Which should you buy between the Continental GT 650 vs Interceptor 650? Although both bikes are essentially the same machine with a few styling tweaks and altered riding position, the Continental GT 650 retails for Rs.305,000 (average ex-showroom) while the Interceptor 650 is priced at Rs.288,000 (average ex-showroom). The engine and transmission are shared between the two motorcycles, so you can expect a similar riding experience from both. The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 vs Interceptor 650 are considered an alternative to more expensive bikes like the Harley-Davidson, and although they can’t compete with the big guns when it comes to outright power or rideability, the Royal Enfield twins offer fantastic value-for-money with sublime powerplants and good road presence.
Since their launch in 2018, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 have received a warm reception in the Indian market and the global scene. The aftermarket accessory add-on sales for the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 are a testament to its popularity with riders wanting to get more out of their machines.
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Interceptor 650 Vs Continental Gt 650 – Specifications and Features
Since the Royal Enfield twins are basically the same motorcycle in 2 different body styles, we’ll take a look at the common specifications of the motorcycle because there really is not much difference between the two models, other than the slightly higher price of the Continental GT 650.
Continental GT 650 on-road price – Rs.305,000 (average ex-showroom)
Interceptor 650 on-road price – Rs.288,000 (average ex-showroom)
| Continental GT 650, Interceptor 650 | |
| Max power | 47.65 bhp @ 7,150 rpm |
| Body Type | Café Racer |
| Engine | Twin cylinder – parallel, 4-stroke, SOHC, oil cooled |
| Displacement | 648 cc |
| No. of cylinders | 2 |
| Max Torque | 52 Nm @ 5,250 rpm |
| Cooling | Air cooled |
| Valves | 4 per cylinder |
| Fuel | Petrol – fuel injection |
| Ignition | Digital Spark Ignition |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Bore x Stroke | 78 mm x 67.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Emission Standard | BS6 |
| Fuel Gauge | Digital |
| Fuel Economy | 31-34 kmpl |
| Width | 1165 mm |
| Length | 2122 mm |
| Height | 789 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 13.7 litres |
| Kerb weight | 202 kg |
| Headlight | Halogen |
| Chassis | Tubular Frame (steel), bolted trussing |
Interceptor 650 and Continental Gt 650 – What is the Engine Like?
The Royal Enfield motorcycles both use a fuel injected, 648-cc twin engine (parallel) that is air-cooled and produces 47 bhp of power and 52 Nm of torque through a 6-speed transmission. The clutch is of hydraulic wet type and it has a slipper unit to help with gear shifts. The Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 engines rumble to life and have a growling note past the 3000-rpm mark. Riders can make use of mid-range torque all the way to 7,500 rpm which is the rev limit. The Continental GT 650 vs Interceptor have identical transmissions that do well in most situations. Regarding fuel efficiency, the Continental GT 650 mileage is around 30 kmpl, the same as the Interceptor GT in standard riding conditions. The Interceptor 650 engine oil capacity is 3.1 litres and like the Continental GT, features oil-cooling through a radiator.
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The Continental GT 650 top speed and the Interceptor 650 top speed are the same at 165 km/h. The 648-cc parallel twin-cylinder is a gem of an engine and loves to be pushed to the limit. The Interceptor 650 fuel tank capacity of 13.7 litres is more than adequate to keep touring without frequent fuel stops. Continental GT 650 modified engines and exhaust chambers are common on the aftermarket scene as enthusiasts try to extract every last bhp from the Royal Enfield power unit.
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Interceptor 650 Vs Continental Gt 650 – Chassis, Ride and Handling
The chassis of the Royal Enfield twins are constructed from steel tubular trusses that provide rigidity and strength to the motorcycles. The Continental GT 650 weight is the same as the Interceptor 650 weight at 202 kg which is not exactly light, but the bike gets nimble on the move. The wider and more ergonomic seat of the Interceptor 560 makes it a little bit more comfortable than its sibling the Continental GT 650. The Interceptor 650 seat height is 780 mm which will be a problem for shorter riders but the Interceptor 650 modification scene has several aftermarket seats to cater to different riding positions.
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Weight balance is really good through the corners and the ground clearance allows for moderate off-roading when required. The suspension on both motorcycles is identical with 43 mm telescopic forks in front and 5-step adjustable twin shocks at the rear. Braking is efficient with a 320 mm disc front and 240 mm disc rear equipped with ABS for added safety.
The chassis of the Royal Enfield twin is well suited to offer high comfort levels on and off-road. The Interceptor 650s height can get you through rough roads without scraping the underside or you can always use an aftermarket engine guard which can be easily purchased as an aftermarket accessory.
To celebrate the 120th anniversary of the first Royal Enfield motorcycle, the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 limited edition was released with a production run of 480 motorcycles to be sold in India and the global market. The limited-edition motorcycles will get a unique black tank design, a special saddle and a blacked-out scheme with a complement of add-on accessories.
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Conclusion
Royal Enfield has given customers a well-rounded package with the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. The starting price of Rs.288,000 offers excellent value for money for motorcycles that punch above their category and give competition to much larger capacity bikes. Both motorcycles have superb road manners, powerful and smooth engines, high-speed stability and can be used as a daily rider in the city. The modern retro design of the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 is pleasing in terms of visuals and the bikes manage to impress with their solid build quality and 100-year heritage of classic motorcycles.
Be sure to check out other articles on the Carorbis blog such as World’s Top 10 Fastest Bikes and How to maintain your motorcycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is interceptor 650 good for long rides?
