Royal Enfield Continental GT – A Dream Bike or Overrated?
Royal Enfield is not just a bike brand in India anymore. It has now become famous in many countries around the world. Outside India, places like England and the USA have a huge demand for Royal Enfield motorcycles. Among all the models, one bike that has a crazy fan following is the Royal Enfield Continental GT.
Young riders in India treat this bike almost like love at first sight. Some say that if they had to choose between buying this bike or keeping their girlfriend, they would happily choose the bike! That is the kind of craze this motorcycle has.
The price of the Royal Enfield Continental GT in India is around ₹4.30 lakh. Even though it’s expensive, many people still buy it without thinking twice. But here’s the big question — after buying it, do you really get your money’s worth?
I personally do not own this bike, but after looking closely at its price, engine, and features, I feel that they do not match perfectly. In my opinion, if the bike was priced around ₹3.50 lakh, it would have been a very decent purchase.
Still, for many riders, dreams are dreams. Once you dream about a bike, you don’t care about the price or the features — you just want to make that dream come true. That is why many riders still go for the Continental GT even if it’s a little overpriced.
Heavy and Not Easy in the City
The Royal Enfield Continental GT has a 650cc engine and weighs around 225 kg. On highways, it is smooth, but in heavy city traffic, it can be a big challenge to handle.
Also, one of the main complaints from riders is about vibration. This bike produces noticeable vibrations at certain speeds. If you ride it for too many hours, your hands might feel numb or tired. That means it’s not the most comfortable bike for very long continuous rides.
What’s Good?
Now, to be fair, this bike does have some strong points. Its power and engine build quality are excellent. In fact, the engine is so reliable that many riders joke it will last for 100 years without giving up.
The sound of the bike is another big reason for its popularity. Older Royal Enfield models used to have a deeper and louder exhaust note, but even now, the Continental GT still has a satisfying sound that turns heads when you ride by.
Design – A King on the Road
If we talk about looks, the Continental GT is a king. It has a true café racer style design — aggressive yet elegant. When you see it parked, you can’t help but admire its sporty yet classic lines. Many riders buy it mainly for its style and presence on the road.
However, when it comes to features and speed, it’s not the fastest or most advanced bike in its price range. But for Royal Enfield fans, the design and heritage matter more than just numbers.
1. Engine – 648cc Parallel-Twin
The Continental GT comes with a 648cc parallel-twin engine. This means it has two cylinders working together, giving more smoothness and power compared to single-cylinder bikes. This engine is perfect for highway cruising and gives a stable performance. It is also air-and-oil cooled, which keeps it from overheating even on long rides.
2. Power – Around 47 Horsepower
The bike produces about 47 hp of power. This is more than enough for highway speeds and overtaking easily. It may not be as powerful as a superbike, but it is more than enough for Indian roads and most riding conditions. This power also gives a quick acceleration, so you can enjoy spirited rides.
3. Weight – 225 kg
The bike is heavy, and that weight gives it stability at high speeds. But in city traffic or while parking, you might feel the weight. New riders or shorter riders may find it a little difficult to handle in tight spaces.
4. Gearbox – 6-Speed Manual
The Continental GT has a 6-speed gearbox. This means you get smooth shifting and better fuel efficiency when riding at higher speeds. The extra gear helps in keeping the engine relaxed during long rides, which also improves comfort.
5. Brakes – Disc with ABS
The bike comes with disc brakes on both front and rear wheels and dual-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). This gives better stopping power and safety, especially during emergency braking. Even if the road is slippery, ABS prevents the wheels from locking up.
6. Mileage – Around 25–30 km/l
For a 650cc bike, the mileage is decent — about 25–30 kilometers per liter. This is not as fuel-efficient as smaller bikes, but for the performance and size of the engine, it is acceptable. Of course, if you ride aggressively, the mileage can drop.
Extra Information
Fuel Tank Capacity – Around 12.5 liters, which means you can ride long distances before needing to refuel.
Top Speed – Around 160 km/h, which is more than enough for safe highway riding in India.
Seat Style – The bike has a sporty single seat (with an option for a pillion seat), which adds to its café racer look but is not the most comfortable for long two-up rides.
Colors Available – Multiple classic and modern shades like Rocker Red, Ventura Blue, and Dux Deluxe.
Exhaust Sound – A signature Royal Enfield note that many riders love.
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