Royal Enfield reveals two new 650 twins at EICMA

ROYAL Enfield has just revealed two new 650 twins in Milan, the Interceptor INT 650 and Continental GT 650.

They use an identical all-new steel cradle chassis and 648cc parallel-twin air-oil-cooled engine, but the GT (pictured above) is a café racer while the Interceptor conjures ‘1960s fun, relaxed motorcycles from sun-drenched California beaches’, Royal Enfield says.

Claimed power is 47hp – making them suitable for A2 licence holders – while torque is 38lbft.

Un-fuelled weight is 198kg for the Continental GT 650 and 202kg for the Interceptor INT 650. 

Presenting the models at the Eicma motorcycle show, Royal Enfield Chief Executive Siddhartha Lal said they would go on sale in Europe first, starting from April 2018, and be offered in markets across the world later in the year.

He said they were the culmination of a near-decade-long project which began as a 600cc twin but grew to a 650 because “we wanted to make sure that we could cross the tonne on this motorcycle".

The single overhead cam eight-valve engine has a six-speed gearbox and ‘strong low and mid-range performance, retaining the Royal Enfield character of accessible torque through the rev range’, the firm says.

The Intercept INT 650 has straight, wide, high bars for an upright riding position while the Continental GT 650 has clip-ons for a sportier stance.  

They have an 18-inch wire-spoked front wheel, twin shocks, traditional-style Pirelli tyres and a single disc brake front and rear, with ABS. 

Mr Lal said: "The Interceptor INT carries forward the Royal Enfield legacy into the 21st century. While in its essence it retains the design and old-school character, it has all the underpinnings of a modern machine.

"It combines agility, usable power, excellent ergonomics and style in an inintimidating manner."

Royal Enfield President Rudratej Singh said of the Continental GT 650: "The GT has been an iconic motorcycle in Royal Enfiield's portfolio. Since its launch [as a 500 single] in 2013, the Continental GT has helped the brand strengthen its position in mature motorcycle markets across the world. 

"In its new avatar, the Continental GT 650 is the absolute definitive café racer that will be loved by discerning riders across the world."

It comes after the firm announced the launch of a new 'UK Technical Centre' to be used as a global heaquarters for product development, in Bruntingthorpe Proving Grounds, Leicestershire.

See the new Royal Enfield 650s at Motorcycle Live.