Hey man!! Glad to see you ride side by side to the ducati. I’m looking to purchase my first bike ever and the ducati has been on my mind for months now. I found a used one locally, with 800 miles on it for $9k. I love the look of this bike. Also love that it has 800cc motor. But I been doing a lot of research and ran into the Royal and Moto guzzi v7. I love the way both these bikes look. I’m a 44 year old man and I’m looking for a bike that I will enjoy, like you mentioned on this video that is not going to intimidate me when riding it and it looks good…Vintage Cafe racer look. I’m going to be using this bike to travel back and forth to my work, and weekend’s ride. Which one of the 3 do you recommend for a guy like me?
Just bought one this past Thursday. I've only put about 85 miles on it (55 of those was riding it home from the dealer) and I love it. I think "friendly" is a really great way to describe the bike. Couldn't be happier with it! Need to get some bar end mirrors next.
Look-around on RU-vid, for owners' installation tips. I cannot remember where I saw it, but a fellow was demonstrating a nice, easy, proper way of getting the bar end loosened-up for attaching the replacement mirrors, without a struggle, and without marring the PARTS with careless tool marks.
I'm hoping that Royal Enfield starts making some serious inroads into the American market. I like that Royal Enfields are NOT overly expensive, complicated or HEAVY. I'm thinking a Continental will be my next motorcycle. Slim, lightweight, responsive and its got enough style to turn heads whenever I'm zipping down a highway or parked where people gather. I've take note about your opinion on tires, shocks, brakes and the rear braking lever and I'll be looking for aftermarket replacements when I do get mine.
Royal Enfield seems to be moving well into the American market. I've seen them here, for years, starting with an older model which was just like an Army Dispatch Rider's motorcycle, in Battle Green, with twin metal panniers, just like a real military bike. There are THREE Dealers, just in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, plus a Quality Assurance facility in that same area. With fuel prices having been high, it seems like there would be a good market, and even non-motorcyclists tend to stop and look at Royal Enfields, because of their fun, interesting appearance, and to guess their price-point MUCH higher than that for which they're actually offered. There are a LOT of alternative parts available, and I think that you could have a lot of fun, reading-up on this.
The point about dealer service and support is really important. It doesn’t really matter what you ride, if the dealer sucks then you’re gonna hate your bike.
Really good balanced review! I don't think Icould ride with your mate in front of me..... hes pretty unpredictable, I think I'd have to drop back a way, or preferably always be in front. Glad you have found a bike that really suits you, i think it would suit me too. Sbs (Scandinavian brake systems) make brake pads that have transformed the braked of other bikes I have owned.....I think manufacturers fit pads that are a bit wooden so they dont catch inextperienced riders out, but a simple pad change can yeild a lot more stopping power - a bit like what you have done with the tyres. Ride safe!
I have a 98 fatboy, an 07 fatboy, 17 T120 and a 22 himalayan. They all get attention, but, I love the way people react to the himalayan. They constantly tell me how cool it looks. Of course it's the camo green version 😊. The continental will most likely be the next one I buy
Ive got the 2020 mayhem .I agree with a lot of what you stated, before I even took possession of my Bike I switched out the tire to a wider rear & spec front , brand was continental. i also switched out the mirrors to end bar mirrors, Im going to add the 850 Bore kit. S&S exhaust an a proper Cafe fairing. Even though the bike has only 47 Hp its very torquey . Ive had it over hundred a few times after the break in period. I have a coupe of litre Sport Bikes also. The RE does what its suppose to as a fun modern Cafe. i couldnt be happier with it !
Hey, great video. I am from India, and owning this RE continental GT650 since February 2020. There were a bit of regulation changes for 2020 version, but every specification is virtually the same as 2019. About to complete a year with it, and apart from one episode of ‘bike not starting’ which solved itself, I haven’t faced any other issues yet. Still kept it stock and will wait till I hit ten thousand kilometers mark (6.2k miles). It seems quite indestructible as of now. But feels a bit under-powered for it’s own weight and what the chassis can handle as I believe. It’s not as agile when put against other bike smaller displacement motors (plenty here in India), but it’s not meant to be in that segment. Where it scores is similar to what you said in video, it’s does bring a smile every time you would ride, and it’s an easy bike for spirited long distance riding as well as in the city. It’s above average if you have gentle riding in your mind. Let’s see how it goes when I begin modifying/changing things on it.
