Royal Enfield To Launch A Bullet 650 Based On Its 650cc Platform
- by Aamir Momin
- Nov 28, 2022
- | Views: 4035
Could it be the most affordable 650cc Enfield? Or would it be a premium classic bike?
The 650cc segment seems to be the perfect transition point for riders making the jump from small bikes to bigger ones, and maybe that’s why it has been gaining so much traction lately in India. And to cater to that increase in demand, Royal Enfield is working on expanding its 650cc platform. The most interesting one, however, is the Bullet 650. Yes, you heard that right, the oldest production motorcycle of all time is getting a cubic capacity jump, and an extra cylinder.
In a recent investor presentation, Royal Enfield has laid out its future plans for expanding its existing platforms including the 450cc and the 650cc ones. While there are plenty of bikes in there to ogle over, this one is about the most iconic moniker – Bullet.
First off, like the Bullet 350, the Bullet 650 will not be the most affordable bike based on the platform. Instead, the idea for a 650cc Bullet would be to showcase the heritage and history of the brand by making just a premium classic/heritage bike.
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Platform To Spawn 5 Bikes
- Check Out Royal Enfield Classic 350 Price In India
- EXCLUSIVE: Auto Enginas 822cc Parallel Twin Himalayan Enters Design Stage
Now it is likely to retain the Bullet’s original design language, and from what can be perceived from the silhouette in the document, that seems to be the case as well. The single-piece seat setup, headlight cap, simple retro styling and spoke wheels – are all likely to be the same.
In terms of engine, it will be the same as the one on the Interceptor 650 – a 647.9cc air-/oil-cooled motor making 47PS and 52Nm, paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch.
What we hope, though, is that it comes with equipment and features for the modern-day audience and that Enfield doesn’t go a little too retro on it.
So when can we expect this bike? Well, it is quite some time away from seeing the light of day. We can expect a debut sometime in mid-2024. Before that, we are likely to see the Classic 650 launch in the markets in the third quarter of 2023 as it has already been spied testing.