Royal Enfield Continental GT bike review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- The Royal Enfield Continental GT harks back to a simpler age. As Jon Quirk discovers, it's perfect for the Sunday afternoon cruise.
Like the video? Read our expert's full review: bit.ly/1KdgFac
Subscribe for more videos from Auto Trader every Friday: bit.ly/1JDNLig
We're just as passionate talking about bikes as we are about cars. Check out the latest new bike reviews from Auto Trader’s editor-in-chief Jon Quirk.
Welcome! Auto Trader is the UK’s biggest, best and most trusted car buying website, and our UA-cam channel will help make finding your dream vehicle easier than ever.
Every week, we’ll present the latest new car reviews, covering everything from supercars to family estates. Our motoring experts have more than 75 years of testing experience between them, and their jargon-free verdicts cover real-world practicality, recommended specifications and reveal the real cost of ownership. Every video review is even complimented by a full written report on AutoTrader.co.uk.
But don’t just take our word for it; every month, we’ll ask some of Britain’s most passionate petrolheads to share their owner reviews. Factor in tutorials, used car guides, plus bonus motorcycle and van reviews and we have all your motoring needs covered.
Auto Trader: autotrader.co.uk?atcidi=yt-desc
Facebook: / autotraderuk
Twitter: / autotrader_uk
Instagram: / autotraderuk
Pinterest: / autotraderuk
![2014 Harley-Davidson 48 [Forty-Eight] bike review](/img/n.gif)
Ahhhhhh YES! After over 4 years of watching this video I AM NOW A PROUD OWNER OF MY OWN Continental GT535! *YESSS*
Yeyy!! Me too
Lol RE launched new continental gt650
@@chandranshpandey1929 I know 🙃 but for me the gt535 will have a charm no other bike ever will
@@Manu-uz3mp very happy for you!
Congratulations
The vibration above 4000rpm is only because the bike has not been run-in, that takes at least 300 miles. Once correctly run-in you get significantly more power, wider power band and far less vibration.
Exactly this is the worst time to review this bike. Brand new... this gives such a bad representation of it and pushed away many many potential buyers because of the ~VIBRATION ALERT~ truly a shame... I don't trust motorcycle reviews because of poor illustrations of motorcycles like this one. The Continental GT535 is a great machine and fantastic for people who likes true old school and classic retro styling. In an unintimadating 535 cc engine with 29.1hp yet fast enough to have plenty of fun that can reach up to140 kmph stock. What else can you ask?
Speed isn't everything.. there is so much more to motorcycling than that.. Not everyone wants to haul ass and get speed tickets sheeesh.. (As if you ever use all of the engines these day... 180 kmph comon no one needs that anyway)
1 thing. it is nice to see a classic modern bike with a kickstart on it.last seen a cafe bike with a kickstart was honda cb750 1980.
If you have a bad day, ride a Continental and it will be your finest day of the week. 😊☺
I enjoy every minute with my Conti.
I have owned mine for a year now and covered 6000 miles. The vibration settles and performance increases quite dramatically with mileage . Mirrors need to be tightened occasionally using the tools provided and it does have a habit of stalling inappropriately! I love every moment I have riding the bike , its charming , handles well , comfortable for up to 2 - 2 1/2 hours at a time and mine seems to be be well built . Some people criticise the side stand ignition cut off switch , but surely it makes sense to have it! Definitely looking forward to the 750 launch and also confident that the depreciation will be amazingly low on mine!
Has it been reliable?
These are the best cycle reviews out there. AutoTrader UK, Quirk, and Crew should be proud of the professional, artistic product they continue to provide.
Many thanks for your comments! It's great to get feedback. Many more reviews coming this summer.
I must agree on all points. I love these reviews and always look forward to them!
This review is spot on. Absolutely love the look of this bike, and it's old school charm. I rode one, but the bike still wasn't broken in, and it had tons of vibration, more than any KTM I've ever ridden. I would like another go on one that's broken in. Neat little bike for a pretty fair price.
The vibration is just inherit in the engine design and won't go away even after the break-in period.
@@z.torque1998 Er well it does, mine doesn't vibrate much and many have said that the engine gets smoother over time. But then I've always had singles
Professional reviews meets UA-cam! What a superbly clear and watchable look at the GT. Autotrader is more than a used car/bike website huh!
Royal Enfield's factory in England wasn't in Birmingham, but in Redditch, about 20 miles away.
