Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 - 6 Month owners opinion
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- Опубликовано: 6 авг 2024
- I am reviewing my own Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 twin after 6 months ownership.
Also known as a conti gt 650, this little bike certainly packs a punch.
From the moment the 650 twins were released I wanted one.
With a 270 degree parallel twin cylinder motor, this is the best Royal Enfield yet.
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Rob Charlwood
P.O Box 4122
Bexley North, NSW. 2207
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I got a GT identical to yours last month. Wonderful bike! And I agree with everything you covered here. I'm retired now. Its a perfect machine to carve some corners and do some joy rides on. Does everything well and nothing poorly. Strikes a wonderful balance in what it does.
As long as it puts a smile on your face that's all that matters ✌
I agree Frank. Not as much as the Street Glide but still a smile haha
So true, get that connection!
6 month owners review:
1. Grab coffee
2. Talk about stuff in new reviews
3. Take photos in front of street art
4. Talk about perception of Indian made bikes
5. This actually doesn’t talk about the bike at all
6. Hits the rev limiter
7. Walk around bike
Servicing? Nope.
Costs of running? Nope.
Handling? Nope.
Wear and tear? Nope.
To be honest, there was nothing in this about the beginning of a long term ownership as the title might elude to.
Thanks for the comment. 🤙😃
@@ThrottleDownunder no worries. No offence matey. But I you didn't really say much about the bike itself apart from how you felt regarding nostalgia, where it's made and coffee.
I know you said you don't hate anything about the bike, which is awesome. But servicing, wear, settling in, such as suspension, gearbox and engine loosening up, and so on.
@@whatsstefon Stefano no offence taken, I go by feel, couldn't care less about specs etc. When I want to know about a vehicle, I want to know to the owners still love it after the new feels wear off.
You're a Bass player, I'm guessing classically or formally trained?
You're either into detail or into feel.
There are far more knowledgeable videos out there, and no shortage of them too.
We are all different and that's why the world is amazing.
Keep plucking away and those 4 strings and on your Harley, keep the world amazing and interesting buddy 👍🤙
@@ThrottleDownunder nah, I'm not interested in technical either. I ride a Classic 500 and a Harley because I love feel and soul. I was interested in more about reliability, quality of fit and finish after some time of ownership. Like chrome corrosion, paint chips, oil consumption, fuel consumption, service costs, etc. Not numbers and figures. But all good. I'm keen to get an Interceptor. But I had other things come up. Then I thought ah well, I'll wait a year or two to see what current owners think of the bikes quality, what mods they do. etc.
All good man. Enjoy the bike, which isn't difficult. They're awesome.
@@whatsstefon 6 months can't really determine those things I don't think. No oil burnt yet, it's garage so no corrosion at all.
Being an Enfield I am expecting a little bit of degradation over time, India is India, and I say that with all due respect too.
I love it, so much fun.
I am Indian, live in Delhi, ride a GSA 1200 rallye & a Himalayan for some off road fun. Having ridden the Triumph bonnies, the T120 a fair bit; test riding the Interceptor & GT 650 left me... well gobsmacked. It's an amazingly good bike. The power delivery, the brakes, sound, etc, etc. I could go on but that'll end being a review! I can understand your appreciation of the motorcycle. If anything I found the handling, very much like the bonnies. That is good but could be better. At its price point it is as good as the Triumphs. And having owned them, save for the brand ego trip, I would choose the Enfield. 😁
Beyond the useful comments on the bike, I really enjoyed the views of Sydney
Just bought a Continental GT with the optional fly screen, single seat, and Norton fork gaiters which I provided for the dealer to install. In black and gold it is an astonishingly beautiful motorcycle, aesthetically flawless to my eyes. This is bike number four for me, love them all and if I feel like going fast my KTM 790 Duke fills the bill, although I strongly suspect that the gorgeous RE will become my favoured ride.
How much did it cost altogether? Planning to get as my first bike p
@@Soshi12005 Mine was just over 10,000 CDN with the options I specified. The interceptor is cheaper and comes with a centre stand. I normally recommend a used machine as a first bike because the reality is you're going to drop it at some point, and it will probably break your heart if you dropped a brand new machine that's also your first bike. Buy yourself a beater, learn some skills, and then treat yourself to a new machine.
