A TON OF FUN.
2019 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650:
A modern interpretation of a cultural icon, part of the original British café racing scene, an expression of free spirit and a declaration of style.
Drawing inspiration from the cafe racers and cafe culture of 1950s and 60s, the new Continental GT 650 Twin recaptures the spirit of the original Continental GT 250 and is the next evolution of our GT line. A design icon in its ownright, the perfect blend oftradition & modernity, the GI 650 Twin retains the classic horizontal split running through the motorcycle, separating the pure, mechanical details from the elegant forms of the fuel tank & seat that gives the impression that, even while standing still it’s ‘doing the ton.
The sculpted tank, eager attitude, weight-forward stance, rearset footrests and clip-on bars, all hallmarks of a traditional cafe racer, allow the rider to tuck-in in a classic sporty riding position perfect for carving up the back roads or a ton of fun in the city.
The GT 650 Twin featuring a twin cradle, tubular steel frame, designed from scratch in conjunction with the legendary Harris Performance team, offers the perfect combination of authentic styling andprecise performance. The frame, tested for thousands of hours and miles over a wide variety of road conditions for durability, balance and handling, delivers dynamic and responsive perfor- mance, While a 1398 mm wheelbase, 793 mm seat-height makes for accessible, confidence-inspir- ing riding position, the GT 650 is smartly designed to have a 174 mm ground clearance and an excellent lean angle helping sharp steering response.
With a 24-degree rake angle and 105mm of trail, the GT 650 Twin feels nimble in the city and agile scratching those back-lanes.
The suspension, developed & tested in tandem with the chassis, Is aided in the front by 41mm forks with 110mm oftravel and twin rear units, chosen for the authentic twin-shock look, gas charged with piggy-back reservoirs. It also has a 5-stage pre-load adjustment, to allow for bespoke settings imparting the ride with effective damping in all situations for an optimum blend of comfort, feel and precision.
An air/oil-cooled parallel twin engine configuration was selected for is authentic uncluttered lines faithful to our true heritage design. The simple, easy-to-maintain, all new 648 cc engine is built for real world riding, with sufficient power to make light workof city traffic or cruise effortlessly on the open road. While offering a very usable 47 horsepower at 7250 RPM and maximum of 52 Nm torque at 5250 RPM, the secret of the new 650 Twin lies in the way the power is delivered. Seamless throughout the rev range, 80% of the maximum pulling power (torque) is available as low as 2500 RPM,so that the engine delivers smooth and rapid progress without the needfor constant gear changes.
A single-piece forged counterbalanced crankshaft with a 270 degree firing order ensures a quintessential twin-cylinder, a deep burbling exhaust note and minimal vibrations. The use of 4-valves per cylinder increases the engine efficiency resulting in better fuel economy & performance.
An under-stressed 9.5:1 compression ratio means less sensitivity to variances in fuel quality, while a twin throttle-body paired to a highly precise Bosch fuel injection & engine management, system gives instantaneous, predictable and smooth throttle response throughout the rev range. While the gorgeously sculpted lines of the gleaming, hand-polished aluminum engine covers hark back to a golden era of motorcycling, what makes heads turn is the sound of the engine, either at idle or at full chat, metering a steady beat, a wonderful over-run burble or a distinctive power-on rumble.
For the first time Royal Enfield uses a six-speed gearbox, specially developed for the 650 Twin, thoroughly tested on proving grounds, race tracks and public roads, with carefully selected gear ratios chosen fo deliver the best blend for all riding conditions. The result is evident in the optimum shift feel, reliability of engagement, quiet notch-free selection and perfect ratio spacing.
The gearbox is augmented by a slipper clutch which has an assist feature for light lever feel.
The choiceof tyres also reflects the common theme running across the development process of the GT 650 Twin. For the authentic classic look the GT 650 comes with 18” front and rear wheels, both with 36 spoke aluminum alloy rims. Classic aesthetics backed by modern engineering choices meant the structure and the compound of these Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp tyres (100/90 at the front and 130/70 for the rear) were specially developed for Royal Enfield to complement the chassis and suspension in all riding conditions.
With the same consistent thought, twin piston By Bre (By Brembo) callipers have been used (with 320mm floating front disc) along with a 240mm disc and Bosch dual-channel ABS to provide strong, predictable stopping power.
The new GT650 may echo its predecessor’s style, but it is a whole new motorcycle. Its ergonomics offer an easy reach to the mid-level clip-on bars, for an optimum blendof steering feel and comfort. The rear-set footrests improve cornering clearance, canting the rider forward, shifting the weight towards the front of the motorcycle. The rider is placed just right to have an ‘at-one’ feeling with the GT, whether commuting, running errands, or scratching downtheir favourite local road.
