News

Royal Enfield 650 Twins 120th Anniversary Edition Sold Out

The online sale for the limited edition models took place on December 6 & the entire lot was sold out in under 2 mintues.

Royal Enfield has sold the entire lot of 120 units of the 650 Twins 120th Anniversary Edition in India in under 2 minutes. The online sale for the limited edition models took place on December 6.

Royal Enfield revealed the 120th Anniversary Edition of the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 globally in November 2021. Out of the 480 units available worldwide, 120 were allotted for the Indian market (60 - Interceptor and 60 - Continental GT).

The 120th Anniversary Edition of the Interceptor 650 has been priced at Rs 4.50 lakh whereas the limited edition model of the Continental GT 650 carries a price tag of Rs 4.80 lakh (on-road, Chennai).

Several features make these motorcycles different from the standard models. For instance, they are fitted with several original accessories like flyscreen, engine guard, heel guard and more. They also have a handcrafted, die-cast brass fuel tank badge and hand-painted pinstripes.

Royal Enfield has also used a unique, rich black-chrome fuel tank for the limited edition models. Apart from that, the engine and exhausts have been completely blacked-out. Also, the fuel tank top badge contains a unique serial number and the side body panel has a special decal.

 

News

Royal Enfield 650 Twins 120th Anniversary Edition Revealed

In India, the Royal Enfield 650 Twins 120th Anniversary Edition models will be available for purchase online on December 6, 2021.

Royal Enfield has revealed the 120th Anniversary Edition of the 650 Twins at the EICMA 2021. This edition of the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 has been created to celebrate Royal Enfield's 120th anniversary.

The Royal Enfield 650 Twins 120th Anniversary Edition models feature a unique, rich black-chrome fuel tank. Other parts of the motorcycles, such as the engine and exhausts, have been completely blacked-out. These models are fitted with several original accessories like flyscreen, engine guard, heel guard and more.

The 120th Anniversary Edition models of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 also have a handcrafted, die-cast brass fuel tank badge. They also feature hand-painted pinstripes. The fuel tank top badge contains a unique serial number and the side body panel has a special decal.

The Royal Enfield 650 Twins 120th Anniversary Edition bikes are limited edition models. Only 480 units will be available worldwide. India, Europe, America, and Southeast Asia have been allotted 120 units each (60 - Interceptor & 60 - Continental GT).

In India, the Royal Enfield 650 Twins 120th Anniversary Edition models will be available for purchase online on December 6, 2021. Registrations for the sale will open from November 24.

 

News

Royal Enfield announces Continental GT Cup racing series

The Continental GT Cup will be India's first retro motorcycle racing format.

Royal Enfield is set to enter track racing with the first-ever 'Continental GT Cup' racing series.

The Continental GT Cup will be India's first retro motorcycle racing format. It has been launched in partnership with JK Motorsport. The first race will be held at the JK Tyre National Racing Championship in October 2021.

The track version of the Continental GT will be called the GT-R650. The bike gets numerous modifications, including a stiffer suspension, clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs and a sports exhaust that is said to improve performance by 12%. The bike also gets a café racer style fairing and weighs 24 kg less than the road bike. The bike will be equipped with soft compound race tyres by JK Tyres.

Registration for the Continental GT Cup is open from September 22-30. 100 eligible riders will be invited for the Rider Selection Programme to be held at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore on October 18 and 19.

18 riders will be selected to take part in the Continental GT Cup. A total of four rounds will be held starting in October. The grand finale will be held at the Buddh International Circuit in January 2022.

Royal Enfield will also introduce track schools in India with an aim to provide easy and professional training to enthusiasts.

 

News

Mods on my Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

Many GT and Interceptor owners can agree that the front suspension is average at best. Me being on the heavier side meant that the front suspension could not handle me at all and used to sag almost all the way robbing me of suspension travel.

BHPian CarManMotorcycl recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

1) Many GT and Interceptor owners can agree that the front suspension is average at best. Me being on the heavier side meant that the front suspension could not handle me at all and used to sag almost all the way robbing me of suspension travel. I bought some preload adjusters which helped but I was still not satisfied so I looked at options and there were two at the time, YSS and Ohlins. Both were pretty expensive and I did not have that kind of money to spend, at the same time Speedmonks Gurgaon launched YSS emulators (11k rupees) so went ahead and fixed them thinking I could buy springs later locally, this upgrade made a lot of difference in terms of how the bike handled in corners but really didn't stop the front from diving too much while braking due to the soft springs.

