Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

The first twin-cylinder engine from Royal Enfield sports a parallel twin configuration with a 270-degree firing order. It generates 47bhp and 52Nm at 7100rpm and 4000rpm respectively. There is no liquid cooling but the oil does have a radiator, and fuel delivery is via a Bosch injection system. The company was aiming for products that were a step up from its current range but yet retained the easygoing character that defines a Royal Enfield, and therefore the power figure, that seems a little underwhelming for the configuration and displacement. Still, another first for RE is the inclusion of a six-speed gearbox. The braking system has single discs front and rear, and ABS will be standard.

One cannot deny that the Interceptor looks great, with its design harking back to the original Interceptor made a few decades ago – the flip side is that the design is generic Brit classic bike, with no real distinguishing features. It will be available in silver or orange, with a two-tone scarlet/black as well. As always, there will be many accessories that can be added to the motorcycle. It is scheduled for a global launch next year, and an Indian launch will follow after.

The most important aspect of the Interceptor 650 Twin for the Indian market will be meeting the price and value expectation of the buyer – Royal Enfield is going up against some really entrenched names in the middleweight segment with the launch of the 650s, and will have to offer the customer an irresistible value proposition. If the company manages that, it will laugh its way to the bank as it does with the likes of the Classic 350 series of motorcycles.