Royal Enfield Continental GT650 | likes and dislikes after 2 years ownership.

After owning this bike for two years I'm regularly asked to spill the beans on the things I don't like as well as like so here goes........
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[@edwardkeeter762]

Listening to you talk about being reluctant to pile up miles on it, I'm reminded of the old saying "Ships are safest in the harbor, but that's not what we build them for." My advice: take good care of it, but see if it's a 100,000 mile beast like a Goldwing. It's a relatively inexpensive bike, so repairing it, or even eventually replacing it, isn't a break-the-bank proposition. Go have some adventures. Let it collect some scuffs, scrapes and dents...those are battle scars and tell the story of a bike well-ridden! The only thing better than having a cool motorcycle is having a cool motorcycle with a bunch of stories you can tell about it.

[@johnlenart597]

My BMW dealer also has RE. Every model is a beauty.!!! My garage is full with 3 BMW's. Hadn't thought about the hallway. At the pricing I spend more time looking at the Indian motorbikes than I do the German bikes. Had to buy a RE t-shirt recently. Maybe not a good thing. Lol. Last year I bought the g310gs, also Indian made. Both bikes seem well made and are also also the crowd pleaser. 👍👍🏍🏍🏍🙋‍♂️

[@WheelieGoodTV]

If you have the t-shirt John then the bike has to follow.😜🏍

[@-French-Fry-]

"Keep the bike in the hallway" good man. If theyre cold your cold. Bring them in 🏍️❄️

[@MerciaMoto]

Great video Dave, really entertaining and informative. i have the Interceptor and absolutely love it. 👍

[@martinbirks7031]

Great video mate, really informative, I’ve got to get a test ride booked… enjoy

[@dylanowen9272]

Such a lovely bike Dave, and you keep it immaculate. Looking forward to seeing it in person in the warmer weather

[@dogphlap6749]

I've got the same bike that I bought as an ex demo for $9,000 AUD (5,800 euros), it had 1000km on it. I agree with you entirely. In particular the rear brake. Under heavy/emergency braking there is no weight on the back wheel so the rear brake won't slow you down and under normal braking the front brake works fine by itself anyway (particularly as the ABS works really well on this bike). Also the bike is too heavy (I've pulled 23kg out it by replacing the exhaust system with a TEC Bike Parts 2 into 1 and replacing the lead acid battery with a Li-ion one plus many other small changes (but of course that only reduces the weight by around 11%). Both worthwhile mods. The relays are a weak point, worth replacing all of them and cleaning the white grease RE uses where they plug in. Still, I love the bike, and it looks great.

[@dalewintle9969]

Had my interceptor now just over 2 years, absolutely love it , got the Tec cannons on mine thanks to your advice 👌 must agree with the tyres in the wet , also I don't like how the bike leaned so much on the side stand, modified a 20mm block to bolt on the bottom loads better now , great vid Dave 👍🏻

[@todwcampbell]

Beautiful motorcycle! Love the chrome! CONGRATULATIONS!

[@richardwhittle2302]

As you say, Dave love is with the beholder for good reason here! Great review 👍

[@steveb4666]

Great video, Dave. I have the same bike as you, and it is amazing - it always makes me smile. I’ve done similar mods and done 4000 miles in my first year. Pirelli Sport Demons are a good choice for confident handling

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Super looking bike Dave...I can understand your affection for the Enfield. I had an Interceptor for an afternoon and it was terrific...that engine is lovely. Cheers Steve

[@gogathome]

Lovely bike Dave, surprised you had it out on wet roads at all 🙂 If I get the opportunity at some stage, I'd like an Interceptor 650 but sure we can all dream 😉 Would love to see the "new" garage too.

[@wraggy_moto]

Great bike Dave, love the chrome too

[@bigd3904]

Morning Dave, She's A great looking machine, health to enjoy bud 👍

[@ChaseJasperDown]

I really like the chrome and the cafe style of that bike. I think you’re bang on with the likes and dislikes. Thanks for sharing!

[@wesleycardinal8869]

Thanks for the review, I'm glad I'm not the only one that loves the way they look. I have the black model with gold stripes, and I think it looks great. I didn't like the faux Ohlins shocks, so replaced them with the shrouded Hagon shocks, and it looks a lot better IMO.I think they make them in chrome or black. 👍🇦🇺

[@13ratchet]

I just bought a 2019 black magic version and after owning twenty or more bikes it is definitely the nicest looking bike i have ever owned . I lucked out , the previous owner put pirelli speed demon tires , s@s exhaust , fork gators , headlight grill , sump guard protector , touring seat with black cowl , adjustable levers , a dna air filter , also came with black rims . It is a beauty to behold .

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Sounds beautiful! Enjoy mate.👊🏻🏍

[@chrisbittlestone9264]

Yea, love mine, Dave. Had mine 2 yrs and only done 1.6k miles! It is unashamedly my “dry Sunday” bike. Such brilliant value for money.

