Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 gets a few changes for the US market – Report

16/05/2019 - 13:48 | ,   | Suvil Susvirkar

Royal Enfield has tweaked some of the parts on the Interceptor INT 650 for the US market, claims a new report from Gaadiwaadi.

Royal Enfield Int 650 Us Claimed Upgrades Right Si
The changes reportedly include new shape for the blinkers and a dark headlight border.

Also read: Next-generation Royal Enfield Classic with optional accessories spied again

For starters, the motorcycle isn’t called the Interceptor INT 650 Twin. Instead, it goes as the INT 650 Twin in the USA as Honda owns the “Interceptor” trademark there. The Continental GT 650 Twin is sold with the full name. Other changes to the motorcycle include a border to the headlight and round blinkers. Do note that the website still lists the bike with the same blinkers and headlight design that was seen at the launch. The optional accessories, too, do not include the headlight and the blinkers that are visible in the images. Do note that the INT 650 in the photos is on a temporary number plate.

All motorcycles undergo some changes based on the customer feedback, and the addition of new headlight border and blinkers could be part of a similar upgrade. We will wait for more details to emerge.

Apart from the changes mentioned above, the motorcycle continues to feature the original specs. It is powered by a 648 cc parallel-twin cylinder, 8-valve (4-valves per cylinder) engine with fuel-injection that makes 47 bhp at 7,100 rpm and 52 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm. A six-speed gearbox sends the power to the rear wheel and features a slipper clutch system.

In more updates, a report from earlier this month claimed that Royal Enfield is offering a free rear suspension upgrade to the 650 Twin owners in the Indian market. The updated setup includes a built-in rubber buffer. Only the motorcycles from the first lot did not have the built-in rubber buffer, and their owners can have the rear shock absorber changed free of cost.

Royal Enfield offers the 650 Twins in markets like India, Thailand, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea and the UK. Its exports have improved significantly since November last year, although the domestic sales have shown negative results for six consecutive months. The Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650 were developed as global products, and the company expects to sell 1 million of them in the next 5 to 10 years.

Royal Enfield Int 650 Us Claimed Upgrades Front
Royal Enfield's USA website continues to show the 650 Twins with the same blinkers and headlight that were seen at the launch.

Also read: Modified Royal Enfield Classic 500 gets Bobber styling

In India, the Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 is in higher demand than the Continental GT 650. Yet, both motorcycles are carrying a waiting period of three to five months due to the demand in global markets. The company is increasing the production of the 650 Twins to meet the high demand. It will soon commence CKD operations at its first overseas plant, located in Thailand.

[Source: Gaadiwaadi.com]

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