Royal Enfield Classic 650 First Ride Review: An Icon In A New Avatar

The Classic has been one of the most popular and iconic motorcycle models in the Royal Enfield lineup, so it was only a matter of time before we got a model with the tried-and-tested 650cc twin-cylinder engine. Recently, we were one of the lucky few to experience riding the new Classic 650 through some beautiful roads in the UK to bring you our first impressions. 

Design

The bike does share its chassis with the Shotgun and the Super Meteor but new 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 bikes we were riding at this first ride event had their rear seats removed and they surely look 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. There are three variants on offer, the only difference being colour schemes.  The Classic 650's overall build quality, fit, and finish are premium, and the bike surely catches a lot of attention. 

Ergonomics

With my 5’7” frame, 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. 

Performance

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 in the sprocket size, but the gearing slightly gets altered because of the 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel setup. 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 60 km/h in the sixth gear. It can quickly reach triple-digit speeds, and cruising at 120 km/h on the highway feels effortless. Very few vibes creep in if the motor is being pushed to the redline, although the Classic is a motorcycle that is meant to be ridden peacefully while taking in the views.

Ride Quality and Handling

Royal Enfield tells us that the suspension setup has been slightly tuned compared to the Shotgun. We spent most of our time riding over well-paved roads, but over a few undulations, I felt like it was on the stiffer side. While it was a good ride experience in the UK, it might be too stiff for daily commuting on Indian roads. 

When it comes to handling, the bike does take some effort to be tipped into a corner but does a good job despite its long wheelbase and stays extremely planted because of its heavy kerb weight. 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. It makes use of MRF tyres that have been developed specifically for this motorcycle and they offered good levels of grip throughout my time spent with the motorcycle. The braking feedback is also sharp to quickly get the bike to a halt when necessary. 

Features

The Classic 650 gets the same dash 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.

Verdict

The Classic has been one of the most popular models in the Royal Enfield lineup and enthusiasts have 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 riding it through some beautiful roads around the UK. We can expect it to be priced at a slight premium over the Shotgun 650. There are now many models with the 650cc engine but with how popular and legendary the Classic name is, we are sure that this one will be on many enthusiasts lists. We hope to now ride it in India to tell you all about how it performs in our conditions.