Love the video, partly because I know all of those roads you were carving through, and also because it has helped me make up my mind about buying the chrome tank interceptor ( basically the same bike, just different bars, pegs and tank ) at my local dealership. Thanks buddy.
G'day Scotty, yes if so had my time again the chrome tank would be my choice too. Good luck. Enjoy.
Really Great 6 month review, honest and inspiring. One of these days My time will come and I'll own one as well👍
thank you for the review, I have been debating for this bike and the Himalayan but I love the cafe racer look. I am new to motorcycles and I would absolutely enjoy this bike for a good long time for sure.
I've had my interceptor 650 (modded into a scrambler) for 2months now. Use it everyday to commute to work.
Its an absolute ball to ride, Such a simpe and old school bike, and i reckon they sound great with aftermarket pipes too.
Glad you are loving it
Well done Rob! Your test ride back in March was one of several reviewer rides that got me really interested in bikes after 32 years! Thanks! Yeah, loving my Interceptor too for the same reasons - its my daily ride to work, a country twisty ride home - the long way, to enjoy the corners, the sound the flickability, and to park it next to other bikes and enjoy the comments! Still stock exhausts but now the DNA Intake filter, chrome rear tray and grab rail (3/4"tube) - looks the part. Waited five whole months and had some extras fitted by the time I picked her up. Had her since 6th September and am due for an Owner's Review now.
Wife said there is no room for her on the back for cruising two up, so I bought a BMW R1200RT second hand for the cruising and rides with groups. Have done three driver training schemes so far, with a Silver attained with Ride Forever group here in NZ. Still loving my "Lolly" bike (Orange Crush tank) every time I get on her :D
Thanks for the message. Yes they are a great bike. Sadly I don't get on mine much but I do love it
love it - One straight from heart review!
Absolutely love your attitude towards your bike and riding in general..... Thankyou for sharing your thoughts on RE..... 😇😇😇
Thank you
Skip to 4:58
Sound of those pipes, loving it.
Hi Rob. I have the same bike with the chrome tank. I absolutely love it! Totally agree with all your comments. Ride safe mate.
I'm kicking myself for not getting the chrome. They look very sexxy
Hi Neil, Whats the quality like on your bike, especially with the chrome tank?
Hi Ricky. The quality seems very good; stainless steel spokes, braded brake hoses, good paint on frame and hubs, alloy rims and that beautiful chrome tank. I have only had the bike since September last year, so time will tell. For what I paid for this bike though it’s a true bargain and would recommend to anyone.
@@neildavis4297 Thanks Neil, I love Cafe racer style bikes. The R.E is on my short list.
Beautiful bike. Beautiful video. Thanks for sharing
Thank you Cristian
Awesome vid Rob!
Thanks Jimi 👍👍
Im actually trading in my iron 883 for one of these
great video .. I am trying to decide between the Interceptor and the GT...you comments on the love of your GT has made me think again about the GT...thank you
Brian check my next few videos. I actually ended up swapping the bars so probably should have got the interceptor
@@ThrottleDownunder thank you .. will do....
Good nd honest review... People in india look at bikes in diffrnt way than uk or aus or us..
I hav been watching all reviews b4 can make my mind about it
Very nice, love the Enfields.
Thanks Tony
Awesome Bike 👍🏻👍🏻
Just for tour and long distance traveling experience I am going for interceptor. Nice video just a lil lengthy while making review.... Meanwhile I enjoyed your riding experience. 👌👍😎
Thank you for the message
Good choice
Some specific opinions: how’s the slipper clutch? How’s the 6th gear (I’ve heard it’s a bit too tall of a gear)? Could you do a long trip on it?
Love the sound of this bike..270 crank..
I wouldn't be surprised if other manufacturers use the same 270 degrees to get this sound or better it 👍
Motorcycles are polarising in a way many other things aren't, because they're an emotional choice, not a logical one. There will always be dissenting views about bikes, because everyone has a more or less strong opinion about .. well.. their opinion! I'm definitely considering a Royal Enfield twin, still unsure about whether the Interceptor or the GT, but one thing's clear; I DON"T want one of the blacked-out versions with the black rims; just looks wrong: too clumsy and heavy, whereas the chrome rims look just right! The Interceptor with the Orange Crush tank is a STUNNER and I think it looks better than any GT, but I want the driving experience of the GT.. Anyway, GREAT video, Sir!
