Royal Enfield Classic 650 Launched: The Classic Gets the Much Deserved Promotion
- Sachin Sen
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Royal Enfield has today launched the Classic 650 in India at a starting price of INR 3,37,000 ex-showroom (which goes up to INR 3,50,000). The motorcycle was originally revealed globally last year in November along with the Bear 650 that has already been launched.
Introducing the Classic 650 a few months later could simply be because Royal Enfield wanted to create space between the Bear 650 and the larger Classic to avoid any initial sales clash.
Nonetheless, the Classic 650 is the one that many have been looking forward to. While we are yet to see this motorcycle in person, we feel that it might turn out to be the most special and emotionally involving ride among all the 650s in RE’s stable. For this reason alone, we are restless to ride this motorcycle and see if that’s true.
The engine is the familiar 647.95cc parallel twin, air/oil-cooled, SOHC with 8 valves setup, which operates with a 270-degree crank for that lovely burbly sound and characterful feel. The chassis is based on the Super Meteor 650 with a modified geometry for a shorter wheelbase of 1,475mm (compared to Super Meteor’s 1,500mm), and also to accommodate the right-side-up telescope forks compared to SM’s upside-down forks.
Theoretically, the Classic 650 may deliver more responsive handling compared to its cruiser sibling, but we will have to ride it to know for sure.
On that note, the rider ergonomics on the new Classic are something that I prefer personally (over the Super Meteor); a wide flattish handlebar and middle-set footpegs for a straight and commanding riding stance that is still relaxed. It matches with the personality of the motorcycle perfectly.
The front suspension may not be the same fancy-looking Showa upside-down forks, but the Classic 650’s 43mm telescopic forks are also Showa along with the rear shock absorbers.
The Classic 650 is a simple yet beautiful motorcycle. The larger profile and the two exhausts give it beefiness and promise excellent road presence.
Classic is an invaluable brand for Royal Enfield
The Classic 350’s role in expanding the Royal Enfield’s business for years and establishing it as a desirable motorcycle maker is undeniable. That legacy is only going to get stronger with the Classic 650.
We can see that in some of the most beautiful colour schemes that Royal Enfield executes on the Classic, and now on the new Classic 650 as well. The Teal and the Vallam Red have my attention in particular.
Classic gets the much deserved promotion and it comes precisely at the right time
Classic is an existing brand since 2009 which started with the Classic 500 and then the Classic 350. But it is only the Classic 350 which has been in production to magnificent success. Bringing the Classic brand to the 650 platform today is a strategically brilliant thing to do. Launching the 650cc platform with the brand new Interceptor and the Continental GT 650 was great. It brought complete freshness. And now that this category is well-established and recognised globally, it is the right time to introduce the Classic brand that has possibly been the most important for Royal Enfield in the 21st century.
The Classic 650 adds more strength and brings legacy to the 650cc platform.
Royal Enfield is currently making the best motorcycles since they made their first one in 1901. And this was long overdue. It’s not because they simply got better over time due to experience. This has everything to do with Siddhartha Lal’s leadership and the decisions he has taken from the moment he got onboard.
The two biggest reasons are; the acquisition of Harris Performance and setting up the new research and development centre in the UK, the home of Triumph. These two decisions have been critical in taking RE to where it is today. And that’s clear in every motorcycle they’ve made since then, especially the new Himalayan 450 and the recent 650s. Even the humble Classic 350 became miles better than its previous version. So credit where it’s due.
Everything in Royal Enfield motorcycles has only improved, be it ride and handling, performance and reliability. But they have a long way to go, the build quality and fit-n-finish is still visibly lacking. For example, the Honda CB350 range looks remarkably better built compared to every 350cc that RE currently sells.
Also, Royal Enfield’s chrome finish on its silencers and other metal parts is generally unsatisfying. Even on a brand new motorcycle, the chrome finishing is average at best and it only gets worse as it gets older. Chrome is one of those things that makes a desired impact only when it looks expensive! And Royal Enfield is not about becoming expensive, yet! Nevertheless, they’ll have to improve their paint and chrome quality at all cost.
There are also occasional concerns about the build quality of their chassis. This is something I cannot comment on because I haven’t experienced it myself (I own a 2019 Himalayan, I have ridden it well, and I have had no such problem with it like most others). But I expect Royal Enfield to be aware of it and hopefully they’re looking into it.
Royal Enfield’s journey has only just begun on a global stage
Royal Enfield is writing a brand new chapter in its life with all these new motorcycles and platforms. The Himalayan and the 650cc motorcycles have made RE a proper global player and the world has noticed. This is also another big reason why their motorcycles are so much better than before and everyone deserves better motorcycles, don’t we?
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