Royal Enfield PH unveils 2019 Interceptor, Continental GT 650

60's era British icons get parallel twin engines

Royal Enfield Philippines (RE PH) introduces its first bikes to feature their first-ever twin cylinder engines since the 1970s, the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor INT 650 at En Tirage Restaurant in Mandaluyong City.

Their arrival was teased by Royal Enfield Philippines CEO, Jimmy Barinaga at the launching of the Royal Enfield Adventure Team last year. With the new models, launched in EICMA last year, it was only a matter of time before they made their way to our shores.

Royal Enfield’s first twin engine was introduced in 1948, making its international re-introduction in 2018 a timely 70-year anniversary. The original twin cylinder engines displaced 500cc and were mounted on famed high-performance models like the Meteor, Super Meteor, and later on, the original Interceptor introduced in 1960.

Today, the 650cc twin cylinder engines are mounted on two of Royal Enfield’s most historic performance models, the Continental GT and the Interceptor, both continuing the storied engine’s legacy of speed and performance. The twin cylinders are designed to offer more power while still retaining the brand’s reputation for simple maintenance. The 648 cc twin cylinder is oil and air-cooled. The single overhead cam, 4-valve per cylinder produces 48 Ps at 7,250 rpm and 52 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm.  80% of that peak torque is delivered as early as 2,500 rpm. The twin cylinders also boast of unique styling with individual exhausts and mufflers on each side. They are paired with 6-speed transmissions with slipper clutch assist.

Both bikes also share the same twin cradle tubular steel frame developed in partnership with Harris Performance UK, front forks, dual rear suspensions and brakes with ABS. The feature stylish touches like “Monza” fuel caps, forged handlebars, and carefully finished ancillaries. There are also a range of optional extras like fly screens, bar end mirrors, and many more. Where they differ are in the seat, fuel tank and the handlebars.

Continental GT 650

The Continental GT (CGT), like its recently discontinued predecessor, is a café racer, sporting an angular fuel tank, and clip-on handlebars. RE PH even offers the optional cowled single seat to complete the café racer look.

The bike is ridden with a more aggressive stance and features rear set pegs, stiffer suspension settings and 5-stage adjustable rear pre-load. It rides on 18-inch wheels with Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp tires. It’s brought to a stop with ByBre (by Brembo) twin piston calipers with ABS. It features a low seat height of 793 mm. It has a 12.5 liter tank and tips the scales with a curb weight of 198 kg.

The CGT is offered in three colorways, with the standard beginning at PhP 375,000, the Custom at PhP 380, and the Chrome tank version at PhP385,000.

Interceptor INT 650

Designed for more leisurely riding and touring is the Interceptor. Like its predecessor, it features a teardrop tank with traditional knee recesses, a quilted seat, and wide-braced handlebars. The more upright riding position makes it suitable for a wider variety of roads and terrain, and especially for riding with a pillion.

Like the CGT, it rides on 18-inch wheels with Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp tires. It’s brought to a stop with ByBre (by Brembo) twin piston calipers with ABS. It features a seat height of 804 mm. This model has a much larger 12.7 liter tank and tips the scales with a curb weight of 202 kg.

Like the CGT, the Interceptor is offered in three colorways, with the standard starting at PhP 365,000, the Custom at PhP 370,000, and the Chrome tank version at PhP 375,000.

Royal Enfield is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Hardcore Brothers Custom Motorcycles, Inc.