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Royal Enfield pulls the covers off the 2023 Interceptor and Continental GT 650
How does a new set of alloy wheels and tubeless tires sound to you?
Since their release in 2018, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the somewhat sportier Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 have both been available in a variety of colors, but all have polished aluminum engine housings and an exhaust system made of stainless steel that is the same silver hue. In addition, the bikes have always come with old-fashioned wire spoke wheels that are also equipped with inner tubes.
Tubeless tires and alloy wheels for the two motorcycles have long been desires of many owners and prospective buyers. This is particularly true for anyone seeking the sportier, more nimble handling that lighter alloy wheels and tubeless tires provide. With that, Royal Enfield can finally give the 650 Twins some much-needed improvements. The bikes now, specifically, have new cast aluminum wheels with a narrow 7-spoke design. Even though the bike is now running a tubeless system, the typical narrow tire sizes—100/90-18 up front and 130/70-18 in the back—remain the same.
Having said that, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 now have a few modern features for the 2023 model year. For instance, the new LED lighting has given the motorcycles a significantly more premium, neo-retro look. Also, the seat cushion has been upgraded for comfort and a new USB port has been added for extra on-the-go convenience. The handlebar switches in the bike's cockpit have also been modified.
The Continental GT and Interceptor 650 continue to share the same mechanical underpinnings as before, with the exception of the new alloy wheels and tubeless tires. With front and rear disc brakes outfitted with ABS, the brakes are the same as in previous iterations. The front telescopic fork, steel swing arm, and tubular steel frame that make up the chassis also remain unchanged. Regrettably, aspirations for a suspension system with inverted forks like those on the Super Meteor have been put on hold for the time being.
Another item to take note of is the change in Royal Enfield's preferred style, particularly with regard to color. The 650 Twins' 2023 edition emphasizes sharper, blacked-out appearance while using far less chrome and silver. The whole engine, including the cooling fins, the two-in-two exhaust system, and the wheels are all painted black on the Interceptor and Continental GT 650.
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