[cycleworld.com] - 2024 Royal Enfield INT 650 & Continental GT 650 First Ride

[Ninjette Newsbot]

Royal Enfield adds variety and quality to its winning INT 650 and Continental GT 650 models for 2024; we take them for a ride to see how they perform.

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Cruising along California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway, the Continental GT 650’s ergonomics can be a bit aggressive for tall riders, but worth it for the custom style. (Royal Enfield/)Royal Enfield’s INT 650 and Continental GT 650 models weren’t begging for an update. Introduced in 2019, these models lean into classic styling and approachability rather than cutting-edge performance—so major changes are not expected to come incredibly often. As the company’s bestselling models for the last five years, customers have proven to agree with our assessment of the pair: One does not need huge amounts of power or expensive technology to experience pure motorcycling joy. So when RE invited us to Los Angeles to test the newly updated 2024 twins, we were eager to see and experience those updates, but also hoping that the company hadn’t done too much to the platform that has already proven to be so successful.


The INT 650 in Barcelona Blue boasts ’70s-inspired styling, which fits well with the bike’s classic silhouette. (Royal Enfield/)We met up with Royal Enfield’s team at The Motoring Club—which is exactly what it sounds like: a club for automotive enthusiasts. The space is large, open, and well designed. A large disco ball floats over a blue BMW 2002 in the center of the room. Patrons sit along the outer walls with their heads buried in laptops. Christian Klien’s Red Bull F1 car sits next to a lawn-mower-engine powered go-kart in a similar style. It’s a lovely mix of things to look at, do, or just ignore completely while you try to get some work done. In the back is a members-only section where a new Continental GT and INT 650 sat waiting.

Changes for 2024

The INT 650 is a standard motorcycle with a rounded gas tank and a straight, classic line from the bottom of the tank and through the flat two-up seat. The Continental GT shares the same frame, suspension, engine, and braking components, but in a cafe-racer-inspired style with a more squared-off gas tank, solo cafe seat, and more aggressive tucked-in ergonomics. These two models see updates already found on* the 2024 Super Meteor and Shotgun 650 like cast aluminum switch housings and LED lighting, which are small but key components that do make the bikes feel higher quality.

Each model now comes in two new blacked-out paint schemes, and the INT 650 adds two new colors to its traditional chrome-finished lineup. All models, blacked-out or traditional, now feature adjustable clutch and front brake levers, new Ceat tires, and improved seat designs with upgraded foam-mesh padding.

On the Road: INT 650

We left The Motoring Club as a group, moving quickly through Los Angeles traffic and on to the highly congested I-10 freeway. First up was the INT 650 in the new Barcelona Blue variant, featuring a sunset gradient on the tank and nicely done metalflake base paint. Enfield describes the INT as a beach cruiser, but it feels more like a traditional retro standard than any sort of cruiser. Seating position is upright and comfortable, exactly what you expect when you envision a modern standard. Most riders will have a short reach to the handlebars and knees at a close-to-90-degree angle, comfortable and relaxed but ready and in control.

Merging onto the highway, and being in California, we made our way to the fast lane to start splitting through traffic. With no changes to the platform’s engine or chassis, the ride was just as expected. The engine thumped along, rich in character but not buzzy, and responding to a twist of the throttle with satisfying haste from the 648cc SOHC air/oil-cooled parallel twin—just right for a classically styled standard, not too much and nowhere near too little.


Several versions of the INT 650’s new foam mesh were tested before deciding on the production seat, and the updated comfort proves worth the effort. (Royal Enfield/)Turning off of the highway and following Mulholland Drive, we arrived at the Rock Store, an old stagecoach stop turned motorcycle hangout that’s only open on the weekends. Two gas pumps sit in front of the store, now just relics with meters that only reach 9.99 gallons and $.99, because who could ever need more than 10 gallons of gas and there’s no way it could ever cost more than a dollar a gallon. Kicking tires while taking a break,* most riders in attendance favored the traditional chrome finishes over the new blacked-out style while Royal Enfield’s marketing leader strategically dropped the words “muscle” and “attitude,” to sway us otherwise. Choice in style is a good thing, and RE isn’t wrong to offer options for those not into chrome.

I swapped keys for a Continental GT in Slipstream Blue, which features black base paint, white fenders, and a badging graphic with blue gradient detailing.


