Royal Enfield 650

Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Modified
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has been modified by Bulleteer Customs

Launched in 2018, Royal Enfield 650 twins (Interceptor and Continental GT) have emerged bestsellers in domestic as well as international markets. With their simple design, 650 twins are also preferred for customization projects. We have seen quite a few of these modified versions in recent past and most of them have been a true delight in terms of their creative design.
Mig-21 design theme for Interceptor 650
The latest in the series of experimentations with 650 twins involves Interceptor, which has been modified based on core design elements taken from Mig-21 fighter jet. This customization has been carried out by Bengaluru-based Bulleteer Customs, one of the leading auto workshops in the country.
Applying Mig-21 design theme to Interceptor 650 has worked out seamlessly in this mod job, as both share a retro design. Had the designers used the theme of a modern aircraft like F-35, the results would have been highly incompatible. The circular, hollowed nose of the headlamp unit at the front and airbrushed rivets at the sides are among the key design characteristics borrowed from Mig-21.
Modified Interceptor 650 also gets various other visual updates such as multi-coloured strips on the right side of front cowl and smoked out windscreen. Stock handlebar has been replaced with clip-on units, which enhances the motorcycle’s sporty profile. Similarly, 17-inch alloy wheels replace the stock 18-inch wire-spoke wheels.
Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Modified
Another key change is aftermarket exhaust, which can be expected to output a superior aural experience to resonate more with the overall theme of Mig-21. The motorcycle also exudes patriotic fervour, as can be seen with the ‘Mig-21’ and ‘IND’ badging.
No engine tweaks
This modification project is primarily about visual updates. It’s unlikely that changes have been made to the engine to boost its performance. Interceptor 650 is powered by a 650 cc air-oil cooled engine that is capable of generating max power of 47 hp and peak torque of 52 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
Why Mig-21?
In case you are wondering why Mig-21 and not any other fighter jet, the answer is that Mig-21 is one of the most successful fighter planes ever created. More than 11k units were produced from 1959 to 1985. It was the first supersonic jet aircraft in the world and has been used by around sixty nations across four continents.
Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Modified
Mig-21 has special relevance for India, as it had played a key role in 1971 Indo-Pak War. It had remained a backbone of Indian Air Force (IAF) for several years during those times. Recently, Mig-21 was in the news for downing American made F-16 that was being used by Pakistan air force. More

Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor with CEAT Tyres. Image – Abdul.
The Royal Enfield 650 twins will soon be joined by a third family member in the form of a cruiser

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 duo quickly earned a reputation for being excellent value for money, not just in India but also in several international markets. They are positioned at the affordable end of the medium displacement spectrum and have been playing a crucial role in boosting RE’s brand image in the international scene.
No more Pirelli tyres
Both 650 cc motorcycles came equipped with Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres as factory fitment, forming an important part of their overall appeal. However, we have learnt that Royal Enfield has quietly switched to CEAT tyres of same dimensions since November 2020. This change has been confirmed by a few dealers, as well as RE 650 Twins’ owners across India. Hat tip to Vignesh for sharing this update.
It is to be noted that Pirelli doesn’t have a production facility in India and hence the tyres need to be imported. Given the extraordinary disruption in international logistics effected by the ongoing pandemic, Royal Enfield’s decision to switch to CEAT tyres could be driven by supply chain constraints.
It is also possible that the switch was made in an attempt to compensate for rising input costs. The price difference between the Pirelli and CEAT tyres is estimated to be considerable.
CEAT tyre size is same as that of Pirelli
That said, the tyre swap need not necessarily mean a bad thing. Obviously, CEAT brand does not enjoy the same admiration from enthusiasts as its compatriot Pirelli, but its been a few months since the swap and we would have picked up on it earlier if the customers had any grievances with the overall performance.
New Royal Enfield 650 cruiser coming
As you know, Royal Enfield is working on adding a third member to its flagship 650 family. The cruiser has been spotted testing several times recently, indicating that the development work is going on full swing. The prototypes are equipped with inverted front telescopic forks, a first for a Royal Enfield in the modern era.
Other notable features are alloy wheels, digi-analog instrument console which is mostly likely to feature Tripper Navigation, a simple fuel tank with old-school filler cap and circular headlamp, taillight and turn indicators.
The motorcycle will carry forward the much appreciated 648 cc twin-cylinder, air-cooled engine which offers 47 hp and 52 Nm of torque. The 6-speed transmission is expected to receive subtle tweaks to suit the cruiser’s relaxed riding character.
While several components will be shared with the Interceptor and Continental GT 650, it remains to be seen if the upcoming cruiser will be equipped with Pirelli tyres or go for CEAT units from the beginning. RE is also planning on giving the 650 Twins a facelift soon, along with an alloy wheel option.
Royal Enfield is also close to introducing the eagerly anticipated next generation Classic 350 which will be based on the new platform that debuted on the Meteor 350. Expect improved refinement, additional features and better performance compared to the outgoing model. More

