Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 – A Detailed Review

 

Introduction

When Royal Enfield launched the Continental GT 650, it wasn’t just introducing a new motorcycle—it was reviving an era. The GT 650 is more than just a machine; it’s a statement. A perfect fusion of classic café racer design with modern engineering, this bike has managed to create a solid space for itself in a competitive mid-weight segment. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the history, performance, ownership experience, maintenance, and real-world pros and cons of the GT 650.

History of the Continental GT 650

The name "Continental GT" isn’t new to Royal Enfield fans. The original GT was launched in 1965 as a 250cc café racer meant to appeal to the youth in the UK. It had the styling and spirit of British racing bikes of the 1960s and became a cult classic.

Fast forward to 2013, Royal Enfield reintroduced the Continental GT as a 535cc single-cylinder bike. Although it looked the part, it lacked the refinement and performance expected from a modern café racer.

Then came the game-changer: 2018, the launch of the Continental GT 650 alongside the Interceptor 650. This was the company’s first attempt at a twin-cylinder engine since 1970. With design inspiration from the café racer culture and a brand-new 648cc parallel-twin engine, the GT 650 was born—this time with the engineering to back its looks.

Design and Aesthetics

From every angle, the GT 650 screams retro cool. The low-slung handlebars, elongated fuel tank, rear-set footpegs, and optional single seat cowl make it a true-blue café racer. It’s not trying to be a modern naked or a sportbike—it’s proudly old-school with new-age touches.

Build quality has improved drastically over previous RE models. The fit and finish are solid, the switchgear feels premium, and the chrome elements look stunning, especially on models like the “Mr. Clean” (chrome tank variant).

Engine and Performance

Specs:

  • Engine: 648cc, air-oil cooled, parallel-twin

  • Power: 47 bhp @ 7250 rpm

  • Torque: 52 Nm @ 5250 rpm

  • Gearbox: 6-speed with slipper clutch

  • Top Speed: Approx. 170 km/h

  • 0-100 km/h: Under 6.5 seconds

The engine is the star of the show. It's smooth, torquey, and surprisingly refined. The twin-cylinder setup offers a very linear power delivery with no vibration up to 120 km/h, making highway cruising effortless.

Whether you're carving through twisties or cruising through traffic, the GT 650 feels balanced. The low-end torque is ample for city riding, and the mid-range punch ensures you enjoy every open stretch of road.

The slipper clutch works well, especially for aggressive downshifting, and the gearbox is precise and smooth.

Ride and Handling

Unlike the Interceptor 650, the GT 650 has a more aggressive riding posture. The clip-on handlebars and slightly rear-set pegs give you a committed riding stance, suitable for spirited riding but less comfortable on long journeys.

The bike feels planted at high speeds and stable while cornering. The Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres offer good grip, and the Harris Performance chassis makes handling sharp and responsive.

Suspension setup is slightly on the firmer side:

  • Front: 41mm telescopic forks

  • Rear: Twin coil-over shocks

While it absorbs bumps decently on smooth roads, it does feel harsh on bad patches.

Brakes and Safety

  • Front Brake: 320mm disc (ByBre caliper)

  • Rear Brake: 240mm disc

  • ABS: Dual-channel

Braking performance is adequate, though not razor-sharp. The ByBre brakes do the job, but could benefit from more initial bite. Dual-channel ABS works reliably without being too intrusive.

Fuel Efficiency

  • City: 22-25 km/l

  • Highway: 27-30 km/l

With a 12.5-litre tank, expect a real-world range of around 300 km. Not exactly fuel-efficient, but reasonable for a twin-cylinder 650cc motorcycle.

Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Service Interval: Every 5000 km or 6 months

Average Service Cost: ₹2,500 – ₹3,000

Spare Parts:

  • Oil Filter: ₹250

  • Air Filter: ₹400

  • Brake Pads: ₹600–₹900

  • Chain & Sprocket Kit: ₹3,000–₹4,000 (lasts around 18,000 km)

The GT 650 is relatively low-maintenance for a twin-cylinder motorcycle. Parts are reasonably priced, and Royal Enfield has improved its after-sales service significantly.

However, tyre replacement (Pirelli) is on the expensive side, and some users have reported rusting issues if not properly maintained—especially in humid regions.

Pros and Cons

✅ What’s Good:

  • Fantastic parallel-twin engine with smooth performance

  • Unique café racer styling; a real head-turner

  • Excellent value for money in the 650cc segment

  • Good highway capabilities

  • Strong aftermarket and modification community

  • Solid build quality compared to older RE models

❌ What’s Not So Good:

  • Aggressive riding posture can get uncomfortable on long rides

  • No LED headlamp or TFT console (still basic instrumentation)

  • Heat management in traffic could be better

  • Pirelli tyres are expensive to replace

  • Rear suspension feels stiff on bad roads

Who Should Buy the GT 650?

If you're someone who:

  • Loves classic design with modern engineering

  • Wants a bike that performs well on highways and twisties

  • Appreciates the café racer culture

  • Doesn't mind a slightly aggressive riding posture

  • Can manage a bit of heat and maintenance

Then the GT 650 is an absolute delight. It’s not for everyone, especially not for someone looking for a relaxed upright ride or high fuel efficiency—but for enthusiasts, this bike offers soul.

Final Verdict

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a bold, stylish, and surprisingly refined motorcycle from a brand once known for vibration-heavy cruisers. It’s a proper step into the modern motorcycling world for RE, without abandoning its retro roots.

While it's not perfect, it offers a unique blend of nostalgia, performance, and affordability that’s hard to match in its segment.

Rating: 8.5/10

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