Thanks for watching. I no longer own a RE but I did convert this to being more like an interceptor. For my body, leaning forward became un desirable.
But as you said, thays just me. Either way they are a wonderful bike for a great price
Hi Rob, love what you have done with the bike., i just got me L’s and am looking for a first bike and have this in my sight. Actually would even buy yours if your interested? Lol
G'day Eddie. Unfortunately I sold mine some time ago but I did love it
Went to the dealer today to take a look for myself, very nice looking machine
I'll be looking seriously at getting one soon
I see you've fitted higher clip-ons, why?
The clip ons are in the standard position. I haven't changed them at all
So basically the only negative point is the preconceived opinion other bikers have when they hear about a motorcycle built in India? I’ve been watching a great amount of the reviews available online for the GT and the Interceptor and they all agree: they are well built solid bikes and everyone who try them seem to love them. To anyone scared about the « made in India » bullshit, please stop it and give these beauties a try! (I did it already, while visiting...India!😉)
I can remember when the same was said in the west about Japanese bikes, Oshiden… Besides, the build quality, design, and attention to detail of these new twins is way different from the earlier Enfield singles from Chennai. That's what's surprised everyone. It's right up to 21st century standards, while evoking a sixties' vibe.
Actually enfields were considered as a bike for villagers here with a lot of vibrations and no fuel meter but the twins are really good , doesn't feels like a traditional RE anymore . currently India is facing slowdown in economic growth so new plants aren't opening hence waiting period is really long too
Did you get the welcome pack with the bike???(i.e ,coffee mug ,key ring)
See you later, take care on the road
Nice review - have you taken it on a ride up to the Blue Mountains? Wondering because that's something I'd like to do every now and then if I bought one.
Perfect bike for that mate. I don't own it any more but many of Mates have them and do great distances
Why did you sell It?
@@johndavidson4531 I bought a Harley and at the tine couldn't afford to keep both bikes
Tudo bem amigo , quero saber se o motor dessa moto é realmente robusto e confiável só manutenção preventiva mesmo pois ela começou a ser vendida aqui no Brasil esse mês e não temos muitas referências sobre a moto a marca é relativamente nova aqui no Brasil aínda gera desconfiança desde já muito obrigado
Hi, Nice video. I'm 6 foot tall and was just wondering if i might look a little silly on this bike. How big is it?
I'm 5 10, but I've seen 6 2 fellas on it and look fine
Yeah, they are a great bike for the money.
New sub from the cold state of Michigan!
Thank you for your support. Hopefully it's warming up there soon
@@ThrottleDownunder Its trying! Just hit 40F, 50 yesterday. Got the old RD350 out and fired up.
Nice review. Still not decided between RE Conti 650 GT or Moto Guzzi V7 III... any advice? Also, what’s the song at 2:45?
I was tossing up between the 2 as well . I like thr shaft drive on the Guzzi, but they have some transmission problems.
Also here in Oz the Guzzi is about $5000 more expensive than the Enfields. I love the Guzzi but these are the reasons I chose the Enfield.
Throttle Downunder In the end, I decided to go for a V9 Bobber - beautiful bike ;)
I agree with you that your royal enfield is a good bike ! However I have a 79 Honda cm 400 that weighs less 406 wet , parallel twin with 43 hp so 1 more hp than your gt ! So for power to weight ratio I think my bike is better obviously on paper,, but with abs , and fuel injection, which my Honda does not have, plus the design frame and technology of ergonomics etc ! I’m considering getting a interceptor 650 ! Do you think I will benefit from selling my bike which in its original amazing condition and 5500 original miles I can sell for around 1500 to use towards a Royal Enfield 650 , maybe the gt or interceptor I only sat on the gt for a minute at the dealership once but I liked it!!!!! Enjoy your bike! I enjoy your videos thanks Mike 🙏👍
GT produces 47 bhp
@@hrwedsash Only on an engine dyno. In the real world, it's 42 hp
Hey man, you're riding on the wrong side of the road..hahaha, just kidding. If I were to visit Australia or the U.K. I think it would take me a while to adapt. Thanks for the review. The more I hear positive reviews of the R.E. Continental GT the more I think that I want one.
