Author Topic: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"  (Read 3451 times)

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New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« on: February 18, 2018, 06:53:16 AM »
Time will tell about the reliability and QC on these bikes, but I like the look! :thumb: :1: :cool:







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Online Chuck in Indiana

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2018, 07:23:25 AM »
 :1:
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Offline Bucky

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2018, 07:47:00 AM »
Yup.....
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Offline stonelover

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2018, 09:14:17 AM »
The industry is looking for new riders.  The new RE's will probably have great appeal to that market.

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2018, 09:14:17 AM »

Offline M0T0Geezer

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2018, 09:34:54 AM »
The Bottom Line on the new 650cc Royal Enfield Engine:

"...an air-/oil-cooled 650cc parallel twin with four valves per cylinders and 270-degree crank ... the motor is no fire-breather at 47 hp and 37 pound-feet of torque..."

So here are links to more on the Enfield 650s

  https://royalenfield.com/motorcycles/twins/

and here...

  https://www.cycleworld.com/2018-royal-enfield-interceptor-int-650-continental-gt-650-eicma-2017

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I'm gonna buy me a Mercury Enfield & cruise it up & down the road
."

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Offline neverquit

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #5 on: February 18, 2018, 12:32:25 PM »
I saw the GT and Interceptor 650 models at a recent bike show.  The Enfield reps told me that those two bikes were pre-production models.  I love the look but on close inspection some of the chasis components could have been made and finished a little nicer, they are not as nice as the Guzzi.  The finish on the engine was excellent.  They said the price should not exceed $6500 in the US. I would like to order one but I hate to buy the first of anything.  So I'll probably wait a year to see how reliable they are.  The reps said they should go on sale here by July.  I read that they'll go on sale in the UK in April. 

Offline ohiorider

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #6 on: February 18, 2018, 12:36:40 PM »
Very attractive!  Similar in power to the 2000 W650 I rode for several years.
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Offline Roebling3

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #7 on: February 18, 2018, 01:28:14 PM »
Very nice indeed. But then I have a GB500TT. For the price it's got to be a winner, no?
The caveat (paraphrasing others), being fit, finish & reliability.  IOW; It's not a Honda. R3~ 

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #8 on: February 18, 2018, 05:37:58 PM »

"Well if I had money,
I'd tell you what I'd do,
I go downtown buy a Mercury Enfield or two.
Crazy bout a Mercury Enfield,
Lord I'm crazy bout a Mercury Enfield,
I'm gonna buy me a Mercury Enfield & cruise it up & down the road
."

 - 'Geezer (with apologies to Alan Jackson)

"Mercury Blues" is a song written by K. C. Douglas and Robert Geddins, and first recorded by Douglas in 1948.
Charlie

Offline willowstreetguzziguy

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #9 on: February 18, 2018, 06:53:43 PM »
Both are super beautiful Classic machines! Hope they do well.
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Offline zebraranger

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #10 on: February 18, 2018, 09:52:47 PM »
They're also coming out with the Himalayan adventure bike in the summer of 2018, I like the looks, I was just reading up on it yesterday.. Only 411cc's, its definitely not a hardcore adventure bike for the hardcore adventure rider. But, it looks like it would be fun as a trail/gravel roads riding type of bike, especially for the non hardcore adventure rider not necessarily looking to cross the Mojave Desert in record time. Most likely competing against other lightweight Adventure bikes like the Kawasaki Versys X 300, V Strom 250, BMW's 310 GS for a little less money. According to the specs, it comes in around 400 lbs, not exactly light for a lightweight. I've always looked past RE's because of the quality control issues that they've had. But what I've read so far, these new 2018 models is suppose to be far superior in quality parts and build, only time will tell.


Offline rider33

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #11 on: February 19, 2018, 09:53:24 AM »
Very attractive!  Similar in power to the 2000 W650 I rode for several years.

yup, tho I'm guessing the attention to detail on the W was a wee bit higher.  Then again the rear fender  on mine cracked & the peacock failed flooding the air box so who knows....
"some journeys continue long after movement in time and space has ceased"  -Steinbeck

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #12 on: February 19, 2018, 09:56:54 AM »
"Mercury Blues" is a song written by K. C. Douglas and Robert Geddins, and first recorded by Douglas in 1948.

 Mercury Boogie , the original version is wonderful .

