BREAKING: Royal Enfield Classic 650 Launched In India: Spiritual Successor To The Classic 500 Is Here

Quick Highlights: 

• Royal Enfield has launched the Classic 650 in India

• Available in three variants and four paint schemes

• The cheapest Classic 650 variant costs Rs 3,37,000, whereas the top-end variant is pegged at Rs 3,50,000 (both ex-showroom, Chennai)

Royal Enfield has launched the Classic 650 in India. The motorcycle is the spiritual successor of the Classic 500 and a true stepping stone for anyone who wants a motorcycle with a tastefully-done heritage design but with highway capabilities. The bike is available in three variants: Hotrod, Classic and Chrome, and four colour schemes: Vallam Red, Bruntingthorpe Blue, Teal, and Black Chrome. 

Where Does It Stand?

Royal Enfield has the Heritage model (Classic 350) positioned below the cruiser range (Meteor 350). The brand has followed the same strategy with the Classic 650 too. The Royal Enfield Classic 650 is placed just above the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT650 and below the cruiser range, which consists of the Super Meteor 650 and the Shotgun 650. 

For perspective, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and the Shotgun 650 start from Rs 3,63,900 and Rs 3,59,430, respectively (all prices ex-showroom, Chennai).

From the four colour schemes available, the Teal colour is the one that stands out the most. Not only because it is the only one with a colour-coded frame but also because it pays homage to the OG Classic 500. The Teal Green was the first paint scheme which was available in the Classic 500, and the same shade in the Classic 650 and will surely turn heads. 

Old school cool

The Royal Enfield Classic 650 has many endearing aspects . Firstly, with a heritage design, the Classic 650 is a great upgrade for anyone who wants to step up from the Classic 350 to a bigger bike while having the Classic’s very essence. The build quality, and fit and finish levels are quite premium, making the bike an appealing package. The overall design feels a lot more cohesive, a lot more wholesome in the Classic 650. 

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 feels the happiest when cruising at 90kmph. It can do higher speeds but the engine feels a little stressed as there’s only so much a 349cc single can do. This is where the Classic 650 really shines. We had the opportunity to ride the bike in the United Kingdom last year and highway speeds of 120kmph feel effortless. It has a very linear power delivery, the 648cc air-cooled parallel-twin engine has good low-end grunt followed by a strong mid-range where the bike truly feels in its element, making for a surreal riding experience. Just like the Classic 350, it allows you to appreciate and enjoy the journey and the scenery but can also zoom ahead when given the beans.

The high kerb weight of 243kg and a long wheelbase work in the favour of Classic 650 as it feels extremely planted during corners and on highways. The sharp brakes shed speed quickly too. 

Chink in the armour

While the Classic 650 is undeniably a gorgeous motorcycle to look at, the gap between the rear fender and the wheel really sticks out like a sore thumb. Though it looks more cohesive when you sit on the motorcycle, you will want to ignore looking at the motorcycle from the side, especially when it’s at a standstill. 

The Classic 650 has a seat height of 800mm, which isn’t too tall but is difficult to flat-foot the bike for any rider who is below 5’8”. This is because of the wide seat profile and wide mid-section of the motorcycle. So, shorter riders may find this to be a bit of an issue.

At 243kg kerb, the Classic 650 is the heaviest Royal Enfield motorcycle on sale. The weight is truly felt while manoeuvering the bike especially in tight parking lots and while taking U-turns. When paired with the stiff suspension setup, handling the bike at slow speeds on our broken Indian roads will prove to be a challenge. 

For such a high price tag, the Classic 650 gets the same semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue speedometer and a small digital display below it as the Classic 350. Sure, this may stay true to the Classic’s design ethos, but for someone who is paying such a substantial premium over the Classic 350 would expect something similar but a bit more premium console, something like how Triumph does it in their high-end retro range. 

ZigSays

The Classic has been one of the most popular and highest-selling models in Royal Enfield’s lineup. After the discontinuation of the Classic 500, now the Classic fans have something to look forward to with the Classic 650. Royal Enfield has priced the bike quite well, and with the riding experience it provides, it makes for a great package. It is also the only heritage motorcycle in its segment, making it a unique proposition in the market. Consequently, there are no natural alternatives, but if you’re looking for a roadster from another brand, the BSA Gold Star can be an option. That said, with a more advanced liquid-cooled (but) single-cylinder configuration, it offers a completely different riding experience compared to the Classic.

With the launch of the new Classic 650, Royal Enfield offers finance and upgrade/exchange options for existing Classic 350 customers through their Reown program. The offer will be available in all empanelled Royal Enfield dealerships having a presence in over 230+ cities across India.