Royal Enfield has a slew of new motorcycles coming up right from new 350 cc models under the J platform to the Himalayan 450 as well as more models under the 650 cc range. The company has as many as 13 motorcycles lined up for launch over the next couple of years including an electric offering, and it recently trademarked the ‘Interceptor Bear 650’ name, hinting at a launch coming closer than ever.
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 name has been trademarked in New Zealand, India and Australia, and promises a new motorcycle based on the Interceptor 650. Rumour has it that this will be the production name of the scrambler 650 that has been spotted testing on a number of occasions. A recent test mule of the 650 cc scrambler also shed light on what we can come to expect from the motorcycle.
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 could likely be the scrambler-styled offering sporting upgrades like USD front forks, a revised rear subframe for a slightly upwards angle and a single-sided 2-into-1 exhaust. The rear continues to sport twin shock absorbers with external gas chambers like the one found on the INT 650. Being a scrambler, the Interceptor Bear 650 could do with some weight loss and will most likely be lighter than the bike it’s based on.
Other features likely include the LED headlamp and taillights, which were recently introduced on the 650 Twins. The wheels also get block pattern tyres that serve a dual purpose on the Interceptor Bear 650. Power will come from the 648 cc parallel-twin air and oil-cooled engine tuned for 47PS and 52Nm of peak torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Royal Enfield could revise the gearing and power delivery to give the new offering a character of its own over the INT 650.
We also expect to see spoked wheels, slip and assist clutch, and the optional tripper navigation screen on the RE Interceptor Bear 650. Prices are likely to be in the vicinity of Rs 3.3 lakh (ex-showroom), which should be marginally more than the Interceptor 650 and less than the Super Meteor 650. However, considering the regular hike in prices, don’t be surprised to see the entire range moving a tad bit closer to the Rs 4 lakh mark.
Royal Enfield is tight-lipped about when the new offerings will be launched and it’s hard to say when the Interceptor Bear 650 will go on sale. But we expect the model to arrive either by the end of this year or early next year. Like RE’s current range, the Interceptor Bear 650 will be a global offering, so expect the model to arrive with much fanfare.
