Royal Enfield - Continental GT 650 Custom Race Bikes

At last years Bike Shed Festival, Royal Enfield turned up with a pair of custom Continental GT 650's which were rapidly taken around track. They had everyone talking, umming and ahhing about what had been done to them for weeks after.
So, we decided to invite the guys along to our track day at Brands Hatch a couple of weeks ago so we could bagsy a ride get the lowdown from the Chassis Development Rider himself, Paul Young and the man with his name on the tank, Mr Lester Harris himself.
(Excuse the noisy track)

[@ronin4ortyse7en]

Oh Boy, Royal Enfield need to make it a production bike!

[@CustomGarageAlsace]

Yes. Please🙏🙏🙏

[@paulaus]

Yes we need a Continental GT-RS 😉

[@vinothshepard7451]

It is a production bike

[@paulaus]

@@vinothshepard7451 Not with Ohlins front and rear, A Fairing and adjustable HeadStock it's not.

[@anchi1512]

Ohlins kit for front and back is available and you can install it

[@fitsid9]

This 650 looks rocket and red colour obviously gives +5 hp

[@jimmyb4982]

Obviously.

[@portugezemonster]

Haha

[@ronmixiejosalva2323]

At least!!!!

[@peteramann2561]

They so need to offer this as an option and accessory ! Great interview, love the content, keep up the great work.

[@BikeShedMotoCo]

Thanks peter! Glad you’re enjoying it! And agreed, they do!

[@BurtoniMotors]

If they offer it as an accessory, I'd buy it right now.

[@JDGage]

I got the Continental mainly because I like the open engine. If I wanted this look I would just get a Ducati.

[@JohnDoe-zj6xf]

After killing Harley, Enfield sets it's sight on Ducati with that crisp red.

[@tonebonetones]

lol.

[@cliftondugan5295]

If hp wasn’t a thing

[@megatron1560]

@@cliftondugan5295 wait and see..RE will build bigger machines too😁...its just the start of an era for this company as it wasnt exported bfore but now has enough money to put into r and d like they made new 350 cc smooth modern motor for classic sereis

[@JDGage]

Harley is just name-brand shit for new American riders who don't know any better or mid-age guys who still want to be cool to buy. Beyond that, they're overpriced shit that is constantly breaking down on you.

[@Amory98]

This comment woupd be true if earth were flat, perhaps that's something you believe as well.

[@Gornflyin]

who would have thought a Royal Enfield would end up being sexy? WOW. Love that fairing kit

[@BurtoniMotors]

It's absolutely stunning. I love it.

[@namasbouer4075]

RE cannot squander the opportunity to turn this into a production bike. Stunning fairing

[@megatron1560]

its already a production bike...fairing is aftermarket accessort

[@dr.nightmare2799]

@@megatron1560 link?

[@christianbaker8351]

I messaged Harris Performance March this year to see if they would sell a kit of this fairing, they said they were bespoke and unable to offer them to customers at the time. Would very much love to get one of these fairing kits! Royal Enfield commissioned a lot of custom builds to showcase what could be done but very few of the parts in the builds are actually available... I'll keep crossing my fingers and waiting!

[@aurokris4182]

It indeed looks very nice, unfortunately I won't be able to get one with shipping at all...

[@krisjay_m]

Try autologue designs fairing..

[@SubhomMitra]

@@krisjay_m The autologue design looks fairly ugly IMO. This onr has much more beautiful proportions. Looks like a Duc SportsClassic

[@NeerajChodankar]

Hii you should check out latest mk design india work which is 85% similar to what's shown in the vid i guess your wish has been completed. Its up for sale

[@rohanj2621]

They need to put that fairing into production version looks so badass

[@MansoorKhanmohammed]

It reminds me of ducati sports classic...but Harris performance nailed it.

[@WildlifeMoto]

This bike has a fantastic chassis, once you sort the suspension it really comes alive. Great video and perfectly sums up why I'm investing in modding mine.

