Royal Enfield, since the shut down of Enfield, England, has been manufacturing motorcycles independently in India with its headquarters at Chennai. The firm also exports motorcycles in over twenty countries across the world. The Indian launch of Royal Enfield Continental GT cafe racer had been highly anticipated after a footage screened workers assembling parts of the Cafe Racer at the company's newly inaugurated manufacturing plant at Oragadam near Chennai.
The fully assembled Continental GT was exported to UK for a launch that took place few days back. Industry experts feel that the launch of this bike in UK was understandable as the region is the biggest export market for the firm. According to sources, the Indian launch is expected to take place in October as the highest number of sales are recorded during the festive season. The Continental GT is the first Cafe Racer by Royal Enfield in the past 60 years and is expected to be the lightest and most powerful motorcycle of this segment. Reports and statistics suggest that number of sports bikes being launched in India is going to increase in the future. Experts believe that this bike is going to set a benchmark in the two wheeler market and will have a dedicated fan following.
It is powered by a single-cylinder 535 cc fuel-injected UCE engine that is mated to a a 5-speed manual constant mesh gearbox. This engine generates an output of 29.1 bhp and peak torque of 44 Nm. It has a weight of 184 kg and comes with a ninety per cent fuel filled tank that has a capacity to store 13.5 litres. The Continental GT has been inspired by the Cafe Racer of the 1960s and has features like rear set foot pegs,clip on handlebars and bar end mirrors, Paioli gas charged rear suspension and disc brakes( front and rear).
It has been equipped with Pirelli tyres that provide a smooth and safe ride. Like a typical Cafe Racer, this super bike has a low profile fuel tank with knee recesses. It has been implemented with a good suspension suspension system with 41 mm forks, new double cradle frame and Paioli gas twin charged shock absorbers so that the driver experiences maximum riding pleasure. The seat is a single unit that can be availed in both the sitting configurations, single and two-seater with contrast stitching. On the exterior front, the bike scores well as it is a modernised version of the previous generation Cafe Racers with an impressive build quality and paint finish statement. According to analysts, although the looks have a scope of improvement, the present exteriors work in the favour of the bike.
After the Royal Enfield Classic Series, this is the most anticipated model by this company. According to sources, it is expected that the Royal Enfield Continental GT would be priced in the range of Rs. 2.25 lakh - Rs. 2.75 lakh. Rumours suggest that Royal Enfield also has plans to launch another set of motorcycle riding gear under the name of 'Burn-up Wear' soon after the arrival of the Continental GT. Bikes from Royal Enfield have always had a unique set of lovers and there's no doubt that even this would have a niche market in India.
