technical specifications revealed all the details of the duo. As seen in the spec sheet, both the motorcycle will use a 648 cc parallel twin cylinder, SOHC, air-cooled, fuel injected engine. The newly developed motor will deliver 47 bhp of maximum power @ 7,100 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque @ 5,200 rpm. The motor will be mated to a six-speed gearbox and will feature Assist and Slipper clutch.
Apart from the engine, the Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 and Continental GT 650 share the same underpinnings. The motorcycles will come equipped with conventional telescopic front forks and twin coil-over gas-charged rear shock absorbers. Their respective styling and ergonomics will differentiate the models.
Also read: Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 to attempt speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats
On May 10, Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director and CEO, Eicher Motors confirmed that the media rides for the new Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650 will happen in the last week of September. In new updates, a copy of the invite suggests that the media ride event may also serve as the stage for the global launch of the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650. The rides are scheduled from September 22 to September 28 in California, USA.
[Source: AutocarPro.in]