[@bidyutkalita7836]

I have been following your work on your bike...great work

[@WildlifeMoto]

bidyut kalita Thank you :)

[@hydrotricine]

Been following also,good work!

[@bennybenoit754]

What you doing over here? 😂

[@tonebonetones]

.........or you could have bought any other 650 which you wouldn't need to mod and would blow it into the weeds.

[@vickystarc4508]

Just saying .. this can be named Continental GT-RS

[@rohitjadhav8744]

So proud to be the owner of GT 650! 🔥🔥

[@Torquebeast650]

Me too bro Ice queen white

[@rohitjadhav8744]

@@Torquebeast650 🔥🔥 I have Black Magic 😎

[@Torquebeast650]

@@rohitjadhav8744 which state are you from?

[@rohitjadhav8744]

@@Torquebeast650 MH

[@Torquebeast650]

@@rohitjadhav8744 oh okay

[@TerraMagnus]

I already own an Interceptor 650 but I've got it in my head that as cheap as these are to buy my next one should be a Continental GT, but that's the one I set up for rude sounds and a wee bit of hooligan riding. It's good to see these things given serious treatment on the track, doing well, and lessons being learned about what they need to go to the next level.

[@skandix]

The fairing is the best I have seen!

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

Reminds me of the Avon Fairing.

[@megatron1560]

its an aftermarket accessory bro

[@BilgemasterBill]

Thanks for this superb video! The interview with Lester Harris alone should make it almost required viewing for any Enfield 650 owner for years to come.

[@mick998r]

That looks excellent, especially in what looks like Ducati red.

[@speedfinder1]

Thanks for posting this up. This video is such an inspiration to have a go at track days on a R.E. Continental GT 650 (I'll be doing just that in 2024!)

[@shivangvashisht]

I'm one hundred percent buying this if it ever comes as a production motorcycle with all that's on board on this one. Great vid. Loved it.

[@n00bie96]

will probably cost a ton but hopefully reasonable though

[@shivangvashisht]

@@n00bie96 I hope so. RE's are priced reasonably but this may cost a bit more than what we may expect.

[@n00bie96]

@@shivangvashisht In my country RE 650s are crazy expensive due to the shitty tax system. I still dream of owning one, the size, engine, and aesthetics are just too perfect for me :(((

[@MrSidMenon]

Why not get what's already available and make it the way you want it? Maybe you can even make it better than this one. "Build not bought" is better any day 😉

[@vanshthakkar722]

@@n00bie96 we gets mustangs crazy expensivedue to crazy taxation 😢

[@adityamanjunath5030]

I love that full fairing hope they make a bolt on kit Please 😢😢😢😢

[@FunWithAJ]

Enjoyed Dutch conducting the interview again. Great content as always. Love the styling of this bike, reminds me of a Thruxton R but a little more classic! Would love to see them neck in neck even though the Thruxton has almost double cc. The Harris racing aspect reminds me alot of Shelby/Ford.

[@SimarjeetSinghh]

RE just knocked everyone out of the park 💯🤘 #indianmanufactured

[@Ritalie]

Correct. This bike DESTROYS every new bike made in the last 18 years. It looks better than almost every bike ever made. It's on the level of the Ducati 916. I will say, the headlight should be 20% larger, and it should stick out, being bulbous instead of flat.

[@Newbutold]

@@Ritalie About the headlight, it was bulbous when they launched but updated to flat ones in recent update.

[@Ritalie]

@@Newbutold Well Royal Enfield has my permission to do whatever they want. Every bike they build is a masterpiece. I guess I'll get used to the modern looking flat headlight!

[@bennybenoit754]

The Indian connection is one of the reasons I got this bike. There is something very nostalgic about a British/Indian project. I have been blown away by the quality and finish too.

