Royal Enfield Classic 650

The Classic 650 is easily one of the best-looking Royal Enfield motorcycles ever, making it the dream bike of many people worldwide. Priced from Rs 3.61 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant, the Classic 650 is slightly more affordable than the Super Meteor 650 and Shotgun 650 on which it is based. It is considered the spiritual successor of the Classic 500, and in the Indian market, it competes with the BSA Gold Star 650. I had the opportunity to ride the bike through some scenic routes in the UK, followed by riding it in India, to bring you a detailed review.

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Design

The bike shares its chassis with the Shotgun and the Super Meteor but the Classic styling sets it apart. It looks identical to the Classic 350 from the front with a round LED headlight and the rear section does look quite nice with a long fender flowing over the wheel. The bike I was riding at the first ride event in the UK had their rear seats removed and they surely looked gorgeous with the single-seat setup. The fuel tank has a 14.8-litre capacity and with a kerb weight of 243kg, this becomes the heaviest RE motorcycle on sale. 

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Colours

There are three Classic 650 variants, the only difference being colour schemes. They include Black Chrome, Teal, Bruntingthorpe Blue, and Vallam Red. The most expensive Black Chrome scheme is my favourite from the lot as it looks really premium. If i had to nitpick, I would say that the front number plate placement is not the best but, it is a compulsory rule so we can’t really do much about that.

The brand unveiled a 125th Anniversary Year Special Edition of the Classic 650 at EICMA 2025 that comes with a unique colour, and hand-stitched quilted leather seat. It celebrates 125 years since the first Royal Enfield bike rolled off the production line back in 1901.

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Build Quality

The Classic 650's overall build quality, fit, and finish is great, and the bike surely catches a lot of attention on the streets. The paint quality is premium, the switchgear feels solid, and all metal parts, especially the tank and fenders, feel robust. There’s minimal visible wiring, panel gaps are tight, and nothing feels flimsy.

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Convenience Features

The Classic 650 gets the same console as the Classic 350 which is an analog speedometer with a digital inset. It also has a USB charging port and both the clutch and the brake levers are adjustable units. The bike comes with a split-seat setup where the pillion seat can be detached for a sleeker look. Additionally, all variants get the tripper navigation pod as standard. 

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Safety Features

The bike comes with dual-channel ABS as standard, a slipper clutch for smoother downshifts, and disc brakes at both ends. While it lacks cornering ABS or traction control, it gets the necessary stuff, especially considering that it is a relaxed cruiser.

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Rider Comfort

With my 5’7” stature, I was not able to flat foot to the ground because this is a wide motorcycle. Shorter riders might find this a bit of an issue but it just takes some getting used to. The seat height stands at 800mm and the ground clearance has increased when compared to the Shotgun. The foot pegs are forward set in classic fashion, while the handlebar is wide and this keeps a rider in a commanding and upright position. The seat is quite comfortable even over longer durations. 

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Pillion Comfort

The pillion comfort is decent, thanks to the generously padded rear seat. The backrest (available as an accessory) will add to a secure feel, and the long wheelbase ensures that there is ample space. The grab rails are sturdy and well-placed, overall making it usable for a pillion as well.

Royal Enfield Classic 650:  Engine

Powering the Classic is the familiar 648-cc, air-cooled, SOHC, four-valve motor that puts out 47 hp at 7,250 rpm and a peak torque of 52.3 Nm at 5,650 rpm. There is no change to the sprocketing, but the gearing slightly gets altered because of the different wheel sizes; a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel.

Royal Enfield Classic 650: City Performance

The power delivery is linear with good low-end grunt, followed by a strong mid-range where the bike feels in its element and makes for an engaging riding experience. The clutch action is slightly on the heavier side but the gearbox is slick. This engine is tractable enough to handle cruising at speeds of 60kmph in the sixth gear.

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Highway Performance

It can quickly reach triple-digit speeds, and cruising at 100kmph on the highway feels effortless. Very few vibes creep in if the motor is being pushed to the redline. The motor has enough torque in reserve for overtakes and remains composed even at 120kmph, and sixth gear feels like an overdrive, making it an ideal long-distance cruiser.

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Mileage

Fuel efficiency is expected to be in the ballpark of 25kmpl to 28kmpl depending on the riding style and terrain. While not particularly the most fuel efficient, it is respectable for a twin-cylinder cruiser. The 14.8-litre fuel tank should give riders a range of around 350kms.

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Handling

The Classic 650 was not built for sharp cornering, but for what it is, it handles really well. The chassis offers good mid-corner stability, and the bike feels planted through winding roads. However, it is a heavy machine, and that becomes evident when tipping into turns or navigating through traffic. The weight is not felt as much once the bike is on the go, but only while taking U-turns and moving it around at a standstill.

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Tyres

It makes use of MRF tyres that have been developed specifically for the bike and they offer good levels of grip. 

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Brakes

The braking feedback is decent but not exceptional. The dual-channel ABS works effectively, though more experienced riders might desire a bit more initial sharpness when it comes to front brake lever feel.

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Ride Quality

Royal Enfield tells us that the suspension setup has been slightly tuned compared to the Shotgun. While riding over well-paved roads it feels really nice, but over a few undulations, the rear feels a bit stiff. While it was a good ride experience in the UK, it might be too stiff for some riders for daily commuting on Indian roads. That being said, it is a cruiser and does the job well for the type of bike it is.

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Verdict

For the price, the Classic 650 offers a powerful, twin-cylinder motor with good refinement and strong power delivery. The Classic 350 and 500 have been popular models in the Royal Enfield lineup and enthusiasts had been waiting for this for a more powerful version of it for a long time. It is a fun motorcycle and I surely did enjoy my time spent with it.. For cruiser enthusiasts who want an easy going and beautiful retro cruiser motorcycle with potent performance and great quality levels, the Royal Enfield Classic 650 makes a lot of sense. And, if you were to buy the bike on EMI, here’s how the math would work out.

Royal Enfield Classic 650: Competition

The Classic 650 falls into a niche segment with no direct rivals. Riders who want a more dedicated cruiser can opt for the Super Meteor 650 and those that would like a bobber can pick the Shotgun 650. Interested customers can also check out the BSA Goldstar 650 and the Kawasaki Eliminator 500. The Classic 650 does offer a lot for the price it is being offered at, making it an attractive proposition.

In related news, Royal Enfield has recently unveiled the Bullet 650 at Motoverse 2025, which is based on the Classic 650. But there are some key differences which set them apart.