After a fairly long time since the Interceptor 650 debuted, Royal Enfield has finally launched the bike with alloy wheels in India. The 2023 model features a couple of new updates, which we’ve discussed in the five highlights mentioned below.
Has the 2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650’s design changed?
For 2023, Royal Enfield has offered the Interceptor 650 with subtle cosmetic updates. The bike retains the design but is now donned in new paint schemes – Black Ray, Barcelona Blue, a new custom dual-tone option of Black Pearl, and a solid Cali Green. Apart from that, it sports the same old-school design with a round LED headlight, single-piece bench seat, black-coloured engine casing, suspension, and wheels.
Are there any updates to the Interceptor 650’s engine?
The 648cc parallel-twin motor dishing out 47bhp and 52Nm remains largely unchanged apart from the OBD-2 compliance. So, the bike can now monitor real-time emissions as well. The motor is linked to the same six-speed gearbox and comes nestled in the double-cradle frame.
What set of features does the new Interceptor 650 offer?
Apart from LED illumination at the front, the 2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 gets the same instrument console and USB port. It consists of twin analogue displays housing the speedometer, trip meter, odometer, a digital inset for the fuel level readout, and other bits. Overall, the bike continues to be fairly simple on the tech front.
How has the hardware changed on the 2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650?
One of the major and welcome updates for the Interceptor 650 comes in the form of the new cast alloy wheels. These are wrapped in tubeless tyres and enhance the overall usability of the bike since the previous gen model with spoke wheels need an instant repair in case of a puncture. That said, the gaitered telescopic front forks and the dual rear shocks remain unaltered. Even the front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS are the same as before.
What’s the asking price for the new Interceptor 650?
Royal Enfield has priced the 2023 Interceptor 650 at Rs. 3,03,000 (ex-showroom, Chennai), and its bookings have commenced. Compared to the prices of the spoke wheel model – Rs. 2,88,814 (ex-showroom, Chennai) – the new one costs about Rs. 15,000 more.