In real world riding, how will the Royal Enfield Roadster 650 perform compared to its 650cc siblings?
Each of the models in Royal Enfield’s 650cc lineup are intended for slightly different riding styles and tastes. The relaxed ergonomics and all round usability of the Interceptor 650, and the Continental GT 650’s cafe racer with a sportier stance. The Super Meteor 650 puts the engine into cruiser territory. With the Roadster 650 on its way, there’s now interest in how it will stand apart in the real world. Despite all those bikes having the same basic 648cc parallel twin engine, weight distribution, ergonomics, gearing and suspension setup can make a huge difference in the ride. However, the Roadster is anticipated to have a more upright position than the Continental GT, and perhaps a bit sportier than the Interceptor. This begs the question: how will it perform in different situations — will it be more agile in city traffic? Compared to its siblings, how will it fare on twisty roads? Will its ergonomics, potentially different, affect its highway cruising? Riders are also curious whether Royal Enfield would pull out the engine mapping or gearing to give the Roadster its own persona within the 650 family.
I suspect the Roadster will be the best all rounder of the bunch. More comfortable than the GT for daily use, and sportier than the Interceptor for some weekend fun. It may just be the Goldilocks bike in RE’s 650 lineup.
More than anything, it’ll come down to ergonomics. The engine has proven itself versatile so the riding position and suspension setup will probably make the biggest difference in the real world.
I hope they will refine the gearing to make it a little more lively for city riding. The 650s are great as they are, but a little short geared for my taste in city traffic. It might be a blast around town if they can give it a bit more punch in the lower gears.
In all reality, it will probably perform very similarly to the Interceptor. RE won’t mess too much with a winning formula, I doubt. The performance differences will probably be minimal, but there will be a difference in style and riding position.
If they can get the ergonomics right, it might actually be the best tourer of the bunch. Comfortier upright than the GT but not as laid back as the Interceptor or Super Meteor for better control on twisty roads.
I'm doubting it'll be much different performance wise to the Interceptor. Maybe a bit lighter? I don't think we'll see any huge changes to the engine or the chassis. It's almost certainly a styling exercise with slightly tweaked ergonomics.
It will be the devil in the details. It can be as simple as small changes in suspension settings, tire choice, and handlebar position that makes a huge difference in how a bike feels. Just because the specs look similar on paper though, doesn’t mean that the Roadster will have the same character on the road.
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Discussions and Questions In Real World Riding How Will The Royal Enfield Roadster 650 Perform Compared To Its 650Cc Siblings
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