Fast forward August 2021, I decided to upgrade the springs but the guy who manufactures these springs said he wouldn't take an order less than 100 pieces which really put a stop on my next step of suspension upgrade.

2) I always felt the stock clip ons were weird and did not offer the adjustability I wanted, so I went ahead and bought the Roadpower Custom clip ons and honestly I am loving it! All I can say is these are an Interceptor owner's worst nightmare.

3) Tyre options were really limited in the odd sizes that the bike has, so I bought some 17 inch local Mild Steel rims (4.00-17 and 2.75-17) and fitted the Apollo Alpha H1s in 150/60 and 110/70. These Mild steel rims were cheap but they had started to rust and bend at places after just six months of riding, so bought the aluminium rims from Dismotech in the same size. There was not really much difference in weight (200gms-front and 500gms-rear lighter). @man_of_steel senpai has already given his opinion on this and I concur with his views.

4) This upgrade wasn't really on my mind but Akash (Ex Powerdrift member; people who used to watch Powerdrift 4-5 years back would know him) who owns a garage by the name of Unleaded Care asked me if I would like Stainless Steel headers on my GT. At that time, I did not think much but when he said that he can do pie cuts, I was sold.

The end result is a bratty exhaust note and a lighter bike, that you can really feel it when you take it off the side stand. My estimation is my GT weighs around 180-185 kgs now.

During the headers change, I decided it was time to change the pathetic RE oil and went ahead with the Castrol 10W40, Bosch plugs were changed to NGK CR9EIX. Both these changes totally transformed the GT to a smooth cruiser and the bike stays cool even in the heaviest of traffic!

Some more pics for your viewing pleasure!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 

News

Ownership log: My Rocker Red Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

Very few bikes have that place of honor in her book.

BHPian deepfreak15 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

As far as I can remember, I have always loved Cafe Racers. Many years ago, if someone had given me a blank cheque and told me I could buy any motorcycle I fancied, I would have picked up the Triumph Thruxton RS. I still remember being very excited when Royal Enfield decided to launch the Continental GT (535). I rarely take test rides of motorcycles but I headed straight to the showroom and test rode it. Somehow even though I loved the looks, I could not get over the fact that the engine was under-powered.

Fast forward a few more years and the moment RE launched the 650 twins, I booked an Ice Queen Continental GT 650 online. But for some reason, the day I was supposed to get my bike, I got cold feet and backed out. I ended up buying a touring ADV and that turned out to be a good thing as pillion comfort is very important if I wanted to go on long rides.

In 2020, we had gone to Goa and after a couple of lovely brews in the Royal Enfield Cafe, we popped into the showroom and the Mrs. immediately pre-approved the Continental GT.

Very few bikes have that place of honor in her book (Triumph Speed Twin, Triumph Tiger, RE Himalayan, Continental GT) and there are two brands that have her automatic rejection (Any KTM, Any Kawasaki). Dont ask me why!

Post that, it took me almost a year to make up my mind if I should buy the bike or not. No thanks to our resident RE Continental guru (Neil.Jericho). Every conversation would end up with "When are you booking your RE650". Eventually RE launched the MiY app with a non refundable booking and I decided to "throw my hat over the fence" and go ahead with the booking. That too almost ended with me cancelling and getting my refund but I am grateful to Mr. Tamilselvan at Acclaim Motors for ensuring I rode out with this beauty. I had posted what had transpired in this thread.

This by no means is going to be a detailed review of the Continental GT 650 as there are many threads out there especially CrAzY dRiVeR's. This is currently the "go to" thread for anything related to the twins as all owners have been collectively updating it.

Though after going through a lot of forums (domestic and international), I have come to the conclusion, almost no two RE twins are the same. The level of customization is insane and everyone has or is in the process of making their bike truly their own. So I would like to take a leaf out of Neil sir's book and create a thread for my bike.

