purchases … particularly for younger and entry level riders. Many U.S. enthusiasts don’t realize it, but Royal Enfield is a massive player in the motorcycle industry with more U.S. dealer locations than we realized.
Last weekend, we had a chance to inspect, and throw a leg over, the new RE 650s, including the Interceptor and Continental GT, at the Long Beach IMS here in Southern California. Quite frankly, the bikes are just as gorgeous in person as they are in photos. The fit-and-finish is also quite good, particularly considering the somewhat shocking, low prices. The starting price for the Interceptor 650 is $5,799 while the Continental GT starts at $5,999, as we pointed out earlier. RE says the bikes will be in U.S. dealers next Spring.
Granted, these are hardly high performance motorcycles, given their 648cc parallel-twin engines, which make a claimed 47 horsepower and 38 foot/pounds of torque, but the bikes are relatively light (claimed wet weight for each of them is under 450 pounds).
We were somewhat surprised, and pleased, by some of the details, including the nice, legible analog speedometer and tachometer, the integrated fork brace, and even steel braided brake lines.
What Royal Enfield has absolutely nailed is arguably the most important feature in this category, i.e., the design. Buyers looking for retro-style will not be disappointed by either model, and the simplicity of the air-cooled machines will be a plus for many of them. In short, those riders looking for a 1970s era vertical twin in pristine condition may find the RE 650s the perfect alternative to restoring an older bike. With the conventional forks, twin shocks and classically-styled powerplant, the beautifully sculpted gas tanks round out a near perfect aesthetic, in our opinion.
Yes, you will have to deal with tubed tires (actually preferred by some retro-buyers), but you do get modern disc brakes, including a big 320 mm disc in front. Initial ride reviews have been positive, and MD hopes to get its hands on at least one of these models for testing. Stay tuned.
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