KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The highlights of this motorcycle are its dual exhausts, 648 cc engine, and cafe racer design.
- Ex-showroom price of the standard variant is Rs 3.18 lakh.
- Not suitable for people with short height.
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is the sibling of the Interceptor 650, and both motorcycles have been popular in the Indian market for quite some time now. They are loved for their cafe racer looks and 650 cc twin - cyclinder roaring engine, which sounds better than some aftermarket exhausts. Today, I'll focus on the pros and cons of the Continental GT 650. How good is it? Should you buy it, or should you consider other options? Lets dive in without further ado. Meanwhile, be sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Pros
Twin Cyclinder 650cc Engine
The Continental GT is powered by a 648cc twin-cylinder air-cooled engine that produces 47 hp and 52 Nm of torque, perfectly suited for this large motorcycle. The power is more than sufficient, and once you ride it, you'll understand why it's called a cafe racer. On the other hand, it is quite smooth, which surprises people given that previous models were rough to ride. Refinement and performance are the biggest highlights of this engine.
Competitor Check: The Interceptor also has the same 650cc engine, and the overall performance of both bikes is similar. However, the Continental GT has a cafe racer stance, making it more focused on high-spirited riders.
Twin Exhaust Note
The exhaust sound of this motorcycle is to die for. Once you rev it, you'll fall in love and seek out roads where you can push it to its limits, letting the exhaust fully open up. It has a very distinctive sound, unlike any other motorcycle, and qualities like this make the Continental GT 650 a truly special bike. Additionally, the dual exhausts look absolutely fantastic, and this feature makes the motorcycle easily recognizable from a distance.
Competitor Check: Royal Enfield knows how good their bikes sound, and the same quality is also present in the Interceptor 650, which also delivers an impressive sound note. Also, it features a dual exhausts which are the reason for the beautiful harmony.
OG - Cafe Racer Looks
The number one reason anyone would want to buy this vehicle is because of its cafe racer design, which is completely different from any modern motorcycle, with a timeless appeal. Whenever it enters a public space, it's hard for people not to notice it. The sculpted fuel tank, retro-style headlamps, single-seat option, analog speedometer, and clip-on handlebars all contribute to its unique aesthetics.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Cons
214 Kg Weight
This bike is not suited for everyday commuting, which is why it is less visible on the roads. At 214 kg, it can be hard to balance, and shorter riders may find it difficult to maneuver in busy streets. Additionally, the ground clearance of 174 mm can be challenging for people of shorter stature. However, that heavy weight also provides high stability at top speeds. So, it's a give-and-take situation because, as we know, nothing is perfect in this world
Competitor Check: The RE Interceptor 650 has a kerb weight of 202 kg, which might not seem like much on paper, but in reality, it makes a significant impact. This weight helps provide stability and allows a wide range of riders to comfortably travel on this bike.
Aggresive Driving Position
Cafe racer motorcycles are not ideal for long travels, as the aggressive seating position can cause lower back pain for riders. Additionally, the pressure on the wrists can lead to discomfort. This is why people who own a Continental GT 650 typically use it only for Sunday morning rides and special occasions. love it or hate it, this characterisitic of the Continetal GT 650 makes it a special bike.
Competitor Check: The seat height of the Interceptor is 804 mm, and the seat has more cushioning, which adds to the comfort on long journeys. Overall, the Interceptor is a smart choice if you want a bike for more purposes than just riding fast.
No Tubeless Tire On Base Variant
If you love vintage design, be prepared to pay a price for it. This motorcycle doesn't offer tubeless tires in the standard variant, which costs Rs 3,66,555 on-road (Delhi). If a pin punctures the tire, you need to address the puncture immediately. This is a big problem because tubeless tires are now available on several entry-level commuter bikes that cost a third of this. Royal Enfield should make tubeless tires standard, considering the sky-high cost.
This adds to another con: it is an expensive machine to maintain. The fuel economy is poor, averaging around 25 to 28 kmpl, which is lower than some hybrid cars available today. Additionally, the ex-showroom price is Rs 3,39,000.
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Verdict
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is the type of bike that people buy without even checking it on the internet. Its road presence and thunderous sound are enough to attract customers to Royal Enfield showrooms. It is etched in the minds of people and belongs to the legendary category alongside the Yamaha RX 100 and Royal Enfield Standard.
That said, it is available in six different paint options, which affect its price, and comes with a range of accessories. The starting price is Rs 3.18 lakh, while the Chrome variant costs Rs 3.44 lakh ex-showroom.
