Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Review (2019)
What Is It?
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a premium retro style bike and is powered by a Euro 5 compliant air / oil cooled 648 cc parallel twin engine, producing 47 bhp at 7,250 rpm and maximum torque at 5,250 rpm. An impressive 80% of the torque is available from just 2,500 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Low (793 mm / 31.2 inches)
- Weight: Heavy (208 kg / 459 lbs)
- Economy: Good (65 mpg / 4.3 l/100km / 23.0 km/l)
- Range: High (180 miles / 290 km)
- Power to Weight: Low (0.226 bhp/kg / 0.169 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: High (110 mph / 177 km/h)
Pros
- Sporty rather than extreme riding position
- Lots of retro style for the money
- Low beginner friendly seat
- Easy to customise
- Soundtrack
- Engine
Cons
- Not the most advanced technology
- No gear position indicator
- Seat comfort
- Heavy
- Tyres
What Is It Like?
Tell us a bit about you
I'm a 49 year old female, 5.4ft tall. I've had my full licence since aged 23 and owned / repaired / sold on many motorcycles.
Why did you choose it?
I have always liked Royal Enfields, having owned a few bullets and a Himalayan. It was reasonably priced and a basic motorcycle without too much tech on apart from ABS. I ride a motorcycle to get away from gizmos.
What is good about it?
It's a very capable engine and looks good. It sounds lovely with stainless steel exhausts and is fast enough for me using the gears as intended. If you are in the mood it is quite happy to cruise about being lazy with the gearchanges.
Customisation to suit the rider is possible on a modest budget and it's pure motorcycling fun without gizmos and economical to run.
What could be improved?
The stock tyres are not great and they seem to tramline. The continental tank holds slightly less fuel than the Interceptor.
Any mods or upgrades?
- Interceptor top yoke with Himalayan bars
- Fork gaitors
- Height adjustable rear shocks
- Modified seat
- Denali spot lights
- Raised front mud guard
- Small engine guards
- Rear rack with top box
- Givi pannier rails
- Stainless steel exhaust pipes
- Heidenau K60 Scout tyres
I have modified my motorcycle to fit me and to be suitable for my work commute. I have the GT version as the tank and footpegs suited my riding position better.
What is the economy like?
I'm seeing 60- 70 mpg.
How is the engine?
The engine is versatile with lots of torque and reminds me of a V-Twin.
How does it handle?
It handles well on better tyres.
What are the brakes like?
Good.
Is it comfortable?
Yes as mine is modified to suit. The motorcycle and parts are reasonably priced so it's not much extra to change things so that you get the bike how you want it.
How reliable have you found it?
Very reliable.
What's the servicing frequency and cost like?
Good and you can probably do it yourself as it's a basic bike.
To Sum Up
The Royal Enfield Continental GT represents good value for money, it's well made, easily customised, good looking and fun.
- Heidi N, 2021
Price Guide
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.