Just a week ahead of EICMA 2018, Royal Enfield has released a teaser of a new motorcycle that will debut in Milan. The photograph shows a bike under a semi-transparent cover.
Also read: 4 motorcycles reportedly coming this November - Royal Enfield 650 to Jawa 300
From what we could make out from the photograph, the bike will get a LED DRL, if not a full LED headlight. Steering duties would be performed by a flat handlebar. Royal Enfield branding on the fuel tank is clearly visible through the cover. The bike also features a rider-only saddle. It appears that the motorcycle is equipped with alloy wheels instead of wire-spokes. Alloy wheels will allow installation of tubeless tyres.
However, the big question is whether the motorcycle based on the traditional 350/500 or on the new 650 platform. In September 2018, Royal Enfield President, Rudratej Singh said in an interview:
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.
EICMA motorcycle show is a serves as the stage for manufacturers to display their products that are aimed for global markets. Thus, it is likely that the new motorcycle will be based on the 650 platform. The Royal Enfield 650 platform has already spawned a neo-classic roadster and a cafe racer while an adventure-tourer and a scrambler are said to be under development.
So, is the former British brand drawing inspiration from another British motorcycle company? The Interceptor INT 650 has an uncanny resemblance to the Triumph Bonneville T100/T120. It is to be noted that the Bonneville platform underpins various models such as the classic roadsters (Bonneville T100/T120), cafe racer (Thruxton R), scramblers (Street Scrambler/Scrambler 1200), cruiser (Speedmaster) and Bobber (Bonneville Bobber).
The silhouette of the teased motorcycle resembles the Bobber styling, and we might see one with a Royal Enfield badge at the EICMA 2018. The 650 platform will bring the twin cradle, tubular steel frame that has been developed in conjunction with UK-based Harris Performance.
Mechanical specifications will include Royal Enfield’s 648cc, parallel-twin cylinder, air & oil cooled, SOHC engine with fuel-injection that is tuned to deliver 47 bhp of power at 7,250 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 5,250 rpm. As much as 80 per cent of that peak torque is available from just 2,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox, a first on a Royal Enfield. The gearbox also features a slipper clutch with an assist feature.
Braking setup will be identical to the 650 Twins. Thus, anchoring tasks will be performed by twin-piston Bybre (by Brembo) callipers that grab a 320mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear. Bosch dual-channel ABS comes as standard.
All the details mentioned above are speculations made by IAB. The two-wheeler brand has remained tight-lipped. The 2018 EICMA motorcycle show is scheduled to take place in Milan, Italy from November 6 to November 11, 2018. We’ll bring you updates as and when they’re available.