 Dusty

Offline Roebling3

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #13 on: February 19, 2018, 10:08:01 AM »
'Mercury Boogie'? Are you referring to the car, the element or the radio program?
   As in 48 Merc coupe.   Fun play toy before Play Doh? Radio theatre. (Alien's in NJ)?
        R3~

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #14 on: February 19, 2018, 10:21:43 AM »
'Mercury Boogie'? Are you referring to the car, the element or the radio program?
   As in 48 Merc coupe.   Fun play toy before Play Doh? Radio theatre. (Alien's in NJ)?
        R3~

YES!!!  The legendary 1948 Mercury!! :thumb: :1: :cool:  One cool coupe!!! :wink: :smiley:





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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #15 on: February 19, 2018, 10:56:48 AM »
no,no,no.
like this

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Offline M0T0Geezer

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #16 on: February 19, 2018, 11:13:34 AM »
Why y'all be complaining about QC when ain't nunna y'all ever been there?   :evil:

 

Even Luigi has his off days...

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Online JJ

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #17 on: February 19, 2018, 11:43:34 AM »
Why y'all be complaining about QC when ain't nunna y'all ever been there?   :evil:

 

Even Luigi has his off days...

'Geezer

By the way...this 2018 "Himalayan" looks very interesting also... :thumb: :1: :cool:



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Offline ohiorider

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #18 on: February 19, 2018, 12:24:46 PM »
yup, tho I'm guessing the attention to detail on the W was a wee bit higher.  Then again the rear fender  on mine cracked & the peacock failed flooding the air box so who knows....
No doubt re attention to detail! 

I think they all cracked.  I think Kaw may have beefed up the fender later in production.  Mine never got any worse than a slight split, and it was out of sight.  At 47,000 miles, I got tapped by a pickup truck, and that did finish off the rear fender and tail light assembly.  I thought parts would take forever, but I think I had the bike back from the shop in less than 2 weeks, which included replacement parts being shipped from Japan.  Purchased in Aug, 2000, sold Apr 2007.  I experienced a wonderful 53,000 miles on the little Kaw.  All bikes should be so good!
« Last Edit: February 19, 2018, 12:27:52 PM by ohiorider »
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Offline timonbik

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #19 on: February 19, 2018, 12:45:37 PM »
A friend of mine spent 9 mos touring India on an RE and went places up in the mountains along the Pakistan  border on track used by the military that I wouldn't feel comfortable walking on.  He took a ton of spares and didn't use any of them.  Issues that he had were non folding foot pegs that broke off every time he feel, a back wheel that needed to be relaced because of broken spokes due to the load that he carried and a rear sprocket that essentially dissolved due to lack of proper hardening.  Engine was good but suspension was definitely a  week point.

Cheers, Tim
« Last Edit: February 19, 2018, 02:44:55 PM by timonbik »
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Online JJ

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #20 on: February 19, 2018, 01:26:43 PM »
A friend of mine spent 9 mos touring India on an RE and went places up in the mountains along the Pakistan  border on track used by the military that I would feel comfortable walking on.  He took a ton of spares and didn't use any of them.  Issues that he had were non folding foot pegs that broke off every time he feel, a back wheel that needed to be relaced because of broken spokes due to the load that he carried and a rear sprocket that essentially dissolved due to lack of proper hardening.  Engine was good but suspension was definitely a  week point.

Cheers, Tim

A friend of mine had a late model RE Bullet 500, and he FLOGGED the hell out it for 20,000 miles...but then...he blew the motor....and is now waiting for parts... :shocked: :shocked: :huh: :rolleyes:
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Online Chuck in Indiana

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #21 on: February 19, 2018, 04:51:01 PM »
I met a guy on Angles Crest that had a cafe'd RE. He said it was the most unreliable motorcycle he'd ever owned.. and the most fun. <shrug> So there's that..
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Online JJ

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #22 on: February 19, 2018, 07:38:41 PM »
I met a guy on Angles Crest that had a cafe'd RE. He said it was the most unreliable motorcycle he'd ever owned.. and the most fun. <shrug> So there's that..

