1965 Royal Enfield Continental GT
Country: Great Britain
Engine: Air-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke
Ignition: Battery and coil
Power rating: 18b.h.p @ 6,500rpm
Bore x stroke: 70 x 64.5mm
Displacement: 248cc
Valves: Overhead, pushrod activated
Fuel system: Single Amal Concentric carburetor
Transmission: Front telescopic forks, rear twin shocks
Suspension: Front telescopic forks, rear twin shock
Brakes: Front and rear drum
Weight: 330lb.
Top speed: 80mph
One of the last truly independent motorcycle manufacturers by the Sixties, Royal Enfield saw they were losing bike sales to Japanese and European competitors. Taking advantage of the café racer craze, Royal Enfield used every styling cue on their 250cc lightweights to make British motorcycles more appealing to young riders. This Continental GT is the final version, and has every conceivable option.
Motorcycle Classics
is America's premier magazine for collectors and enthusiasts, dreamers and restorers, newcomers and life long motorheads who love the sound and the beauty of classic bikes. Every issue delivers exciting and evocative articles and photographs of the most brilliant, unusual and popular motorcycles ever made!
A fine example of a manufacturer sticking it's head above the parapet to see what the market wanted rather than telling it what it could have. Interestingly, the fiberglass tank, rear sets and seat on the 250GT will fit straight onto the RE 750 Interceptor (1962-1970). It makes for a vary stylish look on what is arguably one of the better British parallel twins of the period.
Now Honda is coming out with a cafe style 250 in some markets. Sadly Enfield is gone. The Indian built version would do well to try the 500/250 in cafe trim. I am considering the new ZP with it's modern emissions compliant large bore single cylinder motor by Gas Gas, for multi purpose transportation on and off road. A small light weight half fairing and a change of tires would make this new German single cylinder a very interesting ""all round" purchase that has great power characteristics and cheap on fuel.
Mouthwateringly cool.