With stop-and-go traffic, speed limits around 60 mph, and beautiful views throughout, Pacific Coast Highway proved an excellent road to experience the best that these 650cc models have to offer. (Royal Enfield/)On the Road: Continental GT

Continental GT models look and feel custom, with racier ergonomics that will not fit everyone—including this tester. At 6-foot-4, I am just too big for clip-ons and rearset foot controls on this chassis and it wasn’t even 20 minutes before shoulder and hip pains started to set in. But I represent less than 2 percent of American males, so most riders will find themselves better suited for this setup. Once again, it’s nice to have choices in Royal Enfield’s 650cc lineup.


The GT 650 in Slipstream Blue sports Enfield’s small wind deflector above its headlight, while the Apex Grey shows the bike’s stock style. (Royal Enfield/)As we descended Malibu’s canyons, the sun was settling into the Pacific Ocean, and the INT and Conti made it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery. Seating on prior models was somewhat stiff but not uncomfortable. Now, the updated INT 650 seat is plush, adding more comfort to the upright ride. We were only able to test an aftermarket touring seat on the GT; it’s a medium-firm pad that is high quality. Handling on both models is intuitive and no part of the standard 650?s ride is demanding of super focus attention at any moment. Keep your head up, cruise along, and soak in the scenery. Play some music in your headset—or enjoy the P-twin’s exhaust note. For either an experienced rider or someone who’s newer to riding, these bikes are easy to enjoy.


2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 models with spoked wheels and chrome finishes, like the British Racing Green model shown here, have a starting MSRP of $6,349. (Royal Enfield/)The changes we see for 2024 offer a new style and more variety on platforms that we know and love. Prices of $6,849 for the newly blacked-out INT 650 and $7,149 for the GT model are within easily acceptable margins from previous base prices, and new Cali Green and Canyon Red models are only $6,149 with chrome and spoked wheels.

Making our way back through Venice Beach to The Motoring Club at 4 p.m., we were met with LA’s dreaded rush hour. Traffic was, as always, a pain, but the bike’s easygoing character meant no stress or complication in the route. Back at The Motoring Club, interested car enthusiasts stopped to check out the bikes. Passing by at 30 mph, we could be a vintage club. We’re not quite that cool, but our ride-to-wrench ratio is certainly better.

Verdict

In the end, these are amazing bikes for the price tag. If you want options, you now have more of them. Pieces you need and use every day, like switch housings and a headlight, are now higher quality without passing on a great price increase to the customer. So it’s exactly what we wanted: subtle improvements while ample character, ease of use, and affordability we value so highly in these two models remain.


The Touring Rider Seat for Continental GT models uses 3D net technology, which helps distribute your weight evenly across the saddle. (Royal Enfield/)2024 Royal Enfield INT 650 and Continental GT 650 Specs

MSRP:$6,149–$7,149Engine:SOHC, air/oil-cooled parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl.Displacement:648ccBore x Stroke:78.0 x 67.8mmCompression Ratio:9.5:1Transmission/Final Drive:6-speed/chain driveCycle World Measured Horsepower:40.9 hp @ 6,780 rpmCycle World Measured Torque:37.4 lb.-ft. @ 5,100 rpmFuel System:Electronic fuel injectionClutch:Wet, multiplate slipper; cable actuatedEngine Management/Ignition:Electronic ignitionFrame:Tubular mild steel, double-cradle styleFront Suspension:41mm conventional damping rod fork; 4.3 in. travelRear Suspension:Twin coilover shocks, preload adjustable; 3.5 in. travelFront Brake:2-piston floating caliper, 320mm disc w/ ABSRear Brake:1-piston floating caliper, 240mm disc w/ ABSWheels, Front/Rear:7-spoke cast alloy or spoked aluminum; 18 x 2.5 in./18 x 3.5 in.Tires, Front/Rear:100/90-18 / 130/70R-18 (INT) ; 130/70-18 (GT)Rake/Trail:24.0°/4.2 in.Wheelbase:55.0 in.Ground Clearance:6.9 in.Seat Height:31.7 in.Fuel Capacity:3.6 gal. (INT) / 3.3 gal. (GT)Claimed Wet Weight:478 lb. (INT) / 472 lb. (GT)Contact:royalenfield.com

Gearbox

Helmet: Arai Signet-X

Gloves: Alpinestars Morph Street

Jacket: Aether Apparel Mulholland

Boots: Red Wing Iron Ranger