2022 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Review, A Quintessential British Modern Classic Motorcycle.
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- Опубліковано 1 лип 2024
- In this video I try out the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc Cafe Racer motorcycle, And give a full and thorough review telling you everything to expect when it comes to this motorbike. I talk about the handling, the engine, the brakes, the acceleration, the sound and more. I ride it on the country lanes, Dual Carriage ways, Through the towns and villages to find out how this bike performs in real world riding. Is it powerful enough? Have we gone mad making more and more powerful bikes!? Perhaps this is the answer, Its not all about going fast its about enjoying the ride and the location. If you're thinking of buying this motorcycle then this video is a must watch!
This bike really symbolises what British motorcycling is all about and brings you back to the old school with a no nonsense attitude. I just love it! Every time I set foot on a Royal Enfield I just fall In love with the brand even further!
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I bought a Royal Enfield Himalayan to ride on the dirt and gravel roads where I live. After some research I expected it to do its job in that environment at a price that wasn't mind-bending. What I didn't expect was how much character that motorcycle has compared to other dual sport bikes I've ridden. And once I opened my eyes to the Royal Enfield line, I found myself thinking they really have something here. Your review of the GT is great, but like you, I prefer the more upright riding position of the Interceptor. I'm doing mental gymnastics now on how to fit another motorcycle in the garage!
They have so much character, we love the Himalayan too. Yes indeed the interceptor is probably a better riding position
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Come on man, you're supposed to tell me that the riding position sucks so I don't have to approach my wife about buying yet another motorcycle!!
@@ScooterintheSticks You’ll have to break it to her!
I'm sure if you buy the same colour as you already have your wife won't notice. 😁
@@timsnaden8937 You’re not married are you. 😂
I just bought a 2022 Continental GT, and bring me a lot of JOY!!! What an a sSUPERB motorcycle for the MONEY!!!!!
Awesome 💯❤️
I got one on order, absolute blast
It’s fantastic how RE can deliver lovely bikes such as this - I think Triumph missed a trick here. Most likely do some mods with TEC Bike parts, just to make it my own.
Yes absolutely agree
I bought an Interceptor partly on the basis of your review.
What a bike! Very pleased.
Thanks guys
That’s awesome buddy!
It’s cool that they kind of look like old Nortons with the upswept exhausts. The modern motor and transmission on these REs is a thing of beauty. So smooth and just the right amount of power.
Yes absolutely 👌🏼👍🏼
Royal Enfield has pretty much been slaying Triumph and their Bonnevile line up for quite some time, the Continental GT is a pretty damn good looking bike, and with a simple TEC Cam swap you can get it up to the level of a Street Twin, if I had to do everything all over again I would have picked up the RE instead of the Street Twin. Not that the Street Twin was a bad bike far from it, but it was too much money for a bike with a mere 55HP...
Yes I think I agree with you there
The "made in India" debate is no longer applied in comparison with Triumph, because with very few exceptions, their bikes are also made on Asian countries. RE looks very quality made. How is the reliability of this brand in the long term?
Yes the quality is top notch, I don’t really know how reliable they are long term but I expect some owners will reply to your comment about that 👍🏻
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Thanks for your response!
@@dsambernardo how is the reliability?
I have been putting over 1,000 miles a month on my 2020 650INT for almost 2 years; at 24,000 miles now. I own a Speed Twin 1200cc and two 2012 Triumphs (Bonneville SE and Thruxton 900), the Enfield has accumulated twice the miles of the other 3 combined...that says something for the bike and a 70+ year-old rider. Best value out there.
I watched your review on the Harley Softail Standard and was all set to buy one,however,I ended up at the local Enfield dealers. I take delivery of my new Continental GT 650 in Chrome on 23rd April. Had all the extras fitted including an aftermarket exhaust that makes it that bit noisier, and gives 0.6bhp extra, and it still comes in £5,500 less than the Harley.
