Royal Enfield Interceptor, Continental GT 650 India launch likely in October 2018

It is no secret that the next big launch from Chennai-based Royal Enfield is its new flagship bikes -- Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. After the global debut at the EICMA show in 2017, the twins made the India debut at the Rider Mania in November 2017.

Royal Enfield had confirmed that its new bikes will be launched in the second half of 2018 but there was no clarity over the exact timeframe.

A report in Overdrive confirms that Royal Enfield has scheduled a media ride of Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 in California between September 22 and 26. This is expected to follow the India launch in October.

The month of October is the peak of the festive season in India. Vehicle sales skyrockets during the festive season in India and Royal Enfield can guarantee a perfect start for the flagship twins with the October launch.

Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 are Royal Enfield's debut in higher displacement biking segment. Both the bikes are powered by an all-new single overhead cam and 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.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

The Interceptor 650 comes with a classic British design. The new Interceptor takes design cues from the original Interceptor 650, the Royal Enfield sold in the 1970s when it was a fully British entity.

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 - these are the features that celebrate the essence of the original Interceptor.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

Continental GT 650 carries the cafe racer character. It will replace the current Continental GT powered by 535cc engine. The Continental GT 650 sports disc brakes in the front and ABS at the rear. The upswept exhaust and rear-set footrests give the motorcycle the true cafe racer traits. A single seat, the sculpted tank, and clip-on bars complete the look.

Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 are expected to be priced between Rs 3 lakh to Rs 3.50 lakh. If that's the case, the twin models will be the most expensive of the Royal Enfield bikes so far.