🏍️ Royal Enfield Continental GT 650: Classic Café Racer with Modern Muscle
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is more than just a motorcycle – it’s a modern tribute to the golden era of café racers. With its timeless design, robust twin-cylinder engine, and retro-inspired ergonomics, the GT 650 offers the charm of a vintage bike with modern-day performance and reliability.
In this blog, we’ll explore the features, specs, mileage, pros and cons, price, and whether the GT 650 is worth buying in 2025.
🔧 Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Continental GT 650 is a 648cc, air/oil-cooled, parallel-twin engine that delivers:
- Power: 47 bhp @ 7,250 rpm
- Torque: 52 Nm @ 5,250 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch
- Top Speed: 160+ km/h
- 0-100 km/h: ~6.5 seconds
This engine is known for its smooth and linear power delivery, offering an exciting ride whether you’re cruising on highways or corner carving in the city.
🛠️ Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 648cc, Parallel-Twin, SOHC |
| Power | 47 bhp @ 7,250 rpm |
| Torque | 52 Nm @ 5,250 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed with Slipper Clutch |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.5 litres |
| Mileage (Real World) | 22–25 km/l |
| Kerb Weight | 211 kg |
| Brakes | Disc with Dual-Channel ABS |
| Front Suspension | 41mm Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Coil-over Shocks |
| Wheels | 18-inch Spoke or Alloy Wheels |
🎯 Key Features of the Continental GT 650
- ✅ Classic café racer styling
- ✅ Clip-on handlebars for a sporty stance
- ✅ Dual-channel ABS
- ✅ LED headlamp (2023 facelift)
- ✅ Alloy wheel variant (2023 update)
- ✅ USB charging port
- ✅ Beautiful color options including Slipstream Blue, Rocker Red, British Racing Green, and Mr. Clean (Chrome)
🏁 Riding Experience
The Continental GT 650 delivers a unique experience – low-slung, aggressive riding posture with solid straight-line stability. It’s made for spirited riding on twisty roads and highway stretches. The bike is not ideal for city traffic due to its weight and committed ergonomics, but for those who love corner carving and retro charm, this bike hits the sweet spot.
💰 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Price in India (2025 Updated)
| Variant Type | Ex-Showroom Price (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Standard Colors | ₹3.19 Lakh |
| Custom Colors | ₹3.29 Lakh |
| Chrome Edition | ₹3.45 Lakh |
On-road price varies from ₹3.50 – ₹3.85 Lakh depending on the city.
📊 Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Powerful and smooth twin-cylinder engine
- Iconic café racer look
- Great exhaust note
- Excellent highway performance
- Value for money in the 650cc segment
❌ Cons:
- Stiff suspension on bumpy roads
- Aggressive riding position not ideal for long commutes
- Heavy in city traffic
- No TFT or Bluetooth display (misses modern tech)
⚙️ Modifications & Accessories (Optional)
- Aftermarket exhausts (Red Rooster, AEW)
- Custom seats for more comfort
- Bar-end mirrors or LED indicators
- Tank grips and frame sliders
- Touring mods (flyscreens, saddlebags)
🏁 Competitors
- Interceptor 650 (from RE itself, more upright)
- KTM Duke 390 (more modern, aggressive)
- Benelli Leoncino 500
- Kawasaki W800 (premium retro option)
🔚 Is the Continental GT 650 Worth Buying in 2025?
Yes, if you’re someone who appreciates retro design, solid build quality, and the feel of a proper twin-cylinder engine, the GT 650 is one of the best-value motorcycles in the 600–700cc category. It’s built for passion, not just practicality.
🔍 FAQs About Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
Q1. Is the GT 650 good for long-distance touring?
It can be, but the aggressive seating may cause fatigue. A touring seat can help.
Q2. Does the GT 650 have Bluetooth or navigation?
No, it has a classic analog-digital console with no smart features.
Q3. What’s the service cost of GT 650?
Annual maintenance is around ₹4,000–₹6,000 depending on parts used.
Q4. Is it better than Interceptor 650?
Both share the same engine. Choose GT 650 for sporty looks, Interceptor for comfort.
Punit-Khatri 
Leave a comment