Unlike the Interceptor 650, which is positioned as a retro-classic (and is perhaps more loyal to the original clan than the others who claim to be), the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 comes across as a café racer. Both the bikes share a good deal of parts. Exchange the tank, seat, handlebar and foot pegs, and the Interceptor 650 would become a Continental GT 650 and vice versa. Marking a clear departure from the earlier Continental GT, the new bike seeks an ergonomic variation in terms of feel, ride and performance. Rather than follow the earlier model’s strategy of low-set bars, the Continental GT 650 opts for clip-on bars that are set higher, and have an influence on the riding position. The shorter fuel tank of 12.5-litres supports a position where the rider is closer to the bars. Compared to the earlier model, this one ensures a riding position that is comfortable and sustainable for longer duration of rides.
More attractive than Interceptor 650
This could be a matter of debate, but the Continental GT 650 looks more attractive than the Interceptor 650 with its ‘old-school’ glazed head lamp and rectangular indicators. While the bars, fuel tank and the seat present it with a café racer status, the Continental GT 650, with its big chrome exhausts cans on either side draws attention. The highlight of the bike is the engine and the aluminium wire (spoke) wheels. The tyres ironically are of the tube type. Available with a short seat and a hump at the back as an option (standard offering is a dual seat for more practical reasons), the bike is supported by a number of accessories. Common to the Interceptor 650, the 648cc twin-cylinder four-valve per cylinder engine has the Continental GT 650 performing well. Far superior than the earlier model, the bike, tuned and tested by some of the most experienced men in the motorcycling world, feels at home at city speeds, or when riding in a lazy manner.
A rewarding experience
Good amount of power is available past 2000rpm even though the peak power of 47bhp is generated at 7250rpm. A peak torque of 52Nm is generated at 5,250rpm. The six-speed gearbox making for precise shift whereas the slip-and-assist clutch making it easy to downshift in a hurry, the Continental GT 650 feels the most rewarding to ride in the 3000 and 6000rpm range. Closer to the 7250rpm, the engine does feel a bit strained. Some amount of vibes make their presence felt at the bars and the pegs, which add to the riding feel. The engine, employing a number of refinement measures including a balancer shaft, has the Continental GT 650 responding well in city riding environs. The friendly nature of the engine helps a good deal. Accelerating effortlessly to speeds beyond 100kmph, the bike puts out a nice exhaust note. The engine’s linear power delivery inspires confidence, courtesy the well-calibrated fuel injection system. Supporting smooth and predictable progress, the engine makes the Continental GT 650 feel quick. However, it never feels edgy and that speaks a good deal about its ability to perform.
Verdict
Like on the Interceptor, the Continental also has the little metal guards, which prevent the knees from touching the hot fins of the engine. If the kerb weight of 198kg is felt while taking the bike off the side-stand, the seat height of 794mm makes it easier for riders of different heights to manage the bike. If the sportier riding position makes for a different feeling when compared to the Interceptor, the Continental GT 650 handles well. Pushing the bike harder into corners makes for a pleasant experience. The bike may feel a bit hunkered down under aggressive riding, but it certainly makes for a rewarding experience. There is a part of the bike that begs for more, and in doing so, the limitations of the suspension are apparent. A tendency to wallow is felt when negotiating corners with seemingly rough surfaces at high speeds. It is the front that seems to get a little light. Sharing a good deal of its componentry with the Interceptor 650, the Continental GT 650 comes across as a sportier and purpose built machine. The Interceptor in comparison will appeal to a wider audience. However, the Continental GT 650 is likely to carve out a niche for itself. That said, much would depend on the pricing.
(The bike is yet to be launched in India)