[@megatron1560]

@@Ritalie if this gets a 1000cc engine it could compete with all cafe racers in world...whether ducati or norton...ducati cafe racers also dont have much technology i guess

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

These bikes could make a great racing series.

[@gasngear3876]

Interesting to see the steering geometry jutting above the Triad Clamps Frontals. Sure to corner faster and harder into the corners.@Sidlal you should launch a limited edition GT Enfield R series like the Thruxton-R

[@retrostu1]

Looking at a RE Continental GT as the next addition to the garage once I’ve finished paying off for my current bike 👌🏻

[@anshalkurisingal3185]

ur dream will come true ma brother. Respect ❤

[@Ar-ye1cr]

Bike is leaning so low at cornering that exhaust pipes may scrape a little. Otherwise fast cornering at RE , never imagine can be so agile.😄👌

[@deferencetodusk]

I've got a stock one of these, absolutely adore it

[@twinpotracer]

Wow what a lovely machine! This would convince me to actually go out and purchase one, rather than just think about it

[@fishmaniachannel]

RE makes alive the classic feel of bike , proud

[@robbikebob]

Looks great. It would be good if Enfield maybe offered an R or S version of their bikes with uprated parts. Or give us some more models. There are obviously plenty of people wanting Enfields so they need to expand their range and quickly!

[@yariendedispo671]

Thank you very much mister Harris . :-)

[@AST4EVER]

1. RE will never make such a bike.... 2. Get over it and start making yourself.

[@i2cjam833]

indian RTO will not leave you alone if we alter

[@erichhere]

You can get that fairing and also add few HP using ECU maps in India

[@michaelhayward7572]

Les Harris. Legend. I believe Harris also developed and built all the prototype Himalayan rolling chassis pre production.

[@-thirteen]

Seems S&S could sell a ported head to go with the cams, give us the timing/fuel map, produce header pipes without a cat and we'd be set with the rest on our own?

[@Gornflyin]

and the big bore kit we keep hearing about :)

[@Ritalie]

@@Gornflyin Keep in mind, twin cylinder bikes vibrate, and once you use bigger heavier pistons, you might make the counterbalancer in this engine not work as well? I hear this is a very smooth engine, but it has a counterbalancer. Leaving stock bottom end and stock pistons seems to be the easiest route to maintain the smoothness. You can always mill the head to bring up compression, then change the cam timing, then run 93 octane non-ethanol or just get race gas. Two points higher compression, porting, cams, changed cam timing, could probably get you at least 20 extra horsepower, while retaining the stock balancing? Just a thought.

[@-thirteen]

@@Ritalie this is the way to go for me. Big bore is beyond what I want. Need to find a good mechanic

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video fantastic looking bike stay safe 🇬🇧👍🏻

[@BikeShedMotoCo]

Richard Pearson thanks Richard! You too 👍🏼

[@SanjayRawat-zi4xw]

Boyz that's indian made,it's gonna crush all that triumph,harley,ducati.Love for India,Love for enfield.

[@megatron1560]

only if it gets 1000cc engine...it will crush ducati cafe racers

[@abhikr4071]

This is a beauty from Royal Enfield....just Wooooooowwwwww!!!!!

[@harryviking6347]

WOW! That was the coolest retro bike I have seen so far!!

[@Ritalie]

This bike basically annihilates the whole vintage cafe racer genre, and renders every cafe racer null and void. It has more power, looks better, looks new, looks old, looks cleaner, and actually has a side cover over the rear of the frame, instead of the nasty looking triangular window under the seat. The Ducati red is perfection. I hope this becomes a production bike.

[@gary1477]

Paul Young was an Australian racer who moved to the UK. He now works for Royal Enfield in their UK development centre.

[@jdmpurest]

I would buy that fairing kit for my CGT650 in a heartbeat.

[@Motörhead_joe]

Wow this looks so good. I'm a proud owner of one. Planning to mod mine in the near future. Great interview btw. Keep it up Bike Shed. 🤘

[@petrochemicals4u]

If I spend an extra $20K on any bike it will be better.

