Royal Enfield Interceptor – The Return of the Retro

Contemporary trend for all things retro is bringing back the 60s and 70s charm in the modern context and that’s exactly what Royal Enfield has been doing in the past decade or so with its modern-classic motorcycles.

Although it’s been around since 1901 with the claim of being the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in continuous production, Royal Enfield motorcycles have seen a surge in demand only since 2010 with Classic as its hottest selling model across the globe and especially the brand’s home market, India.

With its attractive post world war period design inspiration and classic styling, the iconic brand has been a champion at leading the way for mid-size motorcycle makers, and showing off what 120 years of motorcycle making can do.

Reminiscent from its history, the new Interceptor 650, is the first twin cylinder motorcycle to be produced by Royal Enfield since 1970. The British brand produced its first twin cylinder motorcycles in 1948 with a 500 twin that evolved into its famed high-performance models, the Meteor, Super Meteor and ultimately, the original Interceptor in the 1960s. While Royal Enfield motorcycles were largely popular in the UK and parts of Europe, the 700 and eventually its successor 750cc Interceptors back then were mainly sold in the USA and Canada, being among many popular models that were a part of California’s sun-drenched moto-surfing culture. These motorcycles were also known for being not just fast but stylish roadsters, that were also used as competition machines for scrambles, desert races and flat track events. California’s post-war biking boom created a revolution in British motorcycle manufacturing, and helped Royal Enfield establish itself as a global brand.

After more than 50 years of manufacturing 350-500cc singles, Royal Enfield finally introduced its long-awaited first-ever parallel-twin. As per the manufacturer, despite their links to the past, the Interceptor 650 is entirely a new ground up motorcycle, developed jointly by Royal Enfield’s development teams located both in India and at Bruntingthorpe in the UK.

Emulating its original 60s design, the new Interceptor 650, has a teardrop tank, a traditional knee recess, quilted dual seat and wide, braced handlebars redolent of the street scrambler style that emerged in 60s California. It’s commanding riding position allows you to enjoy curving roads, cruising out of town or within city limits. The Interceptor 650 is a beautifully executed and thoughtfully detailed motorcycle and is now also the biggest displacement available in the maker’s current line-up.