Royal Enfield is Turning a New Chapter in Its History With The Interceptor and Continental GT 650

Motorcycles mean a lot to many people. So much so, that these machines are more than merely a mode of transport often creating a whole lifestyle around themselves. And this is why each new motorcycle is good news, usually.

When we talk of Indian companies, it is the Royal Enfield that prides itself largely for blending motorcycles into the lifestyles of people. Yet, the kind of motorcycles the company makes are not to the taste of every rider out there. Also, they have been infamous for demanding more timely maintenance and failing engine parts.

As the world’s longest running motorcycle manufacturer (which has never paused or ceased production of motorcycles), Royal Enfield is now turning a new chapter in its more than 100 years old history. This Indian company, whose original birthplace is Great Britain, will soon be launching the highly awaited 650 twins – Interceptor and Continental GT.

Both upcoming motorcycles come with a brand new 650cc parallel twin engine which is the most modern machine Royal Enfield has ever built. There’s a 4-valve head to be seen for the first time in an RE, along with Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC, seen first in the Himalayan) as well as an oil-cooler. Primarily, the new 650 parallel twin is an air-cooled engine.

Currently, the Interceptor and the Continental GT 650 are being put through the paces by the media from around the world. The biggest reason, Royal Enfield says, for the introduction of a 650cc parallel twin is to make cruising at triple-digit speeds effortless. Siddharth Lal, Royal Enfield’s CEO, has clearly said sometime earlier that both motorcycles shall achieve the top speed of 160 kph thereby making them ideal for a number of highways in Europe and US.

Initial reactions from Journalists around the world appear to be positive – the engine is said to be very smooth along with very neutral and easy handling mannerisms. Royal Enfield intends to launch the Interceptor and the Continental GT 650 in a phased manner with the European and US markets as first priorities. In fact, the US is scheduled for tomorrow, September 26. Even then, it is likely that India won’t have to wait much longer to see them here. It is expected that the India launch could be around mid-November with the price being somewhere around 3.5 Lakhs. Again, the launch and price aren’t official yet.

Rest assured, the Interceptor and the Continental 650 shall pave a whole new way for Royal Enfield not just in India, but everywhere else these two will sell. And we are waiting.