When Royal Enfield launched the Continental GT 535 back in 2013, it was a visual masterpiece — a true café racer that grabbed attention wherever it went. However, the excitement quickly faded when people realized that its charm ended with the design. Underneath, it shared too much with the Classic 500 — same engine, same frame — and the performance never quite matched its looks.
Fast forward to 2018, Royal Enfield came back with a bang. The Continental GT 650 marked a complete rebirth of the brand’s engineering approach. It wasn’t just another retro motorcycle; it was a statement of intent. With the GT 650, Royal Enfield proved it could blend vintage character with genuine performance and refinement.
A Design That Defines the Brand
The modern Continental GT 650 carries forward the essence of its predecessor while maturing into something far more refined. Its silhouette remains classically inspired — the low-slung stance, sculpted fuel tank, clip-on handlebars, and twin-megaphone exhausts scream 1960s café racer. Yet, look closer, and you’ll notice that everything feels tighter, sharper, and more premium.
Royal Enfield nailed the design balance. The bike looks muscular without being bulky. The proportions are near perfect, and the fit and finish are among the best in the company’s lineup. The raised rear-set footpegs and low clip-ons give it that authentic café racer riding posture, ideal for carving through winding roads.
In 2023, Royal Enfield introduced a subtle yet impactful facelift. The GT 650 received an LED headlamp, new switchgear, alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, and a blacked-out engine casing and exhausts on certain variants. Purists can still opt for spoked wheels, but the modern setup brings much-needed practicality without sacrificing style.
The color palette continues to impress, offering something for every kind of rider — from classic hues like British Racing Green and Rocker Red to fresh new shades such as Slipstream Blue and Apex Grey. The chrome-laden Mr. Clean edition remains a crowd favorite, paying homage to the golden era of café racers.
Build Quality and Craftsmanship
Unlike the older GT 535, the new Continental GT 650 feels solidly engineered. Every part — from the fuel tank welds to the chrome bezels and paint quality — reflects attention to detail. The bike’s metal-heavy construction gives it a satisfying heft, which not only looks premium but also inspires confidence while cornering.
The switchgear feels tactile and durable, and the overall finish has improved massively compared to earlier Royal Enfields. The Continental GT 650 doesn’t just look like a high-end machine — it genuinely feels like one.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the GT 650 lies the 648cc parallel-twin engine, a smooth and torquey unit that completely redefined what Royal Enfield motorcycles could be. Producing 47.4 PS at 7,250 rpm and 52.2 Nm at 5,250 rpm, it’s not about raw numbers — it’s about how effortlessly the bike delivers power.
The moment you twist the throttle, the torque kicks in early at around 3,000 rpm and keeps pulling strongly till the redline. Whether you’re riding through city traffic or cruising on open highways, the engine feels lively yet relaxed. It’s quick, but not intimidating — perfect for riders transitioning from smaller displacement bikes.
Despite weighing 214 kg, the GT hides its bulk well once you’re on the move. The six-speed gearbox is smooth and precise, aided by a light clutch that makes shifting effortless. In roll-on acceleration, it shines — 30–70 km/h takes just 3.6 seconds, and 40–80 km/h comes in under 6 seconds.
On highways, it cruises comfortably at 100–120 km/h without breaking a sweat, and you can push it to 160 km/h if the road allows. The twin-cylinder motor feels butter-smooth even at higher speeds, with minimal vibrations — something older Royal Enfields could never achieve.
The exhaust note deserves a special mention. Deep, throaty, and beautifully tuned, it perfectly complements the café racer personality. Add an aftermarket pipe, and the GT 650 turns into a symphony of mechanical music that never fails to attract attention.
Ride and Handling
This is where the Continental GT 650 truly shines. Its Harris Performance-developed double-cradle chassis delivers an ideal blend of agility and stability. The bike feels confident through corners, planted at high speeds, and predictable under braking.
The 41 mm telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers handle most road conditions well, although they’re tuned slightly on the firmer side to enhance cornering stability. On smooth tarmac, it feels composed and sporty. Over rough patches, however, you’ll feel some jolts, especially at lower speeds.
The braking setup includes 320 mm front and 240 mm rear discs with dual-channel ABS. The feel from the front lever is progressive, and the ABS calibration is spot-on — not too intrusive, yet enough to save you from unexpected lock-ups.
The 18-inch wheels and grippy tubeless tyres add confidence, whether you’re navigating city streets or leaning into tight bends on a Sunday ride.
Rider Comfort and Ergonomics
Café racers are not known for comfort, and the Continental GT 650 stays true to that heritage. The seat is slim, with limited cushioning, and the clip-on bars put slight pressure on your wrists during long rides. However, for short bursts or weekend rides, the posture feels engaging and sporty.
At 804 mm, the seat height is manageable for average riders. Shorter riders might find it a bit tall, but once on the saddle, the weight distribution makes it feel stable. For someone around 5’10”, it’s easy to get both feet down comfortably.
The pillion seat, on the other hand, is best reserved for very short trips. The GT’s design is unapologetically focused on the rider — not the passenger.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
The GT 650’s twin-cylinder engine offers a practical fuel economy of around 23–26 km/l depending on riding style. While not the most economical, it’s acceptable considering the displacement and performance.
Maintenance is straightforward, and Royal Enfield’s service network is now extensive across India. Parts availability is never an issue, and the brand’s reliability has improved significantly since its earlier days.
Verdict
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (2025) is more than just a motorcycle — it’s an experience. It’s the perfect bridge between vintage appeal and modern-day refinement. The engine is smooth, the design is timeless, and the handling is genuinely fun.
It’s not meant to be the most comfortable bike or the most practical, but that’s not what a café racer is about. It’s about passion, character, and the joy of riding something that feels alive. The Continental GT 650 embodies all of that perfectly.
If you crave a motorcycle that looks stunning, sounds intoxicating, and feels pure in every sense, the Continental GT 650 deserves a spot in your garage.
