Here’s What’s New On The 2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650

Royal Enfield has finally given its ‘original’ 650 twins, the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650, a raft of visual, mechanical and technical updates. Here’s the lowdown on it all:

New colours

The most visible change is the new colour schemes on both bikes, with four new additions (Cali Green, Black Pearl, Barcelona Blue, and Black Ray) on the Interceptor, and two new colourways (Slipstream Blue and Apex Grey) on the Continental GT. And along with the new colours, the engine and exhausts also get a blacked-out treatment on the alloy wheel variant. That said, the Interceptor loses out on four colours, namely Orange Crush, Baker Express, Ventura Blue, and Downtown Drag.

New wheels and tyres

Yes, the alloys are a much-needed addition, both from a visual as well as riding standpoint. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. While the Interceptor continues to roll on good old Ceat tyres, the Continental GT 650 gets Vredestein units, the rear tyre being a radial one. This might improve its handling, though we reserve our opinions till we’ve swung a leg over the bike. 

New features and hardware 

The next set of changes are inspired by the Super Meteor 650. First is the LED headlight, which replaces the predecessor’s halogen units. Next, the left side switchgear on both bikes get a USB charging port. Both of these are no doubt practical touches. 

However, the switchgear now features a rotary dial-type button – instead of a simple rocker switch – for the ignition and high/low beam, which we believe won’t be to everyone’s liking.  

Revised prices

The Interceptor 650 now retails at Rs 3,03,000 onwards, while the Continental is priced at Rs 3,19,000 onwards, making them roughly Rs 17,000 and Rs 14,000 costlier, respectively (all prices ex-showroom Delhi). While the price hike seems a bit steep, the functional updates as well as improvement in terms of convenience should be enough to sway buyers to opt for the alloy wheel trims.