I'v been watching this video 4 years now and now after while I finished saving up and my motorcycle license, soon when the winter comes I'll get mine in Black 2017 with abs
60's performance. Plenty of power! I dont know who needs to go over 140kmph 100~120 is plenty for me.
Edit: I can now say that it cruises on 100~110kmph but 120 feels hard on it.
Kinda want 10 more kmph but it's a nitpick I can live with. I love this bike 🖤
Did you expirience a vibration?
@@harrysalamangkero5617 Yes I am an owner of a GT535. It's really not as bad as the review makes it to seem, if you know the vibrations dramatically reduced after the run-in period.
I have to say I even like the vibrations it's quite a charm you don't experience on a modern machine yet it won't ruin your ride and shake your bones.
👌👌😂exact...toujours rouler depuis 3000rpm jusqu'à 4000rpm ( max torque !) et là, 100-110 kmh...la moto est au top...vous pouvez aller aussi vers 130 kmh....mais là, elle vous dit : eh man...ca suffit comme ca 🥴! elle est faite comme ca, si vous voulez plus de sensations ? faites comme moi: vous achetez une Egli-Vincent-Godet...le top du top...la mienne c'est EV1442 ❤👌🥳🤪bonne route à vous tous....
the original continental GT was built in Redditch not Birmingham
Thanks for an honest review on vibrations
You had to have lived through the 60s to really "get" a bike like this. Of course ride anything made from the 70s on up and there can be no comparison. This bike is fabulous because it is simple, well made and not that expensive. Even in the 60s with the X6 Hustler, 305 Super Hawk and Scrambler, Kawas all available cheaper BSA, Ducati, Benneli were flogging buzzy singles and they sold. This bike has class.
Not really, I wasn't born until the late 80's and I love my GT535, a far more rewarding ride than my 1200 buell was. As much as I loved the buell, you never felt like you got round the corner because of you're riding, it just went round. The Enfield makes you feels like you're hustling it round and working to do it. The buell is now gone, and the enfield is still with me.
it just feels good when a indian motorcycle is been imported in UK man it made feel proude
except its not an Indian motorcycle. its a British motorcycle. only manufactured in India.
+aditya chhabra It WAS a Britinsh motorcycle because it was born in Britain. In mid-60s the company closed down the shutters everywhere else but in India. Thus, it became an Indian company. It only shares its roots in Britain.
+aditya chhabra except there's nothing british about it other than the name and the cafe-racer inspiration. engines, design, manufacturing all Indian.
+MauryaSenapati I'm sorry but on some things you are incorrect. Harris (now owned by Royal Enfield) designed the frame, and another UK company styled the machine. Royal Enfield is now exported around the world, but relies heavily on it British history. Without that history Enfield would just be a manufacturer of machines for the Indian market.
+wozza59 still, you gotta give us props for keeping it alive and running better than ever. RE not only survived but it thrived in India, the reason is because the tough environment in India demands something formidable like an Enfield :)
I love old fashioned. I ride a classic 500 almost everyday. Puts a smile on my face and most onlookers too.
I think you're missing the point here some people like the authentic feel rather than a modern bike with all the trimmings that just looks like a cafe racer. It's part of the appeal.
hey , I love all your reviews . I am eagerly waiting for review on their new bike- Himalayan. Hope you bring them in soon.
The original 250cc Contiental GT was built in Redditch 1965 - 1967
jankool01 My Dad tells me his mother worked at the Redditch plant and ultimately became the longest employed person....got some kind of award.
60's style and 60's performance.
well thats the all point
If you want a modern bike pretending to be retro, just get a Triumph
good
Some people want that. It's not all about speed sometimes.
Thank them for keeping old school in production, unless the ones who like had to spent tens of thousands on restoring old ones.
This is a very good review, I love you guys. Keep up the good work, aye. The GT is a great bike, always filled with surprises in a good way. I'm looking to ride this baby in the Himalayas soon. Any thing to look out for in the higher altitudes?
Royal Enfield is about to launch a 750cc parallel twin Continental GT on March 2017
+phalgun rao google it u will get more to know about 750 re
really ?
Ryan Reid its may and I still dont see a 700/750 :/
you can check videos now
Ryan Reid Never happened!
The Continental GT 650 now at 2021.... One of the best Motorcycle of all time!
True bro ….. i booked one last week ❤️❤️
Still the best produced motorbike review and opinion after all these years.