They are a good bike. I just sold mine, but only due to lack of use and needing the money elsewhere
Thanks for the long term review, would you recommend this bike for a beginner first bike as its LAMS approved?
Yes 100% i believe it's one of the best learners bikes as you can grow into it
@@ThrottleDownunder thanks for the reply. I just watched the FortNine review and now another Aussie says its good, definitely my next bike
@@waiwong7996 definitely worth considering if you like the classic style. If you like modern the Kawasaki 400s are amazing too learn on too
@@ThrottleDownunder I'm a great fan of the classic look and it's was between the GT and the Suzuki Tu250x. The GT is great value for the amount of bike
@@waiwong7996 I love the Suzuki but you will out grow it very fast
I am thinking of getting one, but I'm torn between it and RE Gt 535. I liked my old bullet and I'm thinking 535 is improvement on it, so not sure if I need the new 650.
My only suggestion is to test ride both. That's the only way you'll know which one you prefer
@Varun Dhawan TRUE IT IS VIBRO VIBRATOR !
Hi Basha here I’m from India very nice get colour/What type of camera u use for shoots & good classic GT
Hi. I use a Gopro 7 when riding. And a Canon M50 when not riding.
Have you considered the 865cc big bore kit?
It seems a great kit, but the bike already does all I need. I have the Harley for big power
Okay you say I am buying the same one this month. Color mr. clean. Greetings from Poland.
In the UK the Interceptor is selling very well,highest in class.The GT not selling much.I got the Interceptor and love it having had two T140's in the past,had a TRX 850 as well which sort of like the GT.
I think the interceptor is selling better here too
Why's that??
Request sir,, RE interceptor 650 test review
I thought Royal Enfield was where the Queen keeps her chickens ?!
Nick Smith wtf dude😂
You didn’t find that funny I guess hey ?!
Anyone know the song at about 12:00
Nice vlog. TBH the reasons you gave as perceived negatives are exactly the reasons why I like it, you do, and thousands of others. We don't want rider modes, don't want lean sensitive ABS, don't want TFT screens. It's cock on just as it is.
agreed. a 100 mph motorcycle is all I need. I'm not going to compete at Isle of Man or ride the autobahn to work daily. A motorcycle should not have as many switches as a church organ.
@@randyrick8019 I agree wholeheartedly, I don't like the high tech direction bikes and cars are going. Thank goodness there are still some bikes that you can just throw a leg over and ride without setting this and that. If you require rider aids to save your hide, you aren't doing it right. Learn counter steering, smooth throttle clutch and brake control, watch for gravel, use caution entering intersections and don't be overzealous in the rain. This style of bike is great. I don't want to pay for rider aids that are not needed. I hope government or bike manufacturers or public demand doesn't take away the fun of using rider skills without dependence on electronic nannies.
Silly question, but when you parked the bike up for a walk around you stopped on what looked like a railway track that went into the sea or river on onw side and went nowhere at all on the other. Where, what, why?
Launching slipway for boats.
@@chrisgraham5186 Good to know.
How much does the Continental cost in Australia? Cool bike and great country.
About $10k AUD
What do you think of the New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650?
I think I might be more comfy on the Interceptor. Then, if I want convert it to cafe, I just need to change the switch gear and handlebars.
@@TheVwboyaf1 the interceptor is more comfy. I almost chose it, but I was getting a Harley too
If it puts a smile on your dial when you look at it who cares what other people think. BMW and a lot of Japanese bikes are arguably better built....arguably...but they are completely devoid of passion and soul. I know what I prefer. Enjoy your RE.
@@MTBrider26 thank you Richard
@@MTBrider26 like my motorcycle instructor said - ride what makes you smile and love to ride every morning. Buying something reliable but you hate, then you won't ride it and the reliability is nonexistant
Good looking like muscle cafe racer motorcycle!!!
Is that a DGR sticker on the headlight I see?
