Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

The 2023 Continental GT 650 retains its classic café racer charm but receives a couple of significant design updates. The bike is now available in two new color schemes: Slipstream Blue and Apex Grey. These variants also come with factory-fitted black alloy wheels, which not only look stylish but also allow for tubeless tyres, making them more practical in case of a puncture​.

The overall design, with its minimalist fairing, round headlamp, and aggressive riding position, remains the same. However, the blacked-out engine and exhaust add a stealthy appeal, and the new Vredestein Centauro ST tyres are stickier and more performance-oriented than the previous Ceat tyres

The Continental GT 650's 649cc parallel-twin engine remains unchanged in terms of power output, producing smooth and torquey performance. The motor is now OBD-II compliant to meet modern emission standards, but it still delivers the same 47 bhp and 52 Nm of torque. Royal Enfield has fine-tuned the throttle response, making the bike even more responsive at lower revs​.

The highlight of the performance is its torque delivery, with 80% of the torque available at just 2500 rpm, making it incredibly usable in both city traffic and open highways. The 6-speed gearbox with smooth shifts and a light clutch operation ensures seamless power delivery to the rear wheel. Whether you're cruising at high speeds or negotiating tight corners, the Continental GT 650 never runs out of breath

The Vredestein Centauro ST tyres contribute to improved grip and rider confidence, particularly when cornering or making quick direction changes. The addition of alloy wheels reduces some flex, enhancing the motorcycle’s overall stability and handling.

While the bike feels responsive and offers a great riding experience, heat management remains an issue. The parallel-twin engine tends to generate significant heat, particularly in stop-and-go traffic, which could affect rider comfort​.

The ride experience is also bolstered by the new LED headlight, which offers much better illumination and a wider spread, improving visibility at night

The Continental GT 650’s seating setup is best suited for short, spirited rides rather than long-distance touring. The seat itself is not the most comfortable for extended periods in the saddle, but Royal Enfield offers a touring seat as an aftermarket accessory for those seeking more comfort​.

The riding position is more aggressive than its sibling, the Interceptor 650, which can be slightly taxing on long rides. However, for café racer fans, the Continental GT’s stance will be a defining feature of its character

Royal Enfield has incorporated a few technological updates from its flagship models. The LED headlight, borrowed from the Super Meteor 650, offers significantly improved illumination. The updated switchgear, adjustable levers, and handlebar grips also come from the Super Meteor, enhancing the bike's premium feel​.

Additionally, the bike now comes with a USB charging port for added convenience. However, the instrument cluster remains the same, and it lacks modern features like a gear position indicator or real-time fuel efficiency display. A Tripper navigation pod would have been a welcome addition to enhance its touring capabilities

While Royal Enfield doesn’t advertise specific mileage figures for the Continental GT 650, real-world tests suggest that the bike offers a reasonable fuel economy given its displacement. Expect mileage in the range of 25-30 km/l, depending on riding conditions. For a 650cc motorcycle, this is respectable, particularly for those planning long rides.

The 2023 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is priced between ₹3.19 lakh for the base model and ₹3.49 lakh for the top-spec variant (ex-showroom, Delhi). This represents an increase of about ₹14,000 to ₹16,000 over the outgoing models​.Despite the price bump, the bike continues to offer solid value for money, especially considering its classic charm, updated features, and strong performance.

For riders who want a stylish, modern classic bike with decent power and everyday usability, the Continental GT 650 remains an attractive proposition. Its combination of performance, aesthetics, and price make it a competitive option in the mid-sized modern classic segment​(

Royal Enfield has a strong dealership and service network across India, making after-sales service relatively convenient for owners of the Continental GT 650. The cost of ownership is moderate compared to other 650cc bikes, with easily available spare parts and reasonable service costs​

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 faces competition from other modern classics like the Kawasaki Z650RS, Honda CB650R, and even the Triumph Trident 660. While these bikes may offer more advanced tech or better performance, the GT 650 stands out for its affordability, retro styling, and strong brand appeal​.

In conclusion, the 2023 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is an excellent choice for riders who appreciate classic aesthetics with modern touches. The bike’s OBD-II compliant engine, updated alloy wheels, and premium features make it a more compelling option than ever before. While there are some areas for improvement, such as heat management and the instrument console, the GT 650 still ticks most boxes for riders looking for a reliable, stylish, and fun-to-ride motorcycle​.

Overall, the 2023 Continental GT 650 offers a sweet blend of performance, design, and practicality. It's a motorcycle that continues to appeal to both seasoned riders and newcomers who want a laid-back riding experience with a bit of flair.