#royalenfield650

[auhapwrd]

Mini Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Brat Cafe 🏁 Commissions OPEN!

[freewheelen]

DEMO RIDE: 2019 Royal Enfield GT 650 & INT 650

Let’s just get this out of the way, I wouldn’t buy the GT 650 or INT 650 as my second bike. I’d buy it as my first.

Up to this point, I’ve been judging motorcycles based on my personal search for a second motorcycle. My criteria consisted of 4 qualities: cheap, dirt-capable, lightweight, and powerful (added after I rode the Himalayan). On that note, neither of Royal Enfield's new Twins meets those standards. Let’s just get this out of the way, I wouldn’t buy the GT 650 or INT 650 as my second bike. I’d buy it as my first.

Due to my first experience with Royal Enfield’s Himalayan, I had low expectations for the brand’s new 650s. The underwhelming power delivery, over-anxious brakes, and inconsistent suspension of the mini-ADV left me skeptical of Royal Enfield full lineup. It’s safe to say that I reeked of a dismissive air when I swung a leg over the INT, but my generalization of the brand was quickly remedied with the first whack of the throttle. 

Every motorcyclist knows the feeling of a good pull. It’s when the acceleration pushes you back in the saddle, when the rear shock compresses and the fork lightens, when you tighten your grip on the handlebars for fear of sliding off the back. My first pull on the INT 650 delivered such a sensation, so much that I said (out loud), “Whoa! That’s more like it!”

That 648 cc, single overhead cam engine that sent me hurtling through space and time happens to be the heart of the new Twins. With a torquey low-end power delivery, the engine boasts an exciting edge yet retains an affable disposition. Whether you’re running the Twins through their paces or cruising about town, the middleweight mill is happy to comply. For those hipsters looking for a CB750 or XS650, you no longer have to sacrifice reliability for aesthetics. The GT and INT 650 gives you the best of both worlds with smooth, efficient EFI fuel distribution and cafe racer styling. 

In my short time with the models, engine heat never factored into the equation either. Even with that day’s temperature topping 90° F, the oil/air-cooled mule inside the Twins never skipped a beat, even when the pace hastened. Although Royal’s 650s did get up to interstate speeds without hesitation, I should note that both models feel more at home on surface streets. The torquey motor benefits the urbanite from stoplight-to-stoplight and the lack of wind protection would quickly fatigue riders on longer journeys. 

Along with the punchy power delivery, the width of the frame, handlebars, and pegs allow the commuter to squeeze through the narrowest of spaces. I wish Royal’s Twins were on the market when I started riding because they’re great options for those just starting out, especially when it comes to the controls.

Like all of Royal Enfield’s lineup, the GT & INT opt for simplicity. The company tends to label its approach as “Purist” and a quick glance at the controls will drive that point home. Without the luxury of a TFT display, cruise control, or heated grips, the controls of the Twins are minimalist. That facet helps developing riders concentrate on the road instead of fiddling with menus and settings, allowing them to get comfortable with the clutch, throttle, and most importantly, the brakes.

Both models boast a single 320mm floating rotor with a two-piston ByBre caliper up front and a 240mm floating rotor clamped by a single-piston caliper out back. ByBre, the Indian subsidiary of Brembo, provides the braking components. I know what you’re thinking (Indian-made Brembos?), but the stopping power achieved with these “budget” calipers really do the job. Coupled with the 41mm fork and piggyback shocks, the braking system brings the hefty 450 lb bike to an even and controlled stop. Yes, neither component truly stands out on these bikes, when it comes to brakes and suspension, that’s usually a good thing!

It’s true that the INT & GT 650 share the same 648 SOHC engine, ByBre brakes, double-cradle steel frame, 41mm conventional forks, and coil-over rear suspension. However, they do differ in two major categories: aesthetics and ergonomics. The INT opts for a pseudo-scrambler look with high-rise handlebars (w. crossbar), bench-style seat, and mid-mount pegs. While the GT sports proper cafe racer cosmetics with clip-ons, single-seat (w. cowl), and rear sets. 

Despite the ergo divergence, both the Twins handled responsively, although I wouldn’t call them lithe. The added girth of the larger engine means that the supporting package needs beefing up (compared to other Royal Enfield models). As a result, the 650s weigh more than any other Royal Enfield and the extra poundage is evident in the corners. I wouldn't label the Twins as unwieldy, but I also couldn’t praise them as flickable.

As a cruiser rider, the upright posture of the INT felt more natural, but the GT also proved the advantages of aggressive body positioning. With my abdomen lower to the tank, wind resistance was less of a factor and the direct input of the clip-ons resulted in a more reactive quality from the front end. Though the INT responded well to all of my inputs, I could dart through traffic on the GT (even if that feeling is primarily psychological - due to the ergonomics). For that reason, I think I’d side with the GT, as I’d primarily use both of Royal Enfield’s 650 in the city - and that’s where most consumers will ride these bikes.

With a base MSRP of $5,799, the GT & INT would be a viable starter bike for commuting students and city-dwellers. While most people warn novice riders against buying a 600+ cc motorcycle out of the gate, the 42 horses and 37 ft-lb of torque make the Twins manageable for newcomers. 

