Interceptor INT 650 or Continental GT 650: Which RE should you buy?

The Royal Enfield 650 Twins have landed in India at attractive prices tempting many motorcycle enthusiasts to reach for their chequebooks. But which one should you buy?

The difference between the ‘Standard’ models of the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650 is just INR 15,000. While the neo-classic roadster has been launched at INR 2.50 lakh, the cafe racer arrives at only INR 2.65 lakh (both ex-showroom Delhi). In this post, we will list out all the difference to help you buy the perfect variant.

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However, before we talk about the differences, let us list out all the similarities between the 650 Twins, and what enabled Royal Enfield to price the products so competitively. For starters, both motorcycles use the same twin cradle, tubular steel frame that Royal Enfield developed in conjunction with Harris Performance. Using the same chassis on both bikes helped reduce the development costs, which, in turn, enabled Royal Enfield to price the motorcycles at such competitive levels.

Sportier upside down forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear would have given it a premium look but, at the same time, increased the input cost. Instead, shock absorbing duties are performed by a 41 mm conventional telescopic fork with 110 mm of travel at the front while at the rear is a twin-shock, gas-charge unit with piggyback reservoirs. The back features a 5-stage pre-load adjustment while the front gets a single setting.

Another cost-cutting measure includes conventional lighting (headlight, blinkers and tail lamp) instead of full-LEDs that are becoming more common with new launches.

Nevertheless, you still get a lot of motorcycle for what is a very aggressive price tag. The 650 Twins are the cheapest twin-cylinder 650cc motorcycles in the country today. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, the 648cc, parallel-twin cylinder, air & oil cooled engine, SOHC engine delivers 47 bhp of power at 7,250 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 5,250 rpm. Of the 52 Nm of peak torque, 80% is available from as low as 2,500 rpm. The gearbox also features a slipper clutch with an assist feature. Anchoring tasks are performed by 320 mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear while ABS comes as standard.

The similarities end there and what is next is confusing most of the potential buyers. Both motorcycles feature individual styling and ergonomics that match their respective characters. The Interceptor INT 650 offers a laid-back ride experience. Thus, if you are someone who enjoys riding while soaking in the views, the neo-classic roadster should keep you entertained without being too sporty.

The teardrop fuel tank design with subtle recesses looks appealing while the tall-set handlebar delivers upright ergonomics. A comfortable rider’s triangle would also provide better-touring capabilities on the highway although we would recommend getting the optional windscreen for some solace against the windblasts. The 13.7-litre fuel tank ensures decent range and fewer fuel stops on the roads.

The Interceptor INT 650 will be available in six colour options – Mark Three, Glitter & Dust, Orange Crush, Ravishing Red, Silver Spectre and Baker Express.

If laid-back riding style is not your thing, check out the Continental GT 650. The very first thing that you will notice is how committed the riding stance is as compared to the Interceptor INT 650. The clip-on handlebar instead of the tall set unit on the roadster achieves the sportier ergonomics and gives the motorcycle a typical cafe racer persona. The forward leaning stance is also aimed to offer more fun while canyon carving.

The Continental GT 250 inspires the sharper lines on the fuel tank. The more prominent recesses offer better grip to lock in the knees on straight lines. The capacity, however, is lower than that of the Interceptor INT 650 which stands at 12.5 litres which is approximately 1.2 litres less than the roadster.

The India spec model does not get the typical cafe racer cowl that comes on the international models. However, the curve at the back of the saddle mimics the cowl design while retaining the convenience of a pillion seat. A rear cowl that will cover the pillion seat will further enhance the cafe racer look of the motorcycle.

The Continental GT 650 will be available in five colour options – Black Magic, Ventura Blue, Mister Clean, Dr Mayhem and Ice Queen.

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Both motorcycles can be further customised with the 40 official accessories that Royal Enfield will offer through its dealerships.

Royal Enfield 650 Price (ex-showroom Delhi)

• Interceptor INT 650 Standard: INR 2,50,000
• Interceptor INT 650 Custom: INR 2,57,500
• Interceptor INT 650 Chrome: INR 2,70,000
• Continental GT Standard: INR 2,65,000
• Continental GT Custom: INR 2,72,500
• Continental GT Chrome: INR 2,85,000