- Royal Enfield develops two race-spec Continental GT 650s with Harris Performance
- Based on the factory custom models showcased at Bike Shed London in May
- Weigh 18.5kg less and produce 26 per cent more power than the stock bike
Royal Enfield has taken the concept of ‘café racer’ quite seriously with its Continental GT 650 as the brand has developed two race-spec versions of the motorcycle in association with Harris Performance. Both the bikes were put to racing at the Bike Shed Festival 2019 held in Lydden, UK, on 5 and 6 October.
Christened as the Nought Tea GT version 2.0, these motorcycles are based on the factory custom Continental GT 650s which were showcased at the Bike Shed London in May 2019. The overwhelming response received for these models encouraged Royal Enfield and Harris Performance to take things further and develop pure race-spec versions of the motorcycle. Both the bikes are a result of diligent efforts put in by RE’s staff at its technical centre in the UK.
In terms of looks, both the Nought Tea GTs seem track-ready adorning a large race fairing and bubble visors. However, there are a plethora of other modifications executed under the skin which have brought down their weight by 18.5kg and increased the power by 26 per cent. The company has collaborated with various component makers such as Ohlins, Brembo and HEL to make the bikes capable for the race track.
The Continental GT 650, along with the Interceptor 650, are Royal Enfield’s first bikes to feature a 650cc parallel-twin engine which packs decent power, making it an ideal platform for racing. At the Bike Shed Festival, Royal Enfield’s factory riders including Paul Young and Curtis Wright were seen racing astride these motorcycles. Notably, the last time Royal Enfield had officially participated in racing was in 1965 when Geoff Duke competed for the brand astride the GP5 250cc. Now, the bike maker has returned to racing after 54 years of hiatus.
While the stock Continental GT 650 is a stunning motorcycle itself, its race-spec versions are further gorgeous. In that case, here’s the photo gallery for you to take a closer look at both the Nought Tea GT models.
