Once again the next Royal Enfield Scrambler 650 has been tested

While we wait for the final details on the second generation Himalayan, which will be officially unveiled on November 7 at EICMA, several images are circulating of a model long desired by fans of the Indian brand. This is a scrambler variant based on the 650 twin-cylinder engine from the Intercetor and Continental GT, and images published by AutoStreet and Rushlane show us a bike that is practically production-ready.

As a reminder, the 650 twin-engine models arrived in 2018 and were immediately appreciated not only for their successful styling, but also for their mechanical functionality. We can say that the off-road customization of the Intercetor started immediately, and many people asked for a scrambler model that was more inclined to tackle some dirt roads. This version may finally be on the way, and we don’t know at the moment whether or not it will carry the Hiker name, which was seen by many as a link between the Intercetor and the Himalayan, and therefore also dedicated to touring.

From the images showing the tested prototype, it looks more like a traditional scrambler, aesthetically close to the rival Triumph Street Scrambler. As already mentioned, the engine appears to be the same 648cc, 47bhp twin in black finish, but the exhaust is a two-into-one. The twin rack frame and fuel tank also appear to be the same as the Intercetor. The front wheel, however, appears to be 19 inches (on the Intercetor it’s 18 inches). The fork is inverted and the rear shocks could be longer. The rear wheel appears to be 17″ and perhaps the brake disc could be larger.

There are certainly changes to the seat and side panels, which now sport the classic ‘very scrambler’ oval number plate, and the handlebars, which in trail style are taller and wider. There’s also different instrumentation, circular and flatter than the two clocks on the Intercetor, and reminiscent of the new Himalayan 452. Will we also see this scrambler in its final form in a few weeks’ time in Milan?