The classic parallel twin model that never existed: the Royal Enfield Classic 650 | Test Ride - Motopeek - Latest Motorcycle News, Reviews & Updates

Royal Enfield Classic 650…From 949,300 yen

There are four body colors available. The price of the white and blue version is the same as the white and red version of the test drive vehicle, but the green version is 969,100 yen and the black and chrome version is 998,800 yen.

650cc parallel twin engines can be broadly divided into two types

Royal Enfield’s Classic 650, which began its introduction in the Japanese market in September 2025, is the latest model in the 650cc parallel twin series, which already has five models, and is the older brother of the single-cylinder Classic 350.

However, since most of the models sold by the company have a traditional feel, some people may not understand the position of the new model. With that in mind, I would like to start by giving an overview of the series.

Royal Enfield’s 650cc parallel twin series can be broadly divided into double-cradle frame twin platforms (INT650, Continental GT650, Bear 650) and diamond frame cruiser platforms (Super Meteor 650 and Shotgun 650) with a distinctive “U” shaped rear half.

The twin-platform double cradle frame is characterized by the two pipes that originate from the head pipe serving as both the tank rail and the seat rail. The down tube is bolt-on type.

The Classic 650 falls into the latter category, but some people may be wondering, “Why is a vehicle that should be considered the king of British classics a cruiser?”

The cruiser platform frame is a diamond type that uses the engine as a strength member. The rear half of the frame has a “L” shape, which is the same as the company’s previous 350/500cc single-cylinder models.

The reason for this seems to be that they took into consideration the design, packaging, riding position, etc., but I feel that there must also have been a commitment to tradition.

After all, the cruiser platform diamond frame is very similar to the one used for the Twin series that the company sold in the 1950s and 1960s (the structure of the Twin platform is reminiscent of Rickman, a frame builder who was famous in the UK in the 1950s to 1970s).

However, because a cruiser platform was chosen, the Classic 650’s body is heavy and stability-oriented. If you look at the weight, wheelbase, and tire size below, you can understand the direction of the five existing models and the Classic 650.

●INT650……………………213 kg, 1398 mm, 18-inch front and rear

Continental GT650…211 kg, 1398 mm, 18-inch wheels front and rear

Bear 650: 214 kg, 1460 mm, 19.17 inches

Super Meteor 650…244kg, 1500mm, 19.16 inches

Shotgun 650: 240 kg, 1465 mm, 18-inch, 17-inch

Classic 650: 242 kg, 1475 mm, 19-inch, 18-inch

Rich classic taste

Compared to the Super Meteor 650 and Shotgun 650, which use the same platform, the vehicle height is higher (seat height and ground clearance are Super Meteor 650: 740mm x 135mm, Shotgun 650: 795mm x 141mm, Classic 650: 800mm x 154mm), but the basic ride feel is probably that of a cruiser… That’s what I was thinking before the test ride.

However, the Classic 650 not only had completely different characteristics from the Super Meteor 650 and Shotgun 650, but it was also a bike that offered a stronger classic feel than the five existing models.

The nacelle-type headlight cover and two position lamps were standard equipment on Royal Enfields in the 1950s and 1960s, and were first used on a 650cc parallel twin.

That’s because, as soon as you straddle the seat and start riding, the instruments and nacelle-type headlight cover that come into view assert the tradition of Royal Enfield, and while it is an orthodox riding position, by modern road bike standards, the footpegs are positioned forward and the knees are gently bent, which also contributes to the vintage bike atmosphere.

However, an even more important factor is the 19-inch front and 18-inch rear tires. That said, there was nothing wrong with the tire size of the existing five other models, but in terms of being able to enjoy the old-fashioned, high-quality, gentle handling, I think the 19-inch/18-inch tires have qualities that should not be underestimated (19-inch tires were the standard for the company’s Twin series from the 1950s and 1960s).

An engine with a single-axis balancer

Royal Enfield’s 650cc parallel twin engine has a crankshaft phase angle of 270 degrees, a single-axis balancer, and an OHC 4-valve valve train.

By the standards of modern neo-classical twins, Royal Enfield’s parallel twins, including the Classic 650, have a modest displacement. However, perhaps because the balancer is a single-shaft type (parallel twins with a crankshaft phase angle of 270 degrees generally use a two-shaft type), the unique power of a two-cylinder engine is fully conveyed, while at the same time, there is no unpleasant vibration at high rpm.

