Confirmed! Royal Enfield Interceptor, Continental GT 650 global launch in California this month

After months of speculation, Royal Enfield has confirmed global launch details of its new flagship motorcycles, the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. The Chennai-based outfit will conduct the global launch of the twins in California this month although the exact launch date is still unknown.

Royal Enfield is yet to announce India launch details of the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. It is expected to happen in November, most probably during the Rider Mania. The 2018 edition of the biggest gathering of Royal Enfield bike riders in Goa has been scheduled between November 16 and 18. Ahead of the launch, Royal Enfield is expected to open bookings for the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 from November 1.

Royal Enfield is coy about the pricing of both the bikes. Market sources claim the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 will be priced around Rs 3.5 lakh. Upon launch, the two bikes will be the costliest and most powerful in the Royal Enfield stable.

Though the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 features different styling, both bikes shares engine and cycle parts. The Twins 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.

The Interceptor 650 features a classic and simple 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.

The Continental GT 650, on the other hand, carries the cafe racer character and will replace the current Continental GT powered by 535cc engine. The upswept exhaust and rear-set footrests give the Continental GT 650 a true cafe racer traits. A single seat, the sculpted tank, and clip-on handlebars complete the look.