[cycleworld.com] - Royal Enfield 120th Anniversary Twins Available Soon

[Ninjette Newsbot]

Looking to own a limited-edition Royal Enfield 120th Anniversary Edition Continental GT or INT 650? Here’s what you need to know.

Click here to view on their site.


After their unveiling at EICMA 2021, the 120th Year Anniversary Edition INT650 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles are nearly ready for their US arrival. (Royal Enfield/)American motorcycle enthusiasts know that Indian Motorcycle calls itself “America’s First Motorcycle Company.” The company was founded in 1901 in Springfield, Massachusetts, two years before Harley-Davidson.

But another brand claims the title of “the oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world.” That’s Royal Enfield, founded in England in 1901.

A quick piece of historical trivia involving these two companies: Indian Motorcycle’s story is long and confusing, but the brand, which was acquired by Polaris Industries in 2011 and moved to Minnesota, did import Royal Enfield motorcycles from 1955 through 1960. Indian customized the Royal Enfields and sold them under Indian Motorcycle branding.


The exquisite brass tank badges are crafted in collaboration with the Sirpi Senthil family, multigenerational artisans from the temple town of Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. (Royal Enfield/)In 2021, as Royal Enfield celebrated its 120th anniversary, the India-based company unveiled two 120th Anniversary models of its iconic 650 twin motorcycles, the INT650 and the Continental GT 650, at November’s iconic EICMA. Royal Enfield says the bikes are now available in limited quantities. Indian says only 60 models will be produced for America, 30 each of the Continental GT 650 and INT650 models, Both models will be painted black with chrome trim and be given die-cast brass tank badges. With only 480 units available worldwide, this is a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to own a piece of motorcycling history.


The black-chrome coloring of the 120th Anniversary Continental 650 is accented by blacked-out components including the engine and exhaust, a first for Royal Enfield. (Royal Enfield/)For additional information, interested buyers can head to Royal Enfield’s 120th Anniversary page.

“The 120th Year Anniversary Edition INT650 and Continental GT 650 have been designed and handcrafted by the company’s teams across the UK and India,” Royal Enfield said in a press release. “The exquisite brass badges are crafted in collaboration with the Sirpi Senthil family, multigenerational artisans from the temple town of Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. Particularly specialized in making the elegant brass effigies for the most revered temples in India for centuries, this is the first time that these artisans have collaborated with any automotive brand.”


The 120th Year Anniversary Edition INT650 and Continental GT 650 models will also get the legendary Royal Enfield hand-painted pinstripes. (Royal Enfield/)The black and chrome tanks were developed in-house at Royal Enfield’s original 1950s factory in Thiruvottiyur, Chennai, India. For the first time, the 650s will receive blacked-out styling on the engine, exhaust, and other elements. Other main highlights include hand-painted pinstripes, a badge on the tank carrying a serial number from 1 through 60, and 120th Anniversary side-panel decals.

The bikes will also arrive equipped with many parts from the Genuine Motorcycle Accessories category, such as fly screens, engine guards, heel guards, and bar-end mirrors.


Tanks are chromed at the company's original 1950s manufacturing factory in Chennai, India, using an eco-friendly alternate sustainable trivalent process. (Royal Enfield/)All else is pure Royal Enfield, including the familiar fuel-injected air/oil-cooled 648cc parallel-twin engine. The 650s’ claimed power is 47 hp at 7,250 rpm and 38 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,250 rpm.

A unique feature is the use of 18-inch spoked rims with Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp rubber, unfortunately not in a tubeless configuration. Royal Enfield offers a three-year unlimited-mile warranty for the bike, one of the longest standard warranties available on a new motorcycle.


Only 30 of these 120th Anniversary Continental 650s will be available in the United States. (Royal Enfield/)Only a few of Milwaukee-based Royal Enfield North America’s 150 dealerships will offer the 120th Anniversary Edition Continental 650 and INT650.