The Interceptor 650 is a simple and rugged yet powerful motorcycle which could also be one of the best handling and sweet sounding machines ever made by RE
Royal Enfield has launched the new Continental GT and the Interceptor 650 in the US today. The 650 twins carried a price tag of USD 5799 (Rs. 4.21 lakh) and USD 5999 (Rs. 4.35 lakh) respectively. The India launch of the 650 twins will happen around Diwali.
Before RE launched both these motorcycles in the US market they conducted a first test ride for a few selected media persons from around the globe which included some of the Auto Journalists from India as well, and the motorcycle received big thumbs up from the reviewers when they rode it for the first time.
Royal Enfield launched their much awaited 650 Twins at a gala event in one of the most picturesque states of California where they also arranged a first test drive for the media faculty. We have seen videos and pictures surfaced on the internet of people riding the new 650 twins across some of the most beautiful coastal roads of California.
Reviewers appreciated both the Continental GT 650 as well the Interceptor 650. Both of them are completely new bikes built on a new platform and powered by a new engine. However, we have seen the Continental GT earlier as well in the 535 cc disguise. The interceptor, on the other hand, is a completely different motorcycle which attracted most of the attention.
The first thing which comes in the mind of many people is that whether this powerful motorcycle too will carry the same amount of vibrations that the 350 or the 500 cc engines have. Fortunately, RE has taken care of the vibration issues this time with the help of Counterbalancer while they also performed a lot of tests before deciding the 270° firing order for their engine.
All these efforts have helped reduce the vibration level to almost nil. The Interceptor 650 uses a chain drive and is paired to slick shifting 6-speed manual transmissions. To reduce the effort needed for operation of clutch RE has also used a slipper clutch as well for the very first time. The suspension according to the reviews is kept slightly on the stiffer side which can be a bit of a concern keeping the India roads in mind.
As far as the handling goes the motorcycle flicks from side to side quite quickly and easily and you can all thank the new chassis for that. Plus the sticky Pirelli Phantom tires and ABS works well too making it perhaps the best handling machine that RE has ever launched. Although it has a dry weight of 202 kilograms still the motorcycle feels light and nimble which is actually a good thing for many new riders.
With almost upright seating position, long handlebars the Interceptor definitely is an old school fun motorcycle with few modern elements in it. You can expect the RE twins to hit the Indian market towards Diwali and will be the most affordable 650 cc motorcycle available in the Country.