Royal Enfield launches Interceptor and Continental GT 650

MANILA: The much-awaited Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 from Royal Enfield have finally been launched in the US. The price of Interceptor 650 will start at USD 5,799 (Php 314,829) while that of Continental GT 650 begins at USD 5,999 (Php 325,687). Even though these bikes are launched in the USA, expect them to be launched in the Philippines soon too.

Each of these bikes launched in the USA will be available in 3 variants. The Interceptor base variant with solid color schemes, custom Interceptor badging with two-tone paint jobs for USD 5,999 and a chrome Interceptor for USD 6,499. Same for the Continental GT 650 with the base variant, custom Continental GT 650 for USD 6,249 and chrome Continental GT 650 for USD 6,749 (All US prices in MSRP).

Both these bikes have been developed from the ground up and also mark the foray of Royal Enfield into the big bike segment. The Interceptor pays homage to the RE Interceptor launched in the sixties, hence gets the retro look with chrome round headlamp, flat seat and upswept exhausts. Continental GT 650, on the other hand, gets clip-on handlebars, single seat, and black spoked wheels.

Being of a retro nature, the bikes do not get modern features like LED lighting and rely on bulb-type setup for the headlamp, tail lamp and turn signals. The twin-pod analogue instrument console receives a small digital display showing the odometer and twin trip meters. Interceptor will be available in black, grey, orange, red, chrome, silver and white colors. While the Continental GT 650 will get black, sky blue, chrome, white and a two-tone black, and silver shade colors.

The bikes get the same 648 cc air and oil cooled parallel twin cylinder engine has been built from the ground up and delivers a mileage of 25.5 kmpl. The motor has been tuned for a relaxed ride experience and features a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. Even the dual cradle fame is an all-new and has been developed by Harris performance, of the Himalayan fame. As compared to other RE frames this one has more torsional rigidity.

Suspension setup includes conventional 41mm front forks and an adjustable twin rear gas-charged shock absorbers. Royal Enfield has offered 18-inch spoked aluminium wheels with Pirelli SportComp tyres, and the bikes get a dual channel ABS as standard. Royal Enfield will also provide around 30 accessories including apparel and a set of S&S exhausts for the US and European markets.

We currently have no confirmation regarding the launch dates of the bikes or its official pricing for the Philippines. But we expect the bikes to be priced similar to the USA or maybe even lesser when it gets launched in the Philippines. This coupled with the 3 years/40,000 km warranty makes it a sweet deal indeed.