Royal Enfield known for their modern classic motorcycles is planning to revive the ‘Meteor’ nameplate which could be a future model. The ‘Meteor’ could be used in one of Royal Enfield’s future parallel twin motorbikes. This name was last seen in the post World War 2 era, with twin-engined Royal Enfields.
According to a media report, the parent firm Eicher Motors has already applied for the ‘Royal Enfield Meteor’ trademark rights in Europe. In India, the brand already has rights to the ‘Meteor’ name, since 2002. The entity wants to use the trademark on motorcycle fittings and parts. This may enable them to use the trademark on apparels as well. The application had no objections at the time of its filing in late February but the firm has to wait till 3rd of July 2019, in case other companies raise an objection to the trademark name.
The WW2 era Royal Enfield had a parallel-twin engined 500cc Meteor and a 700cc Super Meteor. These are the original predecessors to the early 60’s Royal Enfield Interceptor. In terms of styling, it was similar to the latest Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 which debuted in 2018 in India.
The outgoing Royal Enfield Interceptor is powered by a 648cc, air/oil cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, parallel-twin, SOHC engine that produces 47 BHP of power @ 7250 RPM and 52 Nm of torque @ 5250 RPM paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper assist clutch and twin throttle bodies with Bosch fuel-injection and engine management system.
The Royal Enfield Interceptor rides on a double cradle tubular steel chassis with 41mm telescopic front forks and twin coil-over shocks on the rear. The brakes are twin-piston Brembo derived callipers on a single 320mm hydraulic unit on the front and a 240mm rear disc equipped with Bosch dual-channel ABS system. The Interceptor is shod with Pirelli Phantom SportComp tyres on classic 18-inch spoke alloy rims.
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is available in the following colour options:-
Royal Enfield showcased the V-twin powered, 838cc, Concept KX in EICMA 2018 which is not likely to go into production anytime soon, but could be planning to use the 650 parallel-twin engine from the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 in this bobber category. If Royal Enfield creates a bobber styled motorcycle with the Meteor name it could rival the Triumph’s Bonneville Bobber, but of course at almost half the price.