Highlights
- Only covered an indicated 1,650 miles from new
- Restored over a period of 3 years and costing almost £3,500 in parts
- Full race type Speedflow fairing professionally installed
The Appeal
We’ve seen a lot of beautiful motorcycles but this Royal Enfield Continental GT250 is more than just a motorcycle - it’s art.
Restored between 2010 and 2013, this Royal Enfield now wears full competition trim and, according to the vendor, has the performance to match.
While it was praised when new for its sublime handling, impressive power output for a 250 and gorgeous looks, Royal Enfield still failed to sell as many Continentals as they would have liked, making them quite a scarce bike today.
Having covered a mere 1,650 miles from new, this is a prime example of a fascinating little motorcycle that would make a great addition to any collection.
The History and Paperwork
- Left the factory in 1965
- Believed to have been exported to the US, as was often the case
- Vehicle checks show the bike as first UK registered in September 1982
- Details of the bike’s first owner are left blank in the factory records
- Turns up in the UK in the 1990s where it was stored in someone’s house
- Recommissioned in 2003, although not put back on the road until 2010
- Following a head gasket failure, the bike was then offered for sale once more before being purchased by a gentleman who had the bike fully restored over a 3 year period
- Purchased by the vendor in 2013
- Historic MOT / road tax status
- Last MOT was in 2018, 133 miles ago
- Last full service in November 2021
- The owner has covered an estimated 850 miles since 2013
- Lots of paperwork supplied, including owner’s manuals, advertising brochure and period articles
- We understand the bike was once featured in a fashion shoot
- Huge comprehensive history file on the Restoration containing every invoice of Genuine R.E.parts - supplied be Hitchcocks - and a record of specialist work during the vendors ownership inc Speedflow Fairing fitting
- Fibreglass tank relined
The condition
- Restoration completed in 2013
- Speedflow fairing professionally installed
- Work completed by Royal Enfield specialists Hitchcocks
Having been restored to a high standard between 2010 and 2013, this GT250 presents very well indeed and is a most attractive motorcycle.
The Speedflow fairing really suits the bike and really gives the impression of speed, even when it is standing still. We particularly like the enclosed headlamp which adds a sculptural feel. It was supplied and fitted in 2016 by Royal Enfield Specialist Hitchcocks.
While there are a couple of small marks on the frame, and a few areas of paint loss, there was no corrosion we could discern. The tank and the fairing are in very good order, with no evidence of damage. It is clear that the paintwork completed during the restoration was done to a high standard. The seat looks to be in good order and wears a light patina. All of the exposed aluminium and chrome parts are very bright and according to the vendor, are free from damage or corrosion.
We understand that nearly £3,500 was spent on parts alone and many hours were spent ensuring this Royal Enfield is amongst the best surviving examples of the Continental 250GT around.
The vendor adds that the bike shall be supplied with the original perspex screen, chrome light housing, new seat cover and alloy front mudguard.
The Mechanics
- Carburettor recently stripped and rebuilt by Paddock Motorcycles
- Last serviced in November, 2021
- 250cc single
- 5-speed gearbox
Mechanically, we are informed that this Royal Enfield is in excellent order. While it has covered very few miles in its 57 years, the present owner hasn’t been afraid to use it and has covered an estimated 850 miles in their ownership - which is a fair amount of use for a ‘60s British bike these days.
Most recently, the bike was fully serviced by Paddock Motorcycles in November 2021 and they also stripped and rebuilt the carburettor, fitting it with a new tickler to aid priming.
The vendor reports that the bike rides very well indeed and boasts impressive performance for a 250cc unit. As it is a very small and light bike, especially by today’s standards, this Royal Enfield is very content to be chucked into corners, making for a rewarding riding experience. Contemporary road tests even quoted a staggering 115 mpg - meaning that classic motorcycling needn’t be hard on your wallet.
Summary
With its breathtaking looks and ample performance for a bike of its size and age, this Royal Enfield is certainly one to consider adding to your collection.
Having been subject to a no expense spared restoration, this has got to be amongst the smartest examples of this rare bike on the road today.
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