In November 1901, Royal Enfield launched its first motorcycle at the Stanley Cycle Show in London, kickstarting the journey of what would become the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production. It is marking the milestone with Royal Enfield 120th Anniversary Edition Twins, special-edition versions of the INT 650 and Continental GT 650.
A limited run of only 480 units worldwide – 120 in each of its four regions, split equally among INT 650 and Continental GT 650 models – will make these highly desirable. North America will receive 120 units of the 120th Anniversary Edition Twins (60 INT 650s and 60 Continental GT 650s), and they will be available in early 2022.
The 120th Anniversary Edition INT 650 and Continental GT 650 have been designed and handcrafted by the company’s teams in the U.K. and India. Along with exclusive black and chrome color schemes and a selection of factory accessories, these limited-edition anniversary models feature artisan-crafted die-cast brass tank badges and classic Royal Enfield hand-painted pinstripes.
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The exquisite brass badges are crafted in collaboration with the Sirpi Senthil family, multi-generational 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 unique, rich black-chrome tank color scheme has been developed in-house, at Royal Enfield’s original 1950s-era manufacturing factory in Thiruvottiyur, Chennai, India. The motorcycles are chromed with an alternate, sustainable trivalent eco-friendly process. To complement the black chrome tanks, both the Continental GT 650 and INT 650 will feature blacked-out components, with the engine, silencer, and other elements in an array of black color schemes.
The motorcycles will also come equipped with a range of Royal Enfield Genuine Motorcycle Accessories, such as flyscreens, engine guards, heel guards, touring and bar-end mirrors, and others in a black finish to accent the overall design.
In addition to unique hand-painted pinstripes, the tank top badge will feature the unique serial number of each motorcycle indicating that it is 1 of 60 unique motorcycles in one of the four regions around the world. Additionally, the motorcycles will also adorn a side panel decal that is a special ode to Royal Enfield’s 120 years.
“Few brands can celebrate the kind of legacy and history that Royal Enfield has enjoyed over the last century and a lot of this legacy is from the immense love the brand has received from riders through the ages,” said Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director of Royal Enfield’s parent company, Eicher Motors Ltd. “There was simply no better way of celebrating this milestone than sharing a piece of it with our consumers around the world. We are delighted to bring the 120th Anniversary Edition 650 Twin motorcycles to enthusiasts around the world, and share the brand’s legacy with them. Both the INT and the Continental GT are hugely successful around the world today, as they were in the 1960s, and truly represent our heritage of making simple and enjoyable motorcycles.”
Inspired by the legendary Royal Enfield Interceptor 750 and Continental GT 250 of the 1960s, these motorcycles have been instrumental in the brand’s global expansion and success in recent years, making them the obvious choice for the 120th Anniversary Editions.
For more information, visit royalenfield.com/120thedition.
Way cool looking!
Maybe it’s just me, but I think the standard INT650 and Continental look better. I am really, really sick of the whole “matte black” look we’ve seen on so many bikes over the last several years. IMHO a motorcycle should look bold and bright, and stand out from the crowd, not this blacked out nonsense.
I agree, sometimes they go a little too far on this stuff.
I’d like to see a RE 650 cruiser similar to the Triumph Speedmaster; not a wannabe cafe racer. In fact, sign me up if they make one.
I think they have gone too far with the black out treatment.