The Continental GT and Interceptor 650 are arguably Royal Enfield’s best global motorcycles so far. And for 2023, the Indian giant has sweetened the pot further by introducing notable updates to both 650s. This is the biggest update since their inception in 2018 and helps the motorcycles match up to their more modern competition. Let's dive in.
The 2023 Continental GT And INT 650 Don A Refreshed Design
For 2023, the most notable update comes to the Continental GT and INT 650’s design. Both motorcycles shed the chrome-laden aesthetic and flaunt a blacked-out finish on the engine, exhaust, and mirrors. The crown jewel, however, is the set of seven-spoke alloy wheels that replace the age-old spoke wheels. This also allows the 650s to ride on more trustworthy and hassle-free tubeless tires, albeit in the same 100/130 (F/R) size. The design is topped off by four new liveries - Slipstream Blue and Apex Grey for the Continental GT, and Black Ray and Barcelona Blue for the Interceptor 650. These will be offered alongside the latter’s Mark 2, Sunset Strip, and Canyon Red options, and the former’s Mr Clean, Dux Dulux, British Racing Green, and Rocker Red finishes.
They Boast New Features For 2023
Besides this, Royal Enfield has equipped the 2023 Continental GT and INT 650 with a USB charging port and an LED headlight–the latter borrowed from the Super Meteor 650. At the same time, the motorcycles also benefit from new switchgear, similar to RE’s existing portfolio. The dual-pod semi-digital instrument cluster remains as is, though, and you still don’t have the option to get RE’s Tripper navigation on either motorcycle, which is a shame.
They Remain Unchanged Under The Skin
Like the instrument cluster, the two Royal Enfields remain unchanged under the skin. They continue to employ a 648cc, parallel-twin mill that puts out 47 horsepower. The air-cooled engine pairs up with a six-speed transmission and sits inside a double cradle chassis, suspended on telescopic forks and gas-charged shock absorbers. Concurrently, you also get the same 320 mm and 240 mm (F&R) disc brakes, with dual-channel ABS. What comes as a surprise, though, is that the switch to cast alloy wheels has made no difference to the 217 kg curb weight, even though steel spoke wheels and tube tires are usually heavier than the latter. We’re still hoping the unsprung mass will feel lower on the go.
They Will Hit American Dealers By Later This Year
For now, the two new RE 650s have only just been launched in the United Kingdom. We expect them to debut in America soon, but probably after RE debuts them in the local Indian market. Hence, expect the new Continental GT and INT 650 to reach U.S. shores by mid-2023, probably at a not-too-sky-high price hike. Regardless, both 650s will continue to be unrivaled in the 650cc retro motorcycle space.