Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 saw past Yamaha YZF R15 V3 and TVS Apache RR 310 to clinch the IMOTY 2019 title
The 12th edition of the Indian Motorcycle Of The Year has witnessed Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 shining ahead of the rest of the launches happened through this year. Shattering the competition, the one half of the 650 Twins from Royal Enfield has beat Yamaha YZF R15 V3 and TVS Apache RR 310 to clinch the prestigious award.
The Interceptor 650 has been a revelation for Royal Enfield as the brand took down the barriers and embraced modern technologies. It is a stepping-stone for the entry-level RE owners, as well as people wanting to own a twin-cylinder motorcycle at a highly accessible price range.
The Interceptor 650 is available in colour options such as Orange Crush, Mark Three Black, Silver Spectre, Ravishing Red, Baker Express White & Red, and Glitter & Dust Chrome. Priced right from shockingly affordable Rs. 2.50 lakh (ex-showroom), it has three-year warranty with roadside assistance.
Moreover, as much as 40 different accessories are also sold suiting the buyer’s requirements with two-year warranty. We are running a long series of reviews with the Interceptor 650 we actually own on our YouTube channel, and make sure to check that out for a comprehensive experience of the flagship model.
The ICOTY panel shortlisted 12 motorcycles this year with TVS Apache RTR 160 ending up in fourth position. Back to the Interceptor, Royal Enfield is built on double cradle steel tubular chassis developed by Harris Performance while the all-new 648 cc parallel-twin air/oil cooled engine develops 47 bhp and 52 Nm.
It is connected to a six-speed transmission and RE’s first ever slip assist clutch as standard. Focussed on relaxed touring, it comes equipped with flat seat, upright handlebars and slightly rear set footpegs with higher fuel tank capacity compared to the Continental GT 650.
With dual-channel ABS as standard, the Interceptor 650 has a feature-ladden package and it is sprung on 41 mm front telescopic forks and twin coil over preload adjustable rear shock absorbers. It runs on 18-inch spoked aluminium wheels wrapped in Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp rubber.