Royal Enfield (RE) will be launching the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 in international markets starting with California, USA, somewhere between September 22nd to 26th, Zigwheels, automobile review platform, reported. After the launch in the international markets, both the bikes can be expected to retail in India around Diwali 2018. With Interceptor tracing its origin back to California, it is no surprise that the motorcycle will be first launched there.

Initially unveiled at the 2017 EICMA Motor Show, the Royal Enfield twins have arguably been the most anticipated motorcycles of the year. RE had stated that the bikes were ready and could be expected in the first quarter of 2018. It is not clear as to why the launch has been delayed. RE, banking on the age-old legacy of twin motorcycles, is launching the Interceptor and Continental GT as a gateway to experiencing an authentic the past, the company claims.

Both the motorcycles, RE Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650, share identical engine specifications and mechanics but they are targeted towards different buyer segments. Interceptor 650 offers the classic look paying homage to the legendary Interceptor; whereas GT 650 which is a café racer. Interceptor 650 gets ride height of 804mm and a fuel tank of 13.7 litres along with narrow teardrop tank slapped with a classic badge and Monza-style fuel cap adding to its old world charm.

The GT 650 café racer, on the other hand, offers a more committed riding posture with the ride height of 790mm and clip on handle bars. It gets a 12.5-liter fuel tank and weighs 199 kilograms overall. Both the motorcycles receive 41mm telescopic forks in the front and coil springs at the rear along with 320mm front disc and 240mm disc at the rear. The chassis, which has been developed by Harris Performance, a subsidiary of Eicher Motors, is tuned to enhance agility and riding dynamics while dual channel ABS is offered as standard on both bikes.

The RE Interceptor and Continental GT are powered by the same 648cc, parallel twin, fuel injected, air- and oil-cooled engine offering 47.7 PS peak power at 7,100 rpm and 52 Nm peak torque at 5,250 rpm mated to a 6-speed transmission to be seen for the first time on a Royal Enfield model. Both motorcycles will be offered in four colour variants adding a bit of modern flair to these classic motorcycles.

The Royal Enfield twins are expected to be priced between Rs 3-3.50 lakhs (ex-showroom) once officially launched in India. It will be this affordable pricing in this segment that might allow the Royal Enfield twins to compete against the Harley Davidson Street 750.