First the reason(s) for my choice apart for the fact that I love Cafe racers. I needed a bike that I could use both locally and for spirited highway runs and having just completed a couple of track days, something that could be used on the track. My first choice was a Yamaha R15 V3, however at the back of my mind I knew it would end up being a one trick pony, would be brilliant on a race track but I am pretty sure would have been tiring on the highway. I briefly thought of the Husqvarana Vitpilen but the Mrs "No KTM" policy came into effect. I did not consider a Ninja 300 because I did not want another "exotic" service experience and again the Mrs "No Kawasaki" rule came into effect. Though, had the Ninja 400 still been on sale, it might have been a different story altogether. TVS teased an updated Apache 310 but that topic died out, I was looking forward to that release. I do not have the temperament required to buy a used motorcycle so I quickly backed out of that option.

Some of the reasons I love about the bike (straight out of the shop floor):

  • The looks: RE has stuck true to the Retro classic blueprint
  • The engine: Enough power for both city and highway use
  • Handling: It feels so easy and nimble to ride

Somethings I don't feel very comfortable about:

  • The weight: I am on a weight reduction mission (on the bike)
  • Front wheel tram-lining: This gets me everytime and its very disconcerting. I know lot of people recommend tightening the coneset, change tyres etc. but I have strong suspicion its the steering geometry and 18"rims. I honestly don't think both Pirelli and CEAT tyres can have the same defect.
  • The tyres: I have done ~3000 kms on bone dry and fully wet highway roads and have had no cause for alarm but at the back of my mind, I always have this fear that it can never match the Metzlers and Pirellis.
  • Tubed Tyres: Come on, in this day and age!! Spoked rims should have been an optional extra in my opinion.
  • Riding geometry: Though the bike looks like a cafe racer, the riding position is not committed enough. The clipons are upswept and the foot pegs can be a wee bit more rearset. I opened up the clipons to drop them down but in the stock position, there is a locking tab that keeps it in place and its held by only one screw. If I drop it down, I lose the locking tab and almost all reputed aftermarket clipons have two locking screws to keep the handles from moving around the the fork.
  • Rider footpegs: I hate them! The rubber has zero grip and even in full dry conditions when leaned over, the sole of my boot slips away, you dont have to be leaned over in the wet! Even under heavy braking my foot slips.

On to the things I have done to make it mine.

The bike came with a touring seat as stock, so the only OE accessories I opted for were the bar end mirrors and sump guard. RE hasnt enabled the dealers to place orders for the new color scheme accessories so waiting for the rear seat cowl.

Current orientation of the bar end mirrors. I have always wondered if I should change the orientation to hang below the bars. When taking corners if I look at the outside rearview, it points to the sky and that view is of no good. I have seen a lot of bikes with the mirrors below the bars, I have a feeling that might help.

The first thing I wanted to do was to make sure the engine could breathe freely. Scouring through multiple websites and forums, I came across a few common terms.

  • Free flowing air filter
  • Air filter cover delete kit
  • Booster plug
  • Air Injection delete kit

Now this is where it gets interesting. The airfilter and cover delete kit were pretty straight forward special thanks to BHPian Captain Slow's brilliant idea of just cutting the plastic of the stock cover to maintain an airtight seal around the airfilter. In goes a DNA airfilter with a local air filter cover delete kit. The duct tape is because I could see the seal between filter and housing was not air tight. The next time I clean the filter, I'll buy another stock cover and cut it.

Booster plug: The official blurb states that only when opening the throttle, the sensor cheats the ECU into thinking the intake air temperature is colder than it really is. Again, this depends on where you place the sensor. For obvious reasons, if you place it near the engine or exhaust, it would be reading the hot temperature as the ambient reading. So placed an order on hitchcock's website and now its sitting in customs. Whats worse is after placing the order, I find this stated on the booster plug website. In short, what it says is, if your model has a 2021 ECU and you fit any device (Powercommander etc..) to "cheat" the ECU, it would throw errors galore when you plug in a diagnostic tool so they no longer make these plugs for 2021 models. I am afraid to check the model number on my ECU but nevertheless once I get delivery, I will still install it. If I get any check engine light errors, that plug goes into my Dad's Classic 500!

Now for the "Air Injection delete kit". As per RE, to meet regulatory norms there is a snorkel that is attached to the cylinder head that redirects waste gases to be burnt again via a tube that goes below the fuel tank. I almost placed the order for the delete kit (consists of a blanking plate and a sensor plug) when I took a look at my 2021 bike.

