Royal Enfield is celebrating its 120th year of motorcycle production with a pair of very special 650 twins to mark the occasion.
The 120th Year Anniversary edition Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 have been designed and handcrafted by the company’s teams across the UK and India, and both feature a number of key differences from their base counterparts, many of which are hand-crafted. Royal Enfield has assigned 120 examples to each region Royal Enfield operates in, with 480 examples to be built and split across the global market.
Of the 120 allocated to the Asia Pacific region (that's Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Japan, Korea and the Philippines) 60 of these bikes are confirmed to heading to Australia and New Zealand.
Given their exclusivity, the bikes are priced accordingly and start at $14,990 for the Interceptor 650 120 Year Anniversary Edition, while the Continental GT version ups the price to $15,590. Both prices include GST and are backed by a three-year warranty and three-year roadside assist package from Royal Enfield Australia and New Zealand.
Setting the 120th Anniversary bikes apart is a unique black-chrome tank colour scheme which is contrasted by hand-laid pinstriping. Chroming isn't known for being eco-friendly, but Enfield is claiming that the bikes are chromed with an alternate, sustainable trivalent eco-friendly process.
To complement the black chrome tanks, both the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 will feature, for the first time, completely blacked out components, with the engine, exhaust and other elements all taking on a black hue. The bikes will also come equipped with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories such as flyscreens, engine guards, heel guards, touring and bar end mirrors amongst others in a black disguise to compliment the overall design.
One of the crowning jewels of the 120th Anniversary bikes proudly celebrates the brand's handcrafted traditions, with the bikes featuring a unique, handcrafted, die-cast brass tank badge. The brass badges have been made in collaboration with the ‘Sirpi Senthil’ family who are multi-generational artisans from the temple town of Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. Particularly specialised 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.
There are only 30 examples of each heading to Australasia, so if you want one you'll need to be quick to reserve your bike.