The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 stands out as one of the most visually striking motorcycles in India. Built in the spirit of a modern café racer, it combines timeless British racing aesthetics with a refined and powerful twin-cylinder engine. Even in 2026, it appeals to riders looking for a premium motorcycle that feels emotional and distinct from everyday commuter bikes.
Let’s break down the prices, running costs, performance, and who this bike is actually meant for.
Ex-Showroom Price in India (2026)
The ex-showroom price of the Continental GT 650 ranges between ₹3.53 lakh and ₹3.82 lakh, depending on the variant you choose.
Variant-wise Ex-Showroom Prices
- Standard (Rocker Red / British Racing Green)
Spoke wheels, Halogen headlamp
₹3,53,105 - Custom / Alloy (Slipstream Blue / Apex Grey)
Alloy wheels, Tubeless tyres, LED headlamp
₹3,75,245 - Chrome (Mr Clean)
Flagship chrome finish, Spoke wheels
₹3,81,885
The price difference mainly comes from wheel type, lighting, and visual finish, not engine performance.
On-Road Price in Major Indian Cities
On-road price includes RTO tax, insurance, and registration charges, which vary from state to state.
Estimated On-Road Prices
- Delhi: ₹3.91 – ₹4.22 lakh
- Mumbai: ₹4.32 – ₹4.66 lakh
- Bangalore: ₹4.58 – ₹4.93 lakh
- Hyderabad: ₹4.21 – ₹4.54 lakh
- Kolkata: ₹3.96 – ₹4.27 lakh
- Chennai: ₹4.18 – ₹4.51 lakh
Note: Bangalore has one of the highest road taxes in India. The Chrome variant can come very close to ₹5 lakh on-road there.
Engine, Performance & Mileage
The 2026 Continental GT 650 continues with the trusted 648cc parallel-twin engine, known for refinement and smoothness rather than loud thumping.
Key Technical Specs
- Engine: 648cc, Parallel-Twin, Air-Oil Cooled
- Power: 47.4 PS @ 7,250 rpm
- Torque: 52.3 Nm @ 5,150 rpm
- Gearbox: 6-speed with Assist & Slipper Clutch
- Brakes: Dual-channel ABS (320mm front, 240mm rear)
Mileage
Owners report 22–27 kmpl, depending on:
- City vs highway usage
- Riding style
- Traffic conditions
For a 650cc twin-cylinder motorcycle, this mileage is quite reasonable.
Ownership Cost & Maintenance in India
Compared to Royal Enfield’s 350cc bikes, maintenance is slightly higher—but still very affordable for a twin-cylinder motorcycle.
- Service Interval:
First service at 500 km, then every 5,000 km or 6 months - Insurance Cost (2026):
Around ₹21,000 – ₹23,000 for comprehensive first-year insurance - EMI Options:
With a down payment of ~₹40,000, EMIs range between
₹11,000 – ₹13,500 (36 months @ ~10% interest)
Who Should Buy the Continental GT 650?
This bike is not for everyone, and that’s exactly its charm.
Ideal For:
- Riders who love retro & café racer styling
- Enthusiasts upgrading from 350cc or 400cc bikes
- Weekend riders and highway tourers
- Buyers who want emotion and character, not just features
- People who enjoy solo riding and sporty posture
Not Ideal For:
- Daily heavy city commuting
- Pillion-focused usage
- Riders looking for upright comfort or soft suspension
In simple words, this bike is bought with the heart, not just the head
Competition & Alternatives
Internal Rivals:
- Interceptor 650: More comfortable, slightly cheaper
- Shotgun 650: Modern bobber style
- Bear 650: Scrambler design for rough roads
External Rivals:
- Aprilia RS 457: Faster, more tech, but less retro charm
- Husqvarna Vitpilen 401: Lightweight, aggressive, tech-loaded
The GT 650 stands out for its timeless design and engine feel, not electronics.
Future Update: Continental GT 750 Rumours
As of early 2026, spy shots suggest a Continental GT 750 could be launched later this year.
Expected upgrades:
- Bigger engine
- Twin front disc brakes
- Circular TFT display
Expected price: ₹3.90 – ₹4.10 lakh (ex-showroom)
If launched, it may sit above or replace the GT 650.
Final Verdict
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is for riders who want a classic-looking motorcycle with modern reliability. It’s fast enough, smooth enough, and special enough to make every ride feel memorable.
If you value style, engine character, and emotional connection, this bike still makes complete sense in 2026