From CD's initial post on the thread (pic courtesy:CD). You can see the snorkel header but I dont see any tubing (could be the angle):

And on my motorcycle, there is a brilliantly camouflaged blanking plate already! I asked around in international forums and was told European and Australian 2021 models come with the snorkel. I took a peek at my neighbors pre-BSVI engine and it didnt have the snorkel but I havent asked him which year model his vehicle is. I'm glad I didn't spend some pounds on something I wouldn't be able to use. But I'm still curious why some models have it and some don't.

Once I get the booster plug installed, my intake mods come to an end.

Now for the Exhaust

I had my eye on the Zard slipons, they are an Italian brand, a bit pricey but looks almost OE and to the untrained eye (traffic cops), it looks stock. However, my experience with their Indian importer was not very pleasant, very condescending. So I decided to look elsewhere. Neil.Jericho to the rescue! He pulled some strings and managed to get me S&S slip-ons at a very very competitive price, thanks buddy!

I am NOT looking for any performance (bhp) gains but I am on a weight saving mission. The fact that it sounds brilliant is a happy by-product and I havent even tried it without the baffles. Though on the downside, it takes a super human effort to keep the revs below 3000 and not rev match within city limits!

The only other exhaust mod I would ever consider would be free flow headers but not anytime soon.

The other must have item on a motorcycle with sporty intentions are tank pads. Its a must have for both leaning over when cornering and hard braking. I had a set of tech spec pads but during the lockdown boredom, got the better of my common sense and fully knowing I cant cut a straight line with a pair of scissors I proceed to make a hash of the job. So while I am ashamed of the results, functionally they are simply superb. These pads are not cheap (at least for me) so I dont have the heart to take them off. I have some more remaining so will take it to a proper sticker shop and ask if they can make it look presentable.

I know a lot of people have been saying the suspension desperately needs an upgrade but honestly I have not yet felt the need, maybe on the track it would reveal its shortcomings so one of the these days will find out. Though there are a couple of things I ABSOLUTELY MUST correct.

These are useless with zero lateral grip and extremely slippery when wet. I asked a couple of RE service centers if the GT535 pegs are compatible and they said no. I'll still search. The other option is a set of expensive rear sets from Thailand but I honestly dont have the money for that yet.

My biggest gripe with the bike right now is that front wheel tram-lining or headshake or call it whatever you want. It could either be the suspension or the steering geometry but its very scary. I tried asking a couple of establishments if they made steering dampers for the REs but they replied in the negative.

You do NOT buy a cafe racer and talk of luggage but I do use the bike for intercity runs and hate carrying things on my person (wallets, phone and water bag included) so got a couple of smashing retro looking leather bags from Tripmachine. They look the part and are functional as well.

This is the mini pannier and just fits a water bag and sunglasses.

This is the messenger bag and has a bit more carrying capacity water bag, sunglasses, wallet, phone and room for a bit more:

They do not claim to be water proof but weather resistant. I had the misfortune of getting caught out in some rain during my last highway run and water managed to seep in. Not from the rain but from the constant spray from the rear shock and tyre. They do have an option of longer straps shipped with the product and I have a feeling had I carried those. I could have placed it on the rear seat. But again, I normally dont ride in the rain so this could be the last time it ever gets exposed to it. But I am not overtly thrilled about both bags sitting against the rear shock.

In keeping with the retro theme I picked these up from RE and I really love the fit and finish, will use these for city rides.

But really disappointed with RE for not selling helmets in my head size "S" because I really dig this helmet.

These are just early days of ownership with the second lockdown having put a stop to most of the riding season.

And now that monsoons have kicked in, I will take a break from riding. But I do intend to update this thread with as much detail as I can.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 

News

Rumour: Royal Enfield Himalayan 650 development begins

The bike is said to be under development at Royal Enfield's technical centre in the UK.

At the moment, Royal Enfield's sole offering in the adventure bike segment is the Himalayan 411cc motorcycle. However, if rumours are to be believed, a twin-cylinder 650cc version of this bike could be added to the company's product portfolio.

Of course, if Royal Enfield was developing a new bike, it wouldn't go unnoticed. However, we might not get to see test mules of the Himalayan 650 anytime soon as the bike is said to be under development at Royal Enfield's technical centre in the UK.

