Royal Enfield Classic 650 In The Works

Royal Enfield has begun testing a new motorcycle abroad based on the 650 platform, and though it is in early stages of testing, it screams Classic. After all, cashing in on the ‘Classic’ moniker’s popularity seems a logical move for the retro bikemaker.

From the headlight bezel, and the chunky, tyre-hugging fenders to the split seat and the triangular side panels, everything is similar to the 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350. Heck, the ergonomics too are a dead giveaway. Interestingly, this is the only upcoming bike from the 650 platform to have a telescopic fork instead of USDs seen on the Super Meteor 650 and the Shotgun 650.

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The test mule of the Royal Enfield Classic 650 didn’t seem to be equipped with a console, however, we reckon it would be a single pod unit paired with the Tripper navigation pod. Another interesting bit are the panniers mounted onto the mule. The aluminium units appear to be from the Himalayan, so expect these to be a part of RE’s extensive accessories catalogue.

And talking of accessories, the Indian bikemaker seems to be working on plenty for the Super Meteor 650. A test mule with windshield, crash guards, auxiliary lights and passenger footboards was spotted and the bike looked in near-production guise.

Both the bikes will be powered by the same 648cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine belting out 47.6PS and 52Nm. Expect the same 6-speed gearbox with slip-and-assist clutch to be carried over.

Royal Enfield’s 650 platform already has a roadster in the form of the Interceptor 650. So, why does the Classic 650? Well, the Classic to the Interceptor would be like what the Triumph Bonneville T100 is to the Street Twin.

Royal Enfield intends to bring out new motorcycles every quarter for the next five years. While the Himalayan-based Scram 411 seems to be the next move, it is likely to be followed by the long-awaited Hunter 350. The Super Meteor 650 and the Shotgun 650 could make their debut in the second half of this year. Expect the Royal Enfield Classic 650 to debut in mid-2023, with a price tag of Rs 2.95 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

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