Hyundai...about 10-15 years ago was the same...poor quality...poor reputation for reliability and service, etc. etc.....but they "listened" to their customers...and improved over the years...and perhaps RE will do the same in the near future...and only will tell, of course. :thumb: :1: :cool:
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Offline sidecarnutz

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #23 on: February 19, 2018, 09:44:25 PM »
I've had my old 2003 RE 500 Bullet for over three years now. I don't ride enough to comment on reliability. But it has never made walk yet. It will "wet sump" if I park it too long. Easy enough to decompress it and run the electric starter for a bit to pump the crankcase back to the sump. It is a lot of fun to ride..... slowly.  :tongue:




yeah, I might be addicted to brake fluid. But I can stop any time I want.

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Offline fossil

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #24 on: February 19, 2018, 10:03:27 PM »
For years Royal Enfields were built in a factory that was small and extremely old-fashioned. Like a certain motorcycle factory in Northern Italy ... Enfield has in the last 10 years built a very big, modern factory, and they have bought Harris in GB. Enfield claims to be World Market Leader in the class 250 to 750 ccm. They are simply not the same as 15 years ago.

A year ago at the annually motorcycle fair in Hamburg (which starts again this friday  :laugh:) I took a longer look at the Himalayan. If I ever needed a companion for my V7 Stone in my garage this would be it! It is such a no-nonsense bike that looks nice and is absolutely without "Bling" I really like it. I hope they have the 650 in Hamburg this weekend.
Greetings from Germany!
Thorsten

Offline Arizona Wayne

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #25 on: February 19, 2018, 11:22:06 PM »
I put Royal Enfields and Urals in the same category.....they can look very attractive, but don't confuse them with the bikes you depend on you already have now.   They are not of the same quality.   Go to U-tube or other places and read what current owners of them who actually ride them have to say about them.  Don't be their next victim.  :wink:

It comes down to what your next MC should be.  A trouble free 1 or a high maintenance 1 like in the 60's.  Only time will tell if this new 650 twin will be any more trouble free than REs before it.

OTOH, if you want to buy a new bike that looks like an old bike to put in your living room behind your front window........... :cool:
« Last Edit: February 19, 2018, 11:40:33 PM by Arizona Wayne »

Offline rodekyll

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #26 on: February 20, 2018, 12:20:35 AM »
RE is selling 800k bikes a year and seem to be the world leader in 250-650cc sales.  They've mobilized the Indian subcontinent like BSA did in the previous century.  They've got new facilities, a genuine design department, and they're bringing fresh models to market.  This 270 crank design intrigues me.  I've got a hard time believing their customers are all "victims."  They seem to be doing just fine. 

I ride with a few RE 500s here on the island.  One has upwards of 40k on it now and the owner hasn't had any notable problems.  She does frequent weekenders with it and it's her daily driver.  Another had a wheel crack, iirc, but RE didn't make the wheel.  The other 2 are not impressed with the power or speed of theirs, but don't have any complaints about the reliability.  Everyone's chief complaint seems to be vibration.  My acquaintances are using them as commuters because the ferries always give them space, load them first, and charge much less per trip.  They're economical to operate, easy to ride, and big enough to play in the street without getting run over.

Personally I think they're cute. But I'm not about to go back to vertical twins, on general principles.

Offline timonbik

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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #27 on: February 20, 2018, 07:20:30 AM »
To me they are somewhat overpriced.  Was at the bike show int Toronto on the weekend and a dealer had RE's there and they wanted $7999 CDN for a Bullet.  Sorry. you can buy a left over 2016 Bonnie for $9999CDN.  No comparison.  One thing though, you can scour the web and it is difficult to find used ones.  Either the owners like them and won't part with them or there is a line up of ready buyers waiting to snatch used ones up.
Cheers, Tim
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Re: New Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc "Black Magic"
« Reply #28 on: February 20, 2018, 08:23:43 AM »
To me they are somewhat overpriced.  Was at the bike show int Toronto on the weekend and a dealer had RE's there and they wanted $7999 CDN for a Bullet.  Sorry. you can buy a left over 2016 Bonnie for $9999CDN.  No comparison.  One thing though, you can scour the web and it is difficult to find used ones.  Either the owners like them and won't part with them or there is a line up of ready buyers waiting to snatch used ones up.
Cheers, Tim

From a quality-build and reliability standpoint, this is "the bar" RE will have to hurdle, IMHO.  Here is a brand new 2017 Triumph Bonneville Black for $8500 USD on sale now at GO-AZ in Scottsdale, AZ...nice bike!




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