Royal Enfield fans, brace yourselves: the long-awaited Classic 650 is set to hit Indian showrooms on March 27, 2025. The latest entry to the brand’s famed 650cc lineup boasts of a perfect combination of classic retro aesthetics and contemporary engineering, evolving Royal Enfield’s presence in the middleweight bike segment. First revealed at EICMA 2024, and presented during Motoverse 2024 – the Classic 650 has been making quite the stir. As its launch approaches in a matter of days, here’s what to expect — in terms of its design and performance as well as its price and position in the market — from this highly anticipated motorcycle.
A Growing 650cc Legacy
Royal Enfield has been continually growing its 650cc lineup to appeal to riders who want a blend of retro styling and powerful performance. The Classic 650 will join a strong lineup of models, including the Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650, Super Meteor 650, Shotgun 650 and Bear 650. Each model has its own characteristics and the Classic 650 is likely going to develop a strong following by borrowing the beloved design of the Classic 350 and layering it over a more powerful setup. This also highlights Royal Enfield’s approach to offer varied options under the 650cc segment, catering to the faithful followers of the brand as well as young riders looking for a mix of tradition and modernity.
The Classic 650’s arrival comes at a time when Royal Enfield is on a roll with its twin-cylinder portfolio. The company’s 648cc platform has been well-timed and reliable under many motorcycles also loved by customers and enthusiasts at overseas markets. The Classic 650 sets out to replicate the general formula of Royal Enfield’s best-selling Classic 350, but in a 650cc machine that takes the performance and presence level up several notches.
DESIGN: Retro Charm With Modern Refinement
At a glance, the Classic 650 is essentially an unobtrusive iteration of the Classic 350, a bike that has always been a cornerstone for Royal Enfield’s legacy. The Classic lineage is represented by a round LED headlamp with pilot lamps, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wire-spoked wheels, and twin chrome-finished exhausts. However, the 650 variant builds those elements to suit its bigger motor and frame, allowing for a more muscular and commanding road stance.
It will be offered in four colors – Vallam Red, Bruntingthorpe Blue, Teal, and Black Chrome. Not only does that give it a greater visual appeal, but it also presents an opportunity for buyers to make the ride their own. The Classic 650 comes with a single-seat layout as standard, although a bolt-on pillion seat is available if you plan to ride with a friend. Adjustable brake and clutch levers add practicality, while the semi-digital instrument cluster—copied over from the Classic 350—balances bored-from-the-90s analog charm with a dose of functionality, aided by a small digital display to show the essentials.
There are subtle design changes that differentiate the Classic 650 from its brethren. The elongated rear fender and retro-inspired bits are a nod to Royal Enfield’s heritage, while the all-LED lighting (headlamp, taillight, and indicators) firmly places the bike in the 21st century. At 243 kg (kerb weight), it’s the heaviest bike in Royal Enfield’s current portfolio, not surprising given its robust construction and premium components.
Powertrain: Tried and True with a Retro Touch
At the heart of the Classic 650 is Royal Enfield’s well-heeled 648cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin mill—a powerplant that has put a lot of meteoric magic into the brand’s 650cc lineup. Churning out 47 bhp at 7,250 rpm and 52.3 Nm of twisting force at 5,650 rpm, this motor is perfect for both smooth cruising and keener riding. Combined with a 6-speed transmission with slip-and-assist clutch, the Classic 650 should provide a smooth and refined riding experience with its seamless gear shifts.
Though all three engines have the same specifications for the Shotgun 650 and Super Meteor 650, the Classic 650’s gearing should be bespoke to its retro-cruiser character, focusing on relaxed highway cruising rather than aggressive acceleration. Not only does the twin exhaust lend itself well to looks, but it is also capable of producing that distinctive Royal Enfield thump — a sound that should please many fans.
Ride and Handling: Equally Comfort- and Control-minded
The Classic 650 shares its chassis with the Shotgun 650, meaning the main frame, subframe, and swingarm are borrowed. For suspension has 43mm telescopic forks at the front with 120mm of travel and dual shock absorbers at the rear with 90mm of travel. It makes this setup a balance of comfort while not being overly soft, which makes it adequate for yet again Indian conditions. The bike rolls along on a 19-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, each wrapped in tubed rubber atop wire spokes, which does nothing to diminish its classic appeal.
Disc brakes at either end are responsible for braking duties and are backed with dual-channel ABS for extra safety. It is equipped with a 14.8-litre fuel tank ensuring good range, seat height is 800mm and ground clearance is 154mm, making the Benda a good fit for a wide variety of riders. While its 243 kg weight may seem alien at tight maneuvers, the low center of gravity and well-distributed mass should make it manageable on the move.
Features: Classic Ride, Modern Convenience
The Royal Enfield Classic 650 might have hung its hat on building a retro-styled motorcycle, but it hasn’t cut any corners when it comes to modern comfort. The Tripper navigation pod, already seen on other Royal Enfield models, will be offered as an option; it’ll provide turn-by-turn guidance during long rides. A Type-C charging port offers practical advantages as far as keeping devices powered on the go. Speed, fuel level, trip info — it all sits on the semi-analogue console, with a digital inset that balances nostalgic options with useful ones.
The adjustable levers and full LED lighting suite (includes headlamp, pilot lamps, taillight, and indicators) complete the feature set, making sure that the Classic 650 feels modern without detracting from its vintage spirit. These details help make it a practical option for everyday commuting or weekend escapes.
Pricing and Market Position
The Royal Enfield Classic 650 is likely to be priced between Rs 3.4 lakh and Rs 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom) making it attractively priced among Royal Enfield’s 650cc lineup. For reference, the Super Meteor 650 is priced from Rs 3.64 lakh and the Shotgun 650 from Rs 3.59 lakh (ex-showroom). The pricing of the Classic 650 is indicative of its premium build and features, while being more wallet-friendly for enthusiasts keen on upgrading from the Classic 350 or dipping their toes into the 650cc segment for the first time.
The Classic 650 competes in a style all its own, with retro-modern aesthetics and middleweight power, leaving it as one of the few rivals in its segment. It’s likely to appeal to customers who appreciate the Classic 350’s charisma but want the power and sophistication of a twin-cylinder. Rival models like the Triumph Bonneville T100 or Kawasaki W800 are similarly aimed at the same buyer but sit in a higher price bracket, giving the Classic 650 the edge on price.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Enfield Classic 650 is becoming an instant classic of its own, melding the brand’s storied legacy with the performance of its bona fide 650cc platforms. Scheduled for a March 27, 2025 release, it claims to deliver both nostalgia and visceral riding fun. Whether you’re a hard-core Royal Enfield enthusiast or just coming to the fold, the Classic 650 brings together a great blend of style, substance, and value. Stay tuned for the official unveiling of this modern classic!
