Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650 Launch Delayed
Both bikes are undergoing extensive testing as Royal Enfield intends to get the quality right
Both bikes are undergoing extensive testing as Royal Enfield intends to get the quality right
Royal Enfield’s upcoming flagships, the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650, have been spotted undergoing extensive tests on Indian roads recently. Ever since their official unveil at the 2017 Rider Mania in Goa, the excitement among Royal Enfield enthusiasts has only grown. However, recent revelations from Royal Enfield suggest that the Chennai-based manufacturer aims to get the quality of these bikes at par with its competition. Hence, it has delayed the launch of the 650cc twins in order to put them through the paces. Earlier, the company had stated that it intended on launching the motorcycles in the global market before it was offered in India. Due to the delay, we can now expect the bikes to make it to Indian showroom around September-October 2018.
Although the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 share the same engine and mechanicals, both bikes have been designed to cater to different genres. The Interceptor 650 is the more street-oriented of the two, with a relaxed riding position. The Continental GT 650 feels more like a thoroughbred cafe racer with its classic teardrop fuel tank, swept-back pipes, clip-on or ‘Ace’ handlebars and rear-set footpegs.
The Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 utilise the bike manufacturer’s brand new 648cc, parallel-twin, fuel-injected, air-oil cooled motor that makes 47.7PS at 7100rpm and 52Nm of torque at 5250rpm. It comes paired to a 6-speed transmission, a first for Royal Enfield. The chassis has been developed from the ground up in collaboration with Harris Performance and has been fine-tuned for improved agility and riding dynamics. Braking duties will be handled by a 320mm disc brake up front and a 240mm disc brake at the rear. Dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard.
When launched, they will be offered in four different colours - orange, red, silver, and chrome for the Interceptor 650; white, light blue, black and chrome for the Continental GT 650. Expected to be priced around Rs 3-3.5 lakh, the Royal Enfield twins will compete against the Harley-Davidson Street 750, which is priced significantly higher, at Rs 5.25 lakh. However, it’s closest and toughest competitor seems to the popular Kawasaki Z650, which is priced at Rs 4.99 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom Delhi).
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (2018-2026) User Reviews
I always wanted a classic. The GT six still looks amazing. Sounds great when engine makes every ride good. Feel special smooth, the power delivery makes every ride enjoyable and give it a unique experience. The ride has been excellent. The engine is refined, acceleration, smooth, and the exhaust not active riding pushes 40, so it can feel tiring on the long right but incredible fun on highways smooth as it is. I would definitely recommend the GT to anyone full of classic styling and strong performance is perfect for the weekend rights and highway touring though the committed writing portion may not suit everyone for daily committing.
This bike is one of all fav bikes where every teenager trys to buy this bike becomes of it looks, especially in chrome colour and this is the only bike where we get looks and power for its price and it is the only 650 cc we get under good price. I ridden this bike around 20000 km and the positives are the power, the torque, looks the negative side of this bike is we need to get used to the position of the bike and for long travels we can't prefer it. The person who is into bike and who wants a pure power with zero modes and tech he can buy this bike and for the road presences it is the most sold bike. The person who wants to travel he should avoid this bike.
Its good bike only if you can handle it because of its weigth and high cc, its not beginner friendly but if you have experience with high cc and heavy bike its gonna be best bike for its price. but its still not good for day to day or city driving because of its heating and low mileage, its gonna be a problem.
I wanted good classy looking cool bike and GT 650 is exactly what I wanted, it has no competitor. If given second chance of choosing bike, I would still pick this up instead of speedy KTM bikes. Only problem it has is the weight is hard to manage and it can be hard to turn in corners but I knew what I was buying. Its a good bike, I have some burn marks on my legs but that is what I expect it gets hot and you can feel the heat in city but it won't shut down and cause issue, you should treat it like a 600 cc bike and properly respect its weight in corners and city. Only if you have other bikes and cars. This being your primary day to day bike is not can be easy to use in a city or day to day commute to office. It will be too much of power and weight. Only buy for highways and sunday ride.
That bulky boy and speed makes the bike very attractive and muscular and it gives the vibe that other bike can't give you if you'er going to college or office the royal enfild continental gt 650 would be the best option. Eventually its good for mileage and comfort for short rides if you have the capacity for riding on full throttle then you will get deficiencies for mileage, if we ride like a gentleman then we can feel the comfort and safety. If you can maintain the bike and do proper maintenance it would be a great option to choose because this bike has its own aura and there is no similar bike like royal enfiled gt 650 in the market for a middle call this bike is best.