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Royal Enfield Interceptor and Continental GT 650 are the upcoming flagships from the Chennai based motorcycle maker. Here in India, the models will fill the void created post the discontinuation of the Continental GT 535. The Continental GT 650 is the successor of the Continental GT 535 which was influenced from the Continental GT 250, one of the oldest and original British cafe racers. However, the model launched in 1963 got hugely popular and inspired the bike maker to develop a modern cafe racer.
The 2018 Interceptor, on the other hand, is an enhanced iteration of a motorcycle was serving more than half a century ago. That Interceptor was in production in the 1960s and was powered by 692cc and 736cc engines. The 2018 Interceptor model will continue that heritage and will be provided with the modern touches.
Old School Charm:
In terms of styling, both the models will carry forward the old-school charm, however, with the modern touch. There will be a sculpted fuel tank, round headlamp and mirrors, air-fins on the engine and acres of chrome. For seating, the continental GT 650 will have a hump saddle and tucked-in leaned over riding stance. While the Interceptor 650 will get the seat much like the Triumph’s Bonneville range of motorcycles.
New powertrain
At the heart, the Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor will be bolted with a 648cc air-cooled unit. The engine unit will continue with a traditional 270-degree firing order and oil cooling system. Whereas, the introduction of an electronic fuel injection is a modern addition to the powertrain. On paper, the mill is rated to pump out 47bhp and 52Nm of torque that is capable of making the bike propel at the top speed of 160kmph. The engine comes mated to a six-speed gearbox transmission.
Cycle parts
In terms of cycle parts, both the models-the continental GT 650 and the Interceptor share their underpinnings. They run of 18-inch wheels shod up with Pirelli tyres. While got suspended on the traditional 41mm telescopic forks at the front and dual-spring shock absorbers at the rear. Whereas, the braking is under the supervision of a 320mm disc up front and a 240mm disc at the rear. The advanced safety of ABS will be provided as standard.
Pricing
If the pricing is the concern, there are no official words from the bike maker. Still, we can expect a price tag of INR 3.2 lakhs and INR 3 lakhs approximately for the Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor 650 respectively. Both the prices are ex-showroom prices. In this engine displacement, the models will not see any competition with brands Harley-Davidson or Triumph.
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