The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 remains one of the most successful motorcycles from the bike maker in recent times. And it’s a product that we love as well, especially at the price point it arrives. RE has been regularly updating the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 since their arrival two years ago and there seems another update in the making. As per the latest spy shots, the Interceptor 650 was seen testing with a single-sided exhaust muffler as opposed to the double-sided units on the current version.
The update is an interesting one considering the double-barrel exhausts on the RE Interceptor 650 is much liked by the masses in India and overseas, so this would be a step back from what the customers want. The spy image clearly shows the 2-in-1 setup for the exhaust unit with the end can on the right side of the motorcycle. It’s unclear as to what warranted testing this version of the bike. However, we do see manufacturers experimenting with different setups from time to time and this does not necessarily mean the manufacturer will introduce the system as an update on the bike.
There is also a possibility that the single-sided exhaust on the updated Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 could be for select export markets to meet local regulations. Although no market law specifically states that bikes can’t have dual exhausts on them. Other design bits have been retained on the middleweight modern-classic offering.
That said, Royal Enfield is expected to be working on an updated version of the 650 Twins for the 2022 model year. The update is likely to bring the Tripper navigation pod to the instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity. The feature debuted on the Meteor 350 in 2020 and made its way to the new-generation Classic 350 and the updated Himalayan this year. The 650 Twins seem like the gradual next step. Do not expect any performance upgrades though and the bike will continue to sport the 649 cc parallel-twin motor tuned for 47.65PS and 52Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox.
The RE Interceptor 650 takes on the new BSA Gold Star, Kawasaki Z650RS, Benelli Leoncino 500, and Triumph Trident 660 in the segment.
