Royal Enfield’s 650cc family is all set to expand in the coming months. While there are multiple twin-cylinder offerings under development by RE, one of these was recently spied testing on public roads. In all likelihood, it was the Classic 650 and the spy video revealed a few details about the motorcycle. Here’s what we could decipher from the spy shots so far.
Classic 350-like design
Just like the name, the design of the 650cc Classic looks nearly identical to its 350cc sibling. The chrome headlamp bezel with a subtle beak, tiny tiger lamps, thick fork covers, and a teardrop-shaped fuel tank are unmistakably Classic elements. Even the shape of the exhaust and side covers is identical to the smaller Classic. Although not recognizable in the spy shots, the 650cc iteration will definitely look bigger than its smaller displacement version in the flesh.
More traditional hardware than Super Meteor 650
In the hardware department, Royal Enfield is clearly keeping things in line with the old-school theme of the Classic. The Super Meteor 650, and other upcoming 650s from RE, are bestowed with upside-down forks and alloy wheels. On the contrary, the Classic 650 was seen running more traditional telescopic forks and spoke wheels. Furthermore, even the wheel sizes, just like the 350cc version, seem to be 18-inch at both ends.
Same engine as the Interceptor 650
The engine of the Classic 650 will be the same tried and tested 649cc, air/oil-cooled, parallel-twin motor that powers the Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650, and Super Meteor 650. However, similar to what RE did for the latter, there might be subtle fueling and throttle calibration changes to suit the Classic’s character. The gearbox will continue to the same six-speed unit along with a slipper clutch. On the existing 650s, this engine produces 47bhp and 52Nm of peak torque.
Launch timeline and pricing
Although the test mule of the Classic 650 looked almost ready for production, we expect Royal Enfield to not launch it before early 2025 as the company has a lot of other new bikes lined up before that. As for its pricing, considering the traditional hardware and a simpler package as compared to the Super Meteor 650, it should be pegged close to the Interceptor 650 which starts from Rs 3.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
