[farhadtarapore]

Originally Posted by alpha1

Tubeless tyres with spokes on wheels?
I can't imagine RE bikes with alloys!

most high end adventure bikes use spoke wheels with tubeless tires (e.g. BMW, KTM). So the technology exists and is not rocket science.

On a side note, I changed from spokes to alloys last week on my Thunderbird 500.

[schitre05]

Expecting a surprise unveil from RE today.
Press conference is scheduled at 4 pm local time i.e. 8.30 pm India time.

[schitre05]

Alas!
No surprise unveils. The press conference probably was to introduce the Himalayan to the market. couldn't watch the live stream though.
I personally feel it was a wasted opportunity. EICMA could have been a perfect global platform to let the motoring world get a glimpse of what the twin cylinder RE is all about.

[rajushank84]

I just hope they keep the design good. I like the Conti design but I don't like where they've gone with the design for the Himalayan and the new logo.

I for one would definitely consider buying one if priced significantly lower than a Sportster.

I hope it has EFI.

[The_Mad_Hatter]

Originally Posted by rajushank84

I just hope they keep the design good. I like the Conti design but I don't like where they've gone with the design for the Himalayan and the new logo.

I for one would definitely consider buying one if priced significantly lower than a Sportster.

I hope it has EFI.

For me, it's pretty much the opposite. I couldn't care less for the cafe racer design, but I think a 750 parallel-twin on the Himalayan would be amazing!

That or a reissue of the beautiful Interceptor 750!

[aravind.anand]

Originally Posted by The_Mad_Hatter

That or a reissue of the beautiful Interceptor 750!

Oh wow, I just googled for the Enfield Interceptor and, man that is one really good looking motorcycle!

If you look at the 750cc variant's spy pictures, you cannot miss the extra length over the regular Continental GT (especially the frame behind the seat) So I actually feel that there is a different bike hiding beneath the Continental GT's clothes on the prototype we see.

And now, I am hoping that the final one takes generous inspiration from the Interceptor

[r.K]

Originally Posted by farhadtarapore

On a side note, I changed from spokes to alloys last week on my Thunderbird 500.

Do those alloys look like thick spokes, which are on Harley Roadsters? They give character to the Thunderbird. Gives it a muscular look.

[rajushank84]

Oh I really hope RE gives us a version of the bike with alloys. I get the whole "spokes are charming", "retro" thing but I'm done cleaning spokes for life.

[farhadtarapore]

Originally Posted by r.K

Do those alloys look like thick spokes, which are on Harley Roadsters? They give character to the Thunderbird. Gives it a muscular look.

Yup, those are the ones. Been using them for couple of weeks now.

[grplr02]

So 750cc engine on a Continental GT frame? Or are we still speculating? Fingers crossed for a modern-day Interceptor - please make this happen RE!!!

http://www.india.com/auto/royal-enfi...r-end-1740706/

[KA09_BIKER_GPER]

Looks like CGT is the customer testing platform for RE. The new chassis was first introduced on the CGT and made its way to the Himalayan. Now an all new twin engine ?

Going by this logic I think the 750 twin will find its way on the Himalayan in near future after issues brought up by CGT 750 owners are addressed

[maker_of_things]

Head of Special Projects at RE, Harshman Rai ran a poll on Twitter yesterday regarding which RE platform we'd rather see the new RE twin engine on.



PS- Replying from mobile browser, kindly forgive any inconsistencies in formatting.

[The Great]

I wish the bike would come in a totally new model. This way it would be more exclusive and unique.

My guess would be that even if they introduce it first in CGT (from the looks of the test bikes posted here) the other models should get the same engine with different variants later on.

The Thunderbird 350 or 500 cannot be identified in first look, we have to either look for the badge or to the carb to differentiate. This bike should be different to identify and the owners would then have the exclusivity, then even the higher price would be happily paid.

[aravind.anand]

Originally Posted by The Great

I wish the bike would come in a totally new model. This way it would be more exclusive and unique.

The Thunderbird 350 or 500 cannot be identified in first look, we have to either look for the badge or to the carb to differentiate.

Completely agree, a nice looking modern reincarnation of the Interceptor is something we would like to have.
While the enthusiast would be happy riding the new engine, for the common man, paying much more money to buy a similar looking bike that won't stand out from its cheaper variants would not work... I know RE won't do this mistake, as from the spy shots, one can clearly see that the bike looks like the Continental GT, but they are not exactly the same bikes. So this is just a case of wolf in sheep's clothing

Clues:
Look at the curving of the frame towards the bottom of the engine
Notice the fuel tank that has been cut to reduce the overall length
Also, notice how the rider of the twin sits much forward as compared to the CGT rider
And yes, the headlamp and instrument console on the twin is mounted much higher too!

[aravind.anand]

So, no news or spy pictures of this rumored middle-weight twin from Royal Enfield for a very long time now. It was supposed to be launched by this financial year, which only has 45 days to go and we still haven't even spotted the bike here in India!