The Classic 650 is the answer to many people’s prayers who wanted a Royal Enfield Classic with genuine highway performance. But before you go ahead and pull the trigger on one, here are the bike’s pros and cons, listed and explained in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Reasons to buy the Royal Enfield Classic 650
Gorgeous old-school looks with modern-day reliability
The Classic 350’s widespread success is in large part due to its charming retro looks, and the bigger 650 continues down that same road as well. Its gorgeous looks are sure to be a big draw for potential buyers, and paired with the quality and reliability we have come to expect from modern-day Royal Enfields, it’s a real best of both worlds situation with the Classic 650.
Smooth and powerful, twin-cylinder engine
Ever since it debuted seven years ago on the Interceptor and Continental GT, Royal Enfield’s 648cc twin-cyl motor has been praised for its peachy soundtrack and ability to hold triple-digit speeds effortlessly. That same behaviour continues on the Classic 650, where this motor makes 47hp and 52.3Nm of torque. The Bear is the outlier among all the RE 650s, with its two-into-one exhaust setup, making higher peak output figures. Even with its engine in the lower state of tune, the Classic 650 is a decently quick thing and will comfortably cruise on the open road at 100-120kph all day long.
While all of this might sound like Royal Enfield has finally created the perfect bike, there are two important reasons why you may want to look elsewhere.
Reasons not to buy the Royal Enfield Classic 650
Stiff rear suspension
The Classic 650 is based on the same chassis platform as the Shotgun and Super Meteor, and in fact, uses the same rear suspension units as the former. Our criticism levied at the Shotgun about its stiff ride (unfortunately) also carries over to the Classic. This is an especially big miss – like multiple recent Royal Enfield launches – on a bike bearing the ‘Classic’ badge, when the smaller model has a ride that is very plush and cossetting.
Heavy, no tubeless rims (yet)
At 243kg, the Classic 650 is the heaviest modern-day Royal Enfield – at least until the Himalayan 750 arrives on the scene. While the weight isn’t a big issue when you’re moving, at speeds under 15-20kph, you’ll feel every ounce, and you’ll have to pay particular attention when you’re making a lock-to-lock U-turn.
Then you also need to factor in that the big Classic has tubed tyres, which means fixing a puncture will be a long, drawn-out process. What will make matters worse is pushing this bike to the mechanic in the first place.
Recently, Royal Enfield also revised prices of its entire line-up in line with the new GST rates, and except for its 350s, all of its models have become more expensive.
