Royal Enfield Interceptor
 

Well, I have just been for a test ride on a new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. It was really nice. There was sufficient power to make it fun but not so much as to scare me (my present bike is an 1986 BMW R80 800cc so similar power. At least similar in theory and history books). The engine was smooth through the range.

The brakes are pretty good - powerful enough and progressive, I didn’t test out the ABS system. The one fly in the ointment was that the fuel tank is just 3 gallons so limited range but it should get 60+ mpg if ridden gently.

The chassis, as well as giving a really well planted feel, looks like it could take a reasonable load as it is so it could be a good basis for a travel bike - albeit one that is designed for on road use rather than off road.

There is already a Himalayan 650 on the cards which could fit the bill nicely.

As long as they don’t get mixed up and produce an Interceptor 400.

A Himalayan 650 could be a nice combination as long as they keep the same roadholding as the Interceptor and add a bigger tank.

Actually, the more I think about it the main drawback as a touring bike is the range - the tank could do with being 22+ litres to get a range of 220+miles at 50mpg (over 300 at the claimed(!) mpg of 70mpg).

I doubt the claimed 70mph is far fetched. That’s the average of Fuelly and should be typical of a bike like this.
I tried one the other day too, expecting to like it very much like my old T140V, but was surprisingly under-awed.
For me, a CP2 engine is still the one to beat.
'There's more on my website.'

I believe they’re planning a Scrambler version, like Triumph and Ducati.
Probably just a high-pipe styling exercise like the Triumph, not so much a practical Himalayan, but we shall see.
Could be a good traveller.