2019 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
THE TWINS ARE HERE
● Royal Enfield brings back ’Twin Fun’ with its first twin-cylinder motorcycles in 50 years
● All new Continental GT 650 and Interceptor INT 650 models set to disrupt mid-weight segment around
the world
● Launched in North America at a price of USD 5799 (MSRP) for the Interceptor INT 650 and USD 5999
(MSRP) for the Continental GT 650
Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment, this week opens the latest chapter in an already storied 117-year history of motorcycle production with the initial outing for its highly anticipated twin cylinder machines, the Continental GT 650 Twin and the Interceptor INT 650 Twin.
The first twin cylinder motorcycles to be produced by Royal Enfield since 1970, the new motorcycles recall a golden era for the marque that began in 1948 with the arrival of its first 500 twin that evolved into its famed highperformance models, the Meteor, Super Meteor and, ultimately, the original Interceptor of 1960.
Sold mainly in the U.S.A and Canada, the 700 Interceptor and its 750cc successors quickly became part of California’s sun-drenched culture, serving as two-wheeled expressions of fun, excitement, freedom and optimism in the form of fast and stylish road bikes and as competition machines that enjoyed huge success in scrambles, desert races and flat track events.
And it is Royal Enfield’s historic links with the Golden State that partly inspired the choice of Santa Cruz for the launch of the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 which, as well as marking the revival of twin-cylinder production, also herald the start of the brand’s global expansion.
Launched here today for North America, alongside a first global ride, these motorcycles will be priced at USD 5799 for the Interceptor INT 650, and USD 5999 for the Continental GT 650, for the Standard colourways, making these motorcycles a perfect blend of authentic appeal, contemporary fun ride experience, and accessibility. The Custom and Chrome colourways will be priced at USD 5999 and USD 6499 for the Interceptor INT 650 and at USD 6249 and USD 6749 for the Continental GT 650 respectively.
Speaking on the launch of the Royal Enfield Twin motorcycles, Siddhartha Lal, CEO, Royal Enfield, said, “We have had an amazing journey at Royal Enfield over the last decade, growing from sales of around 50,000 motorcycles in 2010 to over 820,000 motorcycles in 2017. This unprecedented growth is a result of our focus on making simple, deeply engaging, beautiful motorcycles, that are modern at the core, and building a thriving ecosystem of personal journeys and expressions around them. We are delighted with how the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650 have turned out. The Twins are our first truly global line of products and will play a very strategic role in ushering the next set of Royal Enfield owners across the world”
Despite their links to the past, the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor INT 650 are entirely new motorcycles from the ground up, developed jointly by Royal Enfield’s development teams located both in India and at its state-of-theart technical centre at Bruntingthorpe in UK. The motorcycles – the Continental GT 650, a sporty cafe racer, and the Interceptor INT 650, a stylish roadster – combine classic looks with carefully considered engineering that has resulted in a brace of machines with a common engine that will inspire confidence in new riders as much as they will satisfy the expectations of more experienced motorcyclists.
Commenting about the launch of the Royal Enfield Twins, Rudratej Singh, President, Royal Enfield “In India, we have over three million Royal Enfield customers of the 350cc and 500cc motorcycles, who have been waiting for the next expression of the pure, simple and fun motorcycling. In international markets the twins will play a strategic role not just for us but for the industry to expand the mid-weight segment and invite new users into the category. We expect the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650 to represent the perfect opportunity to upgrade commuters in South East Asia and Latin America, as well as expand the motorcycling segment in USA and Europe” Air-cooled to simplify maintenance, to produce a gorgeous twin-cylinder exhaust note and to ensure lines that are faithful to a true heritage design, the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor INT 650 are built for real world riding. The motorcycles come with ample torque available just off idle, enabling them to make light work of city traffic, and
with sufficient power to effortlessly cruise on the open road.
Un-fussy motorcycling is what Royal Enfield’s new twins are all about. While offering a more than adequate 47 horsepower, the secret of their ‘ride-ability’ lies in the way their torque is delivered – seamlessly, and from low in the rev range – with 80% of the peak 52Nm torque delivered at 2500rpm – enabling smooth and steady progress without the need for constant gear-changing. Combine that with an extremely agile chassis developed at Royal Enfield’s UK Technology Centre in conjunction with legendary sports bike frame builder Harris Performance, and the secret of the all-round competence of the new motorcycles begins to reveal itself.
But the Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor INT 650 offer a great deal more than accomplished engineering – they tap-in to the growing popularity of classically-influenced, modern-day motorcycling that has been at the heart of Royal Enfield’s ethos for decades. The new twins, like the famed, single-cylinder ‘Bullet,’ are motorcycles that are inspired by the past but built for today and designed to remain relevant tomorrow – as such, they reflect the marque’s respect for longevity by being the definition of two-wheeled sustainability in a world where short-term trends, conspicuous consumption and disposable products are fast losing their appeal.
