Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: All You Need To Know

The name Interceptor dates back to the US and Canada of the 60’s, when Royal Enfield first launched the motorcycle with a 692cc vertical-twin motor. And now, that iconic name is back and in a very similar looking body as well. That is no coincidence, as RE has specifically kept the looks of 2017 Interceptor as close as possible to the legend. Even the Royal Enfield insignia on the new bike is the same old one. But, that’s where the similarities end. Let's have a look at what all the Interceptor 650 packs and its expected positioning in India. 

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 shares its mechanicals and frame with its twin, the Continental GT 650. It packs the all-new 648cc parallel-twin engine which produces 47.6PS @ 7100rpm and 52Nm @ 4000rpm. Speaking of the frame, it is the same tubular double cradle setup as the Conti GT, but the Interceptor is taller, wider, has a higher seat and a bigger fuel tank than the Continental GT 650. But, they both have the same length, wheelbase and other parts like the wheels, brakes, suspension and instrumentation. Here’s a quick look at the specifications. 

The specifications of the Interceptor 650 released now are for the US and Canada models. However, it was confirmed at the launch that RE will not change the bike in any way, but only adapt it according to different regulations in different countries. Hence, we do expect similar specifications here as well.

The Interceptor 650 has easygoing egos. The footpegs are set in the middle, the handlebar is tall and the seat is a nice and flat bench with quilted stitching for a classic look. Combined with the easy-going nature of the engine that has a 9.5:1 compression ratio and a 270-degree crank angle, this will be an ideal machine for long touring and mile munching at an easy pace. But, when you do decide to gun the throttle, the motorcycle will crack a ton, which means it will reach 100mph or 161kmph with ease. 

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But, Royal Enfield bikes are not so much about performance, as much as about the old school feel. A big part of that is the sound they make. And hence, to retain that signature, close attention has been paid to tune the engine and exhaust to deliver the iconic RE thump. And what we can hear in the videos, RE has managed to do just that.

Now, coming to the price. Given the simplicity of the engine construction and the part sharing of the bike itself, RE will manage to price it quite aggressively. It will sit slightly below the Continental GT, which could command a premium of Rs 10,000-15,000 over the Interceptor. Hence, we expect it to be priced at around the Rs 3.0-3.3 lakh. At this price, it won't have any direct competitors but will take on the likes of the Triumph Street-Twin in the market.