The retro-styling of the models will definitely appeal to a younger crowd and the affordable price point keeps them within reach. New riders tend to focus more on the aesthetics, but they will inevitably drop the bike (...a few times) and a lower price tag always helps to cushion those falls. If I were in the market for a first bike now, I would seriously reconsider buying the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883, and I LOVED that bike.

If you’re new to the sport or searching for your first bike, I’d strongly suggest a test ride of the GT/INT 650. The combination of aesthetics, price point, approachable demeanor, and simplicity make Royal Enfield’s Twins a very attractive package. Not to mention, the 3-year, unlimited miles warranty with roadside assistance, reinforces the build quality of these machines. Believe me, If the company released a dirt-capable twin at a lighter curb weight, I’d be all over it. While that’s irrelevant when it comes to these models, the experience wasn’t for not. 

For me, Royal Enfields Twins were cheap, they were powerful, they just didn’t have taller suspension and knobbies that I’m looking for. Though I don’t plan to purchase the GT or INT 650, I learned that I will need my second bike to be commute-capable. The narrow footprint of the controls illustrated the importance of squirting through tight spaces in an urban environment. I guess my next bike will not only have to be cheap, dirt-capable, lightweight, and powerful but also commuter-friendly. I’m sure I’ll find that package in time, but for now, it’s on to the next bike!

[hauntedfuryz]

Royal Enfield's 650cc Lineup in India: New Additions and Future Surprises Unveiled

Royal Enfield has a stacked lineup of 650 cc offerings in India. Following the good reception for the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 in the domestic and international markets, Royal Enfield expanded its portfolio by introducing the Super Meteor 650 earlier this year – a few months after its debut in late 2022 in EICMA and subsequently Rider Mania. The flagship cruiser is garnering decent volume sales as well.

Up next, the Chennai-based manufacturer is planning to launch another 650 cc motorcycle, which has been caught testing multiple times alongside the Super Meteor 650 and the recently launched Himalayan 450. At the MotoVerse 2023, formerly known as Rider Mania, Royal Enfield surprised the media and crowd gathered by unveiling the near-production Shotgun 650.

However, the motorcycle’s availability is restricted to 25 units as it is a factory custom and is sold only to show-goers with MotoVerse ID. The SG650 concept made its global debut at the 2021 EICMA show in Milan, Italy and its production version, which will closely resemble the factory custom, will likely be launched in early 2024.

It will be positioned below the Super Meteor 650 and could cost around Rs. 3.3 lakh (ex-showroom). It will ride on 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels and will boast relaxed ergonomics to suit everyday riding more than the Super Meteor. It will be powered by the familiar 648 cc parallel-twin producing a maximum power output of 47 PS and 52.3 Nm.

The features list will compose a semi-digital instrument console with Tripper Navigation as standard, LED headlamp, tail lamp and turn indicators, black finished alloy wheels, peashooter exhaust system, single- and dual-seating configurations, a muscular fuel tank, a wide and upright handlebar, upside down front forks, twin-sided shocks, etc.

In late 2024, we do expect Royal Enfield to further strengthen the 650 cc range by adding a scrambler to the portfolio and it has been spied quite a few times already. It could be launched in the first half of 2025. The spy images indicate that it will have a two-into-one exhaust system and will be equipped with tuck and roll seat and block pattern tyres.

[benlimphoto]

A post to note a milestone, freedom sometimes comes with a price #caferacer #caferacersofinstagram #caferacerworld #royalenfield #royalenfield650 #royalenfieldcontinentalgt650 #caferacermalaysia #caferacermalaya https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl85quNyoGB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[lifeonhighway99]

Yes.. We do rest.. Take time to cherish the roads. One such spot where we halted and interacted with the locals. 10 min ka break turned into an hour. #royalenfield #royalenfieldtwins #royalenfield650 #travelblogger #wanderlust #travelgram #instagram #incredibleindia #naturephotography #beautiful #picoftheday #landscape #roadtrip #travel #nature #travelphotography #highway #road #peace (at Porbandar Dwarka Nh51) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcDgoMfJmxN/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lifeonhighway99]

#royalenfield #royalenfieldtwins #royalenfield650 #650 #continentalgt650 #biker #caferacerstyle #interceptor650 #gt650twin #interceptor #royalenfield #royalenfieldtwins #continentalgt650twin #caferacers #interceptor650twins #pickyourplay #ridepure #puremotorcycling #gt650 #interceptor #continentalgt #retro #classic #motorcycles #adv ##caferacersofinstagram #in650 #custommotorcycles vintagestyle #caferacer #travelblogger (at India) https://www.instagram.com/p/CT1aWYMpB5l/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lifeonhighway99]

Chasing sunsets have become addictive. #royalenfield #royalenfieldtwins #royalenfield650 #650 #continentalgt650 #biker #caferacerstyle #interceptor650 #gt650twin #interceptor #continentalgt #retro #classic #motorcyclelife #adventure #modernretro #custommotorcycle #vintage #caferacer (at Hyderabad) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ84DJyHfCU/?utm_medium=tumblr

[mikepetersphoto]

Slowly waking up to another day of riding great roads. #fontanavillageresort @royalenfield_na #royalenfield650 (at Fontana Village Resort & Marina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPdV74DHBN_/?utm_medium=tumblr