KIWI RIDER AUGUST 2020 VOL.2 | Page 85

ROAD NEWS 650 TWINS PUT ROYAL ENFIELD ON TOP F or a while it looked like the charming models of yesteryear were all Royal Enfield had in its bag of tricks, but the addition of the Interceptor 650 and its Continental GT counterpart to the competitive modern classic class – as well as the Himalayan adventure tourer – have brought the Indian brand back into the forefront of many riders minds. In fact, Royal Enfield sales worldwide took off after the release of the UK-developed 650cc twins. Continuing to dominate the middleweight motorcycling segment (250cc-750cc), Royal Enfield added yet another feather to its cap as the Interceptor 650 and the Himalayan achieved new records in the UK. Royal Enfield’s quintessential, modern classic roadster, the Interceptor 650, has been the highest selling naked style motorcycle in the UK for the last 12 months (as per MCIA data from June 2019 – June 2020), along with the adventurous Royal Enfield Himalayan at No.4. This is a first-of-its-kind achievement by any Indian two-wheeler manufacturer, selling in the crowded UK market. “Our vision is to expand and lead the middleweight motorcycling segment across the world”, says Royal Enfield CEO Vinod K. Dasari, “Towards this vision and further strengthening our position as a truly global brand, Royal Enfield has been consistently focusing on widening its footprint in international markets and creating engaging experiences for enthusiasts. Since its launch, the Interceptor 650 has been gaining KIWI RIDER 85