The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a modern interpretation of the classic café racer, blending timeless design with a powerful parallel-twin engine. It’s a motorcycle aimed at riders who value style, performance, and the nostalgia of the golden era of motorcycling. In this review, we will dive deep into the bike’s price, mileage, features, performance, and ownership experience, giving you a complete picture before you make a buying decision.
Table of Contents
Design & Styling – Retro Charm with Modern Touches
The GT 650 carries forward the authentic café racer DNA with its low-slung clip-on handlebars, sculpted fuel tank, and rear-set footpegs. Its long, narrow profile paired with minimalistic bodywork makes it instantly recognizable.
Key design highlights include:
- Teardrop-shaped fuel tank with Monza-style fuel cap
- Round halogen headlamp for vintage appeal
- Chrome and polished metal finishes
- Optional dual-tone and custom paint schemes
- Seat options: Single seat for a true café racer feel or a dual seat for practicality
The attention to detail in the paintwork, stitching, and metal finishes reflects Royal Enfield’s craftsmanship.
Engine & Performance – The Parallel-Twin Powerhouse
At the heart of the GT 650 lies a 648cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine, producing 47 bhp @ 7,250 rpm and 52 Nm of torque @ 5,250 rpm. This motor is smooth, refined, and delivers a strong mid-range punch, perfect for spirited rides.
Performance characteristics:
- 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch for smoother downshifts
- Top speed: Around 165 km/h
- 0–100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds
- Linear power delivery, ideal for city cruising and highway sprints
This engine is Euro5/BS6-compliant, ensuring low emissions while maintaining the signature exhaust note that GT 650 fans love.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency – Real-World Numbers
While the GT 650 is not aimed at hyper-mileage, it offers respectable fuel efficiency for its class.
- City mileage: ~22–24 km/l
- Highway mileage: ~27–29 km/l
- Fuel tank capacity: 12.5 litres (practical for weekend rides, but frequent refueling on long tours)
For a twin-cylinder 650cc motorcycle, these numbers are competitive.
Ride & Handling – Café Racer Dynamics
The Continental GT 650 features a double cradle steel frame, co-developed with Harris Performance, ensuring stability and precise handling.
- Front suspension: 41mm telescopic forks
- Rear suspension: Twin coil-over gas-charged shocks (adjustable for preload)
- Brakes: 320mm front disc & 240mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS
- Tyres: 18-inch spoke wheels with Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres
The riding position is aggressive yet manageable for short to medium rides. The stiffer suspension setup compared to the Interceptor 650 gives it a sportier edge.
Comfort & Ergonomics – For Passionate Riders
Being a café racer, comfort takes a slight back seat compared to its sibling, the Interceptor 650.
- Low clip-on bars create a forward-leaning position
- Firm seat for sporty riding but can get uncomfortable on long journeys
- Best suited for riders under 6 feet for an optimal posture
If you are planning extensive touring, handlebar risers or a touring seat can improve comfort.
Features & Technology
While the GT 650 is minimalistic in nature, it includes essential modern features:
- Dual-channel ABS for safety
- Slip-assist clutch
- Halogen headlamp with classic round design
- Analog speedometer & tachometer with small digital display for trip and fuel info
- High-quality switchgear with metal finish
Royal Enfield has stayed true to the retro ethos, avoiding flashy electronics.
Price & Variants – Value for Money in the Twin-Cylinder Segment
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 price in India starts from ₹3.19 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up depending on the color scheme and customization.
Variants include:
- Standard (Single-tone colors)
- Custom (Dual-tone paint)
- Chrome (Premium finish)
- Special Editions (Occasional limited runs)
For the performance and style it offers, the GT 650 remains one of the most affordable twin-cylinder motorcycles in India.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Beautiful café racer design
- Smooth and torquey parallel-twin engine
- Excellent stability and handling
- Competitive pricing for its segment
Cons:
- Aggressive riding position may cause discomfort on long rides
- Small fuel tank capacity
- Lack of advanced electronic aids
Verdict – Who Should Buy the GT 650?
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is ideal for riders who:
- Love classic café racer styling
- Value performance with everyday usability
- Want an affordable twin-cylinder motorcycle
- Enjoy weekend rides and short-distance spirited runs
If your riding involves mostly touring, the Interceptor 650 might be a better fit. But for style-conscious riders seeking performance with retro charm, the GT 650 is a solid choice.
