Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Review

The motorcycle industry is currently going through a renaissance. For manufacturers, a changing political, financial and social landscape is forcing a subtle shift towards cheaper and smaller bikes. Some might interpret this as a negative, but there are signs it could be the beginning of an exciting new age of motorcycling. Take the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, for example.

Launched in 2018 alongside its twin, the Interceptor 650, the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a café-racer-style machine powered by a learner-approved 648cc parallel-twin engine. Built in India, it is a simple bike that forgoes all but the necessary modern technology. And it checks in at the bargain price of $9990.

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Alarm bells...

Not so long ago, alarm bells would be ringing. Manufacturers once looked to developing markets like India and China to reduce costs, and the result was often cheap and somewhat less-than-reliable motorcycles. Royal Enfield itself has had its fair share of issues over its long history, but times are changing.

I once dreamed owning expensive, high-performance motorcycles packed with modern technology. A low-power, cheap and basic machine wasn’t part of my plans. But I now look at the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 as a bike I would buy. Sure, it isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s a bike that I can afford, and one that is incredibly fun to ride. More people are starting to think the same way.

The reality is that motorcycling has struggled in recent years. Rising costs of ownership and changing social attitudes, among other factors, mean fewer people are buying bikes, at least when it comes to big-dollar, high-performance models. Riding a motorcycle isn’t as appealing for young folk like it was in the '50s and '60s. But I am of the belief – and I don’t think I’m the only one – that these more affordable smaller-capacity machines could attract a new generation of riders, and help arrest that downward trajectory.

The Continental GT 650 is a bike I would seriously consider buying

History lesson

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (and the Interceptor 650 for that matter) is evidence that Royal Enfield is coming of age, and is part of the changing of the guard in the motorcycle world. It’s a strange thing to say for a brand that dates back to 1901, but a quick look at the past reveals why Royal Enfield has taken so long to get its act together.

Royal Enfield, as we know it today, started life in 1955 as Enfield of India. The original Royal Enfield dates back to 1891, when a couple of Redditch locals purchased a sewing needle company. The first ‘Royal Enfield’ motorcycle came in 1901 and the company went on to play an integral role in the rise of Britain as a motorcycling superpower.

Enfield of India was born when India’s Madras Motors was granted a licence to produce Royal Enfields for the Indian market. The Redditch-based Royal Enfield closed its doors for good in 1970, but Enfield of India carried on. The company was taken over by Eicher Motors in 1994 and it adopted the Royal Enfield name.

Until recently, the Chennai-based company has focused on the domestic market, becoming India’s most popular motorcycle brand. But under the guidance of CEO Siddhartha Lal, Royal Enfield has now set its sights on global domination, and models like the Continental GT 650 are its launch pad.

Style for days

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 oozes heritage. It may be built in India, but the spirit of Redditch runs through its veins. In fact, sit it next to the original 1965 Continental GT and you might have to do a double take. A modern paint scheme and a smattering of modern technology give up the game, but the Conti GT 650 feels very much like a classic bike.

All the cool kids use the term ‘modern classic’ these days, but it almost doesn’t apply here. The Continental GT 650 not only has vintage styling, it also has a vintage mindset. The café racer scene of the '60s ended well before I arrived on this planet, but I imagine the experience back then is not that far removed from the experience of riding the Continental GT 650 today.

Engine torque

At the heart of the Royal Enfield Continental 650 GT is a 648cc air/oil-cooled, fuel injected, parallel-twin engine that is paired with a six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch. Unveiled in 2017 at the company’s then-new R&D centre in the UK, the engine utilises modern technology, but maintains distinct classic simplicity and styling.

Producing 47hp at 7100rpm and 52Nm of torque, the Continental GT 650 isn’t going to set any records, but if you look past the human race’s preoccupation with top speed, you might realise that this engine is incredibly enjoyable.