Increasingly, today’s motorcyclists see their machines as extensions of themselves; motorcycles that they can make their own and ride throughout the adventure of life. The Continental GT 650 and Interceptor INT 650 are intended to be just such machines that, though similar at heart, offer very different riding experiences.
The Continental GT 650 will appeal especially to sporting riders with its optional single seat, sculpted fuel tank, rearset footrests and race-style clip-on handlebars. Yet, as much as it is perfect for enjoying high-speed blasts on twisting backroads, its ergonomics enable it to remain comfortable when used as a stylish city bike, for tackling the highway or simply as a means of making weekend escapes to the wilds.
The Interceptor INT 650, meanwhile, harks back to the historic model after which it is named, with its distinctive teardrop tank with traditional knee recesses, comfortable, quilted dual seat and wide, braced handlebars redolent of the street scrambler style that emerged in ’60s California. Its comfortable and commanding riding position make the Interceptor INT 650 both fun and practical on all types of terrain, from curving coastal roads to the urban jungle, for heading out of town two-up or for cruising down to the beach.
Both the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650 are beautifully executed and thoughtfully detailed motorcycles. Their engines, though of up-to-the-minute design, perfectly replicate the classic look, while touches such as forged handlebars, ‘Monza’ fuel caps and carefully finished ancillaries echo the quality to be found inside and out. With individuality being key to today’s riders, both the Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor INT 650 can be had in Standard or Custom versions with a wide range of retro options ranging from special paint colours and pin stripes to retro-cool bar-end mirrors, optional fly screens and alternative finishes for items such as wheels, lights and suspension components.
Both motorcycles, come with a range of Royal Enfield Gear and apparel that are inspired by the 60’s and reflect the cuts and silhouettes from the cultural contexts and the era of these motorcycles. Comprising of Clymer and Spirit jackets, a curated range of t-shirts, helmets, boots, ankle-high sneakers, and covert Cordura jeans and Streetborn Gloves, the range of Gear, aesthetically fuses classic styling with contemporary functionality.
The Interceptor INT 650 and Continental GT 650, also come with a suite of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories, that in addition to providing comfort, styling and protection, also lend as a means to self expression for the rider. The range comprises of new functional and protective accessories such as engine guards, lifting handle, pannier mounts and an auxiliary electrical port, and also includes styling accessories such as chrome and stainless steel silencer slip ons, acrylic fly screen, single and twin seat cowls, and soft canvas panniers.
The significance of these machines to the future of Royal Enfield is huge. Just as the original Interceptor made the marque a hit in America, so the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor INT 650 are set to ignite the mid-weight motorcycle segment in emerging markets such as India , South-East Asia and Latin America while providing a new and disruptive option to buyers in Europe, Australia and the United States.
2019 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
The Story
Drawing inspiration from the café racer culture of 1950s and 60s, the new Continental GT 650 Twin recaptures the spirit of our Continental GT 250. A design icon, the perfect blend of tradition & modernity, with its sculpted tank, eager attitude and a tucked-in riding position, all hallmarks of a traditional café racer, is perfect for carving up the back roads or a ton of fun in the city.
Conquer the corners
The frame, developed in conjunction with the legendary Harris Performance, thoroughly tested for durability, offers superior balance and handling. Together with the finely tuned suspension with ‘piggy-back’ gas-charged twin shocks for optimum blend of comfort & feel, the chassis ensures the GT 650 is a dynamic ride, lively and agile scratching through those back-lanes.
Crouch like you mean it
The new GT650 echoes its predecessors’ style, but it’s a whole new motorcycle. Its ergonomics offers an easy reach to the clip-on bars, for an optimum mix of steering feel and comfort. The rear-set footrests improve cornering clearance, canting the rider forward, into a sporty ‘at-one’ feeling with the GT, making it fun on a quick spin or scratching down their favourite local roads.
Rock safe
Classic aesthetics of 18″ alloy-rimmed wheels are shod with Pirelli Phantom SportComp tyres the structure and the compound of which were especially developed for Royal Enfield to complement the chassis and suspension in all riding conditions. The combination of twin-piston Brembo derived callipers on floating front disc and Bosch dual-channel ABS provide assured braking with progressive feedback.
The parallel with no parallel
An air/oil-cooled parallel twin configuration chosen for its authentic uncluttered lines, the 648 cc engine is built for real world riding, with sufficient power to make light work of city traffic or cruise effortlessly on the open road. A twin throttle-body paired to a highly precise Bosch fuel injection system results in excellent throttle response throughout the rev range.
Old-school new
Whilst the beautifully sculpted lines of the gleaming, hand-polished aluminum engine covers hark back to a golden era of motorcycling, what really makes heads turn is the deep evocative exhaust note – metering either a steady heady beat, a wonderful over-run burble or a power-on rumble that will move your soul.
