Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 - All you need to know

Royal Enfield has launched the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650 for the global markets. The new 650 Twin, as told by Royal Enfield’s President, Rudratej Singh, will arrive in the Indian market by the end of 2018 or in January 2019.

Also read: Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 spotted with accessories

All the features of the motorcycles have been announced. In this post, we’ve covered the details that you need to know about the new Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650.

Styling

The Interceptor INT 650 is termed as a quintessential modern classic roadster that is aimed to be usable on twisty roads, highways, and in the city. It is targeted to novices as well as experienced riders.

The motorcycle is built around a twin cradle, tubular steel frame developed in conjunction with UK-based Harris Performance. The original Interceptor, which was introduced in the 1960s, inspires the styling. Visually, the motorcycle gets a spherical headlight that features chrome housing. Next to the headlight is a pair of blinkers that feature an orange cover. A pair of dials sits right above the light with no windscreen (as standard) to protect from windblasts. Under the headlight is a compact, silver coloured front fender.

The instrument console is followed by a tall-set handlebar, which along with the low seat (804mm) and footpeg position, is aimed to provide comfortable ergonomics while adding a pinch of sportiness.

The curvy fuel tank features a premium, 3D Royal Enfield logo, a 'Monza' fuel cap and knee recesses. The unit on the Interceptor INT 650 can store upto 13.7 litres of fuel. The kerb weight (without the fuel) is 202 kg.

Behind the fuel tank is a quilted dual seat. The saddle gets a small bump towards the end to provide extra comfort to the pillion rider. A small pillion grab rail offers some more convenience to the passenger without disturbing the look of the machine. At the rear is a retro-style tail light along with a pair of blinkers that, similar to the front, feature an orange cover.

The Interceptor INT 650 gets a decent ground clearance of 174mm that should ensure that the motorcycle does not bottom out over Indian-size speed bumps. A pair of chrome finished exhaust canisters are seen on either side of the bike.

Adding to the retro charm of the motorcycle are a pair of 18-inch, 36 spoke rims that are wrapped in Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp tyres. At the front is a 100/90-18 unit while at the rear is a 130/70-18 rubber.

The motorcycle can be purchased in Standard or Custom versions that offer a wide range of retro options ranging from special paint colours and pin stripes to retro-cool bar-end mirrors, optional fly screens and alternative finishes for items such as wheels, lights and suspension components.

The Interceptor INT 650 is available in six colour options – Mark Three, Glitter & Dust, Orange Crush, Ravishing Red, Silver Spectre and Baker Express. The motorcycle can be customised with Genuine Motorcycle Accessories that include engine guards, lifting handle, pannier mounts, auxiliary electrical port, chrome and stainless steel silencer slip ons, acrylic fly screen, single and twin seat cowls, and soft canvas panniers.

Engine, Braking and Suspension

Mechanical specifications include an all-new 648cc, parallel-twin cylinder, air & oil cooled engine, SOHC engine 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 percent of that peak torque is available from just 2,500 rpm. The single-piece forged counterbalanced crankshaft comes with a 270-degree firing order that is aimed to provide character to the exhaust note and minimal vibrations. The motor is also equipped with a Bosch fuel injection and engine management.

The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox, a very first on a Royal Enfield. The gearbox also features a slipper clutch with an assist feature. The slipper clutch comes handy while aggressive downshifts while the assist feature ensures light lever feel.

Anchoring tasks are provided 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.

The motorcycle is aimed to provide comfortable ride quality, and the suspension setup is tuned for the same. At the front is a 41mm conventional telescopic fork with 110mm of travel and at the rear is a twin-shock, gas-charge unit with piggyback reservoirs. While the front suspension setup cannot be customised, the rear features a 5-stage pre-load adjustment.

In the USA, the Interceptor INT 650 has been priced at USD 5,799 (INR 4.21 lakh) for the Standard colourways. The Custom and Chrome colourways will be priced at USD 5,999 (INR 4.36 lakh) and USD 6,499 (INR 4.72 lakh) for the Interceptor INT 650 respectively.

The converted prices are for representation purpose only. The India prices of the motorcycle will vary. The motorcycles will reportedly arrive in the INR 3 lakh (ex-showroom) price range.