Royal Enfield recently made a rather staggering entry into the midsize retro roadster segment with its 650cc twins. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 bought plenty of eyeballs with a penny-pinching price tag while offering a droolworthy parallel-twin on the table.
While the Continental GT 650 followed its ancestors into the café racer segment, the Interceptor was a whole new segment that Royal Enfield was yet to discover. Something about the Interceptor’s classic looks and a modern engine tingled our senses for that old-school retro iteration.
Unlike the Continental GT, the Interceptor’s handle is placed higher. This coupled with a 104mm of wheelbase and 804 mm seat-height calls for a more accessible and upright riding position for comfortable cruising. The Interceptor 650 does not fail for rugged urban use as well, evidently because of a 174mm ground clearance and an excellent lean angle. The 37.56-degree steering angle only adds to the charm.
The suspension set-up on the bike consists of 41mm forks with 110mm of travel suspension in the front that handles rough roads with ease. For the rear, Royal Enfield has opted for the twin-shock look that is gas charged with piggy-back reservoirs with a five-stage pre-load adjustment.
For the first time in its lineup, Royal Enfield has chosen a six-speed gearbox that is specially developed for the 650 Twin. This is coupled with a slipper clutch having an assist feature for light lever feel.
A fuel tank, round headlamp, a flat seat, two wheels, and a double-cradle frame with an engine nestled in it, and a pair of exhausts poking out the motor complete the Interceptor visually.
The way all components come together in the bike makes for a handsome iteration that reflects Royal Enfield’s clever, mature design ethos. There is no nonsense in the design, just a straight up classic roadster that has nothing to hide. Riders shorter than six feet will have to lean forward slightly, but the seating position is fairly upright. The spacious seat and feet-forward footpegs will have you munching miles in effortless ease.