After much hype and speculation, iconic bike manufacturer Royal Enfield finally launched the Continental GT in India on 26th November, 2013. As announced by the company, the Cafe Racer-inspired bike comes with an on-road price tag of Rs. 2.05 lakh (New Delhi). The bike, recently introduced in United Kingdom, had been grabbing headlines in India much before its arrival. Continental GT was first showcased by Royal Enfield at the 2012 Auto Expo and ever since then, Indian bike aficionados had been eagerly waiting for its introduction in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Executive, Siddhartha Lal was quoted as saying “Our ambition is to make sure that our motorcycles are accessible so we took pains to keep the prices down." He further added that the on-road price of this motorbike in Mumbai would be Rs. 2.14 lakh whereas for states like Punjab, it same shall be below Rs. 2 lakh. Touted as the fastest, lightest and powerful bike ever built by Royal Enfield, Continental GT gets a 535 cc air-cooled engine that produces 27 bhp of peak power and 44 Nm of torque. The engine of this bike is coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox, which helps in clocking a top speed of 140 kmph. Also to mention, Continental GT is the lightest bike produced by Royal Enfield, weighting just 184 kg, which is about 15 kg lighter than that of Thunderbird.
As evident, the newly launched Royal Enfield Continental GT has been inspired from the Cafe Racer bikes that were produced during 1960's. In order to give optimum comfort while riding through rough terrains, the company has given twin gas charged Paioli twin shock absorbers. Also to mention, a new chassis frame has been used in the Continental GT. For better results while braking, Royal Enfield has used 300 mm floating Brembo disc brakes at the front apart from the 240 mm discs at the rear. However, the company has refrained from giving Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in its new bike. In order to cater different needs of buyers, Continental GT is available in single and double seating options.
To offer a sporty and premium feel to the bike, Royal Enfield has given a new instrument cluster panel. The design of Continental GT sets it apart from other bikes as it gets low clip on handlebars and rear set of foot pegs that lend a sportier riding position. As reported, the bike will be assembled locally at the Orgadam facility of Royal Enfield in Tamil Nadu. In spite of all optimism about the success of Continental GT in India, industry experts are of a view that Royal Enfield Continental GT still lacks the punch that was required from the bike.
With the launch of Continental GT in India, majority of experts are believing that this would create a new found love in Indian biking enthusiast among cafe racer bikes that are quite popular worldwide. Many experts feel that it was the right time for launch of Continental GT in India as nowadays buyers are more adaptable in choosing high-specification bikes.
