Fresh news from Royal Enfield this week, with the manufacturer launching revised versions of their hugely popular 650 twins. The updated Interceptor and Continental GT are now Euro-5 compliant, and are presented in a host of new colourways for 2022.
Royal Enfield has sold an astonishing 10,000 650 twins across Asia Pacific since their 2018 launch, with 61 percent of all Royal Enfield sales coming from the 650 twins range. In Australia, those numbers are no less impressive, with over 2,500 units sold. It’s also probably no surprise that the more laid back and approachable Interceptor comprising the bulk of those sales.
What we know
The same engine, two very different bikes. The Interceptor, as the more approachable bike owing to its upright ergonomics and spacious cockpit, is certainly geared toward those looking for comfortable, easy riding. The perfect commuter or weekend tripper, it’s not hard to see why the Interceptor is the more popular choice between Royal Enfield’s 650 twins. The Continental GT couldn’t be more different. With clip on bars and a more aggressive foot-peg position, the Cafe Racer is for those looking to push the limits of the bike and have some fun along the way.
Despite the changes made to achieve Euro-5 compliance, power and torque figures remain more or less in line with the Euro-4 models. The 650 twin is good for 47 bhp (35 kw) at 7,150 RPM, and 52.3 Nm of peak torque at 5,150 RPM. Royal Enfield claims that the secret of the new engine lies in its power delivery. Seamless throughout the rev range, 80 percent of the torque is available as low as 2,500 RPM, ensuring smooth and rapid progress without the need for constant gear changes.
Speaking of Euro-5 compliance, Royal Enfield has achieved this via a raft of minor tweaks, as opposed to a major overhaul. New onboard diagnostics, a revised camshaft, cat and O2 sensor, as well as the introduction of a second MAP sensor (Manifold Absolute Pressure) for the right-hand cylinder are just some of the changes Royal Enfield has made.
As with the engine, most specifications across the Interceptor and Continental GT are identical. Suspension is taken care of by 41 mm front forks, providing 110 mm of travel, and dual coil-over shocks that are good for 88 mm of travel. Brakes are once again provided by ByBre, with a 2-piston caliper up front on a 320 mm disc and a single-piston caliper in the rear on a 240 mm disc.
There are also a raft of catalogue accessories available for the Interceptor and Continental GT. Sump and engine guards, flyscreens, barends, seats and seat cowls, are just some of the options on offer. Also available this year is a range of soft panniers for both models – a welcome addition to the lineup. Sadly, if you were hoping that the Tripper Navigation module would be available as standard on both models, you’re going to be disappointed. Unlike the new Meteor 350 that we recently reviewed and the revised Himalayan, neither 650 twin will be available with the popular navigation device.
The Inceptor is available in 7 colourways for the 2022 model year, 5 of which are all new. Baker Express and Orange Crush return this year, however new colourways include Canyon Red, Ventura Blue, Downtown Drag, Sunset Strip and the chrome Mark 2.
Available in 5 colourways, 2 all new, the Continental GT can be ordered in Rocker Red, British Racing Green, Ventura Storm, Dux Delux, and the chrome variant Mister Clean.
When can I get my hands on one?
Stock will arrive in Australian dealers this week (early to mid October). Pricing has also been announced, with the 2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor starting at $10,790 ride away, and the Continental GT starting at $10,990 ride away.
The Interceptor 650 in single tone colourways (Orange Crush, Canyon Red and Ventura Blue) is available for $10,790, custom colourways (Downtown Drag, Baker Express and Sunset Strip) for $11,090, and the Mark 2 chrome variant is available for $11,390.
The Continental GT 650 in standard colourways (Rocker Red and British Racing Green) is available at $10,990, custom colourways (Ventura Storm and Dux Delux) are available for $11,290 and the chrome variant ‘Mister Clean’ is available for $11,590
We hope to get our hands on some test bikes soon, but given the sales of both the Interceptor and Continental GT in Australia, finding one might prove difficult!
Gallery
Specifications
Engine
| Type | Parallel twin, 4-stroke, single overhead cam, air/oil-cooled |
| Displacement | 648cc |
| Maximum power | 47 bhp (35 kw) @ 7,150 RPM |
| Maximum torque | 52.3 Nm @ 5,150 RPM |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Ignition system | Digital spark ignition – TCI |
| Clutch | Wet, slip & assist |
| Gearbox | 6 speed, constant mesh |
| Fuel supply | Electronic fuel injection |
Chassis and Suspension
| Type | Tubular steel frame with bolted trussing |
| Front suspension | 41 mm front fork, 110 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Single coil-over shocks, 88 mm travel |
Brakes and Tyres
| Front wheel | Spoked 18-inch aluminium alloy wheel, 100/90-18 M/C 56H CEAT tyres |
| Rear wheel | Spoked 18-inch aluminium alloy wheel, 130/70-18 M/C 63H CEAT tyres |
| Front brakes | Dual-piston caliper on single 320 mm disc, ABS |
| Rear brakes | Single-piston caliper on single 240 mm disc, ABS |
Dimensions
| Interceptor | Continental GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2,199 mm | 2,199 mm |
| Width | 788 mm | 745 mm |
| Height | 1,120 mm | 1,067 mm |
| Seat height | 805 mm | 820 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,380 mm | 1,390 mm |
| Rake | 24º | 24º |
| Trail | 106 mm | 106 mm |
| Kerb weight (no fuel) | 217 kg | 212 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 13.7 L | 12.5 L |
Features
Interceptor
- Available in 7 colourways (5 all new)
- Starting at $10,790
- Three-year unlimited-kilometre warranty
- Roadside Assist
- Learner approved
- Available in three colours
- Speedometer and Tachometer with digital fuel gauge
Continental GT
- Available in 5 colourways (2 all new)
- Starting at $10,990
- Three-year unlimited-kilometre warranty
- Roadside Assist
- Learner approved
- Available in three colours
- Speedometer and Tachometer with digital fuel gauge