Devils in the details
For the first time Royal Enfield uses a six-speed gearbox, especially developed for the 650 Twin, exhaustively tested, with carefully selected gear ratios to deliver the best blend for all riding conditions. The result is evident in the optimum shift feel, positive engagement and quiet notch-free selection.The gearbox is augmented by a slipper clutch which has an assist feature for light lever feel.
Gear up. Look good. Get ready to rock-n-roll.
Leather, denim and a lot of attitude. Gear to keep you safe and comfortable right through your ride.
Stay Protected
Visit your nearest dealership to know more about genuine Royal Enfield motorcycle accessories.
Royal Enfield set to steal the show at EICMA
First public showing for production versions of highly anticipated 650 Twins
Following an enthusiastic reception from the world’s press at September’s California launch of its all-new Continental GT 650 Twin and Interceptor INT 650 Twin mid-sized motorcycles, Royal Enfield is delighted to display the first full-production versions to the general public at this year’s EICMA in Milan.
The Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650 will be on display across dealerships in Europe and UK starting January 2019 and booking and inquiries across dealerships will begin by mid of November. This makes the Europe the first region where customers can place confirmed orders, to be followed by India. The Twin motorcycles will come with a 3-year warranty and Roadside Assistance service. These motorcycles will also come with over 40 Genuine Motorcycle Accessories that will have a 2-year warranty.
Commenting on the retail launch of the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650 in Europe, Siddhartha Lal, CEO – Royal Enfield said, “The Twin motorcycles are authentic in inspiration and modern at the core, and mark the beginning of a new chapter at Royal Enfield. These are our first truly global line of products and will play a very strategic role in ushering the next set of Royal Enfield owners across the world. We are extremely happy to make these motorcycles available first to our riding enthusiasts here in Europe. We strongly believe that the 650 Twins will be an attractive, evocative motorcycle for our customers across Europe”
It was just a year ago at EICMA 2017, that Royal Enfield unveiled the prototypes of its first twin-cylinder offering in half-a-century. After months of developing, refining and improving the initial designs based on tens of thousands of kilometers of road and track testing on parts, aggregates and motorcycles, the production motorcycles are now rolling off the line and ready to be shipped to international dealers in the first phase of the marque’s global expansion programme.
Visitors to EICMA 2018 will be able to see the cafe racer-inspired Continental GT 650 Twin and Interceptor INT 650 Twin roadster in Standard, Custom, and Chrome colourways at the Royal Enfield stand, and at the test-riding facility outside. Some of these motorcycles will be fitted with parts from the wide range of official Genuine Motorcycle Accessories that were specifically designed for the motorcycles during the development programme.
At the heart of every Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Twin and Interceptor INT 650 Twin, however, is the built-in fun factor provided by each model’s special combination of an agile chassis (developed at the marque’s UK Technology Centre with legendary sports motorcycle frame builder Harris Performance) and a simple but state-of-the-art air-cooled, 650cc engine producing a punchy yet user-friendly 47 horsepower.
As well as a emitting a gorgeous exhaust note, the engine offers ample pulling power to make the motorcycle unfussy to ride in urban traffic and exhilarating on the open road – meaning the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor INT 650 offer the perfect motorcycling package for both experienced and novice owners.
The Continental GT 650 will appeal especially to sporting riders with its optional single seat, sculpted fuel tank, rearset footrests and race-style clip-on handlebars, all of which have been ergonomically designed to remain comfortable in the city, on the highway or on the twisting back roads where the motorcycle really comes alive.
The Interceptor INT 650, meanwhile, harks back to Royal Enfield’s 1960s twins through its teardrop tank with traditional knee recesses, comfortable, quilted dual seat and wide, braced handlebars reminiscent of the street scrambler style that emerged in ’60s California. Its comfortable and commanding riding position make the Interceptor both fun and practical on all types of terrain, from curving coastal roads to the urban jungle, for heading out of town two-up or for cruising down to the beach.
2019 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 – Totalmotorcycle.com Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Australia MSRP Price: See Dealer for Pricing in AU
Steel tubular, double cradle frame, 2722mm X 1024 mm X 744 mm
Fuel Capacity: 12.5 Ltr Kerb Weight: 198 kg (no fuel)
Ground Clearance: 174 mm
Front Suspension: 41 mm front fork, 110 mm travel Rear Suspension: Twin coil-over shocks, 88 mm travel
4 stroke, single overhead cam, air-oil cooled, 648 cc parallel twin, 47Bhp@7250rpm
52Nm@ 5250rpm, 6 speed, fuel injection, digital spark ignition — TCI
Front Tyre: 100/90-18 Rear Tyre: 130/70-18 Front Brake: 320 mm disc, ABS Rear Brake: 240 mm disc, ABS
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
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