Royal Enfield is readying a scrambler based on its hit 650 twin platform, which has been spied testing in India. The motorcycle, though largely based on the Interceptor 650, flaunts notable updates and aims to lock horns with the likes of the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo 650, Benelli Leoncino 500, and the new-for-2023 Honda CL500. To remind you, RE’s 650cc lineup already comprises three different-flavored motorcycles, the INT 650, the Continental GT 650 cafe racer, and the 2023 Super Meteor 650 cruiser.

RELATED: The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Aims To Shake Up The Adventure Bike Segment

The Royal Enfield Scrambler 650 Is More Premium Than The Interceptor 650

From afar, the Scrambler 650 appears rather identical to the Interceptor, courtesy of the round LED headlight, indented teardrop fuel tank, and side panels. However, it’s the nitty-gritty that differentiates the two. Up top, the scrambler has a different fender–now equipped with fork covers to keep your fork seals intact–alongside a semi-digi instrument cluster from the Hunter 350. The latter end, meanwhile, features a ribbed seat, and a slightly tweaked tail lamp. You can also spot a headlight grill, windscreen, and auxiliary lamps here, but these are probably accessory additions rather than standard equipment. Same goes for the bash plate down low.

Aesthetics aside, the notable change comes to the scrambler’s underpinnings. It now rides on upside-down forks (likely Showa units, same as the Super Meteor) and dual shock absorbers, in contrast to the Interceptor’s telescopic units and gas-charged shockers. This is paired with off-set 18/16-inch spoke wheels wrapped in dual-purpose rubber–both aimed to better the off-road abilities. The single disc brakes at both ends (with dual-channel ABS) remain unchanged, though.

The Royal Enfield Scrambler 650 Will Employ The Same 648cc, Parallel-Twin Engine

2023 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Engine
Royal Enfield
The engine bay has been blacked out for 2023, albeit with no internal tweaks

RELATED: Gear Up For Five All-New 450cc Royal Enfield Motorcycles!

Under the aforementioned bits, you get the same (and famed) 648cc, parallel-twin engine found on the Interceptor, Continental GT, and Super Meteor 650. Though the output (47 horsepower) will likely remain the same, the big difference is a new single-sided exhaust layout with a short, stubby end can. This is blacked out too, unlike the chrome finish on its above-mentioned siblings. We also expect a different engine map for the scrambler, but only an official statement will confirm this.

The RE Scrambler 650 Could Debut In A Few Months

Given the near production-ready avatar, it seems the Scrambler 650 will be ready for launch in a few months’ time. Obviously, India will be the first country to get it, followed by Europe, Britain, and then America. We say this because RE has neither launched the Super Meteor 650 here nor the updated 2023 Interceptor and Continental GT 650. However, if you like RE’s flagship cruiser, we suggest you check out the Super Meteor 650’s price analysis to get an idea about its American MSRP.