BS6 Royal Enfield 650 twins started reaching dealers

It has been a busy month for most of the two-wheeler manufacturers due to the BS6 transitions. Royal Enfield is at the finale of launching the lasts of their lineup. While the launch is still to announce, we have been suggested that RE dealers have commenced the deliveries of the 650 twins. The prices of the BS6 Royal Enfield 650 twins have seen a price hike of Rs 9,000 over the predecessor. The twins now come with the new BS6 compliant engine, let’s see what specifications we get now.

Engine

The engine now comes with the newer BS6 emission norms. It will get a different catalytic converter so that it throws lesser polluting elements to the environment. The power has experienced a mild drop over the BS4 model. Now it produces around 46.8 bhp at 7,150 rpm compared to 47 bhp at 7250 rpm . Torque output appears the same as the previous one at 52 Nm. This bike is all above the low-end torque and relaxed characteristics. The engine does not want to reach high revs. It sits comfortably on a certain set rpm. Also, the vibrations are taken care with the help of the counterbalancers.

This might be one of the least vibrating Royal Enfield. Some of you might think that the bike lost its character but for some, this is the Royal Enfield they were expecting.

The hardware bits of the bike remains to be unchanged. It retains the tubular steel frame chassis. Both the bikes come with the 18-inch spoke wheels and 100/80 and 130/70 section tyres for the front and rear tyre respectively. Suspension duty of the bike is managed by the telescopic forks at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear. Stopping duty is done by the dual-channel ABS assisted dual-disc brakes.

Design and Features

Not much has been changed in terms of design and features in the BS6 transition. As once a wise person said why to change if it ain’t broke. The bike is a retro charm for the Indian motorcyclist. It comes with traditional looking design elements. The Interceptor 650 among the twin is modern-classic roadster while the Continental GT is cafe’ racer. The bike comes with very traditional looking elements such as round headlamps, full metal body, dual exhaust. The bike does not get the fancy modern stuff such as it retains the conventional headlamp, taillamp and turn indicators. The instrument cluster is an analogue type with a small digital display for trip function and time.

The ergonomics on both the bikes are different too. Because of the clip-on handlebars on the Continental GT there is aggression in the riding posture. The footpegs are also rear set and up. this makes taking corners easy on the GT but this is not the case on the Interceptor. The interceptor has a straight handlebar. it gets chrome treatment and it kind of feel week for this bike. With this update, we could have expected a much more bold looking bar. The footpegs on the interceptor are oddly placed and they might give you some hits in the calf while waddling around the bike.

Price

The pricing for the Interceptor 650 BS6 starts at Rs 2.65 lakhs (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 2.

85 lakhs (ex-showroom) for the chrome variant. Continental GT BS6, on the other hand, starts at Rs 2.

71 lakhs (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 3.01 lakhs (ex-showroom). Considering the price, the BS6 Royal Enfield 650 twins still are great value for money product as no other classic looking cafe and roadster bikes with that power is offered in the segment. The closest rival we could think of is the Honda CB300R. Also, KTM 390 can be a power competition for this bike. This is a sheer matter of design and personal opinion.