My friend's wife got one in red, and I must say it's a very stylish stiff-framed looking bike that complements my Norton Atlas well. It gets lots of attention at bike night and apart from gas shocks, disk brakes and modern switches looks like a period bike. For a fun commuter bike, or for a weekend blast in twisties, it's the ticket. There's not another new bike like it.
Why does every review put crap music to it? I want hear the noise of the damn engine!
Yes, I would like to hear some engine sound too. Seems people think music is interesting not motorcycles...
You are right.... I agree...
Great review! I just found your channel and I can't seem to stop watching! What do you guys think of Yamaha's SR400?
Tommy Fletcher Thanks for the great feedback. Glad you like the videos! Feedback on the Yamaha SR400 coming soon..
It is a shame they did not use a twin in the new (new to the USA market) Yamaha 400 instead of a single. ANd how much more would it have cost to add an electric starter as well ? This is the 21st century, haha just saying
White Rabbitt I bought one, it's pretty gutless, but if you keep it under 50, it's a lotta fun. And the Kickstart is extremely easy, plus it gets a ton of love from old school bikers.
It has got an electric start. He uses it in the video...
MutieThePig wrong bike
would this be a good beginner bike?
Fantasticallyfabulous Review :) bestest review series i have ever seen... i hv no words to explain.. it gives me a smile... KEEP IT UP guys .. :)
Brilliant review
Love your reviews brilliant keep up the great work
best review of continenental gt
Any 650 twin owners watching in 2019?
2020 actually
@KRYPTO NITE Yes indeed. 10k blissful miles.
does it requires high maintainence?
must admit its the best looking retro for the price
I'm planning to buy royal enfield continental gt. tell me your usage review about the bike. i have enough information about the bike. i just want to know that is it vibrant a lot at high speed? is it for high hight person? i am 5.6 feet long. is it comfortable for me? and which are negative point in this bike?
Hi Jon,
Could you do a review on Royal Enfield classic 350\500 please. I own one but would like to here a review from the horses mouth. Thanks!
Thanks for the great review!
This music is from Farming sim 17
Lovely review.
The pull after 3k rpm is amazing on this bike.
lol youve never ben on a kawa then
great review, very helpful
I was under the impression that all new bikes from 2016 onwards, had to be fitted with ABS as standard, for the UK market. Is this not the case?
My dream machine Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc Cafe Racer
Lovely review
Why don't you review Royal Enfield classic 350.
I saw a Continental GT that I want to buy but I am not sure if it is a good pick for long distance drive. Can someone clarifies if this is the bike to go with if I want to go on a long trip?
Thanks
is this bike comfortable for long rides or long road trips?
with single rider its comfortable for long rides on open roads... i slowing moving traffice, its pain in wrist and ass... and not with a pillion rider... it comes more uncomfortable...
Conclusions: GT is a fun bike... bike for weekends... long and open roads... single rider...... worth owning a classic looking cafe racer and a pride!
New gt 650 cc parallel twin is good
Have rode a bullet for sometime ...gt maybe I should give it a try ...
I wonder if it has as much power (or lack there of) as Yamahas SR 500 of yesteryear. Thanks for the review.
The SR was quite gutless
Royal Enfield should consider rubber mounting the engine to combat the vibration issue.
- You forgot to mention .. it makes 44 'NM' of torque .. between 2000 and 4000 RPM .. so no point revving beyond 4000rpm .. btw once the engine opens up (after run-in period) .. change the engine oil to Synthetic engine oil from 'Motul' and replace the 'Air Filter' to a 'K&N' one and you shall have reduced the 'Vibrations' by 50% .. My Continental GT .. after some work on it now makes about 41ps and 52nm .. It's a 'Cafe Racer' .. and it is 'Customizable' to the hilt, lackluster review btw
can you giev a little more info on what exactly you got done besides the airfilter and oil change?
- Hey sorry for the late reply, I worked on the 'Cylinder' head and also on the crank .. ECU tuning from a 'Dynojet' piggyback system .. a 'Red Rooster' performance exhaust .. also to lighten the weight I took out the center stand, the side panels, I got them redone in fiberglass so maximising the Power to weight ratio.. hope this helps
Thanks for your comments, +rahulgosh1 - I'm sure your modifications do make a difference but in the interest of fairness, we assess each test bike in standard production guise. I'd be the first to admit the GT is a very charismatic motorcycle, but when considered against other retro rivals, everything about it feels positively old skool, including the price.
Jon Quirk , haven't seen you lately .where are you .miss your videos.
Hi, is it usual for GT 535 engine to get heated even after short ride ?