[@marcbrasse747]

That orange Guzzi in the background. Imagine it being a new sporting factory Guzzi. Scoop? If not: well done to the builder!

[@amana8966]

He sounds so similar to Murray Walker. Love the passion!

[@irishrover63]

Looks like something is in the pepeline with the Interceptor also, too many slip ups. :)

[@stevenbatley8666]

Fantastic to see them on the way up.

[@markhancock7527]

I would love to see a production version of this maybe with the 750 big bore kit added,maybe call it the Royal Enfield 750 T.T.

[@randycompton5230]

Dang, this video really makes them look cool. I need a test ride asap.

[@insightinsight7818]

Dang! Why doesn't royal enfield release bikes like these?! They must!

[@xyz5498]

Continental gt 650 is available....but u need to install the front ...if u like it....little installment and modifications needed.... Sry fr my bad English

[@tracysayer9035]

I wish we could have gotten some more track time with it but great video non the less

[@sayedimran8786]

The big question is Why not get this beauty get into mainline production as Continental GT Sp (Special)?? There will b N numbers of takers who are just waiting to own something which is not very common. I think RE should play this card 👍👍

[@rico_cavalierie]

I for one would LOVE to see a catalogue of parts that are used on this bike.

[@yogindertickoo]

I love that red!!!! :O

[@HaggisPower]

Very good discussion, what a coup getting Lester Harris to contribute

[@richdubbya]

The suspension and new brakes alone are the price of a new Conti GT.. Bad ass bike! Enfield can surely make something like this for around 10 grand and sell a load of them. Even at 10k still give a Triumph a run for its money even at 50rwhp...

[@MrSoggycat]

Please offer the fairing as an aftermarket add-on... gorgeous!

[@timothyahernRoxyCat]

So when can we see this in dealerships? Sooner than BSA's new Goldstar? Lol, the BSA unicorn ...

[@mdkhafizan7554]

This bike really follow the spirit of classic cafe racer - air cooled & dual rear shocks, unlike some of the neo cafe racers on the market..

[@megatron1560]

thats what makes it stand out

[@megatron1560]

it almost exactly as it was 60yrs ago..just FI and dual channel abs added

[@sreenugajam888]

❤️Super fairing kit for royal enfield gt650, i would want royal enfield to give fairing as accessory package and what is the rear tyre size 150/?r18 ,😎👍.

[@mrbxv]

Royal Enfield should really have a GT650 model with this fairing kit. They would sell so well. There is no one offering the retro racer look. I would put a deposit down for one.

[@adityan3208]

There is a leak that this is coming

[@GoemonIshikawa13]

I'd like optional upper fairing, not a full one, something like a bikini one or a bit larger, not to have an unlikely circuit beast, but just a retro bike with more wind protection. I would seriously consider to buy.

[@Cross-Country-Biker]

Love the Harris chassis

[@ArtwithAbhi]

Amazing it looks like a retro 1970s sport bike

[@bazuka187]

The fairings looks soo good..

[@nigeh5326]

Looks great 👍. but for me I would be happy with just the cam and head and updated suspension.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

I want the cam specs,, is s$s making a high lift cam.

[@leonkruk8003]

I decided I will pick up a Continental this fall. Great if Enfield backs it up with factory parts. Also would be great if an Enfield dealer could stay open for more than two years. ( I own a 2010 G5) I really don’t want to travel out of the Albany N.Y. Area to get warranty service. I have three Harley dealers within 20 miles. Also thinking of getting a roadster ( 2020 production being last year. Thanks a lot Zeitz , your already screwing up). Still cheaper than buying new muscle car.

