Detailed guide about GT 650
Rajesh Kumar have developed a deep connection with the world of motorcycles.
It had begun to feel
and look dated due to the lack of updates since its launch in 2018. Therefore in order to revitalize the GT 650
RE gave it some aesthetic and functional upgrades for 2023.
Overview
Sporty and vintage bikes are highly favored by our nations
riders and the Conti GT combines these qualities in a gorgeous design.
The Conti has a tiny but devoted following despite its sales
never taking off mostly because of its
athletic ergonomics.
However it had begun
to feel and appear dated due to the lack of updates since its launch in 2018.
Therefore RoyalEnfield gave the Continental GT 650 a few aesthetic and practical upgrades for
2023 while maintaining the essential features in order to give the bike a new
lease on life.
How much has the bikes
riding experience changed as a result of these modifications?
Lets investigate.
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Style and Excellence
One of the
Continental GT 650s best features is its design.
With its clip on handlebar boxy fuel tank with deep knee
recesses upswept twin exhausts and scooped out seat its appearance evokes the
original café racers of the 1960s in a stunning way.
A single piece seat and a rear cowl can be used in place of
the longer saddle which completely changes the saddles appearance.
The bike has always been aesthetically pleasing but for 2023
RE added two new paint jobs with alloy wheels and a blacked out engine cover to
give it a more contemporary appearance.
Thankfully even the earlier spoke wheel models with chrome
accents are still available.
REs 650 twins have
always been remarkable in terms of quality and the 2023 model is no exception.
Nothing about the
motorbike appears strange out of place or prone to breaking or loosening
everything is put together nicely.
Even the paint and switchgear quality seems high end and
durable.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The GT 650s dedicated
ergonomics are the price paid for its aggressive appearance.
Although getting on the bike is made simple by the 804mm
seat height not everyone will like the riding position you adopt.
Like most café racers
you sit with your legs sharply bent to reach the rear set foot pegs while
crouching in front of you and clutching the clipons.
You may slide the
seat back and use your legs to grip the tank recesses firmly.
Sitting on the front
edge of the seat however causes your knees to come into contact with the engine
case which becomes uncomfortable in traffic since the heat from the engine can
be felt on your thighs.
Fortunately RE has
placed tiny bracing on the cylinder head to keep the knees from coming into
direct contact with the engine.
On short rides on
wide highways or around turns this riding position feels really
exhilarating.
However it is not
comfortable to be trapped in traffic since using the brakes puts a lot of
pressure on your wrists.
Additionally your back may begin to ache two hours after you
get in the saddle if you intend to travel.
There are trade offs
as I said.
However the ride gets more tolerable and enjoyable as you
learn the proper seating style on sport bikes which involves keeping your arms
relaxed your knees firm on the tank and your core engaged.
Regarding the ride
quality it is generally firm but not particularly harsh.
In contrast to the Interceptor 650 which has its rear
preload set to the lowest setting the GT 650 has it set to the third step from
the factory.
In order to provide livelier handling qualities the GTs tail
has been raised a little higher.
Additionally it results in a somewhat stronger and more
bouncy rear suspension over taller and sharper obstacles such as deeper
potholes or rumblers.
Nonetheless a good degree of plushness is used to address
slight undulations.
Execution and Management
The Continental GT
650 shares the same suspension brakes engine and chassis as the preceding
model. This indicates that the overall
riding experience is about the same.
However the use of Vredestein tubeless radial tires has been
made possible by the addition of alloy wheels.
In addition to the
ease of puncture repair these rubbers provide enough of grip and feedback which
boosts confidence when turning.
The GT 650 is an excellent
handler for a 211 kg (kerb) motorbike.
Compared to the
Interceptor 650 it seems substantially more nimble.
It takes some work to
tilt it in but once leaning over it easily traces the proper line around
corners.
It only becomes
slightly unsteady and unstable around turns if your inputs arent progressive
and fluid.
It has a lot of torque feels and finesse.
There is sufficient power to quickly achieve 100 kmph and if
traffic and road conditions permit it is even possible to surpass 150
kmph.
However this motors midrange torque and tractability are its
best features.
Accelerating forward from there is a stutter free experience
and reaching 5060 kmph in fifth gear is smooth..
And no matter the pace the GT accomplishes all of this with
virtually no vibrations.
A smooth shifting
gearbox goes hand in hand with the excellent engine.
The bikes engaging charm is enhanced by the gears shifting
with little effort and short throw.
Although I occasionally encountered false neutrals it wasnt
a major issue.
However the clutch
may be lighter.
Like other REs the clutch action requires a good amount of
pressure which gets difficult to use if youre caught in traffic for an extended
period of time.
The GT performs well
in the braking sector exactly like the other 650s.
The front lever bites
rather hard and the back lever bites just perfectly.
The ByBre callipers rapidly and easily stop this 211kg
machine even though the lever feel might be a little better.
Technology and Features
Royal Enfield has
given the GT 650 a sufficient dose of modernity with the latest version.
As previously said alloy wheels ensure that punctures wont
be a problem any more.
You may modify the levers reach to suit your comfort level
thanks to their customizable features.
Regarding the LED
headlight and rotary switches they appear good even if they dont necessarily
improve daily convenience.
Conversely further information on the instrument cluster
would be helpful.
Additional information like as a gear position indication
would have been helpful even if these analog dials and a small LCD complement
the overall retro concept.
Efficiency of Fuel
It has a 13.7liter
gasoline tank which translates to a riding range of about 340 kilometers.
Personal suggestion
A dedicated riding
stance a lack of pillion room and comfort and often a stiff ride are some of
the fundamental drawbacks of cafe racers.
Additionally the GT
650 is subject to all of these restrictions.
Nonetheless the
Continental GT 650 is an obvious choice if you are enthralled with the idea of
café racers and the sensation they provide.
Given that there are
no other classic café racers in the Indian market that cost less than Rs. 4
lakh its also a unique product.
There is no need to be concerned about the other elements
such as build quality handling brakes engine performance and refinement.
The ownership experience is further enhanced by Royal
Enfields remarkable sales and servicing reach as well as brand memory.
Author Bio Rajesh Kumar
Rajesh Kumar is an avid bike rider and passionate motorcycle reviewer based in Pune Maharashtra India.
Over the past two years Rajesh has explored diverse terrains across India gaining first hand experience with various bike models in real world conditions.
His deep enthusiasm for biking combined with technical knowledge allows him to provide insightful reliable and engaging reviews that help fellow riders make informed decisions.
resource
https://www.bikewale.com/royalenfield-bikes/continental-gt/
credits
All image and featured by bikewale
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