Royal Enfield is working on a range of 650 cc motorcycles for the Indian market after tasting great success with the Interceptor and Continental GT 650 twins. One motorcycle among the slew of new models the brand plans to launch in India is a cruiser based on the 650 twins platform. The same was spotted testing on our roads a few days ago. Here are 10 key takeaways from the latest crop of spy pictures.
- The upcoming cruiser motorcycle will be based on the 650 platform on which Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 are built.
- The bike is expected to be using the same 650-cc engine but, it is not known whether it will be generating the same amount of power and torque as it does in the 650 twins.
- Just like the 650 twins, it’s expected to be powered by a parallel twin engine with a 270 degree crank shaft, fuel injection, air-oil cooling. A 6 speed manual gearbox is likely to be standard.
3. From the images it is quite evident that the 650 cruiser motorcycle will be getting an upside down forks. This will be first time that any Royal Enfield motorcycle will be getting it.
4. Front forks have been raked which gives it a cruiser bike look and lazy riding ergonomics, and probably relaxed turning geometry.
5. Other key takeaways from the images are the twin exhaust with new design and the alloy wheels and wide tyres.
6. It’s easy to see that the seating position on the upcoming cruiser is low slung, just like it is on the Thunderbird.
7. From the images, it also seems as though the Royal Enfield cruiser was inspired by Harley Davidson Fatboy motorcycle.
8. The foot pegs are positioned in a way that it provides a relaxing riding position to the rider. Very cruiser-esque!
9. While Royal Enfield has not said anything about the launch of this new cruiser, word on the street is that the bike will be launched later this year or early next year.
Royal Enfield testing the 650cc cruiser is a sign that the brand is planning to expand their portfolio. This is something which was hinted by officials months ago. There is also a possibility that once the 650 cruiser has hit the market, Royal Enfield might consider building a 650cc Scrambler and a Himalayan adventure motorcycle on the same platform.
Overall, the upcoming Cruiser motorcycle looks quite good in the spy pictures and could give established brands such as Harley Davidson and Triumph a run for their monies. Just like Meteor, the upcoming motorcycle is also expected to get new instrument cluster with bluetooth connectivity features.
Images courtesy Maxabout