Hello, I‘m Mohit, and I have been writing about the auto sector for the last two years. Being an ardent motorcycle enthusiast,I always search for motorcycles that blend style, performance, and affordability. One such motorcycle that keeps generating buzz is the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. The café racer has made a niche for itself in the Indian and international bike segment by providing retro style and contemporary power at a budget-friendly price. In this piece, I‘ll take you through the important facts, performance, look, and all that you want to know about this fashionably dressed bike.
Classic Design That Stands Out
The Continental GT 650‘s styling transports you directly to the 1960s café racer days. The long fuel tank, clip-on handlebars, rear-set pegs, and the single seat option make it look streamlined and menacing even from a stationary position. The slightly bent riding stance adds to its authentic racer feel. However, it is not aggressive enough to become unbearable on long rides.
The Continental GT’s finish and paint are of the highest quality. It comes in several colors ranging from bold to high-end dual-tone ones. The tank is shaped well, and chrome-plated exhausts at either end of the bike finalize the retro look.
Each and every detail, from the bulbous headlamp to the plain round mirrors and analog-style twin-pod instrument cluster, has been styled to provide a retro feel. But it never feels old. The overall quality of construction is strong, and you will experience it the moment you handle and ride the bike.
Engine That Delivers Smooth Power
The Continental GT 650 is driven by a 648cc parallel-twin, air-oil cooled motor. It churns out approximately 47 bhp of power and 52 Nm of torque. The motor is coupled with a 6-speed transmission which has a slipper clutch and gear shifts are smooth and light.
One of the best features of this engine is how smooth it is. The power delivery is straightline, and there is just a lot of torque at the mid-point of the range, so you don‘t have to constantly be shifting gears. If you‘re commuting in the city or cruising down the highway, the engine is just relaxed and sophisticated.
This twin-cylinder engine provides the bike with a distinct exhaust note that is deep and euphonic, particularly if you rev it a bit. It‘s not excessively loud but certainly audible. For the person moving up from a 150cc or 200cc motorcycle, the Continental GT 650 provides a mammoth leap in performance without becoming overwhelming.
Ride and Handling: Built for Enthusiasts
What distinguishes the Continental GT 650 from most bikes in its class is how it handles. Owing to its café racer styling, the bike is a lot more compact and responsive. The clip-on handlebars and rear-set pegs provide a sporty riding position. This makes the GT 650 a lot of fun to ride on twisty roads.
The chassis is solid and balanced, making you feel secure enough to lean on corners. It handles well planted and stable even at higher speeds. The bike is a bit on the heavy side weighing about 200 kg, but once you are underway, it doesn’t feel so.
The suspension arrangement is straightforward but effective. You have conventional telescopic forks at the front and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. The arrangement is on the stiffer side, which is appropriate for the sporting character of the bike. On smooth roads, it is just perfect. On rough roads, you may experience a few jerks, but nothing too uncomfortable.
Braking is taken care of by disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS. Brakes are good in feedback and bring the bike to a stop confidently. There are no high-end Brembos here, but the system works well enough for everyday riding and spirited highway use.
Comfortable for Short Rides, Okay for Long Trips
As a café bike, the Continental GT 650 is designed for shorter enjoyable rides and not for long touring. The riding position is a bit committed, and that tends to give a little wrist and back strain if you ride for several hours. That said, most owners do take this motorcycle on extended tours with a few tweaks such as handlebar risers or padded seats.
The pillion seat itself is adequately cushioned for a single rider. There is also an available dual-seat option if you‘re bringing a pillion, but the single-seat arrangement is more vintage-looking and liked by purists. In general, if your top priority is weekend commuting or urban commuting with a fashionable motorcycle, the GT 650 is just right.
Fuel Efficiency That‘s Decent for a 650cc Bike
Under real-world conditions, the Continental GT 650 provides fuel efficiency of 22 to 27 kmpl based on how you ride. On highways, with constant speeds, you may get as much as 28 kmpl. In traffic within the city, it falls slightly. For a twin-cylinder 650cc motorcycle, this is really good.
Fuel tank capacity is 12.5 liters, so you can expect a range of about 250-300 km on a full tank. That will do for weekend outings or city hops.
Features and Technology
The Continental GT 650 remains true to the basics and does not attempt to wow you with too many electronics. You won‘t find a touchscreen or riding modes in this bike. What you do have is a twin-pod instrument cluster that houses analog speedometer and tachometer along with a tiny digital readout of odometer, trip meter, and fuel gauge.
You also have a plain switchgear layout, electric start, hazard lights, and dual-channel ABS. There are USB charging ports on some models now, and Royal Enfield‘s Tripper navigation pod can be had as an accessory. It‘s a minimalist approach, and many riders like that because it keeps the riding experience uncomplicated.
Pricing That Offers Value
One of the strongest points of the Continental GT 650 is its price tag. In India, it begins from ₹3.19 lakh (ex-showroom), which is phenomenal for a 650cc twin-cylinder bike. When you compare this with other bikes in this category, and particularly international brands, you will see that the GT 650 offers great value for money.
Even though it is economical, it does not sacrifice much on quality or performance. That is one of the reasons why this bicycle is popular not only in India but also in Europe and the USA.
Easy to Customize and Modify
Another best thing about the GT 650 is that it is extremely easy to customize. Royal Enfield has ensured that this bike is customizable to your tastes. You can have bar-end mirrors, custom exhausts, alternate seats, tank pads, and so forth. There are numerous aftermarket parts too.
This bike is ideal for anyone looking to create a one-off café racer without shelling out a king’s ransom. Either for personal achievement or simply to be different, the GT 650 provides that creative liberty.
Read more about GT650:https://www.royalenfield.com/in/en/motorcycles/continental-gt/
Disclaimer:
The data in this article is based on our personal experience and official specs available till date. Prices, features and specs could change with location and manufacturer updates. Kindly visit your local dealer for the latest information prior to a purchase decision.