Royal Enfield will launch the new Interceptor INT 650 and Continental GT 650 on November 14, 2018. The motorcycles would be launched ahead of 2018 Royal Enfield Rider Mania scheduled in Goa.
Also read: Royal Enfield teases new motorcycle ahead of EICMA 2018
Royal Enfield’s Pune outlet, Brahma Motors, shared an invite for the dealership level launch of the new 650 Twins via social networks. Official bookings for the motorcycles will commence from November 14 onwards. There is no information about the exact prices of the bikes yet. However, previous reports suggest that the Interceptor INT 650 and Continental GT 650 will arrive in India below the INR 3 lakh (ex-showroom) price bracket, thus making them the most affordable 650cc, twin-cylinder motorcycles in the country.
The company recently conducted test rides of the 650 Twins where riders got a chance to take a spin on the upcoming motorcycles. However, as reported by IAB, the Continental GT 650 was seen with the longer seat, and instead of a cowl that is seen on the international spec model. There is an arrangement to bolt on a rear cowl over the pillion seat using an Allen key - a design feature that we have seen on Ducati Diavel and SuperSport range or even on budget bikes like the Bajaj V15.
To give you a recap of the features and technical specifications, both motorcycles share the underpinnings but differentiate with styling and ergonomics. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 gets upright and comfortable as compared to the cafe racer. The Continental GT 650 receives a forward-leaning riding stance that would be appreciated around the bends.
Hardware list is identical on both models. Thus, anchoring tasks are performed by a 320 mm single disc at the front and a 240 mm single disc at the rear, while the safety net of dual-channel ABS comes standard. Both the bikes are built around a steel tubular double cradle chassis and feature 41 mm telescopic front forks and twin gas-charged rear shock absorbers.
Also read: 834cc Polaris-engined Royal Enfield cruiser concept to be unveiled at EICMA - Report
Mechanical specs on both motorcycles include a 648 cc, parallel-twin cylinder, SOHC, oil-cooled, 8-valve engine that is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and gets slip-assist clutch as standard. The motor is tuned to deliver maximum power output of 47 bhp at 7,100 rpm and peak torque of 52 Nm at 5,200 rpm.