Ahh excellent! An amazing bike 💯
Reminds me of my 1979 Triumph Bonneville TI40E, towards the end of Meridan. Love this Enfield.
Argh I find it really hard to resist these Royal Enfield´s. The Classic 350 and both the 650´s are the best looking bikes to come out in decades and every single review ive seen is superbly positive. Ive deliberatly been trying to avoid taking one for a test ride as i would probably not resist then
Completely understand haha, if you test ride one I bet you’ll buy it haha
Ride 3, buy 1 and why resist? If you have another bike: IMHO it feels good to know what you want, next time you 'll need a bike.
@@jochenschrey2909 Already have two but pondering selling both and get a new MT-09 and a RE of some sort
R.E. have really hit the ball out of the park with their recent 650 and 350 designs. The Interceptor has a centre stand as standard and both 650s have braided brake and clutch lines, as well as superb handling due to the Harris designed frame. I recommend the YSS front fork kit, Z series shocks and aftermarket silencers, which really complete the bike.
Good suggestions buddy, royal Enfield really are nailing it!
I have to say Mr. Darcy this is one of your better videos! Your quicker pacing mixed with that passionate energy makes for an entertaining and interesting review. Thank you and keep it up!
Thank you very much buddy!
Nothing could goes wrong with that Harris Chassis ..... absolutely beautiful ... & Picture perfect retro machine 👍🏻
Absolutely!
One of the many things your channel does very well is the audio recording. I have a 2021 Continental GT and that is how it sounds. I haven't heard such a clear recording on any of the reviews Ive watched, and I think its a real selling point - the fact it sounds proper. The rest of the clip is very good as well, beautiful scenery. Good job 👍🇦🇺
Thank you very much! We’ve done many subtle changes and adjustments and invested in better equipment to get it just right. Glad you think it sounds good 👍🏻
I pick mine up on 23rd April. I've bought the full chrome Mr.Clean. Had all the extras fitted. Can't wait to get on it.
the scenery! must be heavenly to ride a bike on those roads.
Searching for this bike in UA-cam, found you… great great vid, all I needed to know is there, and presented beautifully… congrats man… and thank you !
Thanks buddy! Much appreciated 👍🏼
I bought that bike cover and a new RE 650 Interceptor , you video was the first one I watched, totally got my interest, and now super happy that i did get the bike , it’s so much fun to ride!. Thank You for great video.
I always enjoy your reviews, you emphasise the positive aspects of the bikes you review rather than carping on about perceived defects
Thanks buddy, not a lot to complain about on a royal Enfield anyway!
Fantastic review from young mr Darcy! This Channel is just one excellent review after another!
Thank you very much!
Nice review of a great bike, got one on order to go with my Interceptor, love these bikes, can’t wait for it to arrive along with the better weather 😀😀☔️
That’s fantastic, yes bring on the sunshine!
I've had an Interceptor for 9 months and about 2,400 miles. I'm still happy with it. It checks quite a few boxes for me: it looks great, sounds great, great gas mileage (about 55-60mpg) handles well, lots of aftermarket stuff. It'll cruise all day at 75mph no problem. Power and torque are plenty for most purposes. The six-speed gearbox is nice. The brakes work fine, the ergonomics are fine. It has a likeable personality.
But it's not a bike I'd want to ride to Alaska on. Or even 200 miles. The reason being that the suspension and seat are stiff and kind of cobby. Around town it's fine but it wouldn't be fun riding it all day long. That and the right mirror vibrates; and it's hard to impossible to read the digital dial in bright sunlight. Those are my only complaints.
Now that is the tail light that should have been fitted to the Classic 350.
Love the twin dials, wish my NC750X had the same.
Yea they’re beautiful
RE really do nail that middle ground of a all round decent bike for very reasonable money. They have been tested for build quality and are right at the top for lack of imperfections in the oil after running in. Brilliant review Mr Darcey the sound quality is amazing now. I watched a few early bike days the other day and it’s clear you’ve been investing in kit.
