Alright, riders, buckle up—Royal Enfield’s Continental GT 650 is tearing up the scene in 2025, and it’s every bit the café racer dream we’ve come to love. This iconic bike, a staple since its 2018 debut, got a slick refresh in 2023, and it’s still turning heads with its retro swagger and punchy performance. With new colors, upgraded features, and that signature parallel-twin thump, the GT 650 is ready to steal your heart whether you’re carving up backroads or cruising city streets. Let’s dive into what makes this bike a must-ride and why it’s got the motorcycle world buzzing.
A Look That’s Timeless Yet Fresh
The Continental GT 650 is like a love letter to the 1960s British café racer scene, but with a modern edge that keeps it relevant. Its sleek, minimalist design—think round headlight, sculpted fuel tank, and clip-on handlebars—nails that vintage vibe. For 2025, Royal Enfield keeps the palette vibrant with six color options: Slipstream Blue and Apex Grey (with blacked-out engines and alloy wheels), alongside classics like Mr Clean, Dux Deluxe, British Racing Green, and Rocker Red. The new blacked-out variants are pure stealth, blending matte finishes with chrome accents for a look that’s equal parts gritty and glamorous.
Royal Enfield didn’t stop at aesthetics. The GT 650 now rocks an LED headlight borrowed from the Super Meteor 650, plus LED indicators for sharper visibility. New aluminum switchgear, adjustable brake and clutch levers, and a USB charging port add a touch of modern practicality. The single seat with a rear cowl (or optional dual seat) keeps the café racer stance aggressive, though some riders note it’s more suited for short sprints than all-day rides. Either way, this bike’s style is a conversation starter wherever you park it.
2025 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 647.95cc, parallel-twin, air/oil-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve |
| Power | 47.4PS @ 7,250rpm |
| Torque | 52.3Nm @ 5,150rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed with slip-and-assist clutch |
| Frame | Tubular steel, double cradle (Harris Performance) |
| Front Suspension | 41mm telescopic forks, 110mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Twin gas-charged shocks, preload adjustable, 88mm travel |
| Front Brake | 320mm disc, ByBre 4-piston caliper, dual-channel ABS |
| Rear Brake | 240mm disc, dual-channel ABS |
| Tires | Front: 100/90-18, Rear: 130/70-18 (tubeless on alloy wheel variants) |
| Weight | 214kg (kerb) |
| Seat Height | 804mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.5 liters |
| Ground Clearance | 174mm |
| Wheelbase | 1398mm |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2119mm x 780mm x 1067mm |
| Lighting | LED headlight, LED indicators, halogen taillight |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog-digital twin-pod |
| Safety Features | Dual-channel ABS, hazard warning switch |
| Colors | Slipstream Blue, Apex Grey, Mr Clean, Dux Deluxe, British Racing Green, Rocker Red |
| Price | Rs 3.26 lakh – Rs 3.52 lakh (ex-showroom, India) |
Power That Packs a Punch
Underneath that retro exterior lies a beastly 647.95cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine, delivering 47.4PS at 7,250rpm and 52.3Nm of torque at 5,150rpm. Mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch, it’s smooth, responsive, and gives you that classic Royal Enfield thump that’s music to any rider’s ears. With a top speed around 169kmph, it’s got enough grunt for highway cruising or spirited cornering, and the engine’s refinement means minimal vibrations even at higher revs.
The bike’s tubular steel frame, designed with Harris Performance, keeps things nimble despite its 214kg kerb weight. Up front, 41mm telescopic forks and twin gas-charged rear shocks with preload adjustability offer a balance of comfort and control. Braking is handled by a 320mm front disc and 240mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS, paired with 18-inch wheels (alloy on premium variants, spoke on others) and tubeless tires on the blacked-out models. It’s a setup that’s forgiving for new riders but engaging enough for seasoned ones.
Tech That Keeps It Real
The GT 650 doesn’t overload you with gadgets, and that’s part of its charm. The twin-pod analog-digital instrument cluster gives you the basics—speed, revs, fuel, and trip info—though some riders wish for a gear position indicator or real-time mileage data. The LED lighting, USB port, and slipper clutch add just enough modernity without losing that retro soul. Dual-channel ABS and a low 804mm seat height make it accessible, while the 174mm ground clearance handles urban obstacles with ease. One gripe? The 12.5-liter fuel tank can feel limiting on long rides, so plan your fuel stops wisely.
Why It’s Still a Fan Favorite
Priced between Rs 3.26 lakh and Rs 3.52 lakh (ex-showroom) in India, the Continental GT 650 is a steal for what it offers—a blend of heritage, performance, and affordability that’s tough to beat. It’s not perfect; the soft suspension can feel vague in aggressive cornering, and the seat might have you stretching after a couple of hours. But for city jaunts or weekend getaways, it’s hard to top. In India, it’s a segment leader in the 300cc+ category, with 2,938 units sold alongside its 650cc siblings in June 2025 alone. Posts on X even show riders raving about its looks and power, though some mention minor crashes while vlogging—so keep your eyes on the road!
Will we see it evolve further? Rumors of a 750cc engine based on the same platform are floating around, but for now, the GT 650 is a near-perfect package. Would you take this café racer for a spin, or is another bike calling your name? Let us know!