Royal Enfield’s 650 Twins, Interceptor and Continental GT are quite popular in foreign markets thanks to their affordability
Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield launched its modern-classic twin-cylinder middleweight ‘650 Twins’, Interceptor and Continental GT back in November 2018. It took almost a year’s time for the ~650cc motorcycles to reach Indian shores after their global debut at EICMA 2017. The British-origin brand has updated its range-toppers to BS6 emission norms. Ex-showroom prices start at roughly Rs 2.65 lakh and 2.80 lakh, respectively.
Internationally, Royal Enfield’s 650 Twins have become quite popular due to the supreme affordability they offer compared to established entry-level middleweights. In June 2020, the Interceptor 650 even became the bestselling motorcycle in the UK.
Furthermore, they are excellent platforms for customisations that can achieve a fair balance between form and function. We have shared several modified ‘650’ examples over the months.
Royal Enfield Welcome Kit
In certain markets outside India, Royal Enfield offers a ‘Welcome Kit’ alongside its flagship products. Stuart Fillingham has shared what comes inside the box on his YouTube channel. Based in the UK, he rides a 2019MY Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Stuart also owns a previous-gen Triumph Bonneville T120 — a modern classic which carried more than double the 650’s current asking price. He commented that he had received only a “tacky plastic dealership keyring” with the Bonnie.
In comparison, Royal Enfield’s Welcome Kit is quite impressive considering the Interceptor 650’s UK pricing. The high-quality cardboard box (with a magnetic lid) welcomes with a premium Royal Enfield brass/leather keychain. Under it rests a bandana (face cover) with a coloured illustration of the 650 Twins (one on each side). Halfway into the box, there is a Royal Enfield pin badge that is supposed to go with the bandana. For hardcore ‘RE’ fans, the badge appears to be an interesting collectible.
Finally comes a white Royal Enfield-branded mug wearing a generic text (in somewhat of a vintage theme) on one side and a rather odd “RIDE!” on the other. The two faces certainly do no complement each other. Nevertheless, it is a good addition.
650 Twins – Specs
Powering the Royal Enfield 650 Twins is a 648cc air/oil-cooled SOHC parallel-twin engine making 47bhp @ 7,100rpm and 52Nm @ 5,200rpm. This is coupled to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch. In India, they have no direct rivals but several alternatives across premium single-cylinder and higher middleweight categories. Honda Motorcycle India plans to join the party after launching the CMX500 Rebel twin-cylinder cruiser.
