2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Top 10 Changes in the New Model

In the Indian market, the name "Royal Enfield" has a strong cult following. While still maintaining its heritage and vintage charm in modern motorcycles, the brand is able to appeal to younger audiences. The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor 650 were the first twin-cylinder 650cc motorcycles the company had ever introduced to the market. They received a positive reception, and the models continue to occupy a respectable spot in the mid-capacity motorcycle market. Both of these models are sold internationally, and the manufacturer recently launched their 2023 editions in India. The price of the 2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 starts at Rs 3.03 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Continental GT 650 boasts a price tag starting from Rs 3.19 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up from there.

Also Read: 2023 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650: What New Features It Gets vs Old Model

The Interceptor 650 has finally received the most significant upgrades from Royal Enfield since its 2019 launch. These improvements were made after the Super Meteor 650 was introduced, and they enhanced the motorcycle's usability and appeal. Here are the ten differences between the new Interceptor 650 and the previous model.

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: BS6-2-Compliant Engine

It is powered by a 647.95cc in-line twin cylinder engine from the previous-gen Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. The motor will have an on-board diagnostics system that provides up-to-date information on emissions now that it complies with OBD-2 standards. The engine is tuned to generate a maximum of about 47bhp at 7250rpm and a maximum torque of 52.3Nm at 5150rpm. Furthermore, a 6-speed transmission is mated to the engine.

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Dark Theme

The new line for the Interceptor 650 includes two blacked-out variants: Black Ray and Barcelona Blue. These models also come standard with cast alloy wheels and tubeless tyres, as well as a blacked-out engine and exhaust pipes.

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: New Colour Options

Royal Enfield has updated its colour scheme for 2023, and the Interceptor 650 will now be available in four different paint jobs. The Interceptor 650 also gets two new custom colourways: Black Pearl for the dual and Cali Green for the solid. Cali Green has taken the place of Ventura Blue. However, these, like the current models, have chrome engines and exhausts, wire-spoked wheels, and tubed tyres.

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: New Fuel Tank Graphics

The new colourways bring new fuel tank graphics to both motorcycles. The absence of chrome on both models is another notable cosmetic change. Instead of chrome or silver, the engine block and exhaust are now finished in black.

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Alloy Wheels

For years, Indian customers have been anticipating the arrival of the Interceptor 650 with alloy wheels. The Super Meteor 650's 18-inch alloy wheels are included with the bike. The rider's life will be made easier by these wheels, and in the long run, there won't be any worry about getting stranded because of a puncture on the spoke wheels. It was difficult to remove the wheels to work on the puncture because the exhaust was always hot when repairing a hole in the old Interceptor.

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: LED Headlight

Next, the Interceptor 650 receives an LED headlight. Although the old bike's halogen setup did a respectable job, it is always encouraging to see contemporary technology on Royal Enfield motorcycles. The company will offer the LED headlight as an add-on for the current Interceptor 650 buyers. In fact, this might be among the brand's top-selling accessories.

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Redesigned Switchgear

The manufacturer equipped the new Interceptor 650 with a rotary dial button for the ignition, low and high beams. For those unaware, the Meteor 350 and the Super Meteor 650 both comprised this feature at first.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Classic 350 Drive 21% YoY Sales Growth in Feb'23

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: USB Charging Port

A USB charging port is now available on the Interceptor 650. Similar to the Meteor 350, this equipment has been mounted on the left side of the switchgear. With the USB, riders can now take care of their equipment charging needs, particularly on lengthy rides.

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Price

The Interceptor 650 is now priced at Rs 3.03 lakh while the Continental is priced at Rs 3,19 lakh, making them roughly Rs 17,000 and Rs 14,000 more expensive, respectively. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. While the price increase appears to be a bit steep, the functional updates as well as improvements in terms of convenience should be enough to persuade buyers to go with the alloy wheel trims.

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Availability

The recently launched 2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 have begun to arrive at dealerships across the country. Bookings for these motorcycles have started in India, and deliveries should commence soon.