Royal Enfield reveals new 650
Royal Enfield’s first modern twin-cylinder motorcycle has been revealed, making its global debut at Royal Enfield’s Technology Centre in the UK on 5 November before its public presentation at the EICMA show in Italy.
New, New, New
To be offered in two versions – Interceptor INT 650 roadster and Continental GT 650 cafe racer – the new 648cc parallel twin is of a single overhead cam design, with a 270-degree crank, 9.5:1 compression ratio, air-oil cooling, fuel injection and TCI ignition. Listed output is 35kW and 52Nm.
Compared to the 535cc single used in the current Continental GT, the 650 twin offers 61 per cent more power and a little over 18 per cent more torque. The new engine will be offered in the same state of tune for both upcoming models, with the exhaust – co-developed with S&S - specially tuned for what is said to be a “compelling soundtrack”. While top speed hasn’t been revealed, Royal Enfield say both models offer true highway capability.
Royal Enfield say the 650 twin will also be applied to future models as part of the Indian brand’s push to develop a platform that will not only continue their position as a global leader in the mid-size (250cc-750cc) motorcycle segment, but also carry the brand into a “modern context”.
In addition to the new engine, the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor INT 650 feature another modern Royal Enfield first in the form of a 6-speed transmission, which was specifically developed for this new engine. A slipper clutch is another Royal Enfield first.
An all-new frame was developed from the ground up by Royal Enfield’s technology centre and Harris Performance. Royal Enfield says the steel tube double cradle frame offers “enhanced agility” and the ability to handle different riding conditions, while still retaining Royal Enfield’s established look and character.
Choice of Two
While the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor INT 650 share a frame, engine and transmission, each model carries its own distinctive style.
The Interceptor INT 650 is inspired by Royal Enfield’s original Interceptor twin from the 1960s, while the Continental GT 650 continues the café racer styling established with the modern Continental GT from 2013.
While classically-inspired, the Interceptor INT 650 design looks more modern - and arguably more mature - than the Bullet and Classic. A classic teardrop tank (that holds 13.7 litres and looks very “Triumph”), slim mudguards and retro-look 804mm quilted dual seat combine with the wide braced handlebars and conventional pegs to deliver what Royal Enfield says is a comfortable riding position.
Full specs are forthcoming, but the remote reservoir twin rear shocks from the current Continental GT are applied to both new models, as well as what appears to be the same 41mm tele fork front end. Eighteen-inch spoked wheels and Pirelli tyres are standard, while braking consists of a single 320mm disc at the front and 240mm rear disc, with ABS.
The Continental GT 650 runs the same wheel and braking package as the Interceptor, with styling differences over the existing Continental GT including a blackout treatment on the rims, mudguards and mirrors.
A café racer-style 12.5lt sculpted fuel tank, high-mount clip-on handlebars, rearsets and a solo seat with rear hump deliver a more aggressive riding position.
2018 Arrival
Like the Himalayan that was unveiled here last year, Australia is expected to be a key market for these two new models, with local deliveries expected in Q1, 2018. Pricing and availability will be announced closer to arrival.