[@davidcrilley2171]

Totally agree about the tyres Dave, hated mine, changed for Bridgestone, which is way, way better. Took my GT up round the Lake District for 3 days touring, didn't put a foot wrong. So easy to manage up over all the passes. More videos on the GT please, oh and keep the "Passes" vids coming too.

[@IMAGINECHRIS1]

The bike looks great Dave as you say timeless good looks and propoer cafe racer style. I know you say you are happy with the gel seat and I had one for good few years but always felt there was too much movement and slight loss of feel - bit like your handlebar grip puppies - I changed to an air seat - SW Motech - formerly an Airhawk seat and the change is great. You can adjust the amount of air to suit and I have to say I feel my rear is much more planted to the seat and I can ride all day without discomfort.

[@-old-school-motorcyclesltd]

Great Stuff Dave loved that ! I the boss at Eddys Royal Enfield said just take your time with those tyres they’ve only done a few hundred miles and it was wet I use the front brake on my triumph T100 I must admit more than the rear tho on my old bikes you 100% need both 😊 Loving the cat 🐈‍⬛ Beautiful bike 😊😊

[@TerraMagnus]

What you mentioned about every morning looking at the bike and having that feeling... that's how I'm experiencing my Interceptor (Baker Express). I left a medical appointment yesterday, left the office and saw my RE parked out front and just stopped and smiled. I don't want a bike to melt my face off with performance. I want a bike that makes me smile.

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

I had a full shoulder replacement and 2 1/2 weeks later I'm riding mine again. Best drug I've ever had was this interceptor.

[@endresac369]

Yeah you’ve got a point to yourself, have got to keep it clean, it’s so good looking God damn it! 😒

[@kennethheldreich6604]

Gorgeous bike 🏍🇬🇧👍

[@williammullenholz431]

Speaking of the Conti's heavy weight, they also seem to lean over too far when they're on the prop stand. The problem is known and BAAK in Lyon, France sells a machined block to raise the prop, or side stand up about 2cm which makes a huge difference. It's a bit pricey, but well made and it blends in with the bike. I have also purchased a center stand which I have yet to install. You are right about the stock silencers; a couple of boat anchors indeed. Enjoy mate, see you down the road!

[@JDGage]

To a Harley rider it’s pretty light lol

[@travroot]

I'm not even a motorcyclist but I love this video-- chill dude, beautiful bike, pastoral Irish scenery, and a cute random bonus cat

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Very kind mate. 🙏

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

39k miles on my 2019. The only failure was a broken speedometer cable at 36k. Runs perfectly at all times. Consumes zero oil. The cheapest least powerful bike in its displacement class. From California's deserts ro 10,232 ft in the mountains its a blast of a retro ride.

[@walt7518]

It'll need another clean after that ride. It does look great. I had one as a loaner for the day and loved it (rode it around for most of the day rather than just home and back to the shop). I think it's looks are miles better than the interceptor. My problem with it was that my knees were below the tank and made gripping the tank very difficult when braking hard. I noticed that your knees are also below the tank, you obviously don't have a problem with that otherwise it would be in your dislikes. It deserves a good tour video, get some miles on it and show us the scenery.

[@robertboomsema4422]

Beautiful bike👌 I have to agree about the tires, I have them on my Bonneville T100 …. just horrible in wet conditions, gonna put some Dunlop Mutants on it 😊

[@ukbiker1631]

I have a Continental GT 650 too and I agree with most of what you say although I really like the the stock grips. Those Pirellis do not have a great reputation and the CEATs that now come on new bikes are no better. Not much choice in the stock sizes but BT46 seem to be the best replacement.

[@Themotograndpa]

Wow what a stunning looking retro bike Dave !!!! When is your vid on the action 3 and mic coming out ?

[@WheelieGoodTV]

I’ve recorded that vid and possibly out next weekend.👍🎥

[@RideEventually]

Great video. I dont know if it was mentioned already but you should buy the grip wraps from Tripmachine in India. Gonna make the grips a bit thicker but you wont lose "the contact with the road"

[@WheelieGoodTV]

I bought them Vladimir. Another subscriber recommended them and they’re superb! Look great too.👍🏍

[@bmwgsblackgus7636]

Such a pretty motorbike. My son has the intercepter 650 and I think it's an unbeatable back lane blaster . Did the front brake you have come as standard or did you up grade 🤔 did you notice a power increase from the the exhaust change 🤔 really enjoyed this video as always 😀 👍

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Hi. Yes the brakes are standard and no upgrade. A few people have asked if I noticed any power increase and as soon as I passed 600km and the engine loosened up I did. I wonder if that also had something to do with the TEC exhausts as I changed to them around the same time?🤔

[@atomiccheerio3349]

3M vinyl wrap in chrome would work great on that seat cowl

[@glenlittlefair4767]

Dave, agree with all your comments on the Continental GT650. For the grips try ‘Tripmachine’ leather grip wrap for fatter grips with good road feed back and retro looks. Brakes saying is ‘stop on a sixpence’ 😀. Right I’m off to the garage to clean my already clean Mr Clean.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Hi Glen, just letting you know I ordered the leather grip wrap after your suggestion and it arrived yesterday. Super impressed with how it feels and it also looks great! Thanks a mill for that. Much appreciated. Dave.

