The Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 and the Royal
Enfield Continental GT 650 have been showcased at the 2017 Royal Enfield Rider
Mania, in Vagator, Goa.
The two motorcycles are showcased in the country
officially for the first time, after their global reveal at the 2017 EICMA show
in Milan, Italy. Royal Enfield Rider Mania is a yearly motorcycling event which
is touted to be the world’s largest gathering of Royal Enfield riders. This
year, it took place from November 17th to 19th. Riders from different parts of
the country converge, and celebrate the three-day event with like-minded
individuals. Interactive events range from dirt track racing, assembly wars to
live music performances.
Powering the 650 twins is an all-new 648 cc SOHC
4-valve parallel twin unit. It features an oil-cooler, apart from the fins for
air cooling; and fuel injection. The engine comes with a 270 degree crank with
a balancer shaft to smoothen out vibrations. The powerplant makes 47 PS at
7,100 rpm and 52 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The engine works in tandem with an all-new
6-speed transmission with slip assist clutch.
A 41 mm telescopic front fork; and a pair of twin
gas-charged shock absorbers hold the steel double cradle frame. The bikes use
18-inch spoke wheels shod with 100-section front and 130-section rear Pirelli
Phantom Sportscomp tyres. Brakes in the two motorcycles include 320 mm front
and a 240 mm rear disc, both with ABS.
Royal Enfield has revealed that the bikes will enter
the first markets in April 2018. The company has also confirmed that the bike
will first enter the European market and then the Indian market, when the
production is ready to take on the home turf.
