Customers leaning towards the Interceptor 650 over the Continental GT 650, RE owners not upgrading.
Dealer sources for Royal Enfield reveal to MotorBeam that 80% of customers are opting for the Interceptor 650 and about 20% for the Continental GT 650. This is majorly due to the sportier riding position on the Continental GT which is perceived to be similar to the old RE Continental GT 535 but that is not the case as the new cafe racer is much more comfortable.
Prevailing Royal Enfield customers are not upgrading to the 650cc twins as they lack the thump of the long-stroke RE bikes. This contradicts Mr. Siddharth Lal’s (CEO of Eicher Motors) claims that the 650 twins would serve as an upgrade to the large base of RE owners. However, new riders are entering the brand due to the twin-cylinder 650s. Dealer sources further revealed that the waiting period on the 650 twins have gone up to 4 months now.
The 650cc twins are powered by a 648cc, twin-cylinder engine that is good for 47 PS of power and 52 Nm of torque. Both the bikes combine retro looks and modern day performance in a very convincing package. The motorcycle are priced aggressively for the amount of performance and tech they offer which makes the Royal Enfield Classic 500 look grossly overpriced.
The Interceptor 650 retails at a starting price of Rs. 2,50,000/- and the Continental GT 650 at Rs. 2,65,000/- (both prices, ex-showroom India).
Royal Enfield 650 Sales
– 80% customer opting for Interceptor, 20% for Continental GT 650
– Prevailing customers not upgrading due to lack of old RE thump
– Up to 4 months of waiting period on the 650 Twins