My favorite bike forever
The colour grading on a lot of these videos is really muddy and others have blown out highlights. Otherwise really well written and produced.
Its a cherished motorcycle brand in India but most definitely not considered premium.
Change tyres this bike is perfect
Anyone tried the carb conversion? Will it cause damage to the engine?any insight?
Beautiful!
can i get link for the helmet.?
Is the vibration that bad? Or is it something that you can get over and get used to after a extended use?
Will i go to school with it.. Which means ride that in morning no ill puke.. Will i chill on it on a Friday with kit yes.
The Enfield motors always have to be run in for about 300 miles, gently to start with, gradually putting some work into the engine. Initially they vibrate a lot and bolts come loose, invest in Loctite and a torque wrench. Around 1000 miles they loosen up and develop more power. From 1500 to 2000 miles they can become quite smooth. If you want less vibration at high revs, you have to use the motor at high revs. The headstay and front engine mount transmit vibration and need to be kept nipped up, but so does the swinging arm and rear frame loop/rear engine mount. Once sorted you can forget about it.
It's for grown ups, it's way too cool for kiddies.
Jeff Slade agreed but I think that picture must be confusing you, it's a pretty old picture and I'm old enough for that enfield
What picture? If you're still at school then no, the RE is way too cool for you.
29hp in the right hands is enough to give most people on liter bikes a run for there money on local back roads. They winge about power and then get passed by little 250's and 300's.
Nice bike but they should have tuned the engine for this version.
I have a Royal Enfield 535 Continental GT and a KTM rc 390 Racing Bike.........I love them both equally,and my Enfield is surprisingly smooth after riding the KTM.The Enfield may be low on HP but it has loads of torque so it isn't as slow as people make out.The KTM accellerates like a rocket when you give it full throttle! Photan345
It's time for a true-to-the-original 750 Interceptor to be made.
What license do you need
A2
love this bike
How tall is the rider in this video?
+Ryan Miller Jon is 6 foot tall.
Awesome machine ❤❤❤❤❤
Love this
How much mileage GT gives ?
Rekt Gaming 32 kmpl on my GT
Rekt Gaming it not mileage it about fun
a 750cc twin comin soon
+lhmartin101 MAYBE !!!!
I want one of their bikes...but I've heard nothing but bad things a bout them
+Eric X Usually, bad comments are from bikers before 2009 when the upgrades began. Each year since the improvments have been added. Another problem is all testers take a NEW bike around the block and complin about vibration....around 1000 miles the bike smooths out considerably. I have 4,000 on my 2015 and the vibration is almost gone.
Up - to - date - performance ? The original 250cc Royal Enfield Continental produced around 18 bhp , and had a top speed of about 80 mph ! Today's Royal Enfield Continental 535cc produces 29 bhp , and has the same top speed ? WTF's wrong ?
I love it!
I'm sorry to break the news that the quality of this bike is terrible. It is the last bike you should look at and then walk away. Crude, underpowered and poor handling. Much better off with a used Japanese bike, much.
I'll admit it's quite crude but it's no retro-model, it's a reproduction of a 60s bike. Quality though is not bad, it's what you should expect on a budget bike, but it does have Paoli shocks and Brembo brakes, switch gear as used by Suzuki and same bearings as used on HD, FI is Keihin. Handling is actually quite good, nimble and forgiving. With a decent bulb the headlamp provides road illumination as good or better than japanese. It's not really underpowered, for example a Honda CBR500R will give you more horses but less torque. And the RE EFI can be tweaked to about 34bhp and 54Nm, think Velo Venom but with the torque of a Guzzi V7. It's a long stroke with a heavy flywheel, it won't spin up the motor quickly but it doesn't slow down on hills at all, huge power band from 1200-5000 so you don't change gears often either. If you want more go, you want a big sports bike - it ain't that. On a fast bike I arrive with an impression of black tarmac and white lines, on the Enfield I enjoy the ride and the scenery.
Not retro but a reproduction ?? I have looked and ridden this and I will stand by my words thatthis is a crude machine. A used Suzy 600 Bandit is a much better buy for less money and many, many more such examplesof better buy's are out there. Don't get me wrong on this, It does have a place in the market and it is a cool looker BUT,..........
An old Suzi Bandit? - often been dropped, caned and poorly maintained, ceased production in 2005 so you're looking at a 12yo with high mileage. Retro is modern made to look old, the RE is pure old school with a few modern bits, reproduction. As always, if you want more power, get a bigger bike.
