By The 2023 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 was first shown in the UK last month. It has now been launched in India, with prices starting at Rs 3.19 lakh. The top-end ‘Mr. Clean’ chrome version (with wire-spoke wheels) costs Rs 3.45 lakh, while the alloy wheel-equipped versions cost Rs 3.39 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, India).
The Continental GT 650 is an impressive motorcycle that has remained a potent value-for-money package over the years. But the lack of major updates in recent years has caused the bike to show its age. Even being surpassed in features and attention to detail by RE’s more affordable single-cylinder models.
This 2023 update gives the GT a much-needed boost and brings it up to date. Its halogen reflector headlight has been replaced with an LED unit from the Super Meteor 650. Its new switchgear design is inspired by bikes like the Super Meteor 650 and the Classic 350. The switch cubes are made of aluminium, adding to the premium factor.
The most requested update arrives on the GT in the form of alloy wheels. Alloys are only available in two of the six colour options: Apex Grey and Slipstream Blue. Even RE’s MiY configurator does not let you add alloy wheels to any of the other colour options.
The size remains the same 18-inch on either end but the wheels are now wrapped in new Vredestein tyres. The addition of a USB charging port on the left handlebar is the final new feature.
Aside from these changes, the fundamentals remain unchanged. So the 648cc parallel twin continues to produce a max power of 47.5 hp and a peak torque of 52 Nm.
All these changes result in a Rs 14,000 price increase across the lineup. Before the launch of the 2023 version, the price range was Rs 3.05 to Rs 3.31 lakh, but now it is between Rs 3.19 and Rs 3.45 lakh.
2023-03-17 07:58:26