The recently launched Royal Enfield 650 twins have been noting excellent demand in the country. However, the Interceptor 650 is the more popular of the twins probably due to a lower price, better riding stance and larger fuel tank.
Company dealerships in the country have revealed that 80 percent of buyers are opting for the RE Interceptor 650 while the Continental GT 650 makes up for the balance 20 percent. Though the two bikes share a majority of features, there is a marked difference in ergonomics even while there is a marginal difference in price. The standard Continental GT is about Rs. 15,000 more than the Interceptor.
Interceptor 650 sports an upright riding position allowing for more comfort for city rides and highway travel unlike the Continental GT 650 which presents an aggressive riding stance. It is also the sportier set of buyers who opt for the Continental GT as against regular bikers who prefer the Interceptor while the Interceptor sports a 14 liter fuel tank as against a 12.5 liter tank seen on the Continental.
In terms of mechanics, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 are alike. Both the bikes get their power via a 650cc, 4 stroke, parallel twin engines making 47 bhp power and 52 Nm torque with 270 degree firing angle. The engine is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox with a slipper clutch.
Both the bikes also come in with a range of accessories. These include bash plates for engine, crash guards and saddle bags. The list also includes long and short flyscreens, engine guards in black and silver and soft panniers.
The accessories are all priced between Rs.600-6,000 which also includes cost of installation. The overwhelming demand has seen dealers announcing a 4 month waiting period for the RE 650 twins probably till March-April 2019.