The updated version of the RE Continental GT 650 could gain alloy wheels and tubeless tyres along with a new circular tail lamp
It is no secret that Royal Enfield is working on a range of new 650 cc motorcycles for the domestic and international markets. The Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 have been well received amongst customers ever since they made their world debut back in late 2017. Their monthly sales tallies have also been impressive to say the least.
Banking on their success story, the Chennai-based retro motorcycle maker is developing a cruiser, a scrambler and another classic-themed bike based on the 650 Twins’ platform. The Super Meteor 650 (Cruiser 650) and the production version of the SG 650 concept are expected to be unveiled at the upcoming EICMA show in Milan, Italy.
Both have already been spotted testing in their near production form, indicating that their launch could be sooner rather than later. The Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 have largely remained the same since receiving updates to stick by the BSVI emission standards and new colours were also added to the portfolio to bring a refreshed vibe.
Many buyers have been craving for tubeless tyres in the 650 Twins but they haven’t had their wishes granted. The scenario could change though as a test prototype of the Continental GT 650 was caught recently with cast alloy wheels and a circular-shaped tail lamp. The update could be made available in both motorcycles in the coming months.
Besides the alloy wheels, RE could equip the 650 Twins with gripper rubber ditching the existing Ceat Zoom Cruz tyres. Royal Enfield has also been contesting the one make Continental GT Cup in India with race-spec semi-faired GT machines and a similar fairing could be offered for buyers in the near future as a test mule was spied with a small front fairing.
The prototype also had mounting points for a fully-faired kit to be fitted, prompting speculations that it could become a reality. We do expect any major powertrain changes to accompany the updated Continental GT and the semi-faired version though as a 648 cc parallel twin cylinder engine producing 47 bhp and 52 Nm will continue to be utilised.