The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Harley-Davidson Street 750 are two motorcycles which are fairly comfortable and powerful for highway cruising. At the same time, their easy rideability makes them suitable for daily commutes as well. Now that both the bikes are BS6 compliant, we compare them based on their specifications, features and pricing.
Design and features
The Street 750 and Interceptor 650 have different characters in terms of aesthetics. The former is more of a cruiser with a low-slung profile and a long wheel base while the blacked-out cycle parts give it a modern appeal. Whereas, the Interceptor is a classic roadster with an upright stance and chrome-finished components.
With a pulled-back handlebar and a scooped seat, the Harley tends to offer more laid back ergonomics and its low 720mm seat height aids in easy accessibility. With the seat height of 804mm, the RE is not only taller but the riding posture is also slightly aggressive with a straight handlebar and slightly rear-set footpegs.
The Interceptor is quite basic in terms of features with conventionally-lit headlamp, tail lamp and turn indicators and a twin pod analogue instrument cluster with a small LCD display. It’s mostly the same story with the Street 750 which too sports a semi-digital console and conventional headlamp. The only aspect better than the RE is the presence of an LED tail lamp.
Engine
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is powered by a 648cc, parallel-twin, air/oil cooled engine which churns out 46.8bhp at 7,250rpm and 52Nm at 5,250rpm. The engine comes mated to a six-speed gearbox assisted by a slipper clutch. On the other hand, the Street 750 is propelled by a larger 749cc, liquid-cooled engine with a V-twin configuration which produces more torque at 60Nm at as low as 3,750rpm (Harley doesn’t disclose power figure). Although the Harley too gets a six-speed gearbox, it misses out on a slipper clutch. What’s noteworthy here is that weighing at 202kg, the Interceptor 650 is 31kgs lighter than the Street 750 which tips the scales at 233kg.
Cycle Parts
Both bikes are underpinned by a steel double cradle chassis. However, the Interceptor rides on larger 18-inch spoke wheels at both ends shod with 100/90 and 130/70 section tyres at the front and rear, respectively. Whereas, the Harley incorporates a 17-inch alloy wheel up front with a 100/80 tyre and a 15-inch alloy wheel at the rear with a 150/70 rubber. Both bikes get telescopic forks and dual shock absorbers but the latter is gas-charged in the RE. A single disc brake at both ends is common with a dual-channel ABS.
Pricing
Royal Enfield has priced the Interceptor 650 BS6 from Rs 2.65 lakh to Rs 2.86 lakh which not only makes it cheaper than the Harley but also the most affordable bike with a twin cylinder engine. Meanwhile, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 BS6 is considerably more expensive, priced between Rs 5.34-5.66 lakh, based on the colour variant.
(All prices are ex-showroom)
