Royal Enfield Continental GT-R650 Race Experience

Royal Enfield has had a rich history and legacy when it comes to racing. And with the coming of the Continental GT Cup, the idea is to not only make racing retro but make it more accessible to new riders as well as experienced riders. Royal Enfield's larger goal is to nurture motorcycling sub-culture and communities. A beautiful idea, it is! The first edition of the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cupwas held at Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore and saw a total of over 400 entries across the country, out of which 100 eligible riders made it to the selection. Out of those 100, the fastest 18 riders were shortlisted to compete this season.

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(The top 18 riders made up the grid for the first race of the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup)

After a rather exciting race, with non-stop action going down right till the finish, it was Anish Shetty from Hubli, who took the top step of the podium, with Allwin Xavier from Thrissur coming in a close second and Jayanth Prathipati from Hyderabad, coming in at third. Once the pros were done, it was time for the automotive media to get a taste of the Royal Enfield Continental GT-R650.

(The winners of the first race were - Anish Shetty (First), Allwin Xavier (Second) and Jayanth Prathipati (Third )

The GT-R650 gets a stiffer race-tuned suspension, with thicker fork oils up front which results in better handling, lowered clip-on handlebar, rear-set footpegs and the motorcycle loses a significant 24 kg of weight too. The stock exhaust has been replaced with a bespoke stainless steel full system exhaust that is tuned to give 12 per cent more power.

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(The race-prepped Continental GT-R650 is about 24 kg lighter than the stock motorcycle)

The motorcycle gets a specially designed fairing and belly pan that offer better aerodynamics and gives the GT-R650 its quintessential retro racer look. Soft compound race rubber from JK Tyre means that the grip offered is better along with the feedback when cornering and braking. And to top it all, the race bike looks beautiful too. The old-school charm that the motorcycle oozes is something that is difficult to get on modern classic road bikes.

(The automotive journalists had an opportunity to ride the race-prepped motorcycle as well)

Royal Enfield says that the simple, old-school build of the motorcycle makes it easier in terms of maintenance and repair, which in turn makes it an ideal track motorcycle that is easy for novice riders to learn on and an equally capable machine in the hands of experienced racers.

(Royal Enfield says that the motorcycles are hardy and easy to maintain)

Needless to say, my experience aboard the race-prepped Continental GT-R650 was all sorts of fun to say the least. Yes, it does feel heavy for race bike, but the motorcycle feels agile and offers a truckload of shove in the mid-range, perfect for those overtaking manoeuvres.

(The motorcycle is definitely a hoot to ride on a racetrack)

But, it is surreal, how RE has been able to make the relatively calm 650 cc motor and turn it into a track fiend, on the GT-R650. The motorcycle is bound to give you the thrills on a racetrack. Dip it into corners, twist the throttle with all your might on the straights, the Continental GT-R650 is a hoot and a half to ride. The fact that this motorcycle can't be bought and ridden on regular roads is just sad!

Photography: Royal Enfield