Yes mate sure was. I'm involved with DGR every uear
6.00 mins in. Er dude, the most traditional parallel twin firing order and sound is 360 degrees. All classic Brit bikes were 360. 270 is a recent thing to make them sound like a 90 degree v twin, better on the vibes and easier for coffee drinking Hipsters to like. Me, being a Luddite, if i want a 90 degree v twin, i buy a Ducati or Guzzi. If i want a parallel twin that looks like a classic Brit bike, i want a 360 degree crank. Fortunately i own a Guzzi and a stroked Meriden Triumph....
Michael Hayward - What you would like is the Kawasaki W800. Genuine 60s era 360⁰ long stroke air cooled engine. The bevel driven cam is just the icing on the cake.
@@dougfielding8215 if i wanted modern retro, yeah you're now wrong. But my most modern bike (out of 4) is an '89...
Why didn’t you ride this for the DGR mate?
Sold it some time ago. Sadly. It's it
dude whats the wire comming out from the battery bay really wana know
It's just where I have wired the input for my battery trickle charger
@@ThrottleDownunder dude where I can find that thing in India any where online can u send me the link plz
@@SouravAcharya9444 www.sparesbox.com.au/part/ctek-mxs-5-0-12v-5a-battery-charger-mxs5-0?gclid=Cj0KCQiAn8nuBRCzARIsAJcdIfNT389rlr7KZ4ENo9q09U8Xg1TreS8HiFdPyZ9VU3U5eW7pm1rO2jUaAkzMEALw_wcB
This is what I use, don't know how you can get it in India
@@ThrottleDownunder dam man
Nice bike
Nice riding skills
Nice City
Thank you
Great bike, check for "DNA" air filter makes your bike 'breath' much-much better and with better sound!
I'll look into it, thank you
Awesome sound, where can I get that exhaust pipe?
Look up EMGO Exhaust slash cut
Throttle Downunder thanks
@Terry Melvin they're EMGO, not sure where they are made, but I'm happy with them
@Terry Melvin it's proven to be a good bike for me. I have no regrets
Terry Melvin it looks like an American Taiwanese company who source/ commission pipes from manufacturers in India, China and South East Asia.
"Hate" is a pretty strong word.
54macdog It’s his bike, he can use any words he wants. :)
@@trippontwowheels True, but given how much he loves his bike I thought maybe negatives or dislikes might be more appropriate. Don't want to put anyone off these fine bikes.
So strong he was unable to find something to hate after all😁
A 15 minute video to say something you could have done in three minutes. But I guess a tour of sydney suburbs a coffee shop plug and endorsement for Bikershand, the latter makes it worthwhile.
That's true
@@ThrottleDownunder You may wish to if you haven't already checked out fortnine's review of this bike... not comparing or complaining just suggesting. ruclips.net/video/p6qXM_N34TI/видео.html
Thank you and yes I am a subscriber to them
What tail bag is that?
It's just a bag from Motorcycle Accessories Store. MCAS
@@ThrottleDownunder thanks, would you be planningna video for the first service and related costs?
Can you put a phone mount on it?
Yes i use a Quadlock
It would be good if it had a twin front disc brake.
True Rachel, that would be better, but it's performance doesn't need it. I've pushed this bike hard, and never felt that the brakes have let me down.
@@ThrottleDownunder - and don't forget, another disc and caliper is all extra unsprung weight (that's why Eric Buell used large single disc rather than two smaller ones).
This bike's brakes work like dropping anchor on a ship. Can't imagine needing better unless you were racing on a track.
for looks its okay ! But it will be a totally unnecessary for this bike !
Takes about 5 mins to get to it. The Charity shoutout is important, though.
Was that a red light 14:10 .... :-P
I've looked into buying one of the royal Enfield a fair bit and I'm still tempted... But why oh why do people call it a parallel twin?
It's an inline twin with a 270 firing. It is not a parallel twin! If the Enfield is a parallel twin every single Japanese four could be described as a parallel four.
