The Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin is the third member of Royal Enfield’s popular 650 cruiser lineup, joining the Shotgun and Super Meteor. What truly sets it apart? A deep dive into vintage aesthetics, minimalist features, and affordability for budget-conscious riders. If you appreciate World War II-era motorcycle styling and a simple riding experience, the Classic 650 could be the most compelling entry point into the modern retro bike market.
Engine & Performance
- Engine: 648cc air- and oil-cooled parallel twin
- Output: 46 hp @ 7,250rpm; 52 Nm @ 5,650rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed; smooth if unremarkable shifts
- Chassis & Weight: 243 kg wet; uses the same frame as its 650 siblings, with more up-front weight and larger tank
Royal Enfield retains the same proven engine that powers the Super Meteor and Shotgun. Expect similar straight-line performance, moderate acceleration, and a mellow but consistent power delivery ideal for highway cruising. The Classic 650 trades a touch of the Shotgun’s agility for extra stability thanks to larger 19″ front and 18″ rear spoked wheels and standard Showa forks (in lieu of USD forks on the Shotgun/Super Meteor).
Features & Brakes
- ABS-equipped brakes: Powerful, especially the rear—go easy to avoid sudden lockups
- Suspension: Preload-adjustable rear, standard front forks for easier maintenance and lower cost; rear setup best kept soft for comfort, but limited on rough roads
- Retro Instrumentation: Prominent analog speedo, small LCD cluster for fuel, gears, trip, and basic eco indicator
- Tripper Pod: Offers turn-by-turn navigation when paired with the Royal Enfield app, but small and tough to read in sunlight
Features are kept wonderfully sparse—delivering classic simplicity and saving on cost. The new Classic 650 gets LED lighting for strong nighttime visibility and maintains a no-frills approach to electronics.
Ergonomics & Comfort
- Seat height & posture: Swept-back handlebars boost upright comfort, fixing the extreme reach on the Shotgun; wide, hard seat is supportive but could be softer (Super Meteor preferable for plushness)
- Foot pegs & stands: Large pegs give solid support, but side/main stands are awkwardly close to foot controls and exhaust, making them hard to reach with boots
- Mirrors: Small but highly functional, with long stalks that clear elbows for decent field of view
Designed for easy riding and laid-back posture, the Classic 650 welcomes taller riders and those seeking a classic cruiser stance. One downside: the seat, while wide, can get tiring over longer rides.
Style & Build Quality
The Classic 650 is a deliberate homage to British BSA and other WWII military motorcycles, echoing the Classic 350’s timeless look. Chromed detailing, blacked-out frames, and unified panel shapes embody authentic vintage charm. While welds around the headstock remain functionally “ugly,” overall build is robust, and the factory color selection is stunning.
- LED headlight: Wide, bright beam for practical riding
- Panel quality: Solid tank, fenders, and exhaust contrasted by a seat cover that gets dirty easily but offers slip resistance
Love or hate the heritage design—there’s almost no competition for authentic-looking, affordable classic bikes with modern reliability, especially as major brands move away from old-school lines.
Fuel Economy & Price
- Tank: 14.8L, positioned for mid-tier range in the lineup
- Economy: ~23 km/l yields ~340km per tank for a typical 80kg rider
- Price (Singapore): SGD 15,700 machine price—undercuts both Shotgun and Super Meteor
For entry-level retro enthusiasts, bargain hunters, and those wanting a fuss-free ownership experience, the Classic 650 is hard to beat. Maintenance should be simple and affordable, thanks to the return to conventional forks and basic electronics.
Verdict: Who Should Buy the Classic 650?
- Best For:
- Fans of classic WWII styling and simple mechanics
- Riders seeking affordable twin-cylinder cruisers with good daily usability
- Nostalgia lovers and history buffs wanting vintage looks with modern reliability
- Less Ideal For:
- Sporty riders craving performance or high-tech features
- Anyone seeking plush, long-distance comfort (go Super Meteor instead)
- Riders who want ultra-premium finish or innovative tech
Of all three Royal Enfield 650s, the Classic 650 offers the most “bang for your buck.” It delivers nostalgia, function, and ease of maintenance in a single, attractively-priced package without sacrificing the experience of riding a truly classic motorcycle.