RE Continental GT 650 ergonomics have been tweaked to allow for a more comfortable ride than the Continental GT 535.
With promising products lined up for launch this year, Royal Enfield’s plans for market expansion look compelling by all means. The iconic brand now looks forward to entering the twin-cylinder category with its 650cc twins, the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650. While the former is a classic-styled motorcycle, the latter is a cafe racer evolved from the recent GT 535. The Continental GT 650 ergonomics, as the company claims, have been tweaked considerably.
The GT 535 was first showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo and offered some food for thought to an audience which was totally new to the cafe racer concept. Nevertheless, Royal Enfield had anticipated high success from this model but the ground reality was that they were targeting a very niche segment. As the company realised later, many of the Continental GT buyers were middle-aged apart from the expected young population.
Unfortunately, the GT 535 failed to take off and was axed recently. Its poor market response can also be attributed to its limited suitability. Thus, the company now claims its successor to be sorted on the ergonomic front. CEO Mr. Lal told in an interview, “We’ve made the ergonomics slightly easier and comfortable so it’s not like extremely committed” and emphasised how older riders will feel more comfortable astride the GT 650.
Besides that, Royal Enfield promises to have improved the existing twin-downtube frame for enhanced handling. The motorcycle is also more powerful and highway-friendly than the GT 535 as it employs a 648cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected motor that churns out 47 BHP of power and 52 Nm of torque. The numbers are much higher than the GT 535’s output of 29.1 BHP of power and 44 Nm of torque.
While it is too early to comment on this, the Continental GT 650’s riding position is visually similar to the GT 535 with low set clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs and a single seat. The GT 535-successor is expected to be launched by mid-2018 and will be priced in the vicinity of Rs. 3.5 to 4 lakhs (ex-showroom). Meanwhile, existing stocks of the Continental GT 535 are still available with some dealerships although production has been stopped.
RE Continental GT 650 Ergonomics
– Royal Enfield promises improved ergonomics on the upcoming GT 650
– Company plans to make it more suitable for different age groups
– Chassis has been improved to provide better handling balance
– RE Continental GT 535 was discontinued recently
Source – TimesOfIndia.com