Royal Enfield Continental GT 650: Why Have Only 1,700 Been Sold in the UK?
In 2022, John Marcar concluded six months with a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, and his written review proved to be a popular hit with readers, but 9 years on from the GT 650's launch, how many models have actually been sold - and is it now overdue for a replacement?
Back in 2022, I wrote a feature review about the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. My 2500-word article was published after six months with the bike, and once it went live, it became one of the most popular reviews I've ever written, with thousands of clicks and reads each week.
The original review: READ HERE
Four years on, my long-term review still racks up about 10,000 clicks per quarter, and my YouTube review continues to do relatively well in terms of hits, too.
With so many people reading about the bike, researching it, and bouncing from our website to retailers' websites (yep, we have some pretty posh tech behind the scenes here at Driven!), I'd have expected the sales figures to be pretty strong too... but upon asking for the numbers from Royal Enfield just last week, I was left feeling a little shocked.
The Good News: It's Still Brilliant
Let's start with the good news: four years on since my first ride on a Continental GT 650, the bike is still absolutely wonderful. The 650 engine is just as characterful, and the gearbox feels as strong and resilient as I remember. The styling still deserves praise, too, capturing the perfect modern-classic aesthetic that has proven a popular choice over the past decade.
I'm lucky to live in the Warwickshire countryside, with an array of smooth, winding country roads in almost every direction. As I concluded with my test back in 2022, the Continental GT 650 feels most at home between 40 and 60 mph. The engine's torque band delivers a great pull in 3rd and 4th gear, with just the right amount of grunt and a great sound from the standard exhaust pipes that deliver a unified chorus from either side as you ride. The bike also feels very at home in towns and cities. It's a joyfully easy bike to ride in all environments.
The brakes, despite still being single-disc on the front, do the job very well, with ABS always on hand to prevent unexpected lock-ups. The stock suspension offers a great all-round balance, soaking up lumps and bumps while still feeling predictable and compliant for faster cornering, too.
Improvements and upgrades
Since the model's launch in 2017, there have been surprisingly few radical changes or upgrades beyond cosmetics, switches, and colour scheme updates. The power and torque figures remain the same, but some electronics and switchgear have been updated to match the quality of the newer 650 models, including the Shotgun and Bear 650. New lighting has also been added with the latest LED units as seen on the newer models, along with a new USB charging block on the handlebars for phones and devices.
New Colourways and less shine
Anyone who's been browser-window shopping for Continental GTs over the years will have noticed a significant change in the colourways beyond just the fuel tanks and fairings. When the 650 models were first launched, the engines, exhausts and gearbox casings were all finished in a very attractive and equally unique exposed alloy. The 'Mr Clean' spec I had on test back in '22, with its additional chrome tank and silver spoked wheels, was the epitome of shiny, but some customers found that, over time, the alloy didn't fare particularly well against the Great British winter (and the road salt that comes with it).
More than a few corrosion warranty claims have led to fewer models released with alloy engines and casings, and more with a stealthier matt-black painted finish. There's no denying that with the right colour scheme, the black engines look good, but for many (me included), the shiny engine and brightwork is what made the Continental GT so distinctive against the competition.
As Tested: Slip Stream Blue
For my refresher test, I've been on a Slip Stream Blue colourway, which many might find dreamy, but for me, losing the shiny alloy tank, spoked wheels, and exhaust system makes the Continental GT 650 lose much of its modern-classic charm. The GT 650 in Slip Stream Blue retails for £6,949.
If you delve into the configurator on the Royal Enfield Website, you'll see that some alloy-finished models are still available, including the iconic 'Mr Clean' spec with chrome spoked wheels; however, you will need to pay for that extra shine. In 2022, the Mr Clean model I tested had an OTR retail price of £6,739. Today, the same spec is £7,249 (an increase of £510).
Back to the sales numbers
With my reviews being such popular hits on the website and YouTube channel, and having seen a good collection of Continental GTs on the road, I assumed the sales figures would be equally impressive; however, when I asked Royal Enfield UK for the figures, I was surprised.
Only 1700 GT 650s Sold in the UK - What’s Gone Wrong?
