Royal Enfield’s Classic 650:  Royal Enfield has finally answered the prayers of motorcycle enthusiasts across India with the unveiling of its much-anticipated Classic 650. Launched yesterday at a grand event in Jaipur, the beefed-up version of RE’s iconic Classic series carries a price tag of ₹3.25 lakh (ex-showroom) – placing it squarely between the affordable 350cc segment and the premium big-bike territory.

British Heritage Meets Modern Power: The 650cc Revolution

Royal Enfield Classic 650 : The heart of this new beast is what makes all the difference – RE’s proven 648cc parallel-twin engine borrowed from the Interceptor and Continental GT 650. Churning out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of torque, this motor transforms the Classic experience from a leisurely thump to a confident roar. I had the chance to take it for a 30-minute spin around Jaipur’s outskirts last evening, and the difference is night and day. The power delivery remains quintessentially Royal Enfield – torquey and relaxed rather than frantic – but there’s now enough grunt to effortlessly cruise at 120 kmph with plenty in reserve. The trademark vibrations that plagued older Enfields have been tamed significantly, though not entirely eliminated. The gearbox clicks into place with a satisfying mechanical feel that old-school enthusiasts will appreciate. “We’ve kept the soul intact while upgrading the capability,” explained Siddhartha Lal, RE’s managing director, who showed up at the launch wearing dusty riding gear after personally testing the bike on a 500km journey.

Familiar Silhouette, Subtle Upgrades: Spotting The Differences

Royal Enfield Classic 650: At first glance, you might struggle to distinguish the 650 from its smaller sibling – and that’s precisely what Royal Enfield intended. The classic teardrop tank, sprung rider’s seat, and post-war British aesthetic remain gloriously unchanged. Look closer, however, and the differences reveal themselves: slightly wider tires, beefier 43mm front forks (up from 41mm), twin disc brakes with dual-channel ABS, and a redesigned exhaust system that produces a deeper, more authoritative note. The instrument cluster maintains its vintage-inspired single-pod design but now incorporates the Tripper navigation pod as standard – a small concession to modernity that doesn’t disrupt the retro appeal. Chrome and polished surfaces dominate, with five color options available including a striking new Stealth Black that looks particularly menacing in person.

 

Riding Experience: Old-School Charm With New-School Capability

Make no mistake – this isn’t a sport bike disguised as a retro cruiser. The Classic 650 tips the scales at 240kg (wet weight), and the handling reflects this heft. It feels planted and stable rather than nimble, preferring sweeping corners to quick direction changes. The riding position remains upright and commanding, with wide handlebars and moderately forward-set footpegs creating a comfortable triangle that’s perfect for eating up highway miles. Where the 650 truly distinguishes itself is in its ability to handle long-distance touring with aplomb. The additional power means highway overtakes no longer require advance planning and a prayer, while the improved suspension – now featuring 5-step preload adjustment at the rear – soaks up road imperfections much more competently than the sometimes jarring ride of the 350. During my brief test ride, I deliberately aimed for some broken patches outside Jaipur, and the difference in absorption quality is immediately apparent. “We’ve completely retuned the suspension geometry to handle both the additional power and to improve rider comfort on longer journeys,” noted Lal.

Competition Check: Defining Its Own Niche

The Classic 650’s arrival shakes up an increasingly crowded segment. It undercuts Kawasaki’s Vulcan S and Benelli’s 502C while offering more authentic retro appeal. Meanwhile, it presents a more substantial alternative to Honda’s H’ness CB350 and the newly launched Triumph-Bajaj Speed 400, though at a significant price premium. What’s particularly interesting is how it positions within Royal Enfield’s own lineup, sitting about ₹40,000 below the Interceptor 650 despite sharing the same powertrain. “The Classic customer is different from the Interceptor customer,” explained RE’s CEO B Govindarajan. “This bike isn’t about outright performance – it’s about taking the Classic experience that millions already love and making it more capable for evolving rider needs.” The company expects existing Classic 350 owners looking to upgrade to form the core of initial sales, followed by riders stepping down from larger, more expensive motorcycles in search of something more manageable for Indian conditions.

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Service Network: The Unsung Advantage

While much attention focuses on the machine itself, Royal Enfield’s vast service network remains one of its strongest selling points. With over 2,100 service centers across India, including in remote areas where other premium brands fear to tread, Classic 650 owners can embark on cross-country adventures with genuine peace of mind. “We’ve already trained over 3,000 technicians specifically for the 650 platform,” Govindarajan mentioned during the post-launch interaction. This extensive support infrastructure gives RE a significant edge over multinational competitors who typically concentrate their service networks in major metropolitan areas.

Ownership Experience: Beyond The Machine

Royal Enfield continues to understand that selling motorcycles in today’s market goes beyond the hardware. The Classic 650 comes with a 3-year warranty as standard (extendable to 5 years), and buyers gain automatic entry into RE’s increasingly popular community riding programs. The company’s custom program offers over 50 factory-approved accessories at launch, allowing significant personalization directly through dealerships without voiding warranty coverage. The RE mobile app now features specific ride analytics and maintenance scheduling for 650 models, further enhancing the ownership experience. During the launch, RE also unveiled a Classic 650-specific riding gear collection, featuring period-correct leather jackets and helmets that complement the motorcycle’s vintage aesthetic.

Royal Enfield Classic 650: The Verdict: Evolution, Not Revolution

The Classic 650 isn’t trying to reinvent the motorcycle or chase performance benchmarks. Instead, it takes a winning formula and thoughtfully enhances it for changing times. The engine’s additional power and refinement address the most common criticisms of the Classic 350 without sacrificing the character that made it India’s most beloved retro motorcycle. At ₹3.25 lakh, it’s certainly not cheap, but it offers genuine value considering the engineering, brand heritage, and comprehensive ownership experience. For weekend riders seeking authentic vintage style with weekday practicality, the Classic 650 makes a compelling case as the only motorcycle they might ever need. As Siddhartha Lal put it just before we parted ways: “This isn’t just a bigger Classic – it’s the Classic finally reaching its full potential.”