A vibration test, which revolves around how well a motorcycle can save a beverage from meeting mother earth, has been flooding our social network feeds for the past few days. It all began when a motoring publication tested the vibrations of the Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650. The most recent video, revolving around the same challenge, came to our attention, comparing the vibration levels of the Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 against one of the most refined performance motorcycles in the sub-500cc segment – the Yamaha YZF-R3.
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Both motorcycles pass the challenge and save the beverage from spilling. Vibration levels depend on many factors ranging from redline of the engine to the age of the motorcycle. The Yamaha YZF-R3, for example, revs all the way to 12,500 rpm while the Royal Enfield redlines at 7,500 rpm. Both bikes are equipped with a counterbalance to filter out most of the vibrations.
The Yamaha YZF-R3 and the Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 use a parallel twin cylinder engine although the latter comes with a higher displacement. Thus, while the Japanese machine features a 321cc in-line twin cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel injected motor, the Indian motorcycle uses a 648cc, parallel-twin cylinder, air & oil cooled engine, SOHC engine. The unit on the Interceptor INT 650 provides a laid-back ride experience while the YZF-R3 is designed to keep you at the edge of your senses.
Regarding performance, the Interceptor delivers 48.7 PS of maximum power at 7,250 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 5,250 rpm. The YZF-R3, on the other hand, churns out 42 PS of power at 10,750 rpm and 29.6 Nm of peak torque at 9,000 rpm.
Despite a bigger engine, the Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 undercuts the Yamaha YZF-R3 by almost a lakh! Prices for the Interceptor start from INR 2.50 lakh* while the ABS-equipped YZF-R3, which is a CKD, is sold for INR 3.48 lakh*.
Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 prices*
- Interceptor INT 650 Standard: INR 2,50,000
- Interceptor INT 650 Custom: INR 2,57,500
- Interceptor INT 650 Chrome: INR 2,70,000
*ex-showroom Delhi
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Globally, Yamaha has revealed the 2019 YZF-R3 that benefits from upside down telescopic front forks, full-LED headlight and sharper design. The updated model could reach Indian shores next year.