HELMET: ARAI CLASSIC-V JACKET: CORTECH HOYDEN AIRBAG VEST: ALPINESTARS TECH-AIR 5 GLOVES: PANDO MOTO ONYX BLACK 02 PANTS: REV’ IT MARLEY LADIES SK JEANS BOOTS: PANDO MOTO APEX SNEAKERS
which introduced swinging- arm rear suspension. While it would require a novella- length story to share everything I learned from Mr. May’ s pre- ride historical tour, it’ s of note that the Classic 650 draws direct inspiration from the 500 Twin with its focus on comfort and styling cues like the teardrop tank, side panels, and nacelle headlight housing.
The Classic 650 shares a frame and engine with the Super Meteor 650, although their riding experiences are different in significant ways. Where the Super Meteor leans into cruiser
Above: The seating position is about as neutral as they come. Below left: You don’ t have to search hard to find chrome and polished finishes. Below right: The Classic is powered by Royal Enfield’ s pleasing 648cc parallel-Twin. ergonomics with a short seat height and forward- mounted footpegs, the Classic feels, well, classic. Its seat height of 31.5 inches puts the rider up into the air for an easy look over the dash and handlebar, and the mid- mount pegs aid in creating an upright seating position.
The Royal Enfield reps at the launch told us that the Classic 350 is a bestseller in the U. S. market, and although the new 650 is an obvious sibling to the smaller machine, it differentiates
14 / OCTOBER 2026 / RIDERMAGAZINE. COM