Royal Enfield Classic 650: Can it take the legacy forward while redefining the segment?

<p>Classic 650 Black Chrome</p> — Classic 650 Black Chrome

Circa 2010, the aspirational teenager in me just wanted to own a Royal Enfield Classic 350 somehow. With a price tag of ₹1.33 lakh on-road at a dealership in my paternal hometown in Uttar Pradesh, the Classic 350 wasn’t even available in my hometown, which was just 165 km from Delhi. Such was the dealership reach back then, and yet, the bike’s allure was undeniable. It was the first Royal Enfield that truly captivated me, especially in its silver shade with a single-seat configuration and an upswept exhaust — an irresistible charm that stood out among the CBZs, Pulsars, and Karizmas of that era.This sentiment echoed with millions of Indian riders, making the Classic 350 not just Royal Enfield’s best-selling model but a cultural icon that propelled the brand to unprecedented heights. Alongside the Classic 350 was the Classic 500 — a larger, more powerful sibling that catered to purists who sought more grunt. However, the Classic 500, along with the Bullet 500 and Thunderbird 500, was discontinued on March 31, 2020, with the introduction of BS6 emission norms. This left a void for many enthusiasts who had been yearning for an upgrade ever since.

Cut to the present — Royal Enfield has finally bridged that gap with the much-anticipated Classic 650, launched this Thursday at a starting price of ₹3.37 lakh (ex-showroom). This new entrant extends the iconic Classic lineage that has stood the test of time, building on the nostalgic charm of the Classic 350 while adding more power, refinement, and versatility. But the big question remains — can the Classic 650 carve its own niche and redefine the mid-weight cruiser segment? And will it be able to take the Classic 350’s legacy forward? Let’s dive in.

A natural progression for the Classic series

According to industry expert Avik Chattopadhyay, the Classic 650 is a “natural upward progression” for the Royal Enfield brand.

“There is enough brand stretch that allows this. Very few brands have the equity that allows them to move up — typically, most move down or horizontally. RE will now have a Classic line with a larger offering, which is the first step towards creating a clan within a large tribe, just like Apple with the iPhone,” he explained.

The Classic 650 builds upon a brand that has managed to balance nostalgia with modern engineering. With the 650cc platform, Royal Enfield aims to give the Classic nameplate a more premium and powerful appeal without alienating its core audience. It’s a move that not only strengthens the Classic’s lineage but also elevates the Royal Enfield brand into the higher echelons of the mid-size cruiser segment.

Design: carrying the legacy forward

The Classic 650 stays true to its heritage with retro-styled design cues reminiscent of the post-war era. The teardrop-shaped fuel tank, round headlamp, and curved fenders evoke the timeless appeal of the Classic 350. However, the 650 variant introduces subtle yet impactful modern touches — LED headlamp, a more muscular stance, and refined details that elevate its visual presence.The signature ‘peanut’ tank, chrome accents, and vintage-inspired bodywork are all borrowed from the Classic 350.

The Classic 650, thus, blends heritage with sophistication, making it a compelling option for riders who value timeless design with a modern approach.

Performance

The Classic 650 borrows the 648cc parallel-twin engine from the Interceptor and Continental GT, producing around 47 bhp and 52 Nm of torque. The same engine also comes in the Super Meteor 650, the Shotgun 650 and the Bear 650, making the Classic 650 the sixth motorcycle in the 650 line-up.

Classic 350 vs Classic 650

Royal Enfield was in dire straits in 1994.Thanks to Siddhartha Lal who spearheaded its revival since taking over the reins in 2000, today the company commands a dominant 96 per cent market share in the 500-800cc category. According to SIAM data, with dispatches of 42,258 units of its 650cc motorcycles over the past 11 months, it registered a robust 41 per cent YoY growth.