Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Confused about whether to buy the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 now or wait for the BSA Gold Star 650? Check out our analysis here.

Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 are the first-ever modern 650cc motorcycles from the Chennai-based manufacturer. The Interceptor is also India’s most affordable bike in its segment. It offers a premium big-bike experience to the masses at quite an accessible price.

Royal Enfield has recently trademarked two new logos, one similar to the one we have already seen on some variants of the Interceptor 650 and the other could be for their apparel range.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Key Highlights

Price: The Interceptor 650 comes in seven colour variants (with spoke/alloy wheels). The Cali Green and Canyon Red variants cost Rs 3,03,000 with Black Pearl and Sunset Strip variants priced at Rs 3,11,000. The Black Ray and Barcelona Blue models come priced at Rs 3,21,000 and the top-end Mark 2 edition costs Rs 3,31,000 (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

Design: The Interceptor 650 boasts a simple, yet eye-catchy retro design, with massive dual exhausts dominating the rear. A wide handlebar and flat saddle ensure an upright riding stance. The side panels are simple, and the LED headlight (on alloy wheel variant) doesn’t look too out of place for this neo-retro roadster. The alloy-wheeled variant also gets equipped with rotary-style switches. That said, the design of the alloys is a little too bland for a big bike.

Features: The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 comes with a halogen headlight unit, tail light and indicators. It gets a twin-pod digital-analogue instrument console with an analogue speedometer/tachometer and has a digital inset showing fuel, odometer and trip meter readings, clock, gear position and a service reminder. Royal Enfield does not offer Tripper navigation on this motorcycle even as an option. The alloy wheel variant features an LED headlight, rotary dials on the switchgear and gets a USB port under the left switchgear for charging on the go.

Engine: Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is powered by a parallel twin, 648cc, air/oil-cooled BS6.2-compliant engine which churns out 47PS and 52Nm. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox and comes equipped with an assist and slipper clutch.

Suspension, Brakes & Other Details: The Interceptor 650 gets a tubular steel double-cradle frame which is suspended on a 41mm front fork and gas-charged dual shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is taken care of by a 320mm front disc and 240mm disc at the rear, with standard dual-channel ABS. It comes with 18-inch spoke/alloy wheels wrapped in Ceat Zoom Cruze tyres. The bike has a kerb weight of 202kg with an 804mm seat height and 174mm ground clearance. Its fuel tank can hold 13.7 litres of fuel.

Rivals: The closest rival to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is its cafe racer sibling, the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and the upcoming BSA Gold Star 650. In the same segment, it could also compete against the more neo-retro Kawasaki Z650RS. However, in terms of pricing, it also competes with the KTM Duke 390.

Variants: Royal Enfield offers the Interceptor in two variants (spoke-wheeled and alloy-wheeled) with noticeable differences in terms of looks. The spoke-wheeled models come with metallic silver finish for the engine casings while the models having cast alloy wheels feature completely blacked out powertrain and exhausts. The alloy wheel variant also gets rotary style switchgear, LED headlight, and tubeless tyres.