Having first been shown in the UK last month, the updated Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 has now been launched in India starting from Rs 3.19 lakh. Prices go up to Rs 3.45 lakh for the top-end ‘Mr. Clean’ chrome version (which gets wire-spoke wheels), while the alloy wheel-equipped versions are priced at Rs 3.39 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, India).
The Continental GT 650 was an impressive motorcycle when first launched in 2017, and has remained a potent value-for-money package through the years. But in recent times, the lack of any major updates has meant that the bike has been showing its age, even being surpassed by RE’s more affordable single-cylinder models in terms of features and attention to detail.
2023 RE Continental GT 650: LED headlight, new switchgear
Now, this 2023 update gives the GT a much needed shot in the arm and brings it up to date. It replaces its halogen reflector headlight with the LED unit from the Super Meteor 650, and borrows its new switchgear design from bikes like the Super Meteor as well. Like on the cruiser, the switch cubes are crafted from aluminium, seriously upping the premium quotient.
2023 RE Continental GT 650: alloy wheels, new tyres, USB charger
And finally, the most asked-for update also makes its way onto the GT, in the form of alloy wheels. However, alloys are only offered on two of the six colour options (many of which are new for 2023) – Apex Grey and Slipstream Blue. Even Royal Enfield’s MiY configurator doesn’t allow you to equip alloys on any of the other colour options.
Sizes continue to be the same – 18-inches at either end – but the wheels now come wrapped in new Vredestein tyres, as opposed to the earlier Ceats. The final new feature is the addition of a USB charging port on the left handlebar.
2023 RE Continental GT 650: price hike
Aside from these changes, the fundamentals all remain the same, so the 648cc parallel-twin is untouched, and continues to produce 47.5hp and 52Nm. The chassis around it is also unchanged, as is the suspension it sits on.
The effect of all these changes is a Rs 14,000 price hike across the line-up, which seems reasonable. Prices earlier ranged from Rs 3.05 to Rs 3.31 lakh, and now sit between Rs 3.19-3.45 lakh. The Interceptor 650 has also received a very similar update, and you can read all about it here.