This is the first time that Royal Enfield has been spotted testing a new motorcycle which will likely be called the Roadster and is powered by the existing 650 twin-cylinder engine. It could be RE’s new flagship product when launched.
Royal Enfield has been on an absolute roll and has been working on upgrading their entire lineup of motorcycles for quite some time. Recently, an entire fleet of new Royal Enfield motorcycles were spotted testing in Chennai which included everything from the new Meteor 350 to the new Classic 350. Interestingly, their has been yet another new Royal Enfield motorcycle that was spotted testing and from the first look, we know its a cruiser powered by the 650cc twin-cylinder engine. Here’s what we have been able to make out from the very short clip.
The first thing you notice is that this motorcycle is powered by the 648cc parallel-twin air-cooled engine. With this motorcycle however, the engine casing gets a very premium gloss black finish. As for the dual exhaust pipes, they are not as bulky as in the Interceptor or Continental GT and they aren’t up-swept either, keeping in tune with the cruiser vibe. We expect the engine to have the same performance as the existing 650s as the motor was already tuned well for triple digit highway cruising.
Although it likely uses the same motor from the 650 twins, the frame underpinning this motorcycle must be significantly different. The steering column will be completely new and while the downtube section of the frame might remain same, the upper tube might see some modifications. The rear sub frame is also completely new with new mounting points for the twin shock absorbers. Note that they are not gas charged units as in the existing 650 twins. What’s really interesting is that this motorcycle is suspended by USD forks at the front, a first for any Royal Enfield motorcycle.
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Although we did not get a proper look at the braking hardware at the front of this motorcycle, it could get a front radial caliper. The disc at the rear certainly looks larger than that of the Interceptor. The alloy wheels which look like a standard fitment also boast of a completely new design than what RE offers as accessories for other RE motorcycles. The foot pegs on this motorcycle are also fairly forward set and it seems to be running with beach bars. The seating also appears fairly spacious for both the pillion and the rider.
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Coming to what Royal Enfield could be naming this motorcycle, we believe this is likely going to be called the Roadster with a ‘650’ suffix thrown in. There are quite a few new names from RE doing the rounds like the Hunter and the Sherpa but the Roadster name is fits this motorcycle perfectly. This however will likely be more expensive that existing 650cc motorcycles from Royal Enfield. It will not be an all-rounder like the Interceptor 650 but will be a new flagship product for Royal Enfield as the brand would be entering a new segment all together. We expect it to priced around Rs 3.50 lakh, ex-showroom.
