The BS-VI Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles have started reaching dealerships. According to reports, some dealerships have even started deliveries of the motorcycle.
BS-VI emissions norms come into play starting 01 April 2020. The norms impose stricter limitations on the emissions a vehicle can produce. Almost all manufacturers faced difficulties in making the transition to BS-VI.
Some manufacturers had to discontinue production of some models, because they were not worth the investment required to convert it to BS-VI. Some others though, were quite simple to convert to BS-VI. The 650cc twins from Royal Enfield fall in the latter’s category.
The BS-VI Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 have been in the making for a while now. The overall design of the bikes still remain the same as the outgoing BS-IV models. It still retains the classy circular headlamps up front, the slim yet voluptuous fuel tank and the simple yet effective rear-end.
It is powered by the same 648cc, air and oil-cooled, parallel-twin engine as it was before. In its BS-VI guise, it produces 46.8bhp at 7,150rpm which is a decrease of just 0.2 bhp compared to the outgoing BS-IV model. It produces around 52Nm of torque at 5,200rpm. A 6-speed gearbox drives the rear wheel.
Suspension duties are handled by a conventional telescopic fork up front and twin gas-charged shocks at the rear. A 320mm disc up front and a 240mm disc at the rear take care of braking duties on both motorcycles. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard equipment on both motorcycles.
In terms of price, both the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 see an increase of around Rs 9,000. Hence, the BS-VI Interceptor 650 costs between Rs 2.65 lakh and Rs 2.85 lakh. The BS-VI Continental GT 650 on the other hand is priced between Rs 2.71 lakh and Rs 3.01 lakh, all prices ex-showroom.
