Royal Enfield to unveil 650 Bobber?

Royal Enfield has displayed an image of a new model draped in a cloth that seems to indicate it could be a 650 bobber version of its new line-up of twins.

It could also be a bobber version of its 500cc models like the 350 Bobber.

However, it is more likely to be part of the new 650cc parallel twin Interceptor naked and Continental GT cafe racer line-up that debuted last month.

Although covered in a black cloth, you can see this bike looks lowered and there is a distinct single seat with a dropped rear fender.

You can also see through the cloth a little to what looks like mag wheels, rather than spokes as on the Interceptor and Continental GT.

It will be revealed next week at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

650 Bobber

A 650 bobber would make a lot of sense as it would replicate the successful Triumph Bonneville range which is its closest competitor … in style, at least. The Bonneville range is powered by 900cc and 1200cc engines.

We expect the Royal Enfield 650 models to arrive in Australia this month starting at $8000.

Royal Enfield’s Australian importer and distributor, Urban Moto Imports, is expected to have the bikes on show at the Melbourne Moto Expo on November 22 when pricing will be announced.

The US prices are $5799 (plus on-road costs) for the single-colour Interceptor, $5999 for the custom with two colours and $6499 for the chrome tank version. 

The Continental GT is $US5999 for the single colour, $6249 for the custom and $6749 for the chrome.

However, delivery of the models could be delayed by worker strikes in India over the past two months.

Royal Enfield says it suffered a production loss of 25,000 units in September and October due to a strike by some workers at its Oragadam plant near Chennai.