The Harley Davidson Street 750 needs no introduction. The entry-level model from HD has enjoyed a free run of sorts in our country’s premium motorcycle market. Targeting those wishing to buy a below-5 lakh cruiser motorcycle, Street 750 has been an obvious choice of many. However, it looks like soon the American model will have a worthy rival. South India-based motorcycle company, Royal Enfield, which enjoys an almost legendary status, will launch its two new 650cc offerings in India. One of these, the Continental GT 650, looks ready to gatecrash into the Street 750’s party. The Continental GT will soon launch in India and should have the Street 750 in crosshairs. You can find how these two motorcycles stack up against each other in our Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 vs Harley Davidson Street 750 comparison here.
ALSO SEE- Upcoming Royal Enfield Bikes | Royal Enfield at Auto Expo 2018
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 vs Harley Davidson Street 750 Price
The Continental GT 650 will launch here at a really competitive price point. It looks like the price will start at roughly Rs 3 lakh. Local manufacturing, along with parts sharing with smaller Royal Enfield models, should help the manufacturer price its new motorcycle very competitively. In comparison, the Street 750, which is the cheapest Harley Davidson you can buy in India, costs Rs 4.91 lakh. Hence, the new Royal Enfield 650cc motorcycle will enjoy a huge cost advantage over its American rival. Round one to the new RE, then.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 vs Harley Davidson Street 750 Specifications
| Specifications | Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 | Harley-Davidson Street 750 |
| Engine | 648cc SOHC parallel twin with air and oil cooling | 749cc Revolution X V-Twin with liquid cooling |
| Maximum Power | 47 PS at 7,100 rpm | 52 PS at 8,000 RPM |
| Peak Torque | 52 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 59 Nm at 3,750 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed with slip-assist clutch | 6-speed |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm telescopic fork | Telescopic fork with gaiters |
| Rear Suspension | Twin gas-charged shock absorbers | Twin hydraulic shock absorbers |
| Front Brake | 320 mm disc with ABS | Disc with 2-piston with ABS |
| Rear Brake | 240 mm disc with ABS | Twin piston disc with ABS |
| Kerb Weight | 202 kg, without fuel | 233 kg, in running order |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.7 litres | 13.1 litres |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | NA | INR 5.15 lakhs |
| Seat Height | 804 mm | 720 mm |
The Continental is the most powerful RE ever. The new 650cc parallel twin motor’s external appearance pays homage to a twin-cylinder Royal Enfield engine of 1948. On the inside, however, the engine has new-age internals. It boasts a SOHC head and outputs a maximum power of 47 PS power at 7,000 rpm and produces a peak torque of 52 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm. While the power figure is definitely nothing to write home about, the high torque will help this motor offer a grunty performance.
On the other hand, the HD Street 750 has a 749.9cc heart that belts out a maximum power of 52 PS at 8,000 RPM and a peak torque of 59 Nm at 4,000 RPM. If you look closely, the HD doesn’t enjoy a huge advantage over the Royal Enfield. Also, compared to a 200 KGs kerb weight of the new Royal Enfield models, the Street 750 tips the scale at over 222 KGs. Hence, there won’t be a great difference in the on-road performance of the two motorcycles.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 vs Harley Davidson Street 750 Looks
The new Royal Enfield 650 cc cafe racer looks much like the GT 535. However, it gets twin upswept exhausts that make the motorcycle look slightly sportier. Another visual difference is the engine, which is a dead giveaway of the new motorcycle’s identity. Also, in comparison, the new Continental gets a rounder fuel tank and a flat seat that can accommodate two.
In comparison, the Harley Davidson Street 750 offers true-blue American looks with high-set handlebars, stepped seat, multi-spoke alloy wheels and the optional Screamin’ Eagle silencer. Compared to the new REs, Street 750 offers cruiser motorcycle looks of its larger siblings. It’s really tough to pick one out of these three as it all boils down to personal taste. Our pick, if you ask, has to be the new Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 for its racy style, retro appeal and that upswept twin exhaust treatment.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 vs Harley Davidson Street 750 Comparison Verdict
Price- One thing is for sure, the new RE Continental will cost significantly lesser. In price wars alone, the Street 750 will have a tough time competing with the new offerings. Asked about the new bike last month, Harley chief executive Matthew Levatich told Reuters that he would not dismiss a competitor’s strengths but that he had faith in Harley Davidson’s brand and would not be changing strategy.
Specifications- The Street 750 is the clear winner if you look at the specifications. It offers more power and more torque. However, let’s not jump the gun, for it also weighs more. In on-road performance, the difference shouldn’t be as substantial as it is on the paper.
Looks- Looks are subjective to personal tastes. The Street 750 is for you if you’re looking for a true-blue American cruiser that can be put to regular use. Even the RE isn’t much different when it comes to the retro look. The Continental GT 650 will offer you the distinct cafe racer charm.
So, what’s your take on the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 vs Harley Davidson Street 750 comparison? Share your views with us by penning them down in the comments section below. Also, stay tuned to Carblogindia for the latest news on cars and motorcycles relevant to India.
