Royal Enfield (RE) Continental GT 650: Launched at Rs 2.65 lakhs (Ex-showroom) onwards

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is the new cafe racer styled motorcycle that has been unveild at the EICMA 2017. It has been launched today at a starting price of Rs 2.65 lakhs. With 3 new variants this is an all-new bike which has been built by the Indian bike maker. The cafe racer styled bike first made appearance a few years back, when Royal Enfield had launched the Continental GT 535. This time RE has upped the game and will be launching the Continental GT 650 in the Indian market as well. This bike uses an all-new 650cc engine too.

There have been many delays for the launch of the bike. Initially it was thought that both the 650cc bikes from RE will be launched everywhere together. But now after the Europe and North America launch the bike has been finally been launched in India.

This engine is a 650 cc twin cylinder engine which makes 46bhp of power and 52Nm of torque. It comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. Royal Enfield has been revamping its products and now is taking its fight to the bigger players like Harley Davidson and Triumph. These brands are natural to riders who want to upgrade from their Royal Enfields. The company now wants to retain its customers and hence it has developed a new engine that will power several bikes in the portfolio.

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 aims at enthusiasts in India and overseas markets, who want to buy a retro styled bike, however with a modern powertrain. Royal Enfield is a go to brand for many nostalgic customers. The Continental GT 650 will be a good option for those who love powerful cafe racers. What is the bike all about? When will it be launched in India? Read further to know more.

RE Continental GT 650 Launch Date in India

Royal Enfield has unveiled the new Continental GT 650 at EICMA. This bike will also come to India. The bike has been launched in India too. The bike is already under production and will first be exported to European markets.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Price in India

There is no news on the pricing as of now. However, we feel that the bike will bear a sticker price of about Rs 2.5 lakhs to Rs 3.5 lakhs. This will be quite an exciting price for a 650 twin. RE will try to target a new set of buyers, while also catering to existing looking for an upgrade.

The Standard version starts at Rs 2.65 lakhs, the Custom version costs Rs 2.72 lakhs and the Chrome version comes in a Rs 2.85 lakhs. All prices are Ex showroom.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Specifications

The engine is a new mill. This 650cc unit churns 46bhp of power at 7,100rpm and a maximum torque of 52Nm at 4,000rpm. It comes with 4-valves per cylinder. The engine has a compression ratio of 9.5:1. The present range of RE engine lack in terms of performance and this is what the new engine aims to address. Power will be given a preference over being economic.

The initial plan was to build a 600cc engine but that plan was squashed and Royal Enfield went and re-bored it to make it 648cc. The new engine will make the bike a better cruiser. It is a short stroke engine, so expect a good initial throttle response. This engine comes with a six-speed transmission, which is also something new for RE.

Royal Enfield is aiming very seriously at international markets with this bike. The Cafe Racer styling appeals to a set of people that the company is targeting. New and even experienced riders will find this machine attractive. This engine offers linear acceleration with a wave of torque backing it up. Thus, making it easier to ride. With a 270 degree angle of the crankshaft, the vibrations are minimal. The legendary thump of the Royal Enfield is not present in this bike, but it rumbles deep.

The design of the new engine is inspired from the 1948 500 Twin.The engine looks retro from outside but there is an all new modern air-cooled engine with an oil-cooler as well. It is a smooth cruising bike.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Brakes and Suspension

Disc brakes will be fitted at the front and also the rear. ABS will also be offered on this bike. In terms of suspension, tit will get elescopic front forks and gas charged twin rear shock absorbers

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Chassis

This is based on an all new frame.  The chassis is designed to manage the higher torque and keep the bike stable. This new chassis is wider and stronger too. The same chassis will be used to spawn more bikes.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Competition

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 will compete with the entry level offerings from Harley Davidson, Triumph, Benelli and Kawasaki. It will also in the future compete with the KTM based Husqvarana cafe racers and street racing bikes.

Also Read Husqvarna looking into the cafe racing market