Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is one of the most unique motorcycles you can buy in India today. It combines retro cafe racer design with a modern engine and a premium feel. This motorcycle has a strong character that many enthusiasts will appreciate. Let’s take a closer look at how the updated GT 650 performs and feels in the real world.

• The Continental GT 650 instantly reminded me of the 1960s cafe racers. It really feels like a piece of motorcycling history.
• The clip-on handlebars, sculpted tank, and upswept exhausts give it a serious, sporty vibe that makes every ride feel special.

• With the new alloy wheels, LED headlamp, and fresh colours like Slipstream Blue, the bike now looks both retro and refreshed.

• We loved the blacked-out engine and exhausts. They give a modern edge without losing the classic charm.

• The overall build feels rock solid. We didn’t notice a single loose panel or part, even after long rides.
• The switchgear feels premium to touch, and the paint quality shines beautifully under sunlight.

• The new alloy wheels with tubeless tyres made a huge difference. We didn’t worry much about punctures during long rides.
• The LED headlamp offers noticeably better visibility at night, especially on dimly lit roads or highways.
• Having a USB charging port is super handy; you can charge your phone even during all-day rides.
• The adjustable brake and clutch levers helped us fine-tune the controls to suit my comfort and riding style.

• Dual-channel ABS kicks in confidently during sudden braking, which adds a good layer of safety without being too intrusive.
• The twin analogue dials with a small digital screen are charmingly old-school, but still show the basics clearly.
• It displays the fuel level, odometer, and trip meters, providing enough information for everyday riding needs.

• We did miss a gear position indicator and range readout, especially during long stretches of highway riding.
• It’s not packed with tech, but we appreciated that it sticks to the essentials without overcomplicating things.

• The 648cc parallel-twin engine feels incredibly smooth in the city and offers enough grunt to cruise effortlessly at 100–120 kmph.
• We loved how torquey the motor is, you can ride at 50–60 kmph in 5th gear without any hesitation or juddering.

• The power delivery is clean and predictable, which makes highway overtakes feel easy without needing to downshift too often.
• There is some heat buildup in city traffic, especially near the thighs, but it’s nothing unmanageable.
• Only when we pushed it past 7,000 rpm did we feel some mild vibrations. But overall, it’s buttery smooth.
• The 6-speed gearbox is crisp and engaging; gear shifts are short and precise, which adds to the bike’s sporty nature.
• That said, the clutch is slightly on the heavier side. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, we did feel a bit of fatigue in our fingers.
• On city commutes, we managed around 20–22 kmpl. On longer highway rides, the mileage improved to about 24–28 kmpl.
• With its 12.5-litre tank, the bike gave me a practical range of 300 to 350 km before needing a fuel stop.

• The clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs give the GT 650 a sporty, crouched posture, which makes it feel exciting on open roads and through corners.
• At 804mm, the seat height is quite manageable; we didn’t have any trouble planting our feet at stops.

• That riding stance is fun for short blasts, but on longer rides or in traffic, it started putting pressure on my wrists and lower back.
• After about an hour, we definitely needed to take a break to ease the discomfort in my shoulders and core.
• During slow rides through traffic, we could feel engine heat on my thighs, especially in summer, which became noticeable.
• The pillion seat is really compact, and our passenger didn’t find it comfortable beyond 30–40 minutes.
• The high footpegs at the back also cause the pillion rider to sit in a very cramped, squat-like posture, which is not ideal for longer trips.

• The 41mm front forks and gas-charged rear shocks give the GT 650 a sporty feel, but they do ride on the firmer side.
• It takes small bumps and road imperfections well, though bigger potholes and speed breakers do send a jolt through the seat.

• The rear preload is factory-set at the third step, which is stiffer than the Interceptor 650 and adds to the sharper handling feel.
• It’s not the softest setup, but the payoff is better stability and cornering precision when you're riding spiritedly.
• At 211kg, the bike feels heavy to push around in parking or tight city spots, but once it’s moving, that weight just fades away.
• It feels surprisingly balanced and nimble on the road, and tipping into corners feels natural and confident.
• The new Vredestein tubeless radial tyres grip well in dry and wet conditions, and really help when leaning into bends.

• The 320mm front and 240mm rear discs offer solid stopping power, with bite that inspires confidence.
• The dual-channel ABS kicks in reliably, although it can feel a bit too eager under sudden, hard braking.
• Even at high speeds, the GT 650 remains composed and stable during braking, which instils considerable confidence during quick stops.

• You’re someone who absolutely loves the cafe racer vibe and old-school motorcycle charm, this one nails it on both fronts.
• It is a proper twin-cylinder bike under Rs 4 lakh that feels premium, performs well, and stands out from the crowd.
• However, if you prefer a relaxed and upright riding stance, the GT’s low clip-ons and rear-set pegs might feel too committed over time.
• Overall, it's a value-for-money bike and is very popular among young riders.