These things consistently get MASSIVELY over-estimated in price, when a "man-on-the-street" is asked what they'd THINK one would cost. Since they are NOT shoddy, and have well-designed engines, etc., this means that this is not a "fraudulent" impression that Royal Enfield is creating, but simply a really good value, along WITH a really-HIGH perceived value. That way, people end-up BOTH impressed with your bike, but ALSO impressed that you didn't irresponsibly overspend, in getting it, ESPECIALLY since it looks so sporty, etc., and I say that as someone with a good friend with both Ducati and MV Agusta super-bikes, so I know what THAT'S like, to be around. For ONE thing, with THIS Continental GT, you WON'T be causing the neighbors to call-in NOISE COMPLAINTS, while you're warming it-up! :)
Do you face any heating issues on this bike ? I'd imagine that on a hot day of July the engine may dissipate a ton of heat. How about heat dissipation in mid 20 C climate ? Asking this because maybe some day if I have this bike, I want to know whether I can ride it just on my trackbottoms to get my groceries.
@@pranayp1950 I have heard objections from people who had a portion of their leg either getting-hot, or rubbing-up against the little loop of metal that is attached to the sides of the cylinders, to fend your leg-off from contact WITH the fins. It may be a matter of the height of the rider effecting where it is that their legs end-up positioned, when their feet are on the foot pegs. You might want to sit on one of these bikes, at the bike dealer, to see whether your legs are coming into too-much contact with the engine. I tend to wear so much protective gear that it's not an issue, though I see MANY riders in videos from India who have one hot weather clothing and sandals, which I would literally be AFRAID to wear, on a motorcycle! Blessings to you!
@@johnstanley7442 Thank John for detailed explanation ! I might just go and check in the RE showroom near me. I am 5'7 so I guess my leg should rest on that little loop. I guess in any case it won't be a good idea to drive this bike without any protective gear to protect my leg from heat. And yeah we have a lot of riders here who ride with their sandals on, we call them "squids" XD.
@@pranayp1950 This may sound ridiculous, but it actually occurred to me that someone could pull-on some knee-pads, like what Volleyball players wear, only wear them on their CALVES, with the padding turned-inward, towards the motor.
I actually own a w800 (2013) and am looking to trade in on a gt. I got a Himalayan last year as a second bike and I'm so impressed by that bike I think I'm selling the w800 and get a Continental GT. The w800 is great but really lacks character and working on that bike is a real pain. Changing the 12v battery for instance is a real job.
@@keesketsers5866 Interesting. I've been looking at the Himalayan forever. I hear nothing but good things except the top speed on highway travel. Someday. Right now I have the 2019 W800 Cafe that I did buy, and I just picked up a 2015 Yamaha FJR1300ES with 18.5K miles on it and I love the FJR. It turns out I DO need 140 horsepower!! ;)
@@QuentinsMotoVlog : horsepower IS nice. A few years ago I owned a KTM Super Adventure (160hp). Scared the crap out of me on sport mode. Sold it because it was just too much for me, not fond of going fast at all. When I'm on a bike I'm generally not in any rush to get to my destination and get off the bike ;)
I'm surprised you didn't get the screen on the front. Despite its small size it diverts a good amount of air away from the chest, and I really like the look of it What tires did you put on it? I haven't had any issues with the stock tires yet but I don't want to get to the point where I do lol
I don't understand why this bike is so ridiculously heavy. At 202kg (445 lbs.), It's 35lbs. heavier than my Buell (X1) that has a 1203cc harley engine in it. I really like the styling of these bikes and their bare bones approach, but for what this bike is, it would do well to lose about 80lbs. I like that it has a relatively short wheelbase of 55 inches. And a plus to this bike is that their are a TON of aftermarket parts available for them. S&S even makes engine hop up kits, so their are a lot of good options out there to customize this bike, but the main one is shaving some weight off the damn thing. It's like a fat girl wearing a girdle, she's a lot heavier than she looks.
I test rode today this with dealer it had 22K mileage and it was butter smooth I rechecked the mileage to believe it This is a real gem for those who are looking for one! Was searching for exhaust before i book, S&S exhaust is available with one of the local shops Hope for the best riding experience
Because people in India aren’t as picky or me-centric as Westerners and don’t complain about every little thing. They ride their bikes hard and do their own repairs. They don’t expect perfection of every little thing with a narcissistic attitude and just deal with what they are given.
