The teardrop tank, headlight nacelle, and“ tiger lamp” pilot lights are some of the classic touches on the Classic 650. Modern updates include ABS, LED lighting, and a USB-C charging port.
650( as well as Royal Enfield’ s Super Meteor 650, Shotgun 650, INT650, and Continental GT 650) is plenty capable of cruising at speed all day long. It makes a claimed 47 hp at 7,150 rpm and 38 lb- ft of torque at 5,250 rpm – not record- breaking figures by any means, but both the power response and delivery are well- tuned to the machine. Rolling on the throttle rewards the rider with smooth forward movement, and a speedier twist produces a quick surge to bring some excitement to the ride or to allow passing other vehicles on the highway.
The only hitch I discovered while riding the Classic 650 is its heavy clutch- lever pull. I could manage it for the day, but my hand would’ ve become sore if we had experienced more stop- and- go traffic. The bike’ s 6- speed gearbox shifted smoothly, and vibrations throughout the machine were minimal.
Royal Enfield- branded brakes include a 2- piston floating front caliper pinching a 320mm disc and a second 2- piston floating caliper in the rear paired with a 300mm disc, with ABS as standard. The brakes felt more reassuring than I expected, bringing me to a stop without fuss whenever needed.
The Classic 650 is also ready for two- up riding with a removable passenger seat and rack that come standard, although our test bike already had these pieces removed before we hopped on them. With a heavier rider than my 110- lb self and a passenger aboard, the brakes and suspension might not perform as well as they did for me, but
RIDERMAGAZINE. COM / OCTOBER 2026 / 17