Ans. The Enfield Interceptor 650 is comfortable on long rides. You should install a touring seat because the standard seat is not the best for long journeys. Maintain the Interceptor 650 tyre pressure since it has tubed tyres. It has a powerful engine that offers excellent performance on the highway.
Q2. Is interceptor 650 a superbike?
Ans. The Interceptor has a parallel twin 650 cc engine producing 47 bhp @ 7,250 rpm and 52 Nm @ 5,250 rpm. This is quite powerful by Indian standards but the Enfield Interceptor 650 cannot be classified as a superbike compared to bikes in the international market. Superbikes generally have at least 1000 cc engines and have top speeds of over 200 km/h. The Interceptor is more of a large street cruiser.
Q3. Is Interceptor 650 worth buying?
Ans. The Interceptor 650 is not a beginner’s bike due to its large engine capacity and heavy kerb weight. It is an option for those looking for a powerful cruiser. Owners say the Interceptor is reliable and doesn’t have any major issues if serviced and maintained in good condition. The Interceptor 650 is definitely worth buying.
Q4. Is Interceptor 650 good for touring?
Ans. The Interceptor 560 is an excellent machine for touring due to its comfortable riding position and big engine. Top speed is 165 km/h which is adequate for highway journeys, while the motorcycle is capable of hauling extra luggage along with a pillion rider. The 6-speed transmission and slipper clutch provide smooth riding on all terrain.
Q5. Is Interceptor 650 a cafe racer?
Ans. The Enfield Interceptor 650 is classified as a cruiser with a retro design. Its sibling, the Continental GT is a café racer with tweaked body styling, although both motorcycles share the same engine and transmission. The Continental GT offers a sportier café racer riding position.
Q6. Is Interceptor 650 good for beginners?
Ans. First-time riders may find the Interceptor 650 a little heavy to handle especially in crowded city traffic. The weight is felt when lifting the motorcycle off the stand, however, it does disappear once you start riding. Beginners will find a lighter bike easier to ride, such as a 100 – 150 cc motorcycle with a kerb weight of around 110 kg.
Q7. Does interceptor 650 have ABS?
Ans. The Interceptor 650 is equipped with powerful disc brakes at both the front and the rear. It has dual-channel ABS which prevents the wheel from skidding or locking up under heavy braking. This is an important safety feature that can allow the rider to stay in control in an emergency situation.
Q8. Is it worth buying Interceptor 650?
Ans. The Interceptor 650 has received favourable reviews of ownership since its launch. Riders say that the motorcycle offers pure riding pleasure with a retro classic design that stands out from the rest of the motorcycles available in the country. Priced at around Rs.3 lakh (average ex-showroom), the Interceptor 650 is good value for money considering you get a twin-cylinder engine.
Q9. Is Interceptor 650 reliable?
Ans. The Interceptor 650 is reliable if maintained properly under standard riding conditions. Its reliability rating is approximately 4 out of 5 stars which is quite good. Owners have not reported any issues with the engine, transmission or suspension over long-term use. Being a Royal Enfield motorcycle means that build quality is exceptional on the Interceptor 650.
Q10. Is Interceptor 650 good for daily use?
Ans. Once you get used to the larger dimensions and weight of the Interceptor 650, it gets quite easy to use as a daily rider in the city. Daily commuting to the office and home is convenient due to its smooth motor and slipper clutch that makes gearshifts seamless. Maintenance cost over 5 years is approximately Rs.10,000.
Q11. When was interceptor 650 launched?
Ans. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 was launched in 2018 as a retro classic motorcycle equipped with a parallel twin engine and 6-speed transmission. It is the first twin-cylinder motorcycle developed by Royal Enfield India inspired by the 1960s Royal Enfield Interceptor 750 that was designed and built by the British manufacturer.
Q12. Is continental GT 650 a superbike?
Ans. The Continental GT 650 is classified as a retro classic café racer and not a superbike. It shares the same 650 cc parallel-twin engine as the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, but in a sleeker body style that seats the rider in a café racer position. A superbike has to be powered at least by a 1000cc engine in a super sports chassis.
Q13. Why Continental GT 650 is expensive than Interceptor?
Ans. The Continental GT 650 on road price is approximately Rs.15,000 costlier than the Interceptor 650 due to different body panels, footpegs and handlebars. Although the engine and transmission are the same as the Interceptor, the increased price is due to the reworking of the body components.
Q14. What is the cost of Continental GT 650 modification and Interceptor 650 modified price in India?
Ans. It depends on the level of modification and aftermarket parts added to the motorcycle.
Q15. What is the Continental GT tyre size and interceptor 650 tyre size?
Ans. It is the same for both motorcycles, 100 / 90 – R18 at the front and 130 / 70 -R18 at the rear.
Q16. What is the Interceptor 650 tank capacity and the Interceptor 650 fuel tank price in India?
Ans. The fuel tank is 13.7 litres and costs around Rs.8000.
Q17. What Continental GT 650 colours and Interceptor 650 colours are available?
Ans. The colours available for the Interceptor 650 are Orange Crush, Baker Express, Canyon Red, Ventura Blue, Downtown Drag and Sunset Strip. For the Continental GT 650, the colours available are Rocker Red, Ventura Storm, Dux Deluxe and British Racing Green.
Q18. What is the mileage of Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 mileage per litre?
Ans. The average for both motorcycles is around 30-35 kmpl.
Q19. What is the Continental GT 650 bhp rating?
Ans. The motorcycle is rated at 47.65 bhp @ 7,150 rpm.