I live in Michigan as well and am actually going to look at a Royal Enfield's today. I would really like to know what dealer gave you the issues, There's only a handful of RE dealers in Michigan so there's a good chance I could end up in the one that gave you issues. Thanks.
Haha, you're right. The fuel gauge is terrible! I love the ambiguity, is it near empty? Nope, it's got half a tank. Completely random. A shame about your shitty dealership, my local one is great. It's associated with the late great Barry Sheene
I actually wanted one when they first came out. I went to look at them and they are a beautiful bike. I'm 6'2" and weigh 282. I just felt too big for the bike and ended up buying a Kawasaki Drifter 1500.
Many years ago, I chanced upon a Royal Enfield configured like some British Army Courier's bike, complete with Panniers and Olive Drab paint. Only a scabbard for the Thompson sub machine gun was missing. It was great-looking, for an old military illustrator to-see, but, even at 5'-10", 210 pounds, I think I'd have dwarfed this little bike! :o
I’m looking to buy my first bike and I’m looking at the csc San Gabriel 250cc or the continental gt 650. Would you say the royal enfield will be worth the few extra grand?
+Burtoni Motors I agree with you about this bike 100% including the removal of the bar end weights (I ended up using a slide hammer to get mine out, brutal) and excessively tightened stuff. I'm very short so I had some problems particularly on highly cambered roads (I even managed to drop the bike while waiting at an up gradient red light, very embarrassing) but swapping the rear shocks from 360mm to 330mm transformed the bike in a very good way. All of my other modifications (and there have been a lot of them) have have been aimed at reducing the near 200kg weight of the bike. I have no need for more power. Now if only I could find a supplier of aluminium fuel tanks for this bike my weight reduction quest would be complete.
My interceptor is just over 2000 k.m. and the falls neutral issue was there initially. But now it's smooth. Only issue is the tappets are a bit too loud because of the thin rocker cover.
Thanks for putting this out, Can you make a video on service this bikes needs and the necessary part replacements to make the riding experience better? Thanks
Triumph is paying for performance on a bike where its main selling point is style. I would go RE and get a real performance bike if you want performance.
Nice video! Can anyone tell me how to refuel her (I've got the Dr Mayhem variant)? The dealer told me not to fill past the inner splash guard, but I can't seem to get the fuel gauge to read full. Any tips? I didn't find the manual helpful.
The fuel gauge is a flaw across all 650s, don’t worry about what it says. Fill your tank to the inner splash guard, stand the bike up a bit, give it a shake, then if there’s room top her off.
@@okherewegoagain177 posture is decent I bought it used. I think the handlebar is aftermarket but I like it. I lean slightly forward and it's comfortable
i hate the fuel gauge on this bike lol. i'd much rather just a plain low fuel light instead. i've gotten the fuel gauge to get to blinking after only 100km shown on the trip meter. it so bad. i KNOW theres more fuel in there but its just annoying as shit because you really dont know much is left until you refuel it. i also dont know how you dont have rust lol. i have rust appearing at the end of the pipes within weeks of ownership and i dont ride in the rain (with this bike at least ,since i dont trust these cheap CEAT tires)
I am riding AJS Cadwell 125cc which is basically smaller chinese version of GT650. I heard the same about my bike. Yet... No major issues so far and I have it for 3 years now.
It's like yelp reviews.... 90% negative because the people who are unhappy are the loudest. The people like me ( which is like most people ) who are happy are out riding. 3 year warranty is hard to beat.
Great vid! I'm looking at a 2020 model with 13k miles. Has reliability continued to be good and is there anything beyond the usual regular maintenance I should be careful to check for? Thanks!
The MT07 was full power (unrestricted) - it’s a very very different motorcycle. But they are both very fun in their own rights. I really enjoyed the engine in my MT07 but though the suspension killed the bike. I wish I could of got an MT07 SP (if they made one). The Royal is great for cruising around and looking cool.
Dude, you need to drop the whole "fuel gauge" thing. It has to be the dumbest item ever placed on any motorcycle. If you have no idea what kind of range your bike has, or don't visually check your fuel every time you ride, YOU SHOULDN'T BE RIDING. FFS, take hold of your responsibility, man.
@@BurtoniMotors Electronic fuel gauges NEVER work properly, in anything...they are notoriously inaccurate. They either read high too long, or low too soon. My point is, do your proper pre-trip. Know your vehicle. Those electronic gauges are more a "suggestion". They don't use tactile fuel tank sending units, like they did "in the old days", as you would say. Electronic fuel gauges will NEVER work properly. You may as well as Santa Claus to bring you a new Mommy. Ain't gonna happen, brother.
