Royal Enfield is on a roll. They recently unveiled the Super Meteor 650 which is the third motorcycle using the tractable 648cc parallel-twin engine as its heart. Back in 2018, when the 650-twins came out we very well knew that the engine was flexible enough to be slapped onto a plethora of body styles. While the Cruiser is out, RE has been extensively working on a scrambler as well.
While that will take a bit more time to launch, Enfield did give us a sneak peek of what to expect from the scrambler, in the form of two custom builds. In collaboration with Bikerbnb (an adventure tour organizer from the UK) and Harris Performance (RE's in-house performance division), RE has created two purpose-built "Highland Scramblers" based on the INT650s.
The suspension, brakes, tires, and even riding position have been tweaked to take on the roads less traveled. With a slew of custom-built elements and a cool visual makeover, Bikerbnb uses these two scramblers to explore the great unknown. And we are particularly interested in these builds because of Royal Enfield's involvement.
Royal Enfield joins hands with adventure tour organizers - Bikerbnb, to create two purpose-built "Highland Scramblers" from the INT650; Also giving us hints on what to expect next!
Two INT650-Based Scramblers To Explore The Scottish Highlands
These two cool-looking Royal Enfield scramblers have been custom-made to be the perfect go-anywhere machines. More precisely, these stylish scramblers have been modified to conquer the trails and roads of the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
Both machines are based on the Royal Enfield INT650 (known as the Interceptor 650 around the world) which is currently one of the meatiest and affordable parallel-twin-engined retro-vibing motorcycles you can buy in the US.
Major Suspension, Brake, And Tire Upgrades To Take A Beating
These scramblers have been modified in both style and purpose. Royal Enfield and Bikerbnb went deep into the details to fine-tune the machine and its various custom components and prepare it for the roads lesser traveled. The most important upgrade comes in the form of the Ohlins suspension setup at both ends.
The front gets an upside-down unit and the rear continues to flaunt a twin-shock setup. Harris Performance has tuned and re-valved the suspension layout with a set of custom yokes to make gliding through water bodies and rough patches a breezy affair.
The Harris gang also added in a custom off-set headstock bearing cup to increase the rake angle. A custom front spindle bush was also added to reduce the trail angle. The original 18-inch wheels have been swapped with a set of 19/17-inch Hagon stainless steel units for the front and rear respectively. Also elevating riding confidence are Pirelli Rally STR tires. The scramblers also get superior biting power thanks to Brembo brakes.
The Highlanders Get A Cozy Layout For Long Saddle Times
On first look, the Bikerbnb scramblers are a lot similar to the stock INT650 in design. But these have been ever-so-slightly modified to provide for a more comfortable riding stance, both on and off the roads.
The tank is slightly pushed backward to increase the Highland Scramblers' steering angle clearance. The handler bar is swapped with a set of high-rise ProTaper EVO flat track units. These handlebars have been extended to the rider further with the use of Harris Performance risers.
Couple that with a custom-made gel seat from Tom Hurley, these scramblers can be your perfect off-road companion for long tours. Elevating its touring credentials is a new luggage rack with a set of saddlebags from Longride.
The "Highland Scramblers" Gets A Cool Visual Makeover
These custom scramblers have a unique visual appeal of being aggressive and calm. The aggression is all thanks to its raised stance and knobby tires. It is further elevated with a custom enduro-style front fender. Other clever off-the-shelf parts also add to its custom appeal like the Royal Enfield Himalayan windshield, and the touring rearview mirrors from Royal Enfield's own catalog.
The headlight assembly has also been swapped out with a Koso Thunderbolt LED unit which is enclosed in a custom 3D-printed enclose that gets a handmade grill. The motorcycles are painted in a soothing shade of white, overlayed with various blue-and-white liveries. Most of the mechanical components are blacked out using the Cerakote coating.
These Off-Road-Ready INT650s Packs Clever Electronics
While most of the electronics have been untouched, Royal Enfield did add in a pinch of cool stuff. The dual-pot analog instrument cluster has been swapped for a compact digital Motogadget unit. And there are no physical keys for these bikes.
Instead, RE has equipped them with RFID fobs from Motogadget. Apart from the headlight, the turn signals have also been swapped for a cool set from Kellermann. The rear turn signals double up as taillights as well.
Subtle Performance Tweaks Thanks To S&S Cycle
The only notable change on the performance front is very subtle and that is because of the 2-to-1 S&S Cycle's exhaust system. It helps shave a few pounds off the stock dual exhaust setup and thus helps these modified INT650s pounce quicker. The air-and-oil-cooled 648cc twin-cylinder engine continues to churn out 47 hp and 38 lb-ft of torque.
Highland INT650 Scramblers Give Us A Taste Of The Future
These INT650-based scramblers intrigue us because it gives us a taste of what's next from Royal Enfield. The motorcycle maker has a lot of new bikes lined up for the next few years, and a scrambler with the INT650's parallel-twin engine is very much on that list. This custom project in collaboration with Bikerbnb might just be RE's sneaky way of testing out their future scramblers!
Sources: Royal Enfield Europe, Bikerbnb,