Royal Enfield Interceptor 650s get the Scrambler treatment, ready to conquer dirt

English retro motorcycle luggage company Malle customized not one but two Royal Enfield Interceptor 650s to be used as support vehicles during a 2,000 kilometer-5 day rally over the dirt roads of the united Kingdom. Both motorcycles have received the Scrambler treatment with a slew of custom built part. In the process, the Interceptor 650s not only manage to look good but also give buyers an indication of what the platform can support in terms of modifications for going off the beaten path. Here are some images from BikeExif.

Talking of modifications, the engine and frame have been retained as is. The stock exhausts have been replaced by end pipes from British Customs – a well known motorcycle aftermarket parts maker who deals mainly with parts for Triumph bikes. The aftermarket exhaust makes the Interceptor 650 narrower, offering better lean angles and also luggage mounting options.

The stock front mudguard comes off, and in its place, there’s a rally-style high set mudguard. The telescopic front forks of the Interceptor 650 have been swapped for adjustable, upside down units from WP Suspension. At the rear, the gas charged shock absorbers are longer units, and offer higher travel than the stock units. Knobbly TKC80 on-off road tyres have been fitted at the front and rear for better performance off the road.

The headlamps are now twin units from PIAA, which can also be rotated for use as a work lamp. The tail lamp is also a rugged unit from PIAA. Under the engine, there’s an aluminium bash plate to deal with the rough stuff that riding on gravel roads can throw at the Interceptors. The custom job is finished with a unique paint scheme, meant to depict the various single tracks that the Malle rally will take riders on.

Both the customized Interceptors have also been outfitted with luggage from Malle, and that includes a tank bag, panniers and also a top-bag at the rear. These panniers will take more than 20 kilograms of luggage, mainly spare parts meant to help the mechanics fix breakdowns from other motorcycles during the rally.

The Interceptor 650 is also available in India, and Royal Enfield has priced it very competitively at Rs. 2.37 lakhs. At this price point, the Interceptor 650 is easily the most affordable twin cylinder engined motorcycle in India. The bike’s motor is a 647cc, newly developed unit that runs four valve heads, air-oil cooling, fuel injection, a single camshaft and a 270 degree firing angle.

The motor makes 47 Bhp-52 Nm and is easily the most refined unit that Royal Enfield has ever built. It’s paired with a 6 speed manual gearbox that also gets a slipper clutch as standard. The Interceptor 650 is meant to be an everyday motorcycle that can handle both city roads and highways with ease. Dual channel ABS is standard.