2018 Royal Enfield Continental GT review - sporty cafe racer sister to the top-selling Interceptor.

OK, so I know it gets a bit of a slagging for the front shock, and it is soft, but works perfectly well. I will upgrade the springs at some point, but there is no rush. Twin rear shocks are working fine, are adjustable to a degree and the bike handles really sweetly on them, so again, I may upgrade, but likely not. I use as an everyday machine. 45 minutes each way to work and its very comfortable. My pillion doesn't like the stock seat so much and needs a leg stretch after 30 minutes. The bike isn't designed for motorway or dual carriageway work, but will knock along at 120kph all day (75mph ish I think). On back roads and the twisties she excels, and is amazing fun. Don't be fooled by the 47bhp, it makes all its power low and early, so can get to 80kph (50mph) as quick as my mates 1200 Triumph Bonnie.

Just runs like clockwork, such smooth easy power delivery, a real joy. Gets to 80kph in reasonable time and never feels like its underpowered on the back roads. On fast A roads, you may need to plan overtakes a few days in advance, but in a way I like that, you need to ride it more than just seeing a gap and blipping the throttle on a bigger sports bike.

Straight out of the showroom, the bike stalled regularly at junctions for no apparent reason. After doing a little research, it seems a common issue with easy fix, just remove the copious amounts of grease from inside the 3 relays under the left side panel and around mains fuse line. After doing so, she's not missed a beat, starts first time, runs like a Swiss watch now. Build quality looks decent, although after 6 months, 2 bolts have slight corrosion, so ACF50 needed there. Paintwork is deep and nice.

Have gone from a GSXR1000 to this, so running costs have been amazing. Its costing me about €12 less to fill and I get 20km more range. Tyres will be cheap to replace and servicing is a doddle and I will do myself, but after initial service, I'd guess at 150 being max price with fluids, not including tyres/chain etc.

2 stars isn't a bad thing though on a bike like this. It has exactly what I want/need - almost. Speed, revs, trip and a fuel gauge. Only think I would like is a built in clock, but a nice little stem mounted analog clock is cheap and looks the part. My one slight gripe is the fuel gauge is not that accurate, in that I still have a full tank after 100km, and then 50km later it goes to 20%.

Riding comfort is not bad, I have the touring seat and it's decent. Overall handling is good. The suspension is on the cheap side though and will benefit from some upgrades. Rear shocks seem ok but I'm planning a fork upgrade. Most I've ridden is an hour but it wasn't uncomfortable.

Engine is very smooth for a twin. No vibes from it at all. Obviously it's not powerful but the gearing is perfect for keeping it in it's sweet spot.

Overall pretty good quality. Some minor corrosion on the rear shocks but easily fixed. The handlebar switches do feel cheap but work ok. Paintwork looks good quality. No issues with reliability.

For a home mechanic this is very easy bike to service. Unless I need warranty work I foresee so reason to visit a dealer workshop. Running costs are average. OEM oil filter is £23 and it needs fully synthetic oil. The 18" tyres are also slightly expensive, they are tubed though so home fitting is very possible.

I think my favourite feature is the lack of features. This is very basic bike. Speedo, tacho, two trip meters and a fuel gauge is all you get. There are lots of upgrade options and I think the stock bike is a "blank canvas". OEM accessories are very reasonably priced and aftermarket parts are becoming available also.

It rides wonderfully, only getting out of shape a little when you stray into sports bike territory, but why would you? For reasonably quick every day riding the chassis and breaks are well tuned to the average riders (including mine) abilities

Plenty if torque and feels more powerful than the 48bhp on the spec sheet. Has a lovely soundtrack with the standard exhaust. You can get a move on if required but you can especially just trot along at a consistent pace being a little lazy with the gear changes thanks to the torque available.

Well put together, especially compared to a few people I know who ride the great American brand.

In line with other bikes of a similar nature

Ok so nothing is perfect but this would come close with a clock and gear change indicator, honestly though I am knit picking. I have the small screen purely for visual effect and the bar end mirrors which suit the bike and are very well priced. I will stick on the scorpion cans shortly.

I'm not sure why MCN didn't like the suspension, I think the models that came to the UK may be a bit stiffer sprung than the launch bikes they were testing. Alongside my Continental GT I own a Honda Fireblade so the bike to handles like a pig compared to that. When I found myself on a twisty B-road with plenty on tight turns and crests I was not disappointed with the Royal Enfield, the Continental GT can more than hold its own for this kind of bike. I have also ridden with a pillion and the bike more than exceeded my expectations, I left the rear shocks alone and hoped it would handle the extra weight and they did with no wallowing what so ever.

This engine is a masterpiece, good amount of torque and will more than happily sit at motorway speeds even with a pillion. There is no point revving the nuts off this bike as the enjoyment comes from letting the torque pull you out the bends, also the six-speed box is slick and works great with the slipper clutch although I always blip on the downshifts just to hear the lovely note from that 650 twin.

I haven't owned the bike long, but it seems to be very well-built and the finish is lovely. There are a few rough edges but for the money I can't complain.

The bike seems to be reasonably economical, I tend to refuel after around 100 miles but I'd imagine they will do 130-150 on a full tank depending on how you rode it.

These bikes are basic, poor storage even under the seat but the standard UK spec bikes do come with a twin seat. Also as standard is a pillion grab rail and ABS, the Bybre brake offer more than enough stopping power and the Pirelli tyres offer good grip and feedback although they do use inner tubes.