However, considering future exhaust gas regulations, it seems likely that the engine displacement will increase, and personally I would like to see a long-stroke model made to recreate the old days (all of the company’s twins from the 1950s and 1960s were long-stroke, while the current 650cc parallel twin is a short-stroke 78 x 67.8mm), but this engine strikes an excellent balance between a feel reminiscent of the good old days and modern ease of handling.

Classic 650 Value

So, although I have a favorable impression of the Classic 650, I also feel that the twin platform, which is about 30 kg lighter, is more suitable for sports-oriented riders, and riders who prioritize ease of foot reach would be better off with the Super Meteor 650 or Shotgun 650. However, of the 650cc parallel twin series, the Classic 650, which incorporates traditional elements throughout, is the one that gives the best feel for the atmosphere of the old Royal Enfield.

Riding position (height 182cm, weight 74kg)

The seat height is 800mm, exactly halfway between the INT650 and Shotgun 650, and riders around 170cm tall will have most of their feet on the ground. When you take the riding position, it gives the impression of an old bike from before the 1970s. Compared to the INT650, the footpegs are positioned further forward, and compared to the Shotgun 650, the handlebar grips are higher and closer to the rider.

Detail explanation

The handlebars are semi-up type, but are pulled closer to the rider using clamps with a large rear offset. The grip rubber is barrel-shaped.

While it uses two LCD screens (the TFT monitor on the bottom right can display turn-by-turn navigation), the meter panel retains the company’s traditional feel.

The aluminum switch box is designed with the look of an old car in mind. Although it cannot be seen in this photo, there is a USB port on the bottom left side.

The base of the smoothly curved brake/clutch levers is fitted with a simple position adjustment dial that matches the vehicle’s atmosphere.

The front and rear split seat configuration is the same as that of the Shotgun 650. The Japanese model comes with a pillion seat and rear carrier, so you can enjoy three different styles depending on your preference.

All lights are LED, and the taillights have the same design as the Classic 350 and Bullitt 350. The front and rear fenders and the 14.8-liter gas tank are specially designed.

The parallel twin-cylinder engine and intake system parts are the same as those of the existing Super Meteor 650 and Shotgun 650. Maximum output is 47ps/7250rpm, and maximum torque is 52.3Nm/5650rpm.

Although it is basically air-cooled, it actively uses oil for cooling, so this engine is often described as air-oil cooled. The peashooter type muffler is a special design.

The front forks are 43mm upright, and the rear suspension is a twin shock. Both are Showa brand. The tires are bias front and radial rear, with MRF NYLOHIGH-FN/N.

The brake discs are φ320mm/φ300mm, and unlike existing models, the single-action two-piston front and rear brake calipers feature the Royal Enfield logo.

Main specifications

Engine type: Air-cooled 4-stroke in-line twin-cylinder SOHC 4-valve

Bore/stroke: 78mm x 67.8mm

Displacement: 647.95cc

Compression ratio: 9.5:1

Maximum power: 34.6kW (47ps) @ 7,250rpm

Maximum torque: 52.3Nm @ 5,650rpm

Idle speed: 1,200rpm ± 100rpm

Engine starting method: Electric starter

Lubrication method: Forced lubrication

Engine oil grade: 100% synthetic oil 10W-50

Clutch: Wet multi-plate

Transmission: 6-speed return type

Fuel supply system: Fuel injection

Frame type: Steel tubular spine frame

Front suspension: Upright telescopic fork / inner tube diameter 43mm

Front wheel travel: 120mm

Rear suspension: Twin shock absorbers Rear

wheel travel: 90mm

Overall length x height x width: 2,315 x 1,124 x 900mm

Wheelbase: 1,475mm

Ground clearance: 154mm

Seat height: 800mm

Fuel tank capacity: 14.8 liters

Weight: 242kg

Brakes & Tires

Tire size: Front 100/90-19, rear 140/70 R18

Front brake: 320mm diameter single disc + twin piston brake caliper

Rear brake: 300mm diameter single disc + twin piston brake caliper

ABS: Dual channel ABS