After the Interceptor INT 650 and Continental GT 650, the Himalayan 650 will be the third model based on the new 650cc platform. Besides getting a healthy dose of performance, the bike is expected to be transformed into a more capable adventure tourer.

In its current avatar, the Himalayan comes with a 411cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 24.3 BHP and 32 Nm. The unit is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

Source: Visor Down

 

News

2021 Royal Enfield 650 Twins launched; get new colour options

Interceptor INT 650 and Continental GT 650 are now available in new colour options.

Royal Enfield has launched the 2021 Interceptor INT 650 and Continental GT 650. Both bikes come with new colour options as well as a host of Make-It-Yours (MiY) customization options including seats, touring mirrors, flyscreens and sump guards, among others.

Interceptor INT 650

The bike is now available in two new standard single tone shades - Canyon Red and Ventura Blue. Additionally, there are two new custom dual-tone shades - Downtown Drag and Sunset Strip. It also has a new updated version of the ‘chrome’ variant in the Mark 2.

Continental GT 650

The bike is available in five new colour options - Rocker Red, British Racing Green, dual-tone Dux Deluxe and Ventura Storm. It also gets an updated version of the chrome variant in Mister Clean.

Both bikes are offered with a 648cc, air-cooled, parallel-twin engine. It produces 47 BHP and 52 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch.

2021 Royal Enfield 650 Twins ex-showroom prices:

Interceptor INT 650 - Rs. 2,75,467 (Std) / Rs. 2,83,593 (Custom) / Rs. 2,97,133 (Mark 2)

Continental GT 650 - Rs. 2,91,701 (Std) / Rs. 2,99,830 (Custom) / Rs. 3,13,367 (Mister Clean)

 

News

Royal Enfield 650 Twins new colour options leaked

Besides the new colours, the bikes are also expected to get the Tripper turn-by-turn navigation.

According to a recent leak, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 are set to get new colour options.

The Interceptor is likely to get 4 new colour options which include Ravishing Black, Gray Goose, Ventura Blue and Royal Red. The Continental GT gets 4 new colours - British Racing Lean, GT Red, Ventura Black and Blue as well as Cookies and Cream.

Besides the new colours, the 650 Twins are expected to get an updated instrument cluster featuring Royal Enfield's Tripper turn-by-turn navigation.

Both bikes will be offered with the same 648cc, air-cooled, parallel-twin engine. It produces 47 BHP and 52 Nm and will be paired with a 6-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch.

Source: Rushlane

 

News

Royal Enfield launches app-based bike configurator

Personalize your Royal Enfield 650cc bike on this app-based 3D configurator.

Royal Enfield has launched an app-based 3D configurator called Make-It-Yours (MiY) that allows buyers to customize their bikes.

The MiY app currently supports the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 only. Customers can use the app to personalize their bikes by selecting the colour, trims and graphics. They can also select from a range of accessories for their bikes. Once customers have placed the booking via the MiY app, they will be notified about the delivery timeline of their bike.

The 3D configurator is part of the Royal Enfield App. It is available for Android and iOS devices. The 3D configurator is also available on the Royal Enfield website.

The Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 were launched in India back in November 2018. Both bikes share the same 648cc, parallel twin engine that produces 47 BHP @ 7,250 rpm and peak torque of 52 Nm @ 5,250 rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed transmission.

 
 

News

Royal Enfield Cruiser with a Twin-cylinder engine spied

View Forum Discussion

A new Royal Enfield cruiser has been spied testing. What's more interesting is that the bike appears to be powered by a twin-cylinder engine.

The new cruiser model could be based on Royal Enfield's 650cc platform shared with the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. However, the cruiser appears to have a new frame. The bike also has upside down telescopic fork suspension at the front and the twin rear shock absorbers are mounted at a slight angle. The bike is fitted with a wider rear tyre.

The riding position is more laid back, as you would expect from a cruiser. It has a low slung seat and the foot pegs are positioned way forward. The bike has a teardrop shaped fuel tank, a circular tail lamp, a single-pod instrument cluster as well as twin exhausts.

Coming to the engine, the new cruiser could be powered by the same 648cc, air-cooled parallel-twin cylinder engine as the 650cc Twins, albeit with minor modifications. The engine could be paired with a 6-speed gearbox.

 

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