For a while now, Royal Enfield has been teasing their new cafe racer; we expected to see it this fall, and we weren’t disappointed. This week, they’ve launched the Continental GT cafe racer.
This is a very interesting turn for the Indian manufacturer (Royal Enfield has been making bikes in India for decades after the English arm of the firm folded). In an age where hipsters are hacking up classic UJMs to make wannabe cafe bikes that ape the urban brawlers of old, Royal Enfield has provided a viable out-of-the-box option. We don’t know Canadian pricing yet, but we’re hearing it could be lower than eight grand in the US – that’s cheaper than the Yamaha Bolt, another machine with its sights set squarely on the hipster market.
With the Continental GT, you get a 535 cc motor (the biggest in a long time from Royal Enfield), a Harris double-cradle frame, and rear suspension from Paioli. In fact, except for the motor (which is a big bore version of their standard 500 single), this bike is supposed to be all-new. It still retains the company’s classic lines though, with kickstarter and wire wheels. Basically, we’re getting what they’ve been promising all along …
Interested? We’ll try to get some more details on this machine for you soon.
Well, it certainly is a lovely little bike, there’s no doubt about that. However the price (I’ve heard 7500 USD) versus performance ratio would make me think long and hard before purchasing one. The quality of the REs is also something of a question mark for me. I’m thinking that I’d save up a little longer and get a Triumph Thruxton or Moto Guzzi V7 Sport.
The price is likely the sticking point for most.
5,200 pounds… Tax = 200% LOL..
It’s not a deux-temp. It’s British. It’s not British (It’s a Hamilton Accie!).
It’s a single.
I WANT IT! LOL 😀 (sadly 😉 ).
I can not adam and eve it, but I want one. I’m with Larry on this.
But, I’m arthritic. Need electric start on a four-stroke Thumper.
Beautiful bike.
This one definitely pushes all the right buttons. WANT.
Rather sexy, what? I like it myself. Makes me want to jump aboard and give it a good flogging, just looking at it!
It goes against all I hold dear, yet I lust for one. Go figure.
I got up real close an’ personal with the prototype they brought to the Tokyo Motorcycle Show this year. Unfortunately, no seating allowed. Looking, though. Damn, what a beaut!
Agreed. It’s a visually arresting motorcycle, in my opinion.
Still too much $$$ (IMHO)….
I could see one of those in the garage for the occasional morning romp.