Yes definitely 💯
Thanks very much 👍🏼👍🏼
Good review lovely sounding. I think a pub run would be an excellent idea for future videos.
Thank you, if the sun comes out I’ll be doing it for sure
Seriously considering going back to an Interceptor to include modest touring duties. Distance work - you can expect 80 mpg in general riding. We aim for 150-200 miles per day so well within this bikes capability. Replacing a Tiger 800 which is a great bike but I don’t need all the electronics and performance and the RE’s frugality is welcome in today’s world.
Sounds like a great plan to me!
Lovely machine. Sensible, affordable, great finish.
I am sure with a bit of creative tetris type thinking I can squeeze one of those in the shed next to the others.
Thanks for the review 😊
Thanks buddy. Yes good plan! 👍🏼
I totally agree bud no other manufacturer is offering this quality at such an affordable price well done Re 👌🏻
💯👍🏼👍🏼
Just got one and love it! What a great bike especially for what you pay! Perfect for around town and to work.
It’s quite remarkable how similar your presentation is to your “Old Man” which is no bad thing of course. Always enjoy the videos. Thank you to you both.
Yes I do take after him a lot haha!
@@MrDarcy-OlMan You sure do!
Fantastic bike, fantastic review, would love to see some video's with you riding to country pubs etc.
Thanks buddy. Ol Man here - I’ve been telling him that 👍🏼👍🏼
love from india,, i have Interceptor 650 Baker Express,, from around 8 months,, bt i still watch all the reviews on this bike..
its kind of addicting..
Thanks buddy. Yes I agree. Thanks for watching 👍🏼👍🏼
Got to say guys take a hard look at these retro bikes they are lookers and when you pull up anywhere, people will circle it and smile. By passing the H.D.s I own a Roadking and and a triumph thruxton. At 68 I can say the thruxton is like a fountain of youth 😅
I love my RE Interceptor, it is a joy to ride. Swapped on a S&S exhaust, DNA filter and new clutch/brake levers and bar end mirrors from TEC and Motone blinkers then removed the center stand. Only thing left to do is a spring rate change in the front suspension and swap on some Ohlins for the rear and some scrambler style tires and it will be perfect.
Sounds fantastic buddy, nice additions
Thanks Mr.D. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails.
Thanks very much!
Great review! I love these bikes, will have to have a test ride 😀
Yes go for it!
I have the same one, in british racing green. And i absolutely love it!
Awesome! Fantastic choice
I agree,i would love to own one!
Didn’t think the green was for me until I watched this. 10/10 review.
Thanks buddy. Yes it really suits it
What a great looking & sounding bike.I would really consider one of these,there's nothing not to like & for just over 6 grand...There's a lot of bike for your bucks right there.Well done to RE I think they"ve nailed this one & it's looks quite rapid to from your video.💯💯👍👍...keep it up guys love the reviews....
Thanks buddy, yes they’ve really nailed it!
It is an absolutely gorgeous bike 🏍 I love it 🥰
It sure is
Great review and what a gem of a bike!!
Thanks buddy, isn’t it just
I bought my gt bout 2 years ago and I freakn lov it. You can make it your own without blowing your whole wad. Its the perfect backroad killer with handling and enjoyability. I recommend you pick one up at your own convenience.
Wonderful wonderful bike absolutely love it well done Royal Enfield!
Yes absolutely 💯
Excellent review thanks
Thanks buddy
Corr really showed the sound and speed of the bike in this video! Think I’m going to get an RE but can’t decide which one!
I don’t even ride motorbikes or have a motorbike licence and I still want one.
Haha maybe one day?
I have done a lot of upgrades to mine and I can tell you runs great sounds great with upgrades. Def do headers and new end pipes.
