The Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 is a
retro-modern bike with a laid-back riding position. The braced handlebars are
easy to reach, and the seat is a long single piece unit for upright riding
position. The test mule features a pillion grab rail, saree guard on the left,
and an action camera on the handlebar. The round rear view mirrors get chrome
treatment, and so do the powertrain and exhaust system. The spoke wheels get
black rims, and the bodywork is black as well.
Powering the modern classic is an all-new 648 cc
SOHC 4-valve parallel twin unit. It features an oil-cooler 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. Considering the redline is at 7,500 rpm, the peak power seems to be
quite high up the revs, at least on paper.
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. Braking duties are handled by a 320 mm front and a
240 mm rear disc with ABS.
Royal Enfield will reportedly launch the motorcycle
in the summer of this year. It will primarily rival the Kawasaki Vulcan S in
the 650 cc cruiser segment.
