The Royal Enfield Classic 650 has long been a daydream for an RE enthusiast like myself. Where the traditional look of the Bullet—which was first produced in 1931 and later on served as the blueprint for the 350 and 500 Classic models in 2009—meets the performance of RE’s tested and trusted 650cc platform.
The first time I hopped on a Royal Enfield was in September 2019. It was a carbureted unit construction engine (UCE) Bullet 350. Since then, I’ve ridden the Himalayan 411, Classic 500, GT 535, and Interceptor 650. I haven’t really ridden other big bikes, at least not with the same saddle time I’ve had and continue to have with the brand.
Now, I’ve been able to take out the Classic 650 for a spin.
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Styling
I’m inclined towards Royal Enfeid bikes. I wouldn’t have bought and kept one if I hadn’t liked the iconic styling. It’s an understatement to say that I like everything about the Classic 650’s style. The chrome finish is a perfect reflection of a truly beautiful bike. It demands attention anywhere you park it.
Although personally, among the color options available, the Teal finish appeals to me the most. Surely something that will make heads turn even more so than this one.
The saddle
I am 164cm or 5’4” tall. In comparison with the Interceptor 650, I find myself tiptoeