Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 & Continental GT 650: First rides on Indian roads [Video]

Royal Enfield recently invited a bunch of people in India to experience the brand new Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 twins. Here’s a video showing the production versions of both motorcycles in action for the first time in India.

Both the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles will be launched in India on the 14th of  November. Royal Enfield dealers have already begun accepting bookings for these hotly anticipated motorcycles, whose deliveries are likely to begin from December.

Super competitive price tags are likely for both motorcycles. The grapevine suggests that the Interceptor 650 could  start from about Rs. 2.7 lakhs, with the Continental GT 650 sitting at a little under Rs. 3 lakhs. If these price  points are maintained, the new Royal Enfields will be India’s cheapest twin cylinder motorcycles.

Both motorcycles will utilize the same engines, gearboxes, suspension, brakes and frames. Only ergonomics and styling will differentiate the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 from the Continental GT 650. While the Interceptor 650 will  be a street bike with an upright riding position, the Continental GT 650 will be a cafe racer with an aggressive riding  position.

In terms of styling, the tanks of both motorcycles feature distinct designs, along with seats. While the Interceptor  650 gets a flat and wide handlebar that’s tallish, the Continental GT 650 gets clip-on handlebars and rear set footpegs.

Both motorcycles will be powered by 647cc, twin cylinder engines. This newly developed motor features four valve  heads with an overhead camshaft. Air and oil cooled, this fuel injected motor gets a 270 degree firing angle, and puts out 47 Bhp-52 Nm. A 6 speed manual gearbox with a slipper clutch is standard, and so is an oil cooler.

Both motorcycles get telescopic front forks and gas charged twin shock absorbers. Brakes are discs on both wheels,  with dual channel ABS as standard. Royal Enfield will stick to spoked rims on both motorcycles, and tube-type tyres  will be standard.

Both the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 are meant to be affordable upgrades for existing Royal Enfield motorcycle owners. This is a reason why the retro-motorcycle brand is expected to stick to very competitive pricing. As things stand presently, the 650cc twins will have no direct competition at launch.