First Ride: Royal Enfield’s Classic 650 harks back to a bygone era of motorcycling

What is it?

Royal Enfield has been quickly expanding its range of late. While introducing models like the Bear and Guerrilla, it hasn’t forgotten about its original roots in motorcycling. That brings us to this model – the Classic 650 – which, as the name suggests, has been designed with all the hallmarks of an old-school motorcycle.

Channelling some 1950’s charm, the Classic 650 is aimed at riders who want an uncomplicated cruiser with a little extra character. But is that the case? We’ve been trying it out to see.

What’s new?

The Classic 650 is an example of looking old but feeling new. It’s why you’ll find more modern suspension than this bike’s design would lead you to believe, while the engine powering the whole affair is also utilised in a variety of Enfield’s other motorcycles. The round, classic-shaped headlight has brighter LEDs integrated into it, while a removable pillion seat means there’s space for someone else to join the ride, too.

Keeping with Royal Enfield’s usual value focus, the Classic 650 isn’t overpriced, either. Prices start at an attractive £6,649 and with a range of colourways to choose from, there’s some good scope for personalisation, too.

What’s it powered by?

If you’re familiar with the Royal Enfield line-up, then the engine on the Classic 650 will feel like an old friend. The 648cc in-line twin-cylinder is used in a variety of the brand’s models, including the Interceptor and Continental, as well as newer models like the Shotgun. It’s a solid setup, bringing 46bhp and 52Nm of torque via a six-speed manual gearbox.

As mentioned earlier, though the Classic 650 looks, well, classic on the exterior, you’ve still got some more up-to-date features going on behind the scenes. You’ve got a 320mm brake disc with a twin-piston caliper up front, matched to a 300mm disc with a twin-piston caliper at the rear. The Classic 650’s suspension is handled by Showa, too, with a 43mm telescopic fork at the front and a 90mm twin shock at the rear.

What’s it like to ride?

It’s quite a big bike to handle, the Classic 650. At 243kg with fluids, there’s a fair bit of bulk to manage, but fortunately, much of it is placed lower down, so while the Classic is a pain to move about, once you’re up to speed, it starts to disappear. With the 650 engine thrumming away, the Classic brings an easy-going, relaxed styling with big, wide bars that inspire confidence. That engine isn’t the most powerful, but be careful with the gears and you can still make good progress. It’s all accompanied by a pleasant sound from the Classic’s twin exhaust pipes, too.

As we’ve found with other Enfield models under the 650 range, the brakes do feel a little underpowered, particularly given the bike’s weight. However, leave yourself enough time and they can be balanced nicely, while the suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps in the road.

How does it look?

Classic by name, classic by nature, this bike could fool many people into thinking it was a product of a bygone era. Available in a quartet of colours – Black Chrome, Teal, Bruntingthorpe Blue and Vallam Red – the Classic 650 looks and feels the part. The finish is excellent in all areas, too, while the neatly integrated and chrome-surrounded dials bring it all together.

While we reckon the large, upright mirrors could be replaced with something a little more streamlined, it’s only a minor quibble. In all areas, the Classic 650 feels reassuringly well designed and well finished, which is even more impressive when you consider the price it’s at.

What’s the spec like?

The Classic 650 is designed to be zero-frills and instead focuses on providing an invigorating riding experience. However, it does feature Royal Enfield’s clever Tripper navigation system which is seamlessly integrated next to the main instrument binnacle. With this system, you can simply pair your smartphone to the motorcycle and get easy-to-read turn-by-turn navigation instructions relayed via this screen. If you’ve got an in-helmet microphone, it’ll provide audio cues as well. Overall, it’s one of the easiest systems that we’ve tried out.

There’s a good range of accessories to choose from, too, with a variety of sumpguard designs on offer alongside a silver oil cooler guard. You can even choose between different colours of oil filler cap to further tailor the look and feel of your bike.

Verdict

Royal Enfield’s Classic 650 feels like the ideal motorcycle for riders who aren’t in a rush. With its laid-back, cruiser-style design, it’s a bike to enjoy the moment in, rather than thrashing ahead for the sake of it.

Some riders may want a bike with more punch, but if you’re after a motorcycle that is asking to be enjoyed at more modest speeds, then the Classic 650 could be it.