Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin (2025 – ) review

Design

“The quality and attention to detail is a step forward from what we have seen before from Royal Enfield.”

While today’s Royal Enfield has proven itself with the fascinating, if underpowered, single-cylinder classics, it has really taken a leap forward with the introduction of the 648cc parallel twin in the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT. While these successfully echo the minimalist traditions of the roadsters and cafe racers of the 60s and 70s, this Classic 650 Twin draws its inspiration from the British motorcycles of the 50s and the post-war chrome, cruiser and big twins that Royal Enfield successfully launched at the time. is taking. Built around the chassis of the Super Meteor and Shotgun, with which it shares the engine and other parts, the Classic 650 Twin is a more physically imposing motorcycle than either, thanks to its larger 19-inch/18-inch wheel combination and greater overall length. . Shrouds hide modern Showa forks, while twin rear suspension units at the rear complete the retro look, while metal bodywork around the headlights and the frame supporting the rear fairing all add to the feeling of solidity. Even if it’s not ‘totally retro’ in its underpinnings, it’s certainly one of the more convincing efforts; Even the Triumph Bonneville looks like a kind of pastiche by comparison. From the chrome finish to the polished aluminum on the engine housings and handlebar clamps, the quality and attention to detail is a step forward from what we’ve seen before from Royal Enfield.

Expert rating: 4/5

driving position

“The riding position strikes a balance between the Super Meteor’s elevated cruiser stance and the more special-effects Shotgun.”

Although the seat appears to be set low on the fender, the solid frame construction and larger rear wheel (18 inches over the Shotgun’s 17 inches and 16 inches on the Super Meteor) mean the Classic 650 Twin is taller and more It’s much more imposing in appearance and certainly more of a motorcycle than the single-cylinder Classic 350. It still carries its weight low, so it’s not too intimidating, and the riding position strikes a balance between the Super Meteor’s elevated cruiser stance and the more special-effects Shotgun. Taller riders will appreciate this larger build compared to others in the 650 series, and there’s more access to the upper body when upright; The driver is centered between the wheels for a comfortable and confidence-inspiring position.

Expert rating: 4/5

Practicality

“Comfortable or not, this is a road bike for sunny Sundays rather than long-distance touring.”

All of the bikes we rode in our preliminary test had a single-seat configuration, which looked very stylish and fit the classic vibe. But if you want to carry a passenger, the pegs are already in place, and additional seat bolts are quickly installed via a custom subframe based on the Shotgun 650. So, the option is there if you want it. Beyond that, the Classic 650 Twin is as minimal as you’d expect from a retro bike; There’s nothing to hide behind in terms of wind effect and little in the way of creature comforts or technology. We think that’s what the target audience will probably like about it. At the time of writing, we haven’t seen what luggage options Royal Enfield might offer, but based on previous information, we were expecting a number of accessories to appear when the configurator appeared. Comfortable or not, this bike is better suited for sunny Sundays along the lanes than long-distance touring. You don’t want to risk all that polished aluminum and chrome on your winter commute.

Expert score: 3/5

Performance and braking

“If not fast, it’s fast enough for the style of bike and the type of riding you’ll be doing on it.”

Expert score: 3/5

Driving and handling

“It may have been made to cruise around and look good, but it’s good to see that Royal Enfield has also taken the trouble to use it properly.”

While the Classic 350 and the like get away with basic running gear, the 650 Twin’s extra weight and performance demands more, and thankfully Royal Enfield has put the money into proper Showa forks and twin rear suspension units for modern ride quality and handling. Without compromising the traditional look. The 19-inch front wheel and the car’s massive weight mean inputs are slow and deliberately inaccurate, but the Classic 650 Twin actually shows great balance and can cut through turns with enough enthusiasm to get you scraping the pegs in tighter turns without too much effort. difficulty. This sense of solidity also means it rides well, with less risk of veering due to bumps, bumps or other road imperfections. It may be built to cruise and look good, but it’s good to see Royal Enfield has also put in the effort to handle it properly, and despite all the old-school looks, the Classic actually looks more like a modern motorcycle than you’d expect. This is a pleasant surprise!

Expert rating: 4/5

Operating costs

“This weight can mean it goes through consumables such as tyres, chains and brake pads faster than other products in this range”

At the time of writing, we still don’t know how much the Classic 650 Twin will cost to purchase, but we’re betting it will be at the top end of the Royal Enfield range. Again, a new bike insurance and the remaining are unknown, but the generally cool riding style the bike encourages should keep fuel consumption in check. This weight may mean it wears out consumables like tyres, chains and brake pads quicker than others in the range, but as a fair-weather bike this probably won’t be too much of an issue.

Expert rating: 4/5

Reliability

“The Classic 650 Twin is also a fairly simple bike, with minimal electronics and far less risk of potentially going wrong”

The 648cc twin engine has pretty little stress considering its lazy tuning and has proven itself on other motorcycles in the Royal Enfield range. So there’s no immediate concern about that. The Classic 650 Twin is also a fairly simple bike, with minimal electronics and far less potential to go wrong than many modern machines.

Expert rating: 4/5

Warranty and service

“Royal Enfield’s three-year warranty is longer than most in the industry and gives credence to its belief in its products.”

Royal Enfield’s three-year warranty is longer than most in the industry and gives credence to its belief in its products. We don’t have information on service intervals at the time of writing but we’ll assume they’ll be there or thereabouts, similar to others using this engine, which means an initial check at 300 miles and then every year or 4,700 miles. This should be enough for the kind of use a bike like this can get.

Expert rating: 4/5

Equipment

“Concessions to modernity don’t go beyond fuel injection, ABS and LED headlights; We will undertake all of these.”

If chrome-plated or polished parts count as equipment, the Classic 650 Twin looks quite generous! In the traditional sense, it’s a simple bike with a single analog clock built into the metal fairing at the front end and basic LCD information for fuel and mileage. Royal Enfield’s stylish Tripper device is also neatly integrated and can be seen as a helpful indicator at a glance. It actually offers some degree of modern connectivity and basic navigation via a dedicated app, but we never got it to work properly in previous tests. Maybe it’s our responsibility since we have an old phone, and if you can make it work, it’s a nice thing to have without spoiling the classic ambience. Beyond the concessions to modernity, it doesn’t go further than fuel injection, ABS and LED headlights; We will use all of these to improve the driveability of the Classic 650 Twin in a truly retro way. We’re yet to see what accessories Royal Enfield has in store for the bike, but the frame around the rear mudguard should provide a place to mount the proper old-school-looking soft boot you might want for longer days outside.

Expert score: 3/5

Why buy?

“The modern touches included don’t distract too much from the retro originality feel”

If your musical taste is more rocker than rocker, the Classic 650 Twin beautifully captures the spirit of the 50s and shows a new level of class and maturity in Royal Enfield’s design and finish. The modern touches included don’t interfere too much with the retro sense of authenticity, to the extent that you can even tag along with the drivers of proper classics without standing out too much. There’s enough performance to keep you going and the handling to match. Of course, retros aren’t for everyone. But if you’re going to do it, you’ve got to do it properly. And the Classic 650 Twin certainly does that.

Expert rating: 4/5