Royal Enfield discontinues Continental GT

Royal Enfield has pulled off the Continental GT from the Indian market. While a few dealers still have a handful of motorcycles on sale, those who have exhausted their stock are not accepting bookings for the Continental GT.

The Continental GT was launched in 2013 as the brand’s flagship model. Based on a brand new twin cradle frame, it featured a 535cc fuel-injected air-cooled single-cylinder engine, delivering 29bhp and 44Nm of torque. The Paioli suspension parts were set up to offer a sporty ride in tune with its café racer character, while the braking hardware was sourced from ByBre. While the riding dynamics of the bike were impressive, the powertrain turned out to be its Achilles heel. And in presence of the KTM 390 Duke, it turned out to be an expensive proposition. The Continental GT failed to capture the imagination of the Indian audience or to replicate the sales numbers of its stable mates. 

Next year however, Royal Enfield will be reintroducing the Continental GT with a new parallel twin powertrain. This engine promises to be more refined and sportier than the existing range single-cylinder units.