Royal Enfield Continental GT 650: Performance, features and ride quality

Imagine a motorcycle so trusted that it was once dropped from the skies straight onto the battlefield. During the Second World War, Royal Enfield’s iconic 125cc Flying Flea was parachuted to the frontlines, playing a role in the largest airborne assault in history.

Fast forward to today, and that same legacy of grit and performance lives on. Launched in November 2017, the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 redefines the modern café-racer, fusing timeless retro styling with a powerful twin-cylinder engine that thrills true riding enthusiasts.

In this blog, take a closer look at the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650’s mileage, performance, features, and overall ride quality to discover why it continues to turn heads on every road.

Features, Performance and Design of Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

Features

1. Twin-cylinder 648cc engine that provides 47 Horsepower at 7150 RPM, a maximum torque of 52 Nm at 5250 RPM. 
2. The 6-speed gearbox with slip-and-assist clutch helps in smooth gear shifts and easier clutch work. It is particularly useful in traffic.

Performance

1. 25 KMPL Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 mileage makes this bike fuel-efficient compared to other café-racer bikes.
2. When it comes to highway speeds, the GT 650 can comfortably cruise; the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650's top speed is 169 kmph.
3. Since the bike runs on petrol, it is considered cost-effective among riders. 

Design

1. The bike has a classic café-racer styling, sculpted fuel tank, clip-on handlebars, a single seat and a sporty riding stance. All these qualities give it an aggressive vintage look.
2. Its alloy wheels, blacked-out engine finish and modern paint or trim options ensure that the bike does not look outdated.
3. There are twin exhausts that offer a satisfying thump.
4. A classic round head lamp, along with modern LED tail lamps, offers a combination of vintage and modern design.
5. Continental GT 650 colour options are Apex Grey, Slipstream Blue, Rocker Red and British Racing Green.

Build & Comfort

1. The bike has front telescopic forks and rear twin gas-charged shocks, offering balance, comfort and control across different road conditions.
2. The 820 mm seat height makes it easier for average-height riders to maintain a slightly sporty yet manageable posture on the road.
3. With a fuel tank capacity of 12.5 litres, the bike is a good option for both daily commutes and occasional long rides.
4. The instrument cluster remains a classic analogue-plus-digital (twin-pod) setup, preserving the café-racer purity.

Pricing

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is priced at ₹3,71,529 (ex-showroom, Chennai). However, the price differs based on colour variants, model specifications and city to city.

Personalisation

You have the flexibility to personalise your Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 by visiting the official website. There are three ways to customise, namely, Chrome, Standard and Blacked out.

Even though the latest iterations reportedly receive refinements like better seat padding, cleaner switchgear, a richer paint finish, and bar-end mirrors that blend retro charm with modern sensibilities, you can make it even better with this personalisation option.

Is the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Worth it in 2025, Based on its Ride Quality?

Whether it is a long highway cruise or spirited cornering, users give a positive riding experience with their Continental GT 650. Here are some popular pros and cons:

Pros of Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

1. The good chassis balance and suspension tuning offer a "planted" feel on corners and stable handling even with its heavy weight.
2. Tractable and refined engine feels with smooth power delivery and minimal vibration even during higher RPMs, is remarkable.
3. The dual disc and ABS offer confident braking, stable posture and adequate power, so users can cruise comfortably while enjoying open roads.

Cons of Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

1. The café-racer posture often makes it difficult to commute within the city during heavy traffic.
2. Its 214 kg weight makes push-and-pull parking challenging for some users.
3. Some users complain about pillion comfort.

Final Words

Knowing the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 mileage helps you make a more informed decision. With its café-racer styling, the bike is better suited for highway rides than daily commuting, so evaluate your budget and riding needs carefully. Staying traffic compliant is equally important; always carry your driving licence, PUC certificate, and insurance documents, and ensure your bike insurance is renewed on time.

Never miss your Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 bike insurance renewal with Bajaj General Insurance. We send timely reminders before the due date, helping you stay traffic compliant, even with a busy schedule.    

FAQs

Who are the authorised Royal Enfield bike dealers?

It is crucial to purchase your Royal Enfield bikes from authorised dealers only. Not only that, even if you want to perform regular maintenance servicing for your bike, it is best to find the authorised servicing centres near you. Visit the official website of Royal Enfield to find authorised dealers and service centres in your city.

Is the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 a café racer Bike?

Yes, a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a café racer Bike powered by a 648cc engine with 47 horsepower at 7150 RPM. It comes with a subtle aesthetic that turns heads with its blacked-out engine and exhaust fuse.

Is the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 good for long-term driving?

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 has strong power that is convenient for highways and twisty road driving up to 3 to 4 hours. However, when it comes to straight road driving for longer hours, its café racer design containing rear-set pegs, firm seat, limited luggage and clip-ons can cause wrist and back pain.

Which is the safest bike in India?

It is challenging to pinpoint a bike as the safest since the safety completely depends on the rider. Furthermore, it also depends on the road quality, the bike's performance, and capacity. Experts suggest getting bikes that come with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), such as the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, etc.

Why is the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 popular?

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, in one way, echoes its predecessor's style in a completely new yet authentic look. Whether it is the 36-spoke aluminium alloy rims or the ergonomics that help in reaching for the clip-on bars easily, the model makes driving comfortable.

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