Forum

[STU]

Tony, those figures have come from a website that is accessed via a link from MotoGB's website isn't it? lord only knows what they are doing but this website also states that the Conto GT has a single downtube frame and 84x90mm motor!
If you go direct to the manufactures website (http://royalenfield.com/continentalgt/) then you can see the full and correct data which states the correct frame and 87x90mm motor with 29.1 bhp @5100 rpm and 32.5 lb/ft @ 4000 rpm.

These are the figures for the bike when equipped with the quiet standard silencer. Nothing is published yet for the optional louder silencer - perhaps 1 bhp more???
Either way I am wondering if the RE factory is holding something back here? Are they going to offer an optional 'Highway Kit' type upgrade which offers 15% power increase like WS did for the Electra X back in the day???

Still, if maximum power is at 5100rpm that at 17mph/1000rpm that equates to a max of 86.7mph. In a country with an (ever stricter) 70mph limit - where in the UK would we do 110mph - even if it were capable of it?

[MadMike]

Stu as usual makes reasoned and logical points about the new Continental and its claimed/actual performance. Frankly it matters not whether it produces 29bhp or a 129bhp, except for the young on restricted licences. There are speed limits to consider as well as traffic conditions and safety, to which you have to add the enjoyment factor and your own riding style/preferences. Now I am going out on a bit of a limb here when I dare to suggest that the majority of contributors on here are of rather mature years. so in reality does the power thing really matter to us/you? I suggest not. On another forum a couple of galaxies from here it has been suggested that the Hinckley Thruxton is underpowered and overweight, yet it has about 70bhp and weighs the same as a Commando (which is no heavyweight except in the kick start stakes). So how many here will buy one I once asked, and so far I think the only positive answer has been from Stu, who I know is going to buy one. Which then leads on to who RE consider to be their target market for this particular model. Is it a load of old guys? or is it an attempt to attract younger people into motorcycling via the retro cafe racer image? I think it is the latter and it is frankly a bold move as it puts them head to head with the Japanese and the Italians and their sports bikes. I like the look of the Conti, but will I buy one........no. The reason being that I have a modern "cafe racer" in the shape of my Thruxton which as Stu will no doubt attest is ridden by a MadPerson. I also have a collection of classics so my next bike might just be another classic or perhaps a new Norton.........the jury is still out on that. I do however hope that Enfield make a decent job of selling the Continental, it is at least a new image for them after relying on the "old style" Enfield for so many years.

[Norm]

Hi Mike, you are right, we have noticed out here that a new breed of younger people are buying UCE's not many older people buying them and once the Continental reaches us I'm sure they will attract the younger market. What will be the next interesting guide is how many and how quickly they end up on the second hand market

[sofiaspin]

In practice a Thruxton is highly unlikely to put out 70bhp at the rear wheel unless it is a Bob Farnham special. British Customs pipes and ripping out the airbox and other gubbins got mine up to about 62bhp with torque up to 53lbs. Average age? Around 49 according to a survey on TriumpRat a few years ago. Comparing a Thruxton to the new GT is like comparing apples with pears. They are quite different bikes. I can see people ditching Thruxtons in favour of the new GT, simply because it is so much lighter and as the point has been made, because at the 50 plus ish age range folk are less interested in burning off the chicken strips.

[Midge]

Piston Heads review * http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topi ... %3A+Review

[sofiaspin]

Sat on an ex Ace Café demo today at our local dealer. Comfortable, well laid out, retains the switch gear from later models, a real beauty. Plan to test ride it. Dealer said there might be a proper Harris designed, Ohlins shock version in 2014 but there was a massive lack of information - no brochure minimal information etc. The after market silencer was on the bike, but it looks heavy and I am sure there will be better parts surfacing. Probably the best option is to wait 6 months and see how prices and parts evolve. Getting great reviews in all the mags and other online publications.

[Riggers]

Just had a read of Classic Bike Guide's test of the GT (if you call a half page and a couple of hundred words a 'road test'). It completely contradicts MCN on the main points of discussion on this thread. They (CBG) don't think it vibrates badly and make of point of saying that it will happily cruise at 70! They do make a few mutterings about poor wiring and a rattling clutch lever but that's about it. So I think, taking up Alan's point, the only way is to book a test ride and find out for yourself. Incidentally, I've just spent am amusing half hour on the web site for the bike mentioned above by Stu (http://royalenfield.com/continentalgt) and can thoroughly recommend it - especially the rather nifty 360 degree views. The site does seem to be a little infatuated with rockers and 'ton-up' boys (which it a bit ironic as the bike won't do a 'ton') but taken tongue in cheek it's a great web site - have a butchers! Tony.

[John R]

For a little chuckle, try out the "book a test ride" section for an interesting view of UK geography, the "city" list in particular.

[Midge]

In fairness, I think that obscure list refers to where the dealers are rather then a purely geographical selection.

[sofiaspin]

Having read the Piston heads review I am now a bit dubious! However, if I had read a review of my 2004 Es Bullet, its vibration and ability to break bits I would still have bought it. Reviews are only a single perspective and best taken with a pinch of salt.