Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Launched for RS 2.5 lakhs (Ex-showroom) onwards

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is the next big bang from the Indian manufacturer. RE will be venturing into a new category for the first time. This motorcycle was unveiled at EICMA, in Italy, last year. A 650cc twin sounds great. This is because a similar engine once powered RE bikes but was discontinued. However, this new engine is a contemporary one, which meets current emission norms as well.

There have been many delays for the launch of the bike. The Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor have been launched together globally.

This bike has been finally launched today. It will come in four trims. What all does the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 have? Is it worth waiting for? Which are the four variants? Read further to know more.

RE Interceptor 650 Launch Date in India

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has been launched. Earlier the bike was unveiled at EICMA in November 2017. India will be among the first few markets to get this bike. The new RE Interceptor will be making its way into production very soon.

The bike has been unveiled at an event in America. It is being launched in India later with deliveries starting in November end. Now, this engine will not have a thump like the 350cc or 500cc single engine, but it will have a characteristic deep rumble. This is a short stroke engine, nevertheless. This will help Royal Enfield sell in European and North American markets, which have a preference for bigger engines. The current offerings from the band have limited ability as they cannot gain high speeds. The twin cylinder will put out better performance.

The company has designed and developed this new bike at its satellite studio in the UK. The manufacturing base will be Chennai itself. Royal Enfield will unveil this new bike at the 2017 EICMA in Milan on 7th November.

Also Read: Bajaj Avenger 400 Coming

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Price in India

The bikes pricing has also been finally released. The bike will come in three trims. There will be the Standard, Custom and the Chrome. The Standard will be Rs 2.5 lakhs (Ex-showroom), the Custom will be Rs 2.57 lakhs (Ex-showroom), Rs 2.70 lakhs (Ex-showroom). 

This will be good news for biking enthusiasts. The RE Interceptor 650 will also undercut the Harley Street 750 and even the Triumph Bonneville. Those looking for an upgrade from their current RE bike will find it a good option. It might also invite first time buyers. This is very good pricing for the bike.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Specifications

Royal Enfield is looking at the mid-size motorcycle manufacturer not just for India but for global markets. The company has designed this engine for new and even experienced riders. There shall be many in India who will be looking at upgrading from their Enfield, while in developed markets there shall be many looking at this as their first bike. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is built on a robust new chassis. There is linear progression of torque, making it easier to ride for many. The company tried out different crankshaft settings, but settled on to 270deg angle. The vibrations on this bike are minimal. There is no thump on this new engine, rather it has rumble.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Brakes and Suspension

There will be disc brakes at the front and even the rear. The bike will come equipped with ABS on this bigger engine. In terms of suspension, it will have twin shocks at the rear.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Engine

RE will use an all-new engine in this. This has 4-valves per cylinder, making an eight valve engine. The mill churns about 46bhp of power at 7,100rpm and a maximum torque of 52Nm at 4,000rpm. The engine has a compression ratio of 9.5:1. The current range of RE engines weren’t fast enough to comfortably cruise even on motorways. Hence the need for an all new engine. The initial plan was to build a 600cc engine and then it was overbored to make it 648cc. This was done so that the bike could easily cruise at 100mph (160km/hr) will ease.

This engine comes with a six-speed transmission, which is another upgrade too.

The design of the new engine is similar to the company’s 1948 500 Twin. This has been done to give it the vintage/classic look. Inside there is an all new modern air-cooled engine, and there is also a oil-cooler as well. The bike can comfortably cruise at 70mph on the British motorway.

This is an all new frame that will be making its way into production. This has been designed to take on the torque from the bigger engine. There shall be more than sufficient power and torque that is produced from this engine, and hence the chassis will have a wider frame and bigger footprint too.

The same chassis will be used for the RE Continental GT 650 also. The Royal Enfield (RE) Interceptor 650 will have a different set-up when compared to the current bike.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Competition

The bike will be looking at making the whole experience of owing a twin cylinder more affordable and within the reach of the masses. There will be nothing with this kind of a setup in the price range Royal Enfield is positioning the bike. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is going to aim itself at the entry level offerings of the Harley Davidson and Triumph stable.With the above mentioned price, the will be a very good option.