2022 Royal Enfield Continental GTR 650 Modifications Explained In 5 Pics

Here are 5 mods which turns a Continental GT 650 cafe racer into this GTR 650 race bike

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 are two of the most accessible 650cc twin-cylinder motorcycles on sale in India today. The Continental’s sportiness has impressed us on the road, but this 2022 Continental GTR 650 race bike used in the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup racing championship, takes the stock motorcycle’s capabilities to a whole new level. And all of that, with five simple changes.

Change 1- Aggressive ergonomics

The Continental GT 650 stock bike gets clip-on handlebars, but those are positioned higher up to offer a relaxed riding position for everyday use.

On the GTR 650 race bike however, the rider triangle is made sharper by lowering those clip-ons further down to get a full racer’s tuck. To make that tuck even more aggressive, it gets rear-set foot pegs as well. Both, the handlebar and the foot pegs are made from aluminium to save weight and are sourced from Harris performance, Enfield’s racing arm (like AMG is for Mercedes).

Change 2- Free-flow exhaust

The stock bike sports twin exhausts. While they go well with that retro look, they’re heavy. Keeping the environment clean comes at a cost.

For racers, however, keeping the weight low means improving the performance and agility of the motorcycle. Hence, Enfield has given this race bike a full free-flow exhaust system which has helped trim the weight down by roughly 25kg, improve the performance, and extract an exhaust note so cool, it’s like the bark of an angry Rottweiler.

Change 3- Adjustable suspension

On the road the stock Continental GT 650 is set up for mixed riding conditions and hence the suspension feels unsettled when you try to push it hard around corners.

The race bike on the other hand needs to be able to change directions very quickly and confidently. Hence, for 2022 it gets a front fork with preload adjustability and a revised rear suspension which is firmer with linear springs. This setup has also helped up the ground clearance, something last year’s race bike struggled with.

Change 4- Finding the right grip

Admittedly, stock tyres on the Continental GT 650 aren’t the best for spirited riding and certainly out of the question for track use.

Hence, Enfield is using specially developed JK Tyres on its GTR 650 race bikes. These tyres are super grippy, and tend to be very forgiving of silly mistakes.

Change 5- Stronger braking performance

In the city, regular or organic brake pads help riders of all skill levels get a more progressive feedback from their disc brakes on the GT 650. However, under heavy braking conditions, those pads tend to generate brake-fade.

Hence, to ensure the brake pads do not heat up as much under racing conditions, Enfield has opted for sintered brake pads and improved pistons inside the brake calipers. Braking on this GTR 650 race bike is certainly sharper and more precise when compared to the stock bike.

The Continental GTR 650 race bike is an eye opener on how much more potential the Royal Enfield 650cc twins have tucked away. Within just one season of racing(2021), Enfield has managed to make the 2022 race bike a whole lot sharper and aggressive. Honestly, we can’t wait for next year!