Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

Royal Enfield has launched the highly anticipated Continental GT 650 in the Indian market with prices starting at INR 2,65,000 (ex-showroom). 120 showrooms in India already have the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650's display and test ride units, and its bookings and sales there will commence at November15, 2018). Test rides are available at these showrooms today. Deliveries commence at the end of this month, but only in low volumes. Deliveries on a mass scale will start by January 2019.

The Continental GT 650 draws styling cues from the original Continental GT 250 cafe racer. It has been built around the same twin-cradle, tubular steel frame that underpins the Interceptor INT 650 as well and has been developed in conjunction with UK-based Harris Performance. The fuel capacity is 12.5-litre (approximately 1.2 litres less than the Interceptor INT 650).

The Continental GT 650 is aimed to deliver relatively sportier ergonomics compared to the roadster, achieved through clip-on style handlebars. The Indian-spec cafe racer comes with a longer seat instead of a cowl that is seen on the international-spec model. There is an arrangement to bolt on a rear cowl over the pillion seat using an Allen key.

The cafe racer shares its engine with the Interceptor INT 650. Thus, propelling tasks are performed by a brand new 648 cc, parallel-twin cylinder, air & oil cooled engine, SOHC engine that delivers 47 bhp of maximum power at 7,250 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 5,250 rpm. As much as 80 per cent of the peak torque is available from just 2,500 rpm. The six-speed gearbox benefits from slipper and assist clutch – a first on a Royal Enfield motorcycle.

Stopping power comes from a 320 mm single disc at the front and a 240 mm single disc at the rear. Bosch dual-channel ABS comes as standard. The Continental GT 650 will be available in five colour options – Black Magic, Ventura Blue, Mister Clean, Dr. Mayhem and Ice Queen. The motorcycle can be further customised with a list of official accessories. The optional accessories available for the 650 Twins include:

• Swingarm bobbins
• Front disc reservoir cap
• Fork gaiter kit
• Engine sump guard
• Large engine guard
• Small engine guard
• Compact engine guard
• Saddle stay kit
• Bar end caps
• Accessories specific for Continental GT 650 include:
• Single seat rider conversion
• Touring dual seat
• Bar-end mirror kit
• Short visor kit

The motorcycle rides on 18-inch, 36-spoke wheels wrapped in Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp tyres in the same specifications as the Interceptor INT 650. Check out the ex-showroom prices of the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 below:

• Continental GT Standard: INR 2,65,000
• Continental GT Custom: INR 2,72,500
• Continental GT Chrome: INR 2,85,000