2025 Royal Enfield Classic 650 Review: Why It Makes Sense, and Why It Doesn't

The newly-launched Royal Enfield Classic 650 is a blessing for those waiting for a more powerful heritage roadster than the Classic 350. Up until now, there was nothing really in the brand’s line-up for those wanting to upgrade to a proper retro-styled bike from the Classic 350. Sure, you have the Interceptor 650, but it’s not what a hardcore Classic fan would want. 

Ever since the Classic 500 was discontinued about 5 years ago, all other choices have been a compromise for the true-blue enthusiasts of the moniker. This was saddening especially since RE had the 650 platform to spawn a successor on, but they took their own sweet time. Better late than never though, as it also gave Royal Enfield a chance to sort out all the niggles with the platform. After all, the Classic 650 has to carry forward the legacy that made the brand what it is today. It epitomises what Royal Enfield is all about at its core. All of which makes the Royal Enfield Classic 650 a super important motorcycle - one worth sitting up and taking a notice of. We have ridden the motorcycle, and here are 5 things that stand out about the new Classic 650. 

Looks As Classic As… Well, A Classic

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – seems to be the mantra while styling the 2025 Classic 650. It looks all the same but as iconic as the Classic 350. Right from its circular headlight with the Tiger eye lights to the circular tail light, and everything in between. You realise it’s a 650 only when you look at the humongous engine case, the two exhaust pipes, and the slightly tweaked side covers. Even the single seat looks the same, which means the ergonomics are similar to the 350 as well. A properly bigger Classic – in looks as well as performance.  

Feel The Grunt

This Classic gets Royal Enfield’s tried-&-tested 650cc twin-cylinder engine with 47PS and 52.3Nm. It delivers the thump it's needed – down low and in the mid range. It can chug along in lower speeds at higher gears, allowing you to cruise in exactly the way you’d want to on a Classic. While the gearbox is smooth, the clutch lever feels heavy to operate. But that’s not a deal-breaker.

It’s Almost The Same

The features suite is another area where Royal Enfield has followed the If it ain’t broke… mantra. The Classic 650 too gets an analogue speedometer that’s easy to read in all conditions. However what’s different here is the speed at the other end of the speedometer – 200kmph instead of 160kmph on the Classic 350. And just like on the young one, there’s a digital display under the speedometer which tells you the fuel level, mileage, odometer reading, trip distance, and time. Simple yet effective. There’s also a USB type-C charging port, a Tripper navigation display for turn-by-turn navigation (standard on all variants!), and adjustable clutch and brake levers. 

Who Ordered A Stiff One? 

Although the Classic 650 has impressed us in many ways, its suspension setup leaves a lot to be desired. Simply put, it’s quite stiff for a Classic, with just 90mm of wheel travel. That robs it of the plush ride that one would expect, and the limited scope of travel also makes it difficult to tune it into having a comfier setup. It is something we have seen also on the Shotgun 650. That is more likely to do with the fact that these bikes are majorly developed in Europe, and seem to have been primarily designed for Western markets, and the riding conditions there. However, the Indian road conditions are polarisingly opposite. Not that we don’t have buttery smooth highways, but those are the only places where you can appreciate the ride quality as it is set up. But would you be riding on one everyday?

Weight Of Classic’s Legacy Felt, Quite Literally

With everything Classic 650 gets, it weighs in at 243kg (kerb) which makes it the heaviest Royal Enfield bike yet! That affects how it moves. While its weight is going to be a boon for its stability out on straight open highways, it is going to be a task and a half moving it around in tight parking spaces. Also, you’re going to feel that weight trundling at city speeds, filtering through slow or stopped traffic. 

Does It Really Make Sense?

While we were told it was going to be the most expensive Royal Enfield bike when we rode the bike in the UK last year, it seems that the brand has rolled back on its statement. And we are not complaining. Priced from Rs 3,37,000 to Rs 3,50,000 (ex-showroom, Chennai), it’s more affordable than the Super Meteor 650 and the Shotgun 650. All said, while it has a few things that don’t make sense, there are a lot of things which do. And if you vibe with those, the 2025 Royal Enfield Classic 650 can jam in your garage.