Yes I bet they sound good
Well done Mr Darcy!! Yes it is nice to have a subjective review - what it feels like to yourself, personally, whether you might buy the bike yourself, or why you dislike a bike, but all you have is praise for a well designed and well built bike at a very reasonable price point. Yes I bought one as a first bike for back to biking after 33 years of family life in 1989. Hence my avatar!! And I live in NZ (been to UK twice 2015/2018). I also have another bike - a 2005 BMW R1200RT - so my wife can come on summer day rides with me - she enjoys our rides and needed the extra space provided on the Beemer.
I previously rode a heavy Yam 750-2D triple with shaft drive for 20,000miles in NZ. And that was my third bike, and others on the farm as well.
Back to your review and the RE650. I love the sound your review captures of the exhaust - another great selling feature of the fab RE650 - both the Interceptor and the Continental GT - a great rorty sound on acceleration and great on the decel as well. I asked before and believe you have a second recorder on your back getting just the exhaust sound - well done!
To my mind as a Mechanical Engineer, I was very impressed with the engine design - a wide crank with four main bearings - two in the centre between the cylinders with the cam drive sprocket embedded in the crankshaft between these two journal centre main bearings. This has three advantages and one disadvantage. The first positive is the excellent crankshaft support it provides. (An old Triumph Speed Twin from 1948 did not have any central bearings at all!) The second benefit is that it spaces the cylinders apart - great for spreading the heat in the heads far apart (the areas heat becomes a real problem for cracked heads - esp air cooled heads), and a third positive is that it allows plenty of space in the block, crankcase and heads for an over size/over bore volume increase - room to bore out the crankcase for large bore sleeves as has been done out to 865cc and another offer at 875cc I believe too. The only detraction is a wider crankcase which some find annoying in footpeg placement. Another positive, is it adds o a lower centre of gravity and easier rideability - more mass at the crank centreline... some 65mm lower than my RT!
Lots of detail design that often goes unsung and misunderstood. These engines should last 250,000 miles if all oil changes are kept up with good semi or synthetic oils. ENjoy these bikes, people, they are much fun and easy to ride, great brakes, and a wonderful exhaust note. They do everything easily and safely, no great performer, but a wide flat torque band which makes the bike easy to drive no matter what gear you are in!! Enjoy!! Graeme, NZ
Thanks for your really interesting comments and observations. It really adds value to the discussion. 👍🏼💯
Definitely a good sound to the bike . Has a good deep growl. Looks good and as you say handles well and good acceleration .
Yes it’s got a great rumble to it!
Brilliant review, it’s a lovely looking bike 👍🏼
Thanks buddy 💯👍🏼
Nice review-- the bike sounds great from the cockpit!
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Great review...
Any additional video with this bike is welcomed. I really love this machine.
Thanks buddy. It really is stunning!
Exhaust sound 🥵🔥
I think the seat looks better than my flat interceptor seat.. and I like the BRG color and the black accents. Damn! What a fine looking steed.
Yes it is beautiful indeed!
Sounds gorgeous and looks great, my 96 TRX850 sounds very similar. Love that name "Interceptor"
Please take it down the pub 🍻🙂
Awesome buddy, yes great name isn’t it. I think I will! 😎🥃🍺
I saw one parked today, it struck me as being compact not huge and intimidating, I liked it.
I'll have a look at the Interceptor now because I like a more relaxed riding position.
I've had my interceptor for three years now and I would not swap it value for money and a truly modern classic as you say they are just excellent 👍👍👍
Yes absolutely right 💯👍🏼
How is the bike holding up? Thinking to get me an interceptor here in Florida
@@andreasw5266 hi I have had no problems fit and finish has been great and stood the test. It should be no problem out where you are if it has survived three years of UK weather. Just keep it clean and look after it.👍👍
If I were not a Bobber/Cruiser boy this would be the style of bikes I would be riding for sure. What a beautiful bike!
Yes absolutely 👍🏼👍🏼
Yes me too!