In the UK, since the model launched in November 2017, a total of 1,700 GT 650s have been sold. The busiest year for Royal Enfield and the Continental GT was 2025, when 500 were sold. These aren't numbers to be sniffed at by any stretch, but in terms of value for money and bang for buck, I'd expected overall sales to be considerably higher.
In my original review, I celebrated that the Continental GT 650 was stylish, fun, and above all brilliant value. So why haven't the UK sales figures reflected that?
Why are the UK Continental GT 650 sales figures so bad?
If, like me, you're a little surprised by Royal Enfield's sales figures, I'll help break it down. Several factors have been a stumbling block for Royal Enfield, and the most significant one might surprise you.
India vs UK
First things first, saying that GT 650 sales are poor globally would be wrong. In India, for example (where the bike is made), the Continental GT 650 is an extremely popular choice. The Indian motorcycle market is dominated by mostly single-cylinder, small-capacity models. The 50- 110cc category is the largest motorcycle segment in the country, accounting for about 46% of motorcycle sales. Next, 110-125cc models make up 29% of models on the road. Together, that's roughly three-quarters of India's motorcycle market being under 125cc. In India, the 650 twin is seen as a 'big bike'. The Anglo-Indian relationship also helps Royal Enfield in India, as while the bike is now proudly Indian-made, its historic British legacy makes the model a popular choice for Indian buyers.
Back in Britain, 650cc is still regarded as a middleweight category, and for many, it may even be seen as a smaller engine capacity. UK registration data shows that bikes with an engine capacity of 750cc+ often outsell 125cc models year on year.
Price Differences India vs UK
The other obvious difference between the GT 650 in India and the UK is price. In India, the ex-showroom price for a Continental GT 650 is ₹271,673 or, once converted, that's £2,133.00. In the UK, homologation costs, import taxes, and sales tax/OTR fees mean we pay a staggering £4,836 more than the Indian customer.
So, to summarise: in India, the GT 650 is relatively more affordable, seen as a luxurious, larger-capacity option by most, and a pretty cool choice for riders. In the UK, the GT 650 is still seen as a smaller, mid-range option with an ever-increasing number of close competitors available for a similar price.
Choice and Competition
The other stumbling block for Royal Enfield here in the UK has been the competition. When the Continental GT 650 launched, following the 535 version, the brand had only 5 bikes on offer here in the UK. Today, the UK website offers 14 bikes to choose from, including six other 650 models. Year by year, more choices have arrived as alternatives for buyers. And outside of the Royal Enfield showroom, the story is much the same. Since the GT 650's arrival, comparable competitors like the Kawasaki Z650RS, Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, Yamaha XSR700, and Triumph Speed Twin 900 have entered the scene. While the Royal Enfield still beats the lot on price, the gap in power and styling is tight.
The biggest competitor
The biggest competitor is much closer to home, and it's been around since day one. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 uses the same engine, gearbox, switchgear, and hardware, but with a slightly friendlier riding position.
Then, in 2024, another close competitor arrived with a Royal Enfield badge on the tank - the Bear 650. Also based on the Interceptor platform, the Bear has proven to be a big hit and has likely pulled in a few Continental GT buyers too.
I've ridden and reviewed the Interceptor 650, and I can conclude it's easier to ride, more comfortable, and doesn't lack much beyond the styling the GT offers. INTERCEPTOR 650 Review: READ HERE
Royal Enfield Continental GT 750 Photographed by John Marcar at EICMA 2025
Rumours Continental GT 750?
Another potential stumbling block for the current model is that rumours suggest a 750cc version of the Continental GT is on the way. Some fairly convincing spy shots of 750 models have been shared online, which suggest that 10 years on from the 2017 launch of the existing model, 2027 could be the year that the 650 is replaced - but assuming that the Interceptor will also get the same engine along with other models in the range, I wonder if the beautiful Continental GT will once again fall short against its closest competitor.
GT 650 still worth considering?
If the styling of the Continental GT 650 still makes your heart skip a beat along with the idea of enjoying a raw and uninterrupted riding experience, then yes, the GT 650 is absolutely worthy of a shot. Almost 10 years on, the model looks great, sounds great, rides brilliantly, and still beats most of the competition on price.
Words by John Marcar
Photography by Henry Faulkner-Smith
What’s your take?
Are you one of the 1,700 who purchased a Continental GT 650? Or did you consider one and end up with something different? Let us know in the comments below.