The power is super-smooth and linear – perfect for learners. And with most torque available between 3000rpm and 4000rpm, it actually has a lot of punch and flexibility. Things start to noticeably drop off after 4000rpm, but that shouldn’t wipe the smile from your face. Besides, as they say, it’s fun to ride a slow bike fast.

The six-speed gearbox afforded smooth gear changes for the most part, if a little clunky on occasions. My biggest gripe was the cable-actuated clutch lever, which left me with severe wrist pain after a few hours of riding. Maybe my Ctrl-Alt-Del hands weren’t up to the challenge, but the clutch lever does require a big squeeze.

Attack position

True to the café racer style, the bike has an attacking ride position with an inclined stance to reach the clip-ons. I usually prefer a more upright riding position, as found on the Interceptor 650 with its traditional handlebar, and the Continental GT 650 falls somewhere in between that and full race mode. The ride position allows you to really push the bike to its limits in the twisties, placing more weight over the front wheel, but it's not a comfy proposition for all-day riding, an aspect not helped by its firm seat.

Suspension is taken care of by a non-adjustable 41mm fork and twin shocks with preload adjustment. The set-up was relatively firm, while still compliant enough to provide a good level of comfort. Firm suspension is my preference anyway, as it gives the bike a sporty nature and offers plenty of feedback.

The bike didn’t feel particularly agile though. At 198kg, it’s not a heavyweight, but it did feel a little heavy to turn. The upside is that it requires more rider input to muscle the bike around, and this just adds to the unique riding experience. Bikes that run on autopilot lack interactivity, and the GT 650 cannot be accused of that.

Perfect imperfections

With a sub-$10,000 bike, there are bound to be some imperfections. The ByBre (Brembo subsidiary) brakes with ABS leave a bit to be desired, the Monza-style fuel cap isn’t hinged, the mirrors blur readily and the sidestand position is one of the worst designs I’ve seen – you have to angle your foot underneath the foot peg to kick it down. That’s not to mention the dodgy fuel gauge, the lack of a clock and the uncomfortable seat (wait, I did mention that)...

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is far from perfect, but that is part of the reason why I want one. Motorcycle design has reached a point where bikes are losing their soul. It’s why the vintage scene has exploded – people want to go back to when bikes weren’t perfect and when riding them was an art. Nowadays, it’s about who has the biggest bal…err… engine.

The verdict

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is pure motorcycling. It offers a visceral riding experience and its classic café racer style make it very easy on the eye. Its hybrid British/Indian roots lend it a quirky but endearing character and you can’t argue with the price tag. You might not be faster than old mate on his 200hp Kawazuki, but I dare say you’ll be having just as much fun.

Yes, the motorcycle industry is changing. Soon more companies may well value affordability and character over performance and technology – they now realise that, in order to survive, they must think outside the box. It is why companies like KTM, Triumph and BMW, among others, are looking to India for viable manufacturing partnerships.

With reliability and quality improving, India’s global stature in the motorcycle world is growing rapidly, and Royal Enfield and the Continental GT 650 are at the forefront. Now, where can I place my order?

Specs: Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 

ENGINE
Type: Air/oil-cooled, SOHC, eight-valve, four-stroke parallel-twin
Capacity: 648cc
Bore x stroke: 78mm x 67.8mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 47hp (34.6kW) at 7100rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 52Nm at 4000rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Tubular steel double cradle
Front suspension: 41mm fork, non-adjustable
Rear suspension: Twin shocks, adjustable for preload
Front brakes: Single 320mm disc with twin-piston caliper, ABS equipped
Rear brake: Single 240mm disc with single-piston caliper, ABS equipped
Tyres: Pirelli Phantom Sport – 100/90-18 front, 130/70-18 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 198kg
Seat height: 790mm
Wheelbase: 1400mm
Length: 2122mm
Fuel capacity: 12.5 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $9990 ride away
Colours: Black Magic, Ventura Blue, Mister Clean, Dr Mayhem or Ice Queen
Web: www.royalenfield.com.au