Royal Enfield 650 Modified – Hummingbird
Royal Enfield plans to launch multiple new motorcycles every year in India

We already know by now that Royal Enfield is developing a full-blown cruiser based on the 650cc platform which underpins Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. Also referred to as KX650, launch is expected next year.
Images of RE’s cruiser 650 test mule have already been out. However, before Royal Enfield launches their 650cc crusier officially, a custom-made cruiser on the same platform has already been made.
While Interceptor 650 has been a fan favourite ever since its launch in 2018, there are loads of room for improvement in order to classify itself as a tourer. Its uncomfortable seat and stiff suspension setup make for an unforgiving riding experience for long distances.
However, if it were modified into cruiser things might be different. An aftermarket customisation firm called Bulleteer Customs has modified an Interceptor into a proper cruiser and posted its images on its Instagram handle.

Modified Design
It has taken more than a year for Bulleteer Customs to complete this job, from designing to actual execution. The bike adopts a design of an authentic bobber with wide handlebars and a very low stance. Handlebars here use extenders to provide a comfortable riding position. Wheelbase has been increased by providing a slight rake to the front suspension unit thus feeling more planted on straight roads and highways.
Tyres have been upgraded from 100mm to 120mm at front and 130mm to 180mm at rear. This also lends a distinct road presence to the motorcycle. Saddle has been lowered and flattened out with proper cushioning therefore making for a more comfortable ride. The customised bike gets a split seat instead of a single piece as on the stock Interceptor.

Side body panels have been changed as well, which bear the name ‘Highway’. Fuel tank is of a similar tear-drop shape however, like Continental GT, it comes with cuts on either side for a more aerodynamic look. The motorcycle wears a nice contrasting look thanks to a colour scheme of hue green and black with pinstriping used.
Engine and alloy wheels are painted in Black with a white accent matching the aesthetics of the cruiser. A different exhaust system which is more straight than being up-swept has been used.
Powertrain Details
Clearly, time and effort invested in this modification have paid off nicely and the bike looks quite tasteful. Interceptor is powered by a 648cc parallel-twin oil/air-cooled motor which gives out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and offered with a slip and assist clutch. As of now there has been no official word from Royal Enfield regarding KX650’s launch but we expect to hear more about it in coming months.

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Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser Red Colour Render
Ever since the launch of 650 Twins, select customers have been waiting for alloys wheels option