Comments related to the bike start at 4:59
I beg to differ on the sound of a traditional vertical twin unless you are talking about bikes made since the late 1980's. Other wise a traditional vertical twin (Trumph, Machless, Norton, BSA, Ariel, XS 650 Yamaha etc) had a 360 degree firing order and sounds completely different. What the 270 degree firing order makes the bike sound like is an "L" twin such as a Ducati, A moto guzzi, a vstrom, DL650 and 1000, Honda VTR firestorm etc. That's what your bike sounds like, so if you like it, you like it because it sounds like a 90 degree Vee twin. Sorry to burst your bubble brother. BSA 650 lightening - ruclips.net/video/eeP0CbMfMl0/видео.html Did that BSA in terms of its looks remind you of any bike you've ridden lately?
Another nice example - ruclips.net/video/VIrkH31w6xA/видео.html
Pros: great price, looks good, ABS, slipper/assist clutch
Cons: only 47hp, no gear position indicator, a little heavy, the headlight looks cheap
47 HP is sufficient for fun and performance in this weight range. My W800 Kawi has only a few more horsepower and I find it plenty fast. It's torque that you want for spirited riding.
I don't care about the paint on them I'm going to custom paint mine.
I'm just about to get the tank wrapped
Ride modes?
We don't need no stinkin' ride modes!
Royal Enfield... Made like a gun
Easy to ride.
I took a test ride and the minute I revved it on stand by, the sound just mesmerised me! It’s like Satan himself is smiling and I just loved it! And the looks with the handle bar mirrors and the single seat is so dammmmnnn class!
Peoples negative perception about anything manufactured in India is not without merit. I am currently working over there and everything I have seen relating to manufacturing in India is substandard. The culture refuses to follow rules (i.e. instructions, SOP's, laws...etc) so how confident should anyone be about something as critical as building motorcycles? If you want to see, first hand, what I am talking about, just look at the driving in ANY city in India. Absolute chaos because no one follows the rules (lane discipline, red lights, stop signs, traffic direction...all apparently just suggestions to the drivers in India). If you need another example, just look at all of the trouble the generic pharmaceutical manufacturers are having in India. Almost all of them are in trouble because they can't train their workforce to FOLLOW THE RULES!! I want to really like this motorcycle, but knowing what I know about India, would prefer that it was manufactured almost anywhere else. That's a huge issue to overcome, even at a budget price, which is why I am watching video reviews of long-term ownership (thanks, BTW). Seems like maybe, just maybe, the folks in charge at RE have overcome that cultures shortcomings. Personally, I'm going to give it some more time before I make up my mind.
I think your decision is wise. I'm having no problems at all with the bike, but I agree with all that you say
Drew A... thanks from india and you don't know what we been through lately & everyday so would you please stop judging just because you're working here doesn't mean you know about us very well
@अल्ली X So, according to your response, RE is at the lowest end of India's mfg. Considering how many Indian mfg sites I have been too, that's pretty telling right there. You pretty much made my point, since this video is about RE and not the Indian culture. I was merely pointing out what I see to folks who can't come here and see for themselves. The only correlation I could make that they might understand is traffic, wonky or not. Cheers!!
@अल्ली X I'm not talking from a sales point of view, I'm talking from a quality, reliability and safety point of view. After all, it's a motorcycle...and they haven't been in the market long enough (outside of India) for me to feel comfortable about those 3 things. I understand the increased sales, so that should produce data to answer my concerns.
You get an affordable quality bike, then appreciate the fact that it's made in India. You don't get that with the Japanese or German-made bikes.
Rajasthan auto centre Jaipur India my shop father 1949 royal Enfield
And now he has sold it.
Cars and bikes only last 1 year with me as I always need new content for the channel. It was a great bike but there is something new coming soon.
@@ThrottleDownunder Looking forward to it.
Too much fluff. Just get on with it.
Fluff makes the world go round
Workmanship costs money.
444 th like 👍😮
Aussies look down upon Indians in general. I am not surprised that their perceptions about Royal Enfield is fueled by bias.
During this Pandemic, India is going to supply much of the pharmaceuticals to control Covid19 since its one of the biggest pharmaceutical producing country. So kindly abandon false biases.
I never look down on any other human at all. But Indian machinery just does not compare to Japanese or German.Its a fact.
But I LOVE Royal Enfield,and in particular my 650. I appreciate it for exactly what it is.