Royal Enfield has launched the 650 Twins in Thailand at the ongoing 2018 Thai Motor Expo. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 starts at THB 2,13,000 (INR 4.52 lakh), while the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 retails from THB 2,21,000 (INR 4.69 lakh) for the standard models.
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 custom model retails at THB 2,15,000 (INR 4.56 lakh), while the chrome variant costs THB 2,18,000 (INR 4.62 lakh). On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 custom version has been priced at THB 2,23,700 (INR 4.75 lakh approx.), while the chrome variant costs THB 2,26,000 (INR 4.79 lakh approx.).
According to Royal Enfield, the 650 twins are manufactured in a single global-spec model that are sold across the world. The Royal Enfield 650 Twins are the only motorcycles from the Indian manufacturer to feature a slip-assist clutch and the first one to come with dual-channel ABS as standard at launch.
At the heart of the matter is a newly developed 648cc, parallel twin-cylinder, fuel-injected, 8-valve engine that is paired to Royal Enfield’s first 6-speed gearbox. The free-revving air/oil-cooled motor is tuned to deliver a maximum power of 47 bhp at 7,100 rpm, while the 52 Nm of peak torque comes at 5,250 rpm. The engine offers linear power delivery, and the torque comes in handy to sprint to a top speed of 172 km/h (claimed).
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is the easy-going ‘Jack of all trades’ modern-retro roadster, while the Continental GT 650 is the aggressive sibling of the two with a flair for taking on the canyons. The retro-cool design of the Interceptor is augmented by the relaxed ergonomics, wide handlebar and round fuel tank.
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, on the other hand, is a fun-to-ride bike with the low-set clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs and the long fuel tank. Mechanical parts like brakes and suspension are shared between the two, and so are the wheels, tyres and the chassis.
Also Read: Interceptor INT 650 or Continental GT 650: Which RE should you buy?
Royal Enfield has been very aggressive in pricing the 650 twins across the world. In India, the Interceptor 650 starts at INR 2.50 lakh, while the Continental GT 650 is priced from INR 2.65 lakh (both the prices are ex-showroom Delhi).