@BurtoniMotors my work commute is like 15 min to 30 depending on traffic. But im thinking of completely switching to a bike, so I'd use this even to go visit my friends 4/6 hrs away. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
Honestly, that's a lot of time on this bike. It's doable but not at highway speeds. You are much better off looking at something like a Himalayan or another light adventure bike. The Honda Translap is interesting right now. @@yungmayanprinceymp6113
I used to be a woman but since going to India I now identify as a Royal Enfeild Continental GT650. Thank you to Dr. Raoul Singh Plastic and Mechanical Surgeon Mumbai Finance Available.
Any problems with electrical relays, and starting problems? Seems to be an issue with the Continental and Interceptor 650's. Just purchased a Continental, only have 94 miles so far. Nice review!👍👍🏁
I was just pondering the possibility that you could buy this bike and wright it off against your income from youtube....hmmmm? might have to start a channel
Very helpful review. I had been considering RE vs Triumph. I’m not into major mods and am more interested in quality and support so this skews me to springing for the Triumph in the interest of fewer headaches. Thanks!
Does it get uncomfortable after a hundred miles or so? I mean, I've watched other reviews and they say that you can feel a little weight on your wrists because you lean a little bit forward on this bike.
I am still trying to get my license but when I do I am going to get that royal enfield because just like you the thruxton is out of my budget and i like the style of the continental greetings from the netherlands
I think you're like me. You get that feeling and then things start falling-in-place. All I can say is every time I ride my inti I like it more. I've never seen anything attract so much attention on parking-lots. Not that this was my aim. I mean people wanting to take it's picture. You can watch the body-language change as they walk in from the fuel pumps and you say to yourself "that guy's gonna take my bike's picture". Yup.
I am planning to buy a bike after being without one for twenty years. I am planning to get one next year. I am considering the RE Continental GT 650, or Kawasaki W800 cafe which I would have to get used. I am also thinking of a Kawasaki z400. I am not mechanical and have had some concerns about the reliability of RE. I like the W800cafe although of course it is not as low priced as the RE. I am considering the Z400 because it is inexpensive , I am sure would be reliable but am just not sure if I would be satisfied with it. I am looking to ride back roads on nice Sunday afternoons around 50mph most of the time. My last bike was an 1983 Kawasaki GPZ750 (I never road that faster than 65mph). I wonder what your thoughts are about all that I have said.
There are different quality levels for each tire manufacture. Spend less time hitting yourself in the face with your palm and some more time researching.
Hi I got the honda CB650R naked. I thinking a lot to change state of mind and buy the continental GT... Do you think that is a good idea or its a too big change and go to some Rebel 1100?
That's exactly what I wanted to know. Cannot believe he didn't answer anybody on this question. It's a Ducati Scrambler, but a special edition. That means not cheap at all.
What would you consider a long distance? In stock form I was able to conquer 100 or so miles before needing to stretch the legs, when I dropped the bars and added the rear set, it’s a very aggressive ride
@@alcatoo less maintenance and problems? less road puncture problems? since it has tube inside. in short less hassle for beginners like me. but hey I already bought one. :) I guess I need to learn a lot about motorcycles now. lol
The only bike that was available when I wanted to buy mine was the white - it’s great (and by far the best looking one) but I want something different.
Thanks for the great video.been thinking about getting one but I'm wondering if you think I may be too big. 6'5 and 225lbs. I have been wanting to go sit on one but I have not had the chance yet. What's the warranty like from the dealer?? Thanks
This is a little late, but I have a 2014 CB1100. The CB1100 would be a great bike for a person of your stature. I'm looking into the RE Continental GT to get something a little smaller and lighter (where I'm not on my toes holding up a 550lb bike, I'm 5' 7" and 140lbs).
it does fine on the highway. the bigger issue is just no wind protection (but that goes for any bike of this style). the engine is definitely pretty weak but has *enough* power to get you by.
Soooo you really wanted a triumph but settled for the enfield . But you put just as much money into it . Right now in my town you can get a left over triumph thruxton for under 10k and it has plenty of power . Don't think I could live with a 46 horsepower street bike but that just me stay safe out there
What's the fun of buying the perfect bike? It has been much more fun to learn how to modify a bike with my own. In addition, Triumphs are dime a dozens, it's nice to have something that stands out.
