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| Royal Enfield Continental GT |
Royal Enfield has had a long, rich & distinguished history of producing iconic models ever since the years they have been in operation. In fact so iconic is the brand that even though the original factory shut down in the UK in 1971, the motorcycles continued to be produced and exported from down south in India by the Enfield India factory. The bikes were sought after by many fans alike all over the world. In fact, the original Continental GT that was introduced by the Royal Enfield facility in 1965 was highly popular in its heyday when the caf? racing culture had taken over the biking fraternity. Places such as the Ace Caf? in London derived much popularity & cult status during those days. The bright red Continental GT bikes with their clip-on handlebars swept pipes & sporty footpegs belied the true intent of the racers.
Such a rich history & lack of such an iconic product today has made Royal Enfield pick up this model, and re-introduce it to the world albeit in a new avatar- The new Royal Enfield Continental GT caf? racer.
Royal Enfield Continental GT Mileage
Royal Enfield claim a ARAI certified fuel economy figure of 41.9 kmpl for the Continental GT. However under real-world riding conditions, one should ideally expect an overall fuel efficiency of somewhere between 26-34 kmpl depending on where & how one rides.
Royal Enfield Continental GT Engine & Transmission.
The Continental GT features an upgrade to the 500 cc air-cooled engine which has been upsized to 535 cc and fitted with Keihin electronic fuel injection. The long stroke power plant now cranks out 29.1bhp at 5100rpm and 44 Nm of torque at an early 4000 revs, a lighter flywheel is fitted to make it rev quicker and the whole thing is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The new bike benefits from the new range of UCE (unit construction engine) technology introduced by Royal Enfield & thus one can be assured that the engine has overall been optimized for easy breathability, easier revving & torque nature.
Royal Enfield Continental GT Performance and Handling
The Continental GT features a twin downtube cradle frame chassis that has been reinforced to provide rigidity & handling while minimizing chassis flex, all in an attempt to provide on the edge handling. This definitely works wonders for the bike making it one of the sweetest handling Royal Enfields till date. Royal Enfield have not held back on the goodies either and as a result the GT features telescopic 41 mm front forks with 110 mm travel at the front & Paioli gas charged twin shock absorbers at the rear with 80 mm travel.Braking duties up front are taken up by a large 300 mm Brembo floating disc with a 2 piston floating caliper. The rear features a 240 mm disc with a single piston floating caliper. Throw in some sticky Pirelli Sport Demon tyres wrapped around 18 inch aluminium alloy wheels and ideally you should be set for some fun times.Unfortunately there are issues with such a setup. While at best it is suitable for long straight roads & unbroken patches of tarmac, the moment the going gets tough, the bike starts getting all mean & nasty. The rigid suspension setup & riding stance end up transmitting shocks & bumps from the road directly to the rider. Add to that engine vibes that start creeping in around the 3500- 4000 rpm range & you know for sure that this bike will definitely be exhausting at sustained high speeds over long distances. Add to that the short gearing & not so comfortable riding stance and this could be something that might not appeal to some.
ENGINE
Fuel Injected 535cc unit Construction Engine, 29.1 bhp power, 44Nm torque, lighter flywheel along-with improved power-to-weight ratio gives the Continental GT that extra responsiveness, punch and agility.
BRAKES
The braking is handled by a massive 300mm floating disc up front from Brembo and a matched 240mm disc is used at the rear.
EXHAUST
Tweaked Exhaust for superior performance and the signature engine roar.
DOUBLE CRADLE FRAME
Nimble, flex-free double cradle frame for superior rigidity and razor-sharp handling that makes the Continental GT respond naturally and instantaneously to the body An expert or beginner can have a lot of fun whether on a race track or on their favorite set of 'twisties'. This all new frame has been designed in consultation with Harris performance providing better structure and translating to more stable and lively feel for the rider.
FOOT REST
Foot rests and controls placed further back for a sporty riding position in sync with traditional Café Racer styling.
CLIP ON HANDLE BARS
This drastically different seat and adjustable clip on handlebars are intended to allow the rider to spread himself across the tank, really becoming one with the ride.
CLUSTER
Sleek backlit instrument cluster so you’ll know exactly when you do the Ton in day or night in analog and digital
SEAT
Crouched and close yet ergonomic riding posture for sporty, effortless maneuverability and a fun ride. The sculpted seat with contrast stitching allows you to gather accurate feedback from the road.
SUSPENSION
The front gets revised shock absorbers with new internals, and features a traditional fork brace. On the rear exists matched gas charged shock absorbers from Paioli.
FUEL TANK
The chiseled fuel tank is recessed to tuck in the knees and get the sporty ergonomic riding stance. New age technology and traditional Royal Enfield heritage has been mated seamlessly thus making the Continental GT looks fantastic while riding or parked; and it’s bound to put a smile on your face anytime you lay eyes on it.
FRONT TYRE
The 100/90 x 18 inch Pirelli sport demon tyre used on the front is completely new mounted on a lightweight but strong hub. This allows the riders to confidently ride on the road and the track, whatever the choice.
ECU
The ECU has been re-mapped for enhanced performance and is more responsive than before.
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