The first edition of the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup began with a first round race at Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore. Not only did we get track side seats for the race, but we also rode a race-ready Royal Enfield Continental GT-R650. Here is our experience.
see photosRoyal Enfield Continental GT-R650 Race Bike is a lot of fun!
Royal Enfield It has a rich history and heritage when it comes to racing. And with the arrival of the Continental GT Cup, the idea is to not only make racing retro, but to make it more accessible to new riders as well as experienced riders. Royal Enfield’s overarching goal is to nurture the motorcycle sub-culture and communities. A beautiful idea, it is! The first edition of the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup was held at Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore and saw a total of over 400 entries across the country, out of which 100 qualified riders made it to the selections. Of those 100, the fastest 18 riders were selected to compete this season.
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(Top 18 riders form the grid for the first race of the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup)
After a thrilling run, with non-stop action going down to the end, it was Hubli’s Anish Shetty who took the top step of the podium, Thrissur’s Allwyn Xavier and Hyderabad’s Jayant Prathipathy came second. Coming on third. Once the pros were done, it was time for the automotive media to get a taste of the Royal Enfield Continental GT-R650.
(The winners of the first race were Anish Shetty (1st), Allwyn Xavier (2nd) and Jayant Pratipati (3rd)
The GT-R650 gets a rigid race-tuned suspension with thicker fork oil up front, which results in better handling, fewer clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs and a reduced weight of 24 kg of the motorcycle . The stock exhaust has been replaced with a bespoke stainless steel full system exhaust that has been tuned to deliver 12 per cent more power.
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(The race-ready Continental GT-R650 is about 24 kg lighter than the stock motorcycle)
The motorcycle gets a specially designed fairing and belly pan which provides better aerodynamics and gives the GT-R650 its quintessential retro racer look. JK Tire’s soft compound race rubber means improved grip along with feedback during cornering and braking. And above all, the race bike looks beautiful too. The old-fashioned charm that comes from a motorcycle is something that is hard to find on a modern classic road bike.
(Automotive journalists also had the opportunity to ride a race-prepaid motorcycle)
Royal Enfield says that the simple, old-school construction of the motorcycle makes it easy in terms of maintenance and repair, which in turn makes it an ideal track motorcycle that is easy to learn for novice riders and equally capable in the hands machine is. Experienced wrestlers.
(Royal Enfield says the motorcycles are hardy and easy to maintain)
Needless to say, my experience riding the Continental GT-R 650 Race was all kinds of fun to say the least. Yes, it feels heavy for a race bike, but the motorcycle feels nimble and offers truckloads in the mid-range, perfect for overtaking.
(a motorcycle is definitely a hoot to ride on a racetrack)
But, it is real how RE has been able to make a relatively quiet 650cc motor and convert it into a track fiend on the GT-R 650. The motorcycle is bound to give you a thrill on the racetrack. Dunk it into corners, turn the throttle with all your might, the Continental GT-R650 is a hoot and a half to ride. The fact that this motorcycle cannot be bought and driven on regular roads is sad!
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Photography: Royal Enfield
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