Royal Enfield is gearing up for the launch of its new flagship twin bikes -- the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. Though the launch was rumoured to take place in mid-2018, it looks like some production bottlenecks have prompted the Chennai-based automaker to postpone the entry.
Emerging reports claim that Royal Enfield will launch the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 simultaneously across the world.
A report in MoneyControl quoted Siddhartha Lal, MD and CEO, Eicher Motors as saying: "Bookings of the two bikes (Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650) to start in November and deliveries after that. Media drives to happen in California in September. The launch will happen in India and the rest of the world."
Though Lal had not mentioned any specific dates, we expect the company will start accepting bookings from November 1. Rider Mania, the biggest gathering of Royal Enfield bike riders and fans in Goa happens yearly in November.
2018 edition of the Rider Mania has been scheduled between November 16 and 18 and hence, there are high possibilities of Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 getting launched during the event.
Royal Enfield is tight-lipped about the pricing of the new twins. Market sources claim the company will price the bike around Rs 3.5 lakh. Upon launch, the two bikes will be the costliest and most powerful in the Royal Enfield stable.
Both Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 are powered by an air-cooled 648cc parallel-twin cylinder engine that develops 47bhp of power and 52Nm of torque mated to a five-speed transmission. It is said to be the first twin cylinder motor and the most advanced engine by Royal Enfield in the last 25 years.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
The Interceptor 650 comes with a classic British design. The round headlamp, rear set foot pegs, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wide handlebar, sculpted single and long seat, twin shock absorbers, 18-inch spoke wheels, as well as twin upswept exhausts, have been designed to recall the old-world charm.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
Continental GT 650 carries the cafe racer character and will replace the current Continental GT powered by 535cc engine. The Continental GT 650 sports disc brakes in the front and ABS at the rear. The upswept exhaust and rear-set footrests give the motorcycle the true cafe racer traits. A single seat, the sculpted tank, and clip-on bars complete the look.
