Royal Enfield has
released a teaser of a new motorcycle that will debut in Milan. The photograph
shows a bike under a semi-transparent cover. From what we could make out from
the photograph, the bike will get a LED DRL, if not a full LED headlight.
Steering duties would be performed by a flat handlebar. Royal Enfield branding
on the fuel tank is clearly visible through the cover. The bike also features a
rider-only saddle. It appears that the motorcycle is equipped with alloy wheels
instead of wire-spokes. Alloy wheels will allow installation of tubeless tyres.
EICMA motorcycle show is a serves as the stage for
manufacturers to display their products that are aimed for global markets.
Thus, it is likely that the new motorcycle will be based on the 650 platform.
The Royal Enfield 650 platform has already spawned a neo-classic roadster and a
cafe racer while an adventure-tourer and a scrambler are said to be under
development.
So, is the former British brand drawing inspiration
from another British motorcycle company? The Interceptor INT 650 has an uncanny
resemblance to the Triumph Bonneville T100/T120. It is to be noted that the
Bonneville platform underpins various models such as the classic roadsters
(Bonneville T100/T120), cafe racer (Thruxton R), scramblers (Street
Scrambler/Scrambler 1200), cruiser (Speedmaster) and Bobber (Bonneville
Bobber).
The silhouette of the teased motorcycle resembles
the Bobber styling, and we might see one with a Royal Enfield badge at the
EICMA 2018. The 650 platform will bring the twin cradle, tubular steel frame
that has been developed in conjunction with UK-based Harris Performance.
Mechanical specifications will include Royal
Enfield’s 648cc, parallel-twin cylinder, air & oil cooled, SOHC engine with
fuel-injection that is tuned to deliver 47 bhp of power at 7,250 rpm and 52 Nm
of peak torque at 5,250 rpm. As much as 80 per cent of that peak torque is
available from just 2,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox, a
first on a Royal Enfield. The gearbox also features a slipper clutch with an
assist feature.
Braking setup will be identical to the 650 Twins.
Thus, anchoring tasks will be performed by twin-piston Bybre (by Brembo)
callipers that grab a 320mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear.
Bosch dual-channel ABS comes as standard. All the details mentioned above
are speculations made by IAB. The two-wheeler brand has remained tight-lipped.
The 2018 EICMA motorcycle show is scheduled to take place in Milan, Italy from
November 6 to November 11, 2018. We’ll bring you updates as and when they’re
available.