If you’re dreaming of a bike that delivers vintage looks with modern performance, the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a gem worth considering. It’s designed for riders who appreciate classic café racer styling but still crave the reliability, speed, and comfort of today’s machines.
After the 2023 update, this bike isn’t just retro eye-candy—it’s a well-equipped, feature-loaded machine that blends nostalgia with practicality.
Engine
Powering the Continental GT 650 is a 648cc parallel-twin, BS6-compliant engine. It churns out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for spirited rides through twisty roads or relaxed highway cruising. The six-speed gearbox is smooth and responsive, making gear shifts effortless.
Despite weighing 211 kg, the bike feels planted and confident on the road. Whether you’re zipping through city traffic or stretching its legs on the highway, the Continental GT 650 holds its own, offering a stable and thrilling riding experience.
Mileage
Mileage isn’t the strong suit of any twin-cylinder engine, but the GT 650 manages to stay reasonable. Based on riding style and traffic conditions, riders typically report a fuel economy of 22 to 27 km/l. For a bike of this class, that’s pretty decent.
Pair this with its 12.5-liter fuel tank, and you’re looking at a range of around 270 to 320 kilometers on a full tank, which is great for weekend rides or even short tours.
| Riding Style | Expected Mileage |
|---|---|
| City | 22-24 km/l |
| Highway | 25-27 km/l |
| Mixed Use | 23-26 km/l |
Design
If design matters to you—and let’s face it, it does—the Continental GT 650 won’t disappoint. It screams vintage with its clip-on handlebars, twin-pod cluster, and rear-seat cowl, all reminiscent of classic café racers from the 1960s.
The 2023 update adds fresh visual appeal with new blacked-out color schemes like Slipstream Blue and Apex Grey, complete with alloy wheels and tubeless tires for a modern twist. Prefer the old-school spoke wheels? Go for colors like Mr Clean, British Racing Green, Rocker Red, or Dux Deluxe—all maintaining that retro charm.
Features
This year’s update wasn’t just cosmetic—it brought in some smart upgrades. The bike now features:
- LED headlight for clearer night visibility
- USB charging port to keep your phone topped up
- Updated switchgear borrowed from the Super Meteor 650
- Improved seat padding for better long-distance comfort
The rear tail light still remains halogen, and the twin-pod analog-digital cluster hasn’t changed either. But those untouched bits are part of what keeps the Continental GT’s old-school character alive.
Suspension
The GT 650 is built on a steel tubular double cradle frame, giving it a strong and stable backbone. It uses telescopic forks at the front and twin rear shocks that are preload adjustable. This suspension setup is tuned more for stability than outright plushness, which suits its café racer character.
With a 174 mm ground clearance, it can handle potholes and speed bumps without scraping, though it’s not a bike you’d want to take on rough, off-road terrain.
Performance
This is where the GT 650 truly shines. That parallel-twin engine delivers linear and predictable acceleration. It’s not overly aggressive, which makes it manageable, but it still delivers enough punch to keep you entertained. At high speeds, the bike stays composed, and thanks to the weight and frame, cornering is enjoyable and confidence-inspiring.
Whether you’re cruising at 100 km/h on the highway or slicing through urban traffic, the Continental GT 650 feels well-balanced and rewarding to ride.
Pricing
When it comes to value, Royal Enfield knows how to hit the sweet spot. The Continental GT 650 is available in three variants, all priced competitively for what they offer:
| Variant | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Standard | ₹3,49,212 |
| Alloy Wheel Variant | ₹3,71,513 |
| Chrome Variant | ₹3,77,663 |
Considering it’s a 650cc twin-cylinder bike, the GT 650 is one of the most affordable premium café racers available in India. It offers both style and substance without demanding a premium superbike-level price.
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a compelling package for anyone who wants a classic-looking motorcycle with the performance of a modern machine. It ticks all the right boxes—style, power, comfort, and value.
Whether you’re riding through twisty hills or cruising to a café on Sunday morning, this bike guarantees attention and enjoyment in equal measure. If you’re looking for an affordable entry into the retro-performance segment, the GT 650 deserves a serious look.
FAQs
Is Continental GT 650 good for beginners?
It’s powerful but manageable. Not ideal for complete beginners.
What is the top speed of GT 650?
The top speed is around 165 km/h under ideal conditions.
Does it have tubeless tires?
Only the alloy wheel variant comes with tubeless tires.
How is the seat comfort on long rides?
Improved seat design offers better comfort over long distances.
What is the mileage of GT 650?
Mileage ranges between 22 to 27 km/l depending on usage.
