Reports have claimed that iconic bike manufacturer, Royal Enfield, is planning to introduce the Continental GT model in India in the last week of November. The bike is already on sale in major European markets and is expected to feature bearing a price tag of around Rs. 2.5 lakh. Royal Enfield Continental GT is claimed to be the “fastest, lightest, most powerful bike that has been ever built by the company.
In major markets, the bike gets a 4-stroke, 535 cc engine, which is capable of producing an power output that equals to 29.1 bhp alongside 44 Nm of torque. In terms of transmission, the company has given the 5-Speed manual gearbox that further sends power to wheels. Powered by this engine, the upcoming Continental GT possesses the ability to clock speed of 140 kmph. The bike has a kerb weight of 184 kg, which is considerably higher than what was expected.
The Continental GT 535 model is based up on the Cafe Racer design that is easily distinguishable from the classy handle bars of the bike. As seen production model of United Kingdom, the bikes is provided with new Paioli rear shockers in order to give a smooth ride for passengers. One of notable things about the design of this bike is that the engine is mounted on a new chassis frame. Royal Enfield has given away 41 mm discs on the Continental GT 535, which has been carried forward from the Thunderbird model.
The speedo and tachometer instrument panel given on the bike is modernised in order to give a sportier quotient. The low clip on handlebars given in Continental GT 535 ensures a suitable riding position for the driver. Industry experts are of view that Royal Enfield has efficiently managed to give a distinct design to Continental GT 525 but the company has been unable to impress in the engine design department of the bike. For the Indian car market, the bike is expected to be locally assembled at the Orgadam plant of Royal Enfield in Chennai.
At the 2012 Auto Expo, Royal Enfield Continental GT was showcased by the company as a Cafe Racer concept. Typically, Cafe Racer bikes are mainly renowned for their tuned engines having specifically tuned engine to reach high speeds. These types of bikes are characterised by their low slung handle bars alongside with elongated fuel tanks in order to give an sportier riding position.
The market for super bikes has been rising in the India two-wheeler market in recent years. It is a known fact that India is one of the largest in the world in terms of volume. Due to this high level of potential, international brands have turned their towards the Indian market and are hoping to extract as much revenue as possible. Only recently, iconic British bike maker Triumph announced plans for India and how it hopes to increase market share. Industry experts feel that this initiation of Royal Enfield is an indication of the progress India is making as a market for two-wheelers. Cafe Racer is an internationally acclaimed series that enjoys an iconic status among bike aficionados across the globe. Royal Enfield already has a sound presence in India, which it would like to bank upon for promoting Continental GT series of bikes.
