ROYAL ENFIELD, the world dominator in mid-size motorcycles (250cc-750cc), continue their strong presence in Australia with the rebirth of their Twins — the Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor INT 650…
For 2022, both will come Euro 5 compliant and adopt new retro-inspired colour schemes, adding an added aesthetic for their riders in Australia and NZ, of which there are 2500 — and counting.
Inspired by 1950’s and 60’s cafe racer culture, the Continental Twin reboots the original British Continental GT 250 with its low sculpted tank and forward leaning riding stance. As the more aggressive of the two, it will appeal to the sporty rider with its race style clip-on handlebars, and rearward set foot peg controls. Ideal for fun city runs or eating up twisting roads, the Continental is now available in coats of British Racing Green, dual tone Dux Deluxe, and chrome variant Mr Clean — as well as the much loved Rocker Red.
As a nod to ’60s California beach culture, the Interceptor Twin is the naked cruiser of the pair. With a longer quilted twin seat, wider bars, and central foot controls, it sits taller than the GT, with a teardrop tank that holds 1.2 litres more fuel for longer, relaxed cruises down the coastline.
A truly chilled machine, the Interceptor is available in new single tone Canyon Red & Ventura Blue, dual tone Sunset Strip, and chrome variant Mark 2 — as well as the already trending Baker Express and Orange Crush.
Apart from the new hues, Royal Enfield is introducing blacked out rims, mudguards and fork gaiters as standard, plus custom options such as touring mirrors, seats and tinted fly screens — all adding to its classic appeal. At the heart of the twins lies the uncomplicated yet stylish 648cc parallel twin engine, always smooth thanks to the gear-driven balance shaft.
ByBre (By Brembo) discs offer the ultimate stopping power, and the Ceat Zoom Cruz rubbers keep you well grounded in the most chaotic of corners. In the age of ride modes and digital everything, Royal Enfield takes a refreshing minimal approach to instrumentation, opting for analogue gauges and an LCD window for fuel level, dual trip metres and warning lights. Even lighting is LED free, with an old school conventional bulb in its place.
With a three-year unlimited kilometre warranty and three-year roadside assistance, this fun and engaging middleweight is an ideal purchase for newbies, the modern classic enthusiast, or the seasoned rider looking to customise away. Always follow-worthy — this legend has now gone full cycle.
2022 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Twin (and Interceptor 650 Twin)
Engine: 648cc air-cooled parallel twin
Transmission: Six speed constant mesh
Power: 34.9 kW @ 7150 rpm (Int 34.6kW @ 7100 rpm)
Torque: 52.3 Nm @ 5150 rpm (Int 52 Nm @ 4000 rpm)
Dry weight: 212 kg (Int 202 kg)
Seat height: 820 mm (Int 804 mm)
Fuel capacity: 12.5 litres (Int 13.7 litres)
2022 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (Colours/Ride Away Pricing)
Rocker Red: $10,990
British Racing Green: $10,990
Dux Deluxe: $11,290
Ventura Storm: $11,290
Mr Clean: $11,590
2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (Colours/Ride Away Pricing)
Orange Crush: $10,790
Canyon Red: $10,790
Ventura Blue: $10,790
Baker Express: $11,090
Downtown Drag: $11,090
Sunset Strip: $11,090
Mark Two: $11,390
By Bill Varetimidis
For the full article grab the December 2021 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
