Motorcycle specifications Royal-EnfieldContinental GT 650 2022 Cool sport

if you think of Royal Enfield as a motorcycle brand that smells of mothballs and exotic vintage, you're probably only familiar with the legendary Bullet, which seems to have taken the time portal by storm with its anachronistic looks and performance. Royal Enfield, a historic brand more than a hundred years old, is sounding the alarm for its international transformation with the launch of its 650 Twin Continental GT. It takes its name from its 250 cm3 single-cylinder ancestor, the Anglo-Indian brand's 1965 best-seller in the Cafe Racer era. With its eponymous name, the new model is unashamedly in the present tense, and boasts an unbridled price/performance ratio.

returning to the twin-cylinder, the manufacturer from Chennai (India) insists on quality of manufacture and design. The engine block is an eye-catching blend of classicism and modernity. a self-proclaimed "sports car", the GT features the magnificent tank design of the late, lamented 535. Subtly domed, it holds 12.5 liters of fuel. The saddle is topped by a hood, and the half-guidelines are reminiscent of a street-corner race, with an accessible seat height of 820 mm. The GT's recessed controls gently tip the rider onto his half-guidelines. Surrounded by chrome-plated plastic, the analog instruments are pleasantly designed and easy to read, if not fun. Rev counter on the right and, on the left, in the tachometer block, a digital window displays a fuel gauge and, via a discreet button, the odometer and two trip meters.

compact and narrow, the machine rests on a double-cradle tubular steel frame designed by Harris, a firm specializing in classic chassis and owned by Enfield. This 20.4 kg structure supports the new Indian thriller: an all-new, aesthetically pleasing 648 cm3 (78 x 67.8 mm) parallel twin. With polished aluminum side casings and head cover, and massive cylinder head sliced with large cooling fins, the 70 kg Enfield block already impresses with its dimensions and aesthetic presence.

its design reflects its image, blending tradition and modernity. Simple, it is air- and oil-cooled, yet incorporates a high-performance top end. Its 4 valves per cylinder are driven by a single camshaft. A technical refinement, the rocker arms feature wheels at the point of contact with cams with slightly concave surfaces. The oil circuit is optimized, with jets targeting the hottest spots in the cylinder head. The oversized, forged crankshaft and its imposing masses are combined with a second balance shaft with two rockers. The result is a block that runs remarkably smoothly.

twin injection units and ignition are controlled by Bosch electronics. Raised towards the sky, the cigar-style mufflers integrate the catalytic converters, adding to the sporty style. The twin Enfield develops 47 hp at 7,150 rpm and 5.2 daNm of torque at 5,150 rpm. Granted, it's not THE war machine. But that's not what we ask of it. The block distills far more charm than watts. And its super-square bore/stroke ratio nonetheless augurs well for liveliness. The powertrain is certified Euro 4 and is scheduled for Euro 5 without any major changes. A new, dedicated 6-speed gearbox features an assisted limited-slip clutch. And yes, it's possible to be vintage and modern at the same time.
In 2021, the engine will be Euro 5-compliant, with no particular changes. Just a shift in maximum power values. Horsepower and torque are at their peak 100 rpm earlier.

the suspension, too, is simple yet effective. For added style, the non-adjustable 41 mm telescopic fork hides its plungers behind bellows. Its travel is 110 mm. It's combined with dual 88 mm sliding shock absorber units, with adjustable preload. The 18-inch tubuless aluminum-alloy rims are shod with 100 and 130 mm Pirelli Phantom sportscomp tires . A far cry from the usual dimensions of 500 or 750 cm3 roadsters.. . and all the better for agility. A two-channel Bosch ABS controls the work of the Bybre calipers (original Brembo). At the front, two pistons squeeze a single 320 mm disc, while the opposite single-piston retarder squeezes a 240 mm shrink disc.

the Continental GT is finished to a very acceptable standard, both in terms of component quality and assembly. The levers are not adjustable in spacing, but their dimensions seem ideal for any size. The frame welds are acceptable and unobtrusive. The only minor regret is that the paintwork could be sharper. More annoying is the presence of a plastic front fender instead of a metal one, and an empty space behind the cylinder block where a hose also appears. More qualitative, we appreciate the front headlight encircled by brushed metal and the rubber-covered rider and passenger footrests. The layout of the various elements is beyond criticism, as are the different coatings on the metal parts and supports. No center stand on your sporty steed. Logical, as you'd lose ground clearance in a wild ride... Finally, there are no reliability concerns in sight: numerous long-term tests were carried out in India as well as in Europe, more in keeping with the rhythmic use of these machines. In addition, the pre-production 650 Twins underwent two 6-hour checks at 1007 static and dynamic points, by two different operators, and the brand guarantees its machines for three years .

with this 650 Continental GT, Royal Enfield enters the era of modernity, restrained but effective. Dedicated to both daily commuting and longer trips, this dynamic-looking 650 is a charming partner with seductive style. With all these qualities, would you like a coffee, Racer?

by Damien BERTRAND
Image credits: manufacturer