[@bidyutkalita7836]

Wow 😍 they really need it to push as a production bike, people will line up for this i am sure about it

[@taffrat3826]

Nice vid, cheers. I reckon RE should enter a Himalayan into the Dakar Rally. They don't need to go for first place but just get a finish. Keep it standard, just add a couple of extra petrol tanks and off you go. Oh, and maybe a more comfy seat... RE Himalayan for the WIN!!!!!!!!!! Chur.

[@damiene9563]

Well I'd buy one...get it made!

[@phaze88]

Amazing. Love it

[@starscream1457]

🇮🇳❤🇬🇧❤🇮🇹= best looking enfeild in world

[@macexpert7247]

70s are back!

[@trwalker]

Look so cool 😎

[@jibjab351]

48bhp does not cut it, should be able to get 70bhp at least out of a 650 twin

[@fabianoH5N1]

Allready talked to harris about some parts they used on this build. But it seems like RE doesnt want them to make any parts for public sell

[@gureno19]

I just want that front faring

[@Siturambo]

RE should sell some limited edition versions of these bike & sell them with some added royalty. Even with added royalty amount it will still be pretty hard to get hold of one in INDIA.

[@thomasche]

Funny that you didn't change the exhaust

[@itsdivsharma]

True looks a bit silly when you wanna lean so low

[@nikitis13]

Some modern, cast alloy, 17 inch wheels please RE!! Cheaper to manufacture and better to ride. surely more potential customers who would rather sacrifice a tiny bit of style for a whole lot more performance. It all starts with the tires.

[@mohitsureka]

RE is very anti alloy tyres. I don't think they will ever do it.

[@jarkengibi5218]

Where i can get those body kit ???? So beautiful 😍 👌🏻

[@megatron1560]

from india...aftermarket accessory

[@shadowjackson6135]

@@megatron1560 where can i get this?

[@cinemasantha2019]

Petision to make this cup as an option for GT 650 ..

[@TheAloksix]

now Haris performance is taken over by royal enfeild❤️

[@lifeontwowheelmanipur5554]

Nice fairing

[@apachecatcat3495]

Hey Yamaha, maybe do this with an upgraded XS650 twin?

[@prayanjaltomar752]

The only RE bike which I ever like. This is Ducati in budget

[@megatron1560]

no..ducatis have lot more technology and power....in their cafw racer model

[@abelibol13]

Hi there, stay healthy and safe. #malaysianfans

[@detachedloop1004]

There's something very odd about seeing Royal Enfield and race in the same sentence. Boy who would have thought 😀

[@ATOMICookie]

Stunning.

[@JohnDoe-zj6xf]

So it's like Ford and Shelby Cobra. Cool

[@montanaheaventush]

They should offer these as a "Special" under a RE performance brand, kinda like AVO RS's with Ford

[@DiegoErnani]

Was the ABS turned off or off?

[@paullacey2999]

That looks the part.Royal Enfield doing good stuff these days......

[@mithunpal846]

I have Interceptor 650 canyon red … I alredy install this type of single seat and red cawel… I want to modify front side like this. How and where from I can modify it? How much will be costing for this modification? Where is the accessaries are available??? Can I get it through online delivery??? Please reply

[@hermannbutz6693]

Hi there, do you have a recommendation for 4 piston caliper front brakes going with the original fork ? And if so, which master cylinder do you recommend (Brembo RCS 15 ??). Thank you in advance for you help.

[@gio4926]

Good evening everyone, congratulations for the Special Gt 650 !! I would like to know where I can buy the rear light mounted on your bike, I mean the round one! Thanks for your help!

[@user-ms7ir9gy7n]

Great!!! The one and only

[@1980ify]

I would right away book it if Siddharth Lal released it in India

[@Tanuj_utube]

Gorgeous !!!

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

The best thing to do to that bike is get the weight down to 360 pounds.

[@motorcyclementor1785]

It's not 44 hp! I read that horse power standard is 47 but because this is measured ( unusually) at the rear wheel then you can add 15% for the engine hp so that's a more realistic 54 hp and you add another 15% then that's 62 which isn't bad.