Bigger, Better, Classic: Timeless design meets a more powerful 650cc twin-cylinder engine.
Performance & Ride: Smooth power delivery and excellent highway stability, though the suspension is on the stiffer side.
Modern Features: Analog-digital cluster, Tripper navigation, USB-C charging, and adjustable levers enhance usability.
Weight Factor: At 243 kg, it's Royal Enfield’s heaviest yet—stable at high speeds but challenging in city traffic.
Royal Enfield has officially launched the Classic 650 in India, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern performance. For those who have long wished for a more powerful, heritage-inspired roadster beyond the Classic 350, this motorcycle presents an enticing upgrade.
With the discontinuation of the Classic 500, Royal Enfield enthusiasts have yearned for a retro-styled middleweight alternative. The Classic 650 fills that void while retaining the brand's unmistakable charm and character. But does it truly deliver the ideal balance of aesthetics, power, and practicality? Let’s explore every facet of this long-awaited machine.
Royal Enfield has stuck to its design philosophy with the Classic 650. The bike maintains the signature silhouette of the Classic 350, ensuring instant recognition. From its round headlamp with "Tiger Eye" pilot lamps to its teardrop fuel tank and elegantly curved fenders, the styling remains pure and authentic.
However, the Classic 650 subtly differentiates itself with a larger engine case, twin exhaust pipes, and slightly redesigned side panels. These changes give it a more muscular stance without deviating from its vintage appeal. The single-piece seat is reminiscent of the 350, ensuring familiar ergonomics and a commanding yet comfortable riding posture.
With Royal Enfield’s growing presence in Nepal, we expect the Classic 650 to arrive in our market within 2025, catering to enthusiasts seeking a powerful yet retro-styled roadster.
Royal Enfield offers the Classic 650 in a range of retro-themed color schemes, enhancing its old-school charm. Premium chrome and matte-finished components further elevate its aesthetic appeal, making it a head-turner on any road.
At the heart of the Classic 650 lies Royal Enfield’s 648cc parallel-twin engine, producing 47 PS and 52.3 Nm of torque. This tried-and-tested powerplant delivers smooth acceleration with a signature low-end grunt, perfect for effortless cruising.
The twin-cylinder configuration ensures a linear power delivery, ideal for both city rides and highway stretches.
A six-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch provides seamless gear transitions, though the clutch lever requires some effort.
The exhaust note retains Royal Enfield’s signature thump, giving riders a satisfying auditory experience.
| Specification | Royal Enfield Classic 650 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 648cc, parallel-twin |
| Power | 47 PS @ 7,250 rpm |
| Torque | 52.3 Nm @ 5,650 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed, slip-assist clutch |
| Top Speed | ~170-180 km/h |
| Weight | 243 kg (kerb) |
The engine allows smooth low-speed riding in higher gears, making it perfect for laid-back cruising. However, the bike's weight (243 kg) is noticeable, especially in city traffic and tight spaces.
Royal Enfield has retained its minimalistic instrument cluster but added essential modern touches.
Analog Speedometer: A traditional speedometer dominates the console, with an upgraded 200 km/h top speed marking.
Digital Display: Positioned below the speedometer, it provides fuel level, trip details, odometer readings, and time.
Tripper Navigation: All variants come equipped with Royal Enfield’s Tripper turn-by-turn navigation system.
USB Type-C Charging Port: A thoughtful addition for on-the-go riders.
Adjustable Clutch & Brake Levers: Enhancing rider comfort and control.
While the Classic 650 is well-equipped, a full LED lighting setup and a TFT screen would have made it even more competitive in today’s market.
Despite its strengths, the suspension setup is a letdown. The Classic 650 comes with 41mm front forks (110mm travel) and twin rear shocks (90mm travel), making it notably stiffer than expected.
The limited travel results in harsh feedback on uneven roads, reducing comfort on pothole-ridden Indian streets.
The setup appears to be more European-market-focused, where road conditions are vastly different.
While stable at high speeds, city rides and off-road excursions expose its ride quality limitations.
Weighing 243 kg (kerb weight), the Classic 650 is the heaviest Royal Enfield yet. While this enhances high-speed stability, maneuvering it in city traffic and parking spaces can be cumbersome.
Pros: Improved highway stability, reduced vibrations.
Cons: Difficult to handle in stop-and-go traffic, noticeable weight while pushing or parking.
Royal Enfield has priced the Classic 650 from ₹3,37,000 to ₹3,50,000 (ex-showroom, Chennai). This positions it below the Super Meteor 650 and Shotgun 650, making it a relatively affordable option in the brand’s 650cc lineup.
| Variant | Price (Ex-Showroom Chennai) |
| Base | ₹3,37,000 |
| Mid | ₹3,42,000 |
| Top | ₹3,50,000 |
Given its premium styling, refined engine, and practical feature set, the pricing is competitive. However, the stiff suspension and significant weight could be deal-breakers for riders prioritizing everyday comfort.
Expected Nepal Launch & Pricing
Given Royal Enfield’s expanding presence in Nepal, the Classic 650 is likely to arrive by mid 2025. With its affordable positioning in India, we anticipate its price in Nepal to range between NPR 11-13 lakhs, making it a strong competitor in the premium retro bike segment.
Verdict: Should You Buy the Royal Enfield Classic 650?
The 2025 Royal Enfield Classic 650 is an authentic, powerful, and well-built retro motorcycle, perfectly suited for Classic 350 owners looking to upgrade.
✅ Reasons to Buy:
Stunning heritage-inspired design.
Refined 648cc twin-cylinder engine.
Comfortable highway cruising capability.
Modern features like Tripper navigation and USB-C charging.
Competitive pricing in the segment.
❌ Considerations Before Buying:
Stiff suspension setup affects ride comfort.
Heavy kerb weight makes city maneuvering difficult.
Lacks LED lighting and advanced digital instrumentation.
If you’re someone who values classic aesthetics, highway stability, and a rich riding experience, the Classic 650 will be a perfect addition to your garage. However, if comfort and lightweight maneuverability are your priorities, you may want to explore alternatives.
The Royal Enfield Classic 650 is a well-rounded retro roadster, but it isn’t perfect. While it excels in styling and highway performance, its weight and stiff ride quality may not suit every rider. That said, for those looking for a larger, more powerful Classic experience, this motorcycle delivers in spades.
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