Took a test trip on this stunning engineering marvel and I’m out of words to describe my experience:
FUNDAMENTALS:
Cafe racer or Continental GT? - First ever question to the Royal Enfield plant at Oragadam Chennai where this is being manufactured. Let me first share the significance of these two names. The company calls it Continental GT - the motorcycle which is the lightest, fastest, most powerful Royal Enfield in production. Cafe racing has been a cult culture in England from the rise of Cafes in 1950, birth of Cafe Racing in 1961 as a sport, till date.
So, are you still confused if this is a Continental GT / Cafe racer!? Well, you may call it either way. This is Continental GT used for Cafe Racing. Fair enough?
INTRODUCTION:
After 50 Years, Royal Enfield has come up with an all new product.
Ever since the motorcycle was first shown at the Indian Auto Expo a couple of years ago, it has been an internet celebrity. At the inauguration of the new plant at Oragadam, the company officials had hinted the launch of this motorcycle late this year(2013). Hopefully(Sigh!). So, I thought it would be great for Indian enthusiasts of this bike to read its performance on Indian roads before rushing to book. I was lucky enough to take a test product and take a test trip of a tiring 150+ Kms at ease.(Being a bike enthusiast, I’ve got contacts:>).
THE PRODUCT:
This bike will have the looks and low clip handle bars with chipped(Manx style) fuel tank just like the 1965 GT250, the fastest 250 in Brittan lapping at over 70 miles per hour as early as 1965. But!, this now has a 535CC, air cooled engine delivering 29.1bhp at 5100rpm of maximum power, 4.49kgm of peak torque at 4000rpm featuring fuel-injection as a standard feature. The frame will be a double cradle frame unlike the present single down-tube frame in other Royal Enfield products. This ensures better riding stability both at high(150kmph top speed) & low speeds.
Also, This is lighter than the Thunderbird at 186 Kgs, making it the lightest Royal Enfield yet. It has got a 5 speed gear box with wet multiplate clutch and its lower compression ratio of just 8.5:1 makes it stand away from the sport bike segment.
THE RIDE:
This bike meets the expectations of a sportster making him feel like sitting on a cruiser. This confusion is rather adorable once you take the rider seat and grip the low clip handle bars. Self start was not in my preference(though its an option), so I kick started this beast with content & conviction. I now regret why can’t someone read "sound". The engine sound was all pistons in a steel container - soothing 500CC piston strokes like you have fired it with purest of all fuels. Not the typical Classic 500 / Thunderbird’s engine noise.
I revved the engine and was loving the noise for a while before the silky smooth Aluminum clutch was applied and the first gear went "bang"!. Took position, embraced the tank, "get set, GO!" and started. Initial acceleration was not harsh, and it can be compared to one and a half times that of the Thunderbird.
The gear shifts were not smooth enough though, but it is very well similar to that of the Thunderbird. The GT makes a 100kmph comfortably at around just 3500 rpm. Although, the GT did not cross the 150kmph mark even when the throttle is held at the max twist. The mid range performance can be compared with its siblings - the Thunderbird & Classic, but yet the high range performance is a feast.
The Continental GT is sanely comfortable, thanks to the ride height, wide saddle and fantabulous riding position. The ride height would be ideal for a 5’8" to 6’2" individual. It was just right for me and I’m 6’1". Though this bike is 21 Kg lighter than its siblings, it as as stable as them. Though you might feel firm on bumpy roads(not a wonder in India), the gas filled suspension rationalizes its presence and honestly there is no full body massage;).
Breaking feels powerful enough to decelerate you from 100 - 40 quick enough with a progressive feel on the lever, without you kissing the road or the vehicle in front. The rear 152mm drum brake and front 280mm ventilated disc solves the purpose. The long wheelbase of 1358mm gives you a much stable balance especially in corners.
Even after doing a 80kmph+ for a 50+ km stretch, the engine was calm & was ready for jerky, deliberate throttles.(Don’t forget the fact that this is a new engine). It was time to finish the trip with a "hot chai" and samosa break. The continental GT was resting, waiting for the next trip which I couldn’t resist either.
With all smiles & Vrooms, its Gopi & GT signing off!
Hope our wait comes to an end.
"ROYAL ENFIELD, UNVEIL THE GT TO THE INDIANS. WE HAVE WAITED LONG ENOUGH":)