By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Retro Classic
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (MY2018) vs Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone (MY2017)
You'll feel the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650's twin thrum smooth and fruity as the throttle rolls on, and it's eager to rev. On the Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone, the first crack of throttle hauls you forward on low-down grunt. Its exhaust barks before the revs climb.
So which one do you buy?
The V7 III Stone has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
Edges it: V7 III Stone
On style, the V7 III Stone makes a slightly stronger case. Most of that is more distinctive styling. Go see both in person.
Keeping running costs low
Slight edge: V7 III Stone
Running costs lean slightly toward the V7 III Stone. A well-kept example of either matters more.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Small edge: V7 III Stone
Once the road starts to bend, the V7 III Stone noses ahead. Your own skill counts for more than a gap this size.
Which one's the smarter buy
No clear advantage
The lower sticker price doesn't settle which one is the better buy. Neither is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
Continental GT 650
The Continental GT 650's clip-ons and solo seat fold you over a long tank in a proper café racer crouch. At 445 lb (202 kg), it's light enough to tip into a bend off a gentle push on the clip-ons. That crouch isn't kind all day. The slim frame slips through gaps in traffic.
V7 III Stone
Wide bars sit you upright on the V7 III Stone over a seat that's 30.3 in (770 mm) up. Bumps catch out the rear shocks. They're underdamped, and the tail keeps bouncing over rough pavement once you push. The clutch lever pulls light on every gear change.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The V7 III Stone has the lower seat: 30.3 in (770 mm) vs 31.2 in (793 mm).
- The Continental GT 650 has the lower wet weight: 445 lb (202 kg) vs 461 lb (209 kg).
- The V7 III Stone makes more peak power: 52 hp (38 kW) vs 47 hp (35 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Look elsewhere
For all-day comfort, both fall short. Keep the rides short and you'll get on fine with either.
For commuting, you won't find daylight between them. Let the test ride settle it.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Continental GT 650
What owners say
Strengths
- Authentic café racer styling
- Excellent value for money
- Lively, characterful engine
- Lightweight and nimble handling
Trade-offs
- Budget‑grade switchgear and finish
- Compromised comfort for café racer ergonomics
V7 III Stone
What owners say
Strengths
- Stylish, authentic retro design
- Characterful air-cooled V-twin engine
Trade-offs
- Basic, underdamped rear suspension
- Vibration at higher revs
Known problems to check before you buy
Continental GT 650
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
V7 III Stone
- Front ABS brake hose abrasion (recall 17V380000) Recall 17V380000 The front ABS brake hose can rub against the engine's secondary air system connection, potentially causing a brake fluid leak. This affects 2016-2017 V7 III models. Recall repair involves securing or replacing the hose.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 6-year-old Continental GT 650 with a 6-year-old V7 III Stone.
- Continental GT 650
- about $4,100
- V7 III Stone
- about $5,700
At six years old, the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 sits around $4,100, while the Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone runs about $5,700. That's a $1,600 gap in the US market. These are estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Front tire
- 100/90-18
Where the spec sheets split
| Continental GT 650 | V7 III Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.2 in (793 mm) | 30.3 in (770 mm) |
| Wet weight | 445 lb (202 kg) | 461 lb (209 kg) |
| Continental GT 650 | V7 III Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 648 cc | 744 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin | 90° V-twin |
| Cooling | Air/oil-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Power | 47 hp (35 kW) | 52 hp (38 kW) |
| Peak power at | 7,150 rpm | 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 38 lb-ft (52 Nm) | 44 lb-ft (60 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 5,250 rpm | 4,900 rpm |
| Continental GT 650 | V7 III Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 56 mpg (US) / 4.21 L/100 km | 48 mpg (US) / 4.9 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 3.3 US gal (12.5 L) | 5.5 US gal (21 L) |
| Continental GT 650 | V7 III Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Chain | Shaft |
| Rear tire | 130/70-18 | 130/80-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Continental GT 650 | V7 III Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Not offered | Option |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
