RE Continental GT 535 sees further discontinuation to make way for the GT 650 - Report

27/06/2018 - 10:42 | ,   | Ajinkya Lad

A report from DriveMag suggests that Royal Enfield will soon discontinue its flagship offering, the Continental GT 535, in some parts of Europe. The publication further reports that the Continental GT 535 will soon make way for the all-new Royal Enfield Twins – Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor INT 650.

Royal Enfield Continental GT left side at 2017 Thai Motor Expo
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 535 is being discontinued in global markets to make way for the Continental GT 650 & Interceptor 650.

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 535 was discontinued in India in January 2018, due to low volumes. The bike, instituting a new form into the RE lineup, was introduced in 2012, and in its short career, had become a cult amongst enthusiasts. However, the bike failed to garner volume sales not only on its home turf but also in the international markets.

Customers in developed countries are used to more powerful and faster motorcycles, which the Royal Enfield Continental GT 535 was not. According to Siddhartha Lal, CEO – Royal Enfield, the new RE 650 twins are capable of sustaining freeway speeds in the developed markets. Royal Enfield showcased the Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor INT 650 twins at the EICMA 2017 in Milan.

That said, the Continental GT 535, although being the most advanced Royal Enfield motorcycle, didn't offer any significant power bump as compared to the Classic 500 and Thunderbird 500. The Royal Enfield Continental GT 535 was powered by a 535cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine that was capable of producing 29 bhp of maximum power while developing 44 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed transmission. The bike came equipped with a custom ECU, Brembo brakes, Pirelli tyres on both ends and Paioli suspension at the rear.

Royal Enfield Continental GT rear right quarter at 2017 Thai Motor Expo
The Continental GT 535 was Royal Enfield’s breakaway product, but did not have the desired sales evolution to keep it in showrooms.

Also Read: Royal Enfield 650 Twins India launch in the next few months - Report

On the other hand, the Royal Enfield twins are powered by an all-new 650cc parallel-twin engine that produces 47 BHP of power and 52 Nm of peak torque, mated to a new 6-speed gearbox, which also gets a slip and assist clutch.

Royal Enfield Continental GT Photo Gallery

[Source: DriveMag]

You might also like