Motorcycle specifications Royal-EnfieldInterceptor 650 2022 Good vibes attitude

a wind of freedom blew across California in 1963. And on this American zephyr rides a legendary machine: the Royal Enfield Interceptor. Its 736 cm3 twin-cylinder engine is its best asset for forging commercial success.

in 2018 , the Indian manufacturer decided to reconquer the West with an eponymous machine, equipped with a new 648 cm3 twin. Authentic is the right word to describe this new Interceptor. Both in terms of the brand's historical legitimacy and the new model's aesthetic and mechanical pedigree.

the Indian beauty has retained its Californian "coolness", and you can immediately sense its philosophy of no headaches and the future is today. Let's live now. Simple yet dynamic, the 13.7-liter can mimics the 1963 model. More rounded, its curves bear the Indian manufacturer's reworked metal emblem. A long, flat seat, wide handlebars with raised horns, chrome mirrors and a passenger grab handle... The essentials are there to take you out for a spin, alone or in pairs. The Interceptor offers a more relaxed riding position. Its wide handlebars, reinforced by a crossbar, naturally accommodate the hands. The cool roadster's thick seat adjusts its height to 804 mm from the ground. The triangle of handlebars, footpegs and seat doesn't require any strenuous gymkhana. What's more, despite its imposing engine, the machine is particularly narrow and accessible. Surrounded by chrome-plated plastic, the analog instruments are pleasantly designed and easy to read, if not fun. Tachometer on the right and, on the left, in the tachometer block, a digital window displays a fuel gauge and, successively, via a discreet button, the odometer and two partials.

the Interceptor shares every mechanical and chassis feature with its Continental GT counterpart. Compact and narrow, the machine features the double-cradle tubular steel frame designed by Harris. This 20.4 kg structure supports the new Indian twin: a very attractive 648 cm3 (78 x 67.8 mm) parallel twin. With polished aluminum side cases and head covers, and a massive cylinder head sliced with large cooling fins, the 70 kg Enfield block impresses with its size and stylish presence.

it ' s simple, air- and oil-cooled,yet incorporates a high-performance top end. Its 4 valves per cylinder are driven by a single camshaft. A technical refinement, the rocker arms feature wheels at the point of contact with cams with slightly concave surfaces. The oil circuit is optimized, with jets targeting the hottest spots in the cylinder head. The oversized, forged crankshaft and its imposing masses are combined with a second balance shaft with two balancing weights. This ensures good vibrations on the West Coast.

twin injection units and ignition are controlled by Bosch electronics. The cigar-style mufflers, raised up to the sky and integrating the catalytic converters, add dynamism. The twin Enfield develops 47 hp at 7,150 rpm and 5.2 daNm of torque at 5,150 rpm. Maybe not enough to intercept your buddies, but the Interceptor is sure to capture hearts. The block exudes the stylish charm of a large air-oil engine. And its super-square bore/stroke ratio augurs well for its liveliness. With 80% of its maximum torque from 2,300 rpm, it allows you to move into fourth gear or higher on a trickle of throttle, at just over 2,000 rpm. The Euro 5-approved powertrain has not undergone any major changes - only the maximum rpm required to reach maximum power and torque values has been modified: 100 rpm earlier.
A new 6-speed gearbox, dedicated to the engine, features an assisted limited-slip clutch. Vintage with a contemporary twist.

the suspension is simple yet effective. For added style, the non-adjustable 41 mm telescopic fork hides its plungers behind bellows. Its travel is 110 mm. It's combined with dual 88 mm sliding shock absorber units, with adjustable preload. The 18-inch tubuless aluminum-alloy rims are shod with 100 and 130 mm Pirelli Phantom sportscomp tires . A far cry from the usual dimensions of 500 or 750 cm3 roadsters.. . and all the better for agility. A two-channel Bosch ABS controls the work of the Bybre calipers (a sub-brand of Brembo). At the front, two pistons squeeze a single 320 mm disc, while the opposite single-piston retarder squeezes a 240 mm shrink disc.

the attractive Interceptor is equipped with a passenger roll bar, a center stand and a handle near the saddle for easy maneuverability. The Indian's finish is very acceptable, both in terms of component quality and assembly. The levers are not adjustable in spacing, but their dimensions seem ideal for all sizes. Frame welds are acceptable and unobtrusive. The only minor regret is that the paintwork could be sharper. More annoying is the presence of a plastic front mudguard instead of a metal one, and an empty space behind the cylinder block where a hose also appears. More qualitative, we appreciate the front headlight encircled by brushed metal and the rubber-covered rider and passenger footrests. The layout of the various components is unobjectionable, as are the different coatings on the metal parts and supports.

last but not least, there are no reliability concerns in sight: numerous long-term tests were carried out in India and Europe, more in keeping with the rhythmic use of these machines. In addition, the 650 Twin pre-production machines underwent two 6-hour checks at 1007 static and dynamic points, by two different operators, and the brand guarantees its machines for three years .

with its new Interceptor, Royal Enfield has created a modern machine, the basis for the future development of numerous models.... Designed for everyday use as well as for cool, far-flung rides, this 650 takes you back in time to a bygone age, but one that's oh so profitable. Let's the good time roll!

by Damien BERTRAND
Image credits: manufacturer