I love it, just kick it up to 750 cc, and see if it sounds more like an old Norton.Great review.Thank you.👍🏻👍🏻
That would be cool, thanks buddy 👍🏻
This bike reminds me of 1960s era Triumph and BSA machines and if my memory hasn't failed I believe that at one time Triumph, BSA, Norton, and Royal Enfield were all owned by the same company and shared the same basic architecture. I love that it is an air cooled 650 and I imagine that with a set of cocktail shakers replacing the stock mufflers it will sound just as amazing as my old Triumph did.
If you put a cafe cowl on this it would replicate the Thruxton R very well. In a time where bikes are heavily tech laden, liquid cooled, hydraulic clutched, and multi-piston, muli-disced braked this is a refreshing reminder of motorcycling in a purist's form. The only way it could be any purer and simplistic would be if it were carberated versus fuel injected. The price of this machine is jaw droppingly amazing considering what other 650 sized naked bikes cost these days and as a bonus is very classy looking in spite of its pricepoint. Total win!
Great review. What a nice bloke.
Thank you kindly
Those exhausts sound amazing. Especially for stock.
Very nice bike. Royal Enfield have been killing it lately. I’m not in the market for a bike at the moment. but as good as these 650’s look & sound, especially at the price, I’m seriously considering one anyway.
Yes they’re great value for money
Great review . A brill bike as well fancy one myself
It’s fantastic, thank you
Awesome review
Thank you!
Cool Bike and very nice review!
Thanks very much 👍🏼👍🏼
8:00 lol thank you for keeping this in
Little did I know what was awaiting me at 12:30
@@_TheTaoJones_ ahaha thought it might amuse some people lol
Another banger of a review Mr Darcy. Of course, it helps when the lady you're discussing is as pretty as that one! Cheers.
Thanks buddy 💯👍🏼
In Indian we get this bike for 3500 euros .This bike is the best in its segment.
As an American I love British retro styled bikes. I’ll buy one at some point in the next couple years.
I bought a Royal Enfield Continental GT650 in Rocker Red last week. I love the look of the bike.
Awesome, great to hear 👍🏼
Nice looking bike but I'm waiting for the new Classic 500. Or the BSA 650. I fancy a big single. Great review.
Thanks, we’re looking forward to reviewing those!
Pub ride! Heck yeah! 👍
I’ll see what I can do 😁🥃
Got One. Amazing Bike
Test rode one today and very impressed. Great engine and riding ergos. At 6'1 I found it better than the regular 650 due the higher positioning of pegs. Very Thruxton like. Fit and finish is also quite good. RE should have kept the price under $6k though.
Ok great! 👍🏼👍🏼
I will definitely get this bike too！
From Japan 🤙
It's well worth it!
If this had been available in 2019 when I bought my Triumph Speed Twin, I would have had a difficult decision to make.
It’s definitely up there!
I put money down in March 2019 after two test rides (and a ride on a T100) and received it Sept 2019. In New Zealand.
Good value, for certain.
Absolutely!
Great vid Loved it, good job, I loved the little mess-up and that you left it in the vid, made me chuckle. Bought a Ventura Blue, I get it in may the more I look at the bike the more I read about it, it is, what it is and that is what I love about it. Did someone say you guys were going to have guest there or something trail riding ????, did I understand that right.
Thanks buddy, yes thought I’d leave it in haha. Congrats on your purchase. Not sure what you’re referring to there, do you mean the Ol’Mans holiday home?
@@MrDarcy-OlMan ya, he mentioned something in another video continental review, dont worry about it I must of misunderstood what he was saying, I'll go back to double check it. Thanks for taking the time to get back to me. Cheers.
I think that is your best review yet Mr Darcy 👍 Cracking bike too!
Thank you very much!
OK...now I need one. It really is reminiscent of my old '72 Triumph Tiger 650, which was, pound for pound, the greatest smile-inducing thing I ever owned that went on the street. So, match that with the '21 Heritage and I am good to go.
Sounds like a good plan to me!