[@glenlittlefair4767]

@@WheelieGoodTV Hi Dave, Thanks, glad you are happy with the leather grip wrap, it does look correct on the GT. Looking forward to more videos.

[@ridingwithrusso7790]

Generally, I’m not a Royal Enfield fan but that’s a slick looking bike, no doubt! When it comes to construction, unfortunately I’m like you, I tend to measure once and cut twice opposed to proper measure twice and cut once. Cheers friend!

[@MOTOUK1]

Lovely bike Dave, I would be the same cleaning all the time. 😆

[@kdsowen2882]

My W650 brings the-same smiles and comments from others (I tell them I restored-it myself 🙃) . I wanted a Continental GT but this came-along cheap and I love it . I had it in the-lounge for a few-days . Had to put Xmas-lights on it...when 'the-other-half' got up early and saw it flashing-away , she burst-out laughing (they say if you can make a woman-laugh......) back in the-shed now , but it does have 'blankets' 🤣Dave nz

[@rover100bunson]

hi, i bought the rocker red gt last january from the dealer in adare, the tyres ive now changed for avon roadriders, they feel more secure on damp roads than ceats on dry, i fitted the tec 2 into 1,this means i can keep the stock pipes in storeage and save ahuge amount of weight, i fitted the seat cowl from hitchcocks to the standard seat, i fitted the handlebar risers which just lifts the bars above the top yoke as i developed pain in my thumb joint, the bike is now even more comfortable, yes people think its from the sixties, and cats get into my storage place and piss on mine, stinky animals but the rats are gone! im down in tipperary and have upgraded tye suspension front and rear as the local roads are horrendous, good luck, rich

[@streetpunk99]

Dragging the back breaks can be used for many different things other than breaking. Aside from that if you down shift while you're dragging the back break you can mash on the front break twice as hard. Of coruse as you said the tires play a big part in stopping faster.

[@guard961]

aiming for this bike once Im done with my class 2 license.

[@Trevor_J_Neville]

The Mr clean and the British racing greeen are two best colours in the continental gt range. Ive only ever seen one bike in the flesh one day over the summer, hopefully Gs motorcycles in Ballymena will have one at the Northern Ireland bike show in febuary ill get a nosy at 🤞

[@WheelieGoodTV]

I’m heading up to that Trevor. I’ll see you there.👍🏍

[@demusicaes]

Hello , What a pleasant video. Congratulations. I have the same Bike and I´ll buy the coushin seat; I don´t want to modify the original solo seat. Thanks and safe ride. Best regards from Bogotá Colombia.

[@marcoluoma3770]

Thanks for a great real-world review. I agree, she's a looker. (You keep it in the hallway? You married well, amigo.)

[@ewan9886]

Did the exact same thing with the grip puppies. Felt great until I rode. Couldn't feel a thing.

[@Threetwocharlie]

Nice 👌

[@ianhughesroyalenfield]

Thanks for sharing, I have an Interceptor 650 (and a Classic 350), and agree with most. The tyres for me are brilliant, even in the wet, and living on the North Lancashire/Cumbria border, we get a lot of wet 🙄. I have a small KZbin channel, and found yours by searching for information on the DJI Osmo Action 3, having watched your brilliant “work flow” video. Can I just ask, do you have the field of view in wide mode for this video ? Also what settings do you have the wireless audio set at, as it is a nice mix of voice and exhaust. Cheers

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Thanks Ian. Yes the FOV is in wide mode with ‘Rocksteady’ selected as the stabilisation. I am using two mics for the mix here. I use the DJI Mic system which comes with two mics so I have one in my snood and one clipped under the tail of my jacket. I set the level on both to the lowest -12 and then adjust the mix in the edit.👍

[@ianhughesroyalenfield]

@@WheelieGoodTV fantastic mate, thanks so much. I was thinking, when I can eventually afford this set up, I could put the 2nd mic in the tail bag I have on both my Classic 350 and Interceptor 650. I have started using the free version of Davinci Resolve 18, which has opened a whole new world of editing possibilities.

