Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a remarkable product resemblance of the vintage cafe racer look and modern technology, a winning combination that perfectly embodies the rebellious spirit of the 1960s and helps to satisfy the demands of the contemporary riders. This mid-weight motorcycle is one of the bikes in Royal Enfield 650 Twin series and has garnered a dedicated audience owing to its looks, power and price making it a standout in a competitive market.
The Continental GT 650 is retro looking at a glance. The classic, cafe racer shape is recalled by its sculpted, 12.5-liter fuel tank, round LED headlamp and low-slung clip-on handlebars. The chrome accents on the engine and the twin exhausts coupled with the vibrant colors such as British Racing Green or Rocker Red make it an eye candy that attracts attention once it is parked, or on the move. Contemporary details such as high-end aluminum switch cubes, adjustable levers and cast alloy wheels with tubeless Pirelli Phantom Sport tires make the form match the functionality. The one-piece ribbed seat with optional cowl supports this bikes true café racer look but pillion comfort is an afterthought as it is a compact seat.
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The GT 650 is powered by a 648cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine which generates 47 horsepower at 7,150 rpm and 52 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm. The engine has a 270 degree crankshaft and counterbalancer shaft, which, combined with a slick six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch gives smooth power with little vibration. It can do 0-100 km/h in about 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 160-170 km/h, has sufficient grunt to make spirited rides and yet is approachable to commute to work everyday. The fuel-injected engine provides a sharp throttle response and the dual exhausts give off a deep throaty growl that adds to the riding pleasure, without drowning it out.
The bike has a tubular steel frame that is made in collaboration with Harris Performance which offers good balance and agility. The suspension is good in terms of its damping ability; 41mm telescopic fork up front, twin gas-charged adjustable preload rear shocks take care of bumps to give a comfortable ride on different roads. There is dual-channel ABS and disc brakes (320mm front, 240mm rear) which provide sure stopping power and the bike weight 202-214 kg wet weight in the low speed maneuvers can be heavy. The seat height is low at 804-805 mm and most people will find it easy to ride but the front leaning position, although exciting at short distances, can strain the wrists or the back during long rides. Longer rides can be made more comfortable by adding a touring-seat option and aftermarket accessories, such as taller handlebars.
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The fuel consumption is 18-31 kmpl with 18-20 kmpl being the city rider and 80km/h long highway riding extended to 28-31 kmpl. The twelve and a half liter tank offer the range of 250-300 km, so it is good to take weekend trips but long tours have to be planned. Available in India at a price of 3.18-4.3 lakh and the US priced at 5,999-6,349, the GT 650 is far more affordable than its competitors such as the Kawasaki Z650. Maintenance is cheap, services are about 150-250 dollars every 5,000 miles and Royal Enfield has a network of services all around the world so parts are easy to access. Although the Continental GT 650 has some minor cons such as a stiff seat and limited pillion, it has an incomparable style, performance, and price to offer, and thus, it can be called a modern classic because it allows riders to experience a pure café racer.
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