Royal Enfield Continental GT 535 hits serial production

Royal Enfield has begun producing the Continental GT 535 cafe racer styled motorcycle at its newly set up Oragadam manufacturing facility. This development has been revealed through a BBC broadcast, which showcases the Continental GT 535 being put together on the assembly line at Oragadam, off Chennai. The motorcycle is also shown to be taken for the customary test ride that happens after every Royal Enfield rolls out from the assembly line. 

The Continental GT 535 will first be launched abroad, in the United Kingdom to be specific. The spiritual home of Royal Enfield as the motorcycle brand has British origins, the UK market is one of the largest export markets for the brand, now owned by an Indian automaker, Eicher Limited. After the September 2013 launch in the UK, Royal Enfield is expected to launch the GT 535 in India during the festive season, sometime in October. 

The Continental GT 535, as its name suggests, features a 535 cc air cooled unit construction, four stroke engine. This engine displaces 535cc, making it the biggest displacement motor in Royal Enfield's current line up. In tune with the increase in displacement, the engine is expected to output more power and torque. A bigger throttle body, revised ECU mapping and a lighter flywheel are said to be the other changes on the newest Royal Enfield in town. 

The 5 speed manual gearbox will be retained. However,the gearshift lever will assume a sportier air due to the rear set footpegs. Featuring Cafe Racer styling, the Continental GT 535 comes with new body work, that looks racier than the retro streetbike styling of other Royal Enfield motorcycles. The dual cradle frame designed by UK based frame maker Harris Engineering, is said to improve handling dynamics.

Other interesting bits on the GT 535 are the clip-on handlebars, revised Paioli gas charged rear suspension, disc brakes on both wheels, Pirelli tyres and a 15 kilogram lower kerb weight than the next lightest Royal Enfield. The GT 535 will be the highest priced model in Royal Enfield's Indian line up, with a price tag of over 2 lakh rupees likely for the motorcycle.