[@edwardwilliammorris1340]

I clocked up 1000 miles on my meteor in the first 4 weeks of ownership, these bikes are just 70's but now . Get out and enjoy yours 👍👍

[@whitedermott]

Hi Dave, Love the content and love the GT even more, i'm just about to order one for myself, I have a question for you, I saw in the video you fitted lots of Royal Enfield goodies to the bike, where did you order those bits from, when i get my bike i'd love to customize it like yourself. Dermot White

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Hi Dermot, I actually got my bits and pieces from EBay and Amazon. I probably wouldn’t do it now because of import duties from UK to Ireland. I don’t know where you’re based but there’s plenty of shops in UK who are superb with RE parts like ‘Manhattan Motorcycles’. Best of luck with your bike, they’re superb!👍🏍

[@whitedermott]

@@WheelieGoodTV THANKS DAVE im in Rush north Dublin i'll look into it a bit more when i'm up and running, again love your vids.

[@dans2971]

At 6’2” I find everything in the opposite. I love my bike, but it’s hard work above 80kph, I don’t find it heavy, I agree the original tyres are dreadful (swapped for Metzelers), the riding angle is way too leaded over, haha. You must be much shorter than I because it’s definitely NOT upright, and I’ve raised the handlebars ABOVE the top clamp. However, as a low speed commuter the bike is a blast, is good on gas, burbles along nicely (I too have aftermarket cans), and it is a real looker in the Ventura blue I have. The seats are terrible for my height, as it pushes me too far forward. Saving for the woven Int 650 seat, which is a bench. Hopefully can arrive at a comfortable position after that. I’m also likely to get some Hitchcocks Int 650 pegs that will reduce my leg angle. lol. Should have bought a different bike!

[@Munawirtum]

If you were to change tires, what would you change them to? What protector?

[@sd3457]

I'm about to upgrade from my 2014 SR400, which I love but it won't keep up with mates on bigger machinery. These RE's are a live proposition for me, but I still find myself doubting how special owning it will feel versus a Triumph, a Ducati or a Guzzi (I'm a bit of an Italophile on the quiet) so it's interesting to hear you talking about the bike like you do. If they did a Scrambler version I think I'd already own one.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

I honestly love it but use it very rarely which upsets me.

[@farang-thai2548]

Hi new subscriber here. Found your channel whilst searching for Continental GT. Anyway, wondered if you’d share you thoughts on moving from a sports bike to the GT. I currently have an ‘11 CBR1000RR fireblade and have always been into sports bikes. Lately I’ve been leaning toward the trend in modern classics and seriously considering trading mine in for a new GT650. My concern is that, even though im by no means a fast rider, the step down in power may be too “boring” for me after owning the blade? I appreciate everyone is different but if you could only have one bike, sports or GT which would you prefer? I don’t want to trade in my blade and then regret it after the novelty of owning a new bike wears off 😊

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Hi there, I think you would definitely regret that move. Those thrills on a sports bike can’t be got on a GT650 but saying that, it’s a totally different experience. I couldn’t just own a GT650, I only have one because I’m lucky enough to own other bikes. If I could only own one bike it would be the BMW GS all day long. It does everything.

[@alf786]

Got to wear a Leather jacket with this bike just too nice beautiful looking bike ohh

[@scottyuk]

Not the sort of bike I'd own but I really love the looks of it ... except the gel seat (sorry) 🤣

[@nikikovacs1923]

Thousand miles is what I do in a couple weeks. :o)

[@hel6714]

rear brake is for hill starts amongst other important things mate..

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Ah yeah..

[@PraiseJesusChrist2024]

Back brakes are more for balancing weight on a downhill. Watch some front brake stalls on mountain bikes and you'll see why.

[@I_HateClickBait]

The brake “shuddering” he mentioned is very likely tha the ABS doing it’s job.

[@dodgingrain3695]

leather wrap the stock grips for a little more thickness

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Thanks bud. That’s exactly what I’ve done, works great 👍

[@curtismager9281]

Best bike for the price in 2023

[@jonathanr7049]

For the algorithm 🫡

[@robertmacdonald7260]

Did you buy it new? in the Netherlands new is about 10k in 2024

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Yes new. I think they’ve gone up in price a bit since I bought it.

[@peterdane9138]

It is beautiful but all that cleaning!

[@WheelieGoodTV]

It’s a joyous task.🫣👍😍🏍

[@DexterDexter123]

ha ha. it really is a magnet

[@almightyhimself9284]

I want one ! Phaaaak

[@fleptorabrady9220]

you sound irish, from navan or monaghan...with an english twang.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Bang on mate. I’m a Geordie living in Cavan for the last twenty years. 🤗

[@Mrflymess]

Tyres are just tyres. You can't say it's one thing you don't like about the bike. Mine came with Ceat. I'm not going to judge the bike by them. As for the rear brake, I don't use it to stop, just for stability when doing slow manoeuvring or on gravelly hair pins. Like your vids. Do more miles for more smiles.😁