2022 Royal Enfield Continental GTR 650 Modifications Explained In 5 Pics
Here are 5 mods which turns a Continental GT 650 cafe racer into this GTR 650 race bike
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 are two of the most accessible 650cc twin-cylinder motorcycles on sale in India today. The Continental’s sportiness has impressed us on the road, but this 2022 Continental GTR 650 race bike used in the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup racing championship, takes the stock motorcycle’s capabilities to a whole new level. And all of that, with five simple changes.
Change 1- Aggressive ergonomics
The Continental GT 650 stock bike gets clip-on handlebars, but those are positioned higher up to offer a relaxed riding position for everyday use.
On the GTR 650 race bike however, the rider triangle is made sharper by lowering those clip-ons further down to get a full racer’s tuck. To make that tuck even more aggressive, it gets rear-set foot pegs as well. Both, the handlebar and the foot pegs are made from aluminium to save weight and are sourced from Harris performance, Enfield’s racing arm (like AMG is for Mercedes).
Change 2- Free-flow exhaust
The stock bike sports twin exhausts. While they go well with that retro look, they’re heavy. Keeping the environment clean comes at a cost.
For racers, however, keeping the weight low means improving the performance and agility of the motorcycle. Hence, Enfield has given this race bike a full free-flow exhaust system which has helped trim the weight down by roughly 25kg, improve the performance, and extract an exhaust note so cool, it’s like the bark of an angry Rottweiler.
Change 3- Adjustable suspension
On the road the stock Continental GT 650 is set up for mixed riding conditions and hence the suspension feels unsettled when you try to push it hard around corners.
The race bike on the other hand needs to be able to change directions very quickly and confidently. Hence, for 2022 it gets a front fork with preload adjustability and a revised rear suspension which is firmer with linear springs. This setup has also helped up the ground clearance, something last year’s race bike struggled with.
Change 4- Finding the right grip
Admittedly, stock tyres on the Continental GT 650 aren’t the best for spirited riding and certainly out of the question for track use.
Hence, Enfield is using specially developed JK Tyres on its GTR 650 race bikes. These tyres are super grippy, and tend to be very forgiving of silly mistakes.
Change 5- Stronger braking performance
In the city, regular or organic brake pads help riders of all skill levels get a more progressive feedback from their disc brakes on the GT 650. However, under heavy braking conditions, those pads tend to generate brake-fade.
Hence, to ensure the brake pads do not heat up as much under racing conditions, Enfield has opted for sintered brake pads and improved pistons inside the brake calipers. Braking on this GTR 650 race bike is certainly sharper and more precise when compared to the stock bike.
The Continental GTR 650 race bike is an eye opener on how much more potential the Royal Enfield 650cc twins have tucked away. Within just one season of racing(2021), Enfield has managed to make the 2022 race bike a whole lot sharper and aggressive. Honestly, we can’t wait for next year!
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 User Reviews
I always wanted a classic. The GT six still looks amazing. Sounds great when engine makes every ride good. Feel special smooth, the power delivery makes every ride enjoyable and give it a unique experience. The ride has been excellent. The engine is refined, acceleration, smooth, and the exhaust not active riding pushes 40, so it can feel tiring on the long right but incredible fun on highways smooth as it is. I would definitely recommend the GT to anyone full of classic styling and strong performance is perfect for the weekend rights and highway touring though the committed writing portion may not suit everyone for daily committing.Read More
This bike is one of all fav bikes where every teenager trys to buy this bike becomes of it looks, especially in chrome colour and this is the only bike where we get looks and power for its price and it is the only 650 cc we get under good price. I ridden this bike around 20000 km and the positives are the power, the torque, looks the negative side of this bike is we need to get used to the position of the bike and for long travels we can't prefer it. The person who is into bike and who wants a pure power with zero modes and tech he can buy this bike and for the road presences it is the most sold bike. The person who wants to travel he should avoid this bike. Read More
Its good bike only if you can handle it because of its weigth and high cc, its not beginner friendly but if you have experience with high cc and heavy bike its gonna be best bike for its price. but its still not good for day to day or city driving because of its heating and low mileage, its gonna be a problem.Read More
I wanted good classy looking cool bike and GT 650 is exactly what I wanted, it has no competitor. If given second chance of choosing bike, I would still pick this up instead of speedy KTM bikes. Only problem it has is the weight is hard to manage and it can be hard to turn in corners but I knew what I was buying. Its a good bike, I have some burn marks on my legs but that is what I expect it gets hot and you can feel the heat in city but it won't shut down and cause issue, you should treat it like a 600 cc bike and properly respect its weight in corners and city. Only if you have other bikes and cars. This being your primary day to day bike is not can be easy to use in a city or day to day commute to office. It will be too much of power and weight. Only buy for highways and sunday ride.Read More
That bulky boy and speed makes the bike very attractive and muscular and it gives the vibe that other bike can't give you if you'er going to college or office the royal enfild continental gt 650 would be the best option. Eventually its good for mileage and comfort for short rides if you have the capacity for riding on full throttle then you will get deficiencies for mileage, if we ride like a gentleman then we can feel the comfort and safety. If you can maintain the bike and do proper maintenance it would be a great option to choose because this bike has its own aura and there is no similar bike like royal enfiled gt 650 in the market for a middle call this bike is best. Read More