Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin (2025 – ) review

While modern-day Royal Enfield established itself with a range of charming if underpowered single-cylinder classics it really hit its stride with the introduction of its 648cc parallel-twin in the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT. While these successfully riff on minimalist traditions of 60s and 70s roadsters and café racers this Classic 650 Twin takes its inspiration from 50s British bikes and the post-war era of chrome, cruisers and the big twins Royal Enfield successfully launched at the time. Built around the frame of the Super Meteor and Shotgun with which it also shares the engine and other bits, the Classic 650 Twin is a physically more imposing bike than both thanks to a bigger 19-inch/18-inch wheel combo and greater overall length. Shrouds conceal modern Showa forks within while at the back twin rear suspension units complete the retro look, the metal cowl around the headlight and framework supporting the rear bodywork all adding to the sense of substance. If not ‘full retro’ in terms of its foundations it’s certainly one of the more convincing efforts, to the extent even a Triumph Bonneville looks something of a pastiche in comparison. From the chrome-plating to the polished aluminium on the engine casings and handlebar clamps the quality and attention to detail are also a step up from what we’ve previously seen from Royal Enfield

While the saddle looks to be set low over the mudguard the substantial bodywork and bigger rear wheel (an 18-inch one over the 17-inch of the Shotgun and 16-inch on the Super Meteor) means the Classic 650 Twin is taller and more imposing than looks might suggest, and certainly a whole lot more bike than the single-cylinder Classic 350. It carries its weight low, though, so it’s not too intimidating and the riding position strikes a balance between the raised cruiser stance of the Super Meteor and more custom influenced Shotgun. Taller riders will appreciate this bigger stature over others in the 650 range and while upright there’s also more reach for the upper body, with the rider centred between the wheels for a comfortable and confidence inspiring position.

The bikes we rode on our pre-reveal test all had the single seat configuration, which looks very stylish and suits the classic vibe. But if you do want to carry a passenger the pegs are already in place and an additional seat bolts on quickly via a dedicated subframe, as per the Shotgun 650. So, the option is there if you want it. Beyond that the Classic 650 Twin is as minimal as you’d expect of a retro bike, with nothing to hide behind in terms of wind blast and little in the way of creature comforts or tech. Which, we’d venture, is what the target audience will probably like about it. At the time of writing we haven’t seen what luggage options Royal Enfield may be offering, but based on previous we’d expect a range of accessories to appear on the configurator when it appears. Comfy or not, this is more a bike for sunny Sundays along the lanes rather than long-distance touring, though. And you’d not want to chance all that polished aluminium and chrome on the winter commute.

Air-cooled authenticity will count in the Classic 650 Twin’s favour among retro fans, but although the engine looks trad it is in fact a modern unit. If not an obvious choice for a younger, rookie rider the 47 horsepower output means you can ride it on an A2 licence and if that figure doesn’t sound all that impressive against the 65 horsepower of the latest T100 Bonneville the well-judged gear ratios and torquey power delivery do a good job against the hefty 243kg the bike is carrying. If not fast it’s more than quick enough for the style of bike and the kind of riding you’ll be doing on it, that air cooled sound and a nicely boomy exhaust note meaning plenty of sensory delights as you work your way up and down the six-speed gearbox. Braking hasn’t traditionally been a strong point for Royal Enfields but, perhaps mindful of that extra weight, more care than usual seems to have been paid here. It’s still only a single front disc gripped by a two-piston caliper but there’s more bite to the lever than we’ve experienced on other bikes in the range and, when combined with the characteristically powerful rear brake, there’s enough to slow the bike for the corners without your knuckles turning too pale.

Where the Classic 350 and others like it can get away with basic running gear the extra weight and performance of the 650 Twin demands more, and thankfully Royal Enfield has invested the cash in proper Showa forks and twin rear suspension units for modern ride quality and handling without detracting from the traditional looks. The 19-inch front wheel and sheer weight of the thing means inputs err to the slow and deliberate but the Classic 650 Twin actually shows great balance and can carve the turns with enough enthusiasm to have you scraping the pegs in the tighter turns without too much difficulty. That sense of substance also means it rides well, with less risk of being deflected by bumps, ridges or other road imperfections. It may be built for cruising and looking good but it’s nice to see Royal Enfield has bothered to make it handle properly as well, and for all the old-fashioned looks the Classic actually handles more like a modern bike than you might expect. Which is a nice surprise!

At the time of writing we still don’t know how much the Classic 650 Twin will cost to buy, but we’d venture it’ll be at the top end of the Royal Enfield range. Again, as a new bike insurance and residuals remain unknowns but the generally chilled riding style the bike encourages should keep a lid on fuel consumption. That weight may mean it gets through consumables like tyres, chains and brake pads faster than others in the range but as a fair weather bike that likely won’t be too much of an issue.

The 648cc twin is reasonably understressed given its lazy state of tune, and is well-proven across other bikes in the Royal Enfield range. So, no immediate concerns on that score. The Classic 650 Twin is also a pretty simple bike, with minimal electronics and a lot less to potentially go wrong than many more modern machines.

Royal Enfield’s three-year warranty is longer than most in the industry and inspires confidence it has faith in its products. At the time of writing we don’t have the information on service intervals but we’ll assume it’ll be there or thereabouts similar to others using this engine, meaning a 300-mile initial check and then annually or every 4,700 miles. Which should be plenty for the kind of use a bike like this is likely to get.

If chrome-plated or polished parts count as equipment then the Classic 650 Twin looks pretty lavish! In conventional terms, though, it’s a simple bike, with a single analogue clock set into the metal shroud around the front end and basic LCD info for fuel and mileage. Royal Enfield’s neat Tripper device has also been neatly integrated and could pass for an auxiliary gauge at a glance. It in fact offers a degree of modern connectivity and basic navigation via a dedicated app, though we’ve never managed to get it to work properly in previous tests. Maybe that’s on us for having an old phone and if you can get it to work it’s a nice-to-have without spoiling the classic ambience. Beyond that concessions to modernity don’t go much further than fuel-injection, ABS and an LED headlight, all of which we’ll take for improving the Classic 650 Twin’s rideability over a proper retro. We haven’t yet seen what accessories Royal Enfield has in store for the bike but the framework around the rear mudguard should provide somewhere to mount the kind of suitably old-school looking soft luggage you might want for longer days out.

If your music tastes are more rockabilly than rocker the Classic 650 Twin captures that 50s spirit beautifully, and shows a new level of class and maturity in Royal Enfield’s design and finish. What modern touches are included don’t intrude too much on the sense of retro authenticity, to the extent you might even be able to tag along with riders of proper classics without standing out too much. There’s enough performance to be getting on with as well, and the handling to match. Retros aren’t for everyone of course. But if you’re going to do it you may as well do it properly. And the Classic 650 Twin certainly does that.