You are missing the point Jeff. A 12 year old Suzuki 600 Bandit is faster, handles better, is morereliable, is easy to modify, and costs less than this thing. I just pulled the Suzi out of the air.There are DOZENS of bikes out there that are cheaper and better, that's all I'm saying. If you want to see retro done right look at the Triumph T120 line up.
Paul Rose, and a well knackered Suzi is reliable? The Enfield is far from unreliable, let's see, I've had a couple of bulbs blow. How well does a Bandit handle on an unmade road?
i got this bae today ..and she is dynamic ..i named her as "devi dynamic"
Proud owner 😁
Will a person who is 5 ft 4 inches tall be able to put both her legs down on the ground from the bike, without much effort?
Conti GT is really not suitable for anyone below 5'6
The beauty of this bike is its simplicity. But it's flaws, being poor quality and workmanship, overshadow its beauty.
Bought one new back then and can't recommend them, especially now in 2021. The slow speed and engine vibration was expected and no news, but the low build quality led to an unexpected fast decline in just 1 year of normal riding and parked in garage: wiring harness housing cracked and crumbled, parts rattled off on the road, mystery stalling at speed, engine casing pitting, poor starting on slight driveway inclines, rust on headers and slip-on exhaust, moisture/water collecting in headlight unit. If you want a 1960's looking bike, go used Triumph Bonneville or Moto Guzzi V7. Might be more money, but well worth it.
I think the Royal Enfield Himalayan is better than this.
they both are 2 different bikes. you simply can't compare them
Yeah but royal enfield could develop a new engine for gt like they did in the himalayan rather than the old engine used in the present gt.
please don't compare they are two different bikes.
Arun Stalin Another one comparing apples to oranges
Arun Stalin No gulag pls.
Made in India=Great quality+ruggedness to climb up Himalayas.
what a beauty
i will have one
One of the best cafe I own 🤍
Reveiw misses the entire point almost immediatly with the stupid loud music,typical car dealer mentality..1/10
This is the worst time to review this bike. Brand new... the bike needs to be tested and reviewed AFTER the run-in / break-in period which reduces dramaticly the vibrations makes the engine smoother with a huge improvement in power and a wider power band!
This gives such a bad representation of it and pushed away many many potential buyers because of the ~VIBRATION ALERT~ truly a shame... I don't trust motorcycle reviews because of poor illustrations of motorcycles like this one. The Continental GT535 is a great machine and fantastic for people who likes true old school and classic retro styling. In an unintimadating 535 cc engine with 29.1hp yet fast enough to have plenty of fun that can reach up to140 kmph stock. What else can you ask?
Speed isn't everything.. there is so much more to motorcycling than that.. Not everyone wants to haul ass and get speed tickets sheeesh.. (As if you ever use all of the engines these day... 180 kmph comon no one needs that anyway)
How's your gt535 holding up mate? I'm planning on getting one now, what is your opinion? Me personally I love the bike and badly want one!
Pushing any Enfield without it being carefully run in over 1000 miles is ridiculous..A well run in bike will be totally different..Testers that blat around on bikes with delivery miles get a completely biased view and then some poor sod buys a dog that's been abused..shame on you . Ride an owners carefully run in bike to have your narrow minded opinions ...expanded!! But not mine .the brand has been demeaned by idiot testers who immediately wanna see what it will do an then compare it to japanese engineering domination and we get branded as riding slow, agricultural, vibrating antiques..such a shame to be so badly represented!
Ok
I want one. Gimme.
Holy wow
😍😍😍😍
180 kg :0
why do you need that lame music? we are interested in the bike and it's sound... not elevator music
Royal Enfield Motorcycles are so lame in all respects. They are stuck back in the 1920s in design. They have as much power as a ten speed bicycle, haha. They only thing, IMO, they have going for them is that some of their models look like they were used in WW I haha. If one is looking for a second bike a 1970s Honda CB350 or similar bike from Yamaha or Kawasaki would be a better purchase and better handling and more power to boot. just saying ;-)
Ok - but as I remember the 70s small CB-Hondas could handle like a drunken cow. The RD350 was great but wore out quick and the Kwakas were a mite delicate around the guess-a-cog gearbox. A Honda CB400F would make a great caff racer but they're all worn out now, or silly money. Been there, did that in the 70s.
I think that's the appeal.
Can i know your height?
5 speed? Pffftt
check out instagram.com/joelscaferacers dedicated to this bike
Indian
British reg plates are so big and ugly