I’m 20 years old and looking to buy my first bike for everyday college use. I’m considering the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and feel it could be an ideal choice. However, I’ve heard that riding it regularly in the city can cause wrist and back pain. Is the Continental GT 650 suitable for daily city riding, or should I consider another bike?
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a cafe racer with low clip-on handlebars and rearset footpegs, placing you in a committed riding position. Therefore, given that you will only go to college on it (likely an intra-city commute), you will be at slower speeds, wading through staccato traffic. This is a situation where you will put more pressure on your wrists, and if the roads in your area aren't smooth, over bumps, you will also feel a jerk go up to your spine. All this to say, no, this Royal Enfield bike is not a comfortable machine, but it does bring a lot of cool factor to the table.
If you want a similar riding experience without the discomfort, then the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 should fit the bill because both it and the 'Conti' are identical save for different ergonomics and slightly different fuel tank capacities.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Explore bikes mentioned
Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up
More posts on similar bikes
Popular discussions right now
Posted on: 5 Sept 2026
Need expert advice?
Ask the Autocar community and experts.