To ensure that customers have access to all options they might wish for, Royal Enfield will soon be launching alloy wheels for its popular 650 twins, Interceptor and Continental GT. The alloy wheels will be offered as an accessory. 650 twins currently utilize spoke wheels, which is one of the key design elements that give the motorcycles their retro flavour.
Testing and validation
In response to an owner of Interceptor 650, Royal Enfield said that they are currently carrying out extensive durability and validation testing for the new cast alloy wheels. Once that is complete and if things progress as per plans, the new alloy wheels could be launched around February 2021.
It is also to be noted here, that the upcoming Royal Enfield 650 Cruiser, which has been spied on test in Chennai, was seen with alloys wheels. Most likely, it is this alloy wheel design, which will also be seen on board the 650 Twins Interceptor and Continental GT. Launch of the Cruiser 650 is scheduled for sometime next year.
Customers wanting the new alloy wheels will be able to select the same via the company’s MiY (Make It Yours) customization platform. It can be done via the company’s website, mobile app or at the dealership. In addition to 650 twins, the personalization platform is also available for Classic 350 and recently launched Meteor 350. Other motorcycles such as Bullet and Himalayan will be included in the online configurator program in the future.
Image for reference. Credit – Royal Spares
Alloy wheels more practical?
When launched, the new alloy wheels will be shod with tubeless tyres. Many users will find this as a more practical choice, as tubeless tyres don’t need to be taken out in case of a puncture. However, true-blue retro enthusiasts are unlikely to ditch the spoke wheels. Apart from being more elegant, spoke wheels also offer other benefits such as better ability to absorb shocks and vibrations. They are also considered more rugged than alloy wheels.
Earlier, Royal Enfield had done something similar with its top selling Classic 350 motorcycle. As customers would often install aftermarket alloys and exhausts on their Classic 350, Royal Enfield launched its own range of official and legal aftermarket accessories. These included multiple options for exhausts and alloy wheels.
Tripper navigation
In the near future, 650 Twins are also expected to get Tripper navigation that is standard equipment on-board Meteor 350. This is a first-in-segment feature and has been appreciated by several users. With the Tripper system, users don’t need to mount their smartphones on their motorcycle. For 650 twins, a larger version is currently under development. Along with the directions, the updated Tripper system will also display notifications. Meteor’s Tripper system is expected to be introduced in other Royal Enfield motorcycles as well.
Launched in 2018, 650 twins share several components including the engine. The 648-cc, parallel twin cylinder unit is capable of generating 47 bhp of max power and 52 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and equipped with a slipper clutch.
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Royal Enfield 650 Twins New Colours
The limited edition 650 Twins replace the chrome elements on the bike with blacked-out components

Royal Enfield’s popularity in overseas markets has grown by many folds in recent years and this is no new fact. Powerful, comfortable and reliable and most importantly offered at a compelling price, Royal Enfield has been able to gauge the mood of bikers abroad as well.
The company has established a strong footprint for itself especially in European markets. Italy is one such market where Royal Enfield has captured a sizeable consumer base. The country’s sole distributor of Royal Enfield bikes Valentino Motor Company recently celebrated its five years association with the Indian brand.

To mark this special occasion, the Italian enterprise has launched a limited-run special edition series of the iconic models- Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. Characterized by matte black paint replacing the chrome elements and providing richer equipment, these limited edition models will be made available in Italy from the coming December.
Cosmetic & Colour Updates
The primary theme of the project is the use of a dark colour specifically matte black in all its mechanical components including exhausts, engine casing, handlebars, indicators, brake levers, gearshift pedal, headlight and taillight. All these components lose their signature chrome plating to make way for an unprecedented dark tone.

The equipment list also receives additional Royal Enfield accessories which include crossbar covers, touring mirrors, high windshield, engine protection bars, throttle body covers, aluminum engine bumpers and much more, all of which have been coloured in pure black.
Other optional upgrades
Among other exclusive fitments for these limited edition models include Öhlins shock absorbers, Andreani Group branded fork cartridges and exhausts from Zard. The Öhlins shock absorbers with the multi-adjustable front cartridges from Andreani Group will cost an additional 1,000 euros (Rs 87k), while the homologated “slip-on” exhausts from Zard costs 600 euros (Rs 52k).

Colour Schemes On Offer
As per this, six unique paint schemes of Interceptor 650 and 4 such versions of Continental GT 650 will be made available in five units each. Each of these bikes will sport a plate bearing the Valentino Motori logo and the words inscribed “ONE OF FIVE”.

The six colour schemes on offer with Interceptor 650 are pure Matte Black; Matte Green and Black; Matt Military Green and Black; Matt Bronze and Black; Matt Gray and Black; and Gray and Black. Whereas Continental GT 650 will be offered in Matt Black; British Green and Black; Matt Red and Black; and Matt Gray and Black.
Price
The special edition Interceptor 650 has been priced at 8,200 euros (Rs 7.1 lakh) while the Continental GT has been priced at 8,500 euros (Rs 7.36 lakh). Both bikes share the same mechanicals and are powered by a 649cc parallel-twin motor which generates 47 bhp at 7250 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 5250 rpm. This unit is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch and assist for quick and smooth shifting. More