Royal Enfield Continental GT 535 was launched back in 2013 with much fanfare. Inspired from the cafe racer’s of the 60s and 70s, the bike could now be discontinued globally.
At the time of launch, hopes were high from this bike. It even managed to win a couple of awards, including the IMOTY (Indian Motorcycle of The Year). However, all this fame and marketing did not translate into success.
Ever since it was launched, the bike was struggling to make a mark in the auto industry. Even in the first year since launch, the flagship Royal Enfield managed average sales of about 150 units a month. The sales continued to dip, and in November 2017, sales reached record low of just 3 units. October sales were at 26 units, September 66, July 76.
But it is not the low sales that will result in the death of GT535. The report says that the GT 535 will be discontinued due to the fact that a similar styled motorcycle is soon to be launched. This will be the Continental GT 650, which was showcased at the 2017 EICMA in Milan this year.
Speaking about the bike, Royal Enfield Continental GT 535 was powered by a 535cc, fuel injected, air cooled single cylinder motor offering peak power of 29.1 bhp and peak torque of 44 Nm.
The engine is mated to a five speed manual transmission while the bike receives conventional forks up front, Paioli gas charged twin shock absorbers at the rear and sits on 18” spoke wheels with Pirelli Sport Demon tyres.