Royal Enfield has once again been spotted testing the upcoming Continental GT-R 750 on public roads as it offers another look at one of the first motorcycles expected from the company’s new 750 cc programme. Internally codenamed R1E, the motorcycle is expected to debut before the end of this calendar year. The GT-R will sit above the Continental GT 650 and introduce a faired cafe racer to Royal Enfield’s growing middleweight lineup.
The latest test motorcycle carries substantial camouflage around the front and central bodywork but its overall layout is already evident. The prototype has a compact front fairing wrapped around the headlamp area, clip-on handlebars and a cafe racer-ish riding posture. A sculpted fuel tank and relatively low front end further separate it from Royal Enfield’s roadsters.
The rear section seen on the test mule looks compact with a broad rear tyre, twin shock absorbers and twin exhaust outlets positioned low on either side. The test prototype also shows development work taking place in regular traffic with the motorcycle carrying temporary registration plates and extensive camouflage across key body panels as it gets closer to its global debut.
At the centre of the GT-R will be Royal Enfield’s new 750 cc engine platform, internally referred to as ‘R’. The parallel-twin motor will draw heavily from the existing 648 cc engine that powers the Continental GT 650 and other 650 cc models. The current 648 cc unit develops 47 hp and 52.3 Nm and the larger engine is expected to deliver higher power and torque figures in the region of 55 hp and 60 Nm.
The additional capacity should give the GT-R 750 stronger acceleration and a higher top speed than the existing Continental GT 650. The motorcycle is also expected to weigh more due to the larger engine, fairing and additional hardware. Royal Enfield could add new electronic rider aids as part of the step up in positioning as a TFT instrument console, connectivity features, turn-by-turn navigation, traction control, ride modes, ride-by-wire throttle are likely.
The test motorcycle also gives away dual disc brakes at the front while a dual-channel ABS system will be standard. The Continental GT-R 750 will be part of a larger group of motorcycles based on Royal Enfield’s new 750 cc architecture for domestic and international markets as the Himalayan 750 is also in the works. We expect it to be available in an expansive range as spoke and alloy wheels, Bear 650 like sportier elements and the one sharing a lot with existing GT 650 are of high possibility.
