Royal Enfield Continental GT

Welcome to the Royal Enfield Continental GT motorcycle overview. This is the next model in my look at the Royal Enfield motorcycle range for 2017. The Continental GT is the ‘Cafe Racer’ model for the brand and the top of the range model. The design and look are all derived from the original Cafe Racer in the 50’s and 60’s so it’s a retro original if you follow my thinking. As the company explains the GT is a tribute to the history behind the ‘cafe racer’ scene and even the magic ‘ton’. This is definitely a hipster style motorcycle!

The design of the Continental GT is a combination of modern and real retro and retro styled parts. It looks like a genuine cafe racer motorcycle which is an ironic statement as Royal Enfield was one of the original motorcycles used for this type of customisation. The build is also retro so don’t expect robot controlled welding but overall pretty good. Modern parts include Keihin EFI, Brembo discs front and back, digital and mechanical instruments and  Paioli suspension. I also like the details like the engraved engine plaque although reads EFI 535 is clearly modern, bar end mourned mirrors and the kick start lever, perhaps the company should start giving it’s engine proper names for brand and marketing purposes. On that topic I also think that it should really come in a chrome coloured version for the ultimate classic concourse look.

The Royal Enfield Continental GT is priced under $10000 AUD which is a few thousand over it’s brother in the range the Classic 500 but there are honestly not enough changes to the Continental GT to be worth the price difference. Since the Continental GT is also LAMS or learner approved it’s a decent first motorcycle or even a commuter. As a commuter it will be challenging to keep the bike looking good though. That said the Continental GT is less of retro motorcycle than the Classic 350 or 500 as it has more 60’s than 40’s or 50’s design. Finally, the Royal Enfield Continental GT is not a sports bike for 2017 but for the 1960’s and you should not even consider getting one for speed, handling  or anything like that. This is a motorcycle to be seen riding on, listening to and enjoying the ride.