Nice video man! I cant wait for RE to come out with the 650 - Himalayan. I'm British but I live in India at the moment and trust me they are the best machines in India in terms of cost, reliability, and parts/servicing. - The Himalayan is by far the best all-around bike in India, if not Asia! I now have a Triumph Street Scrambler here in India and I absolutely love it as well, although everything is a bit costlier it's still worth every penny to me. Some of your videos edged me on to go for the Street Scram.
Thanks
Thanks buddy. Yes I agree with your points.
Good luck with the Scram
the new camera is really making a big difference. lovely quality.
Thanks buddy, glad you can see a difference!
Good review Darcy of a good looking bike! My only concern mate is that speedo constantly “fogging” up?…🚀😈😂🤭🇦🇺
Thanks buddy, yes I don’t understand why that keeps happening 🤔🤔
I have a Metor 350 once I pay it off I'm going to get a 2nd one that being this 650 they are a wonderful brand.
Is a beautiful machine. Love it in British Racing Green. That's my personal choice as well. I'd definitely add some aftermarket exhaust for some increased performance and sound...
Couldn't agree more!
AMAZING TOP ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Thank you!
great video and review! what setup did you use for filming this video? thanks
I find the exhaust noise a lot more silenced that in the video, guess you had a mic near the exhausts
If you follow our other channel called One man and a Leica I am covering that on a video tonight 👍🏼
Out of the GT and the Interceptor this is the one I could go for. Enfield build in India to keep production costs down. Seating position and the riser bars are ace. Cover is a good idea if there are pigeons in the car park. Local dealer has some of the green models. GT reminds a bit of the Laverda 1000 triple from some angles - the best bike ever made, no argument. When your hands ache, it's time for a coffee and another churn of petroleum.
Absolutely mate! Just love them!
I think Enfield is actually owned by eicher motors which is an indian brand.
Enfield has a great history, it was kept alive by Indian army and later bought by Eichers motors, the son of the owner of Eichers is the the current face of the Enfield.
Siddharth lal is his name, and Enfield especially modern ones exist because of his vision, they were a dying breed in the early 2000's.
I got to hear a side by side comparison between the stock exhaust and the s&s aftermarket one. The aftermarket one sounds so nice. Just a little bit louder, more throaty sounds, growly. It is quite nice either way.
Excellent 💯👌🏼
its a beauty......love 650 RE
💯👍🏼👍🏼
It’s so simple to make a man happy
oakham where you poke em !
I'll be making the trip from Peterborough for some of them roads (weather depending) and then into the grain store for and mega munch
If its the same as the Interceptor then I prefer the riding position of that!
Would love to see you having a yard of ale at the local. Joke yeah always good to see local spots and have a tea and cake😂
Hahah yes I’ll take it for a cream tea lol. Yes I prefer the riding position of the interceptor too
Thanks for sharing. The hump on the back of the seat is called a cowl not a mudguard.
Yes I couldn’t for the life of me think of the word haha so just went with mudguard
Motorbikes for the masses 🤘✌
👍🏻💯
They are lovely little things, I'd have one with the polished tank.
Yes I like the look of that one too
Just bought one. Waiting for it to be delivered.
Like you I am liking these bikes more and more so ultimately i am going to have one before I'm done for me I think it will be the Interceptor although I would have all the models if I could but my wife I am sure would have a lot to say about that : D cheers
That’s great, I think I would have the interceptor too
My second bike would be and is a Honda Monkey 125.
It gets used more than my other motorbikes because it is so fun to ride.
That’s great, we love the Honda monkey!
What's your first
@@alekmarin7840 Honda Rebel 500. I actually live in Thailand and I bought that because my Thai secretary is only 5' so is about the only big bike she can drive. I also have a Honda Wave 125. I am looking at the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 but if a secondhand Honda CB1100 EX / RS came up would consider buying that for that smooth 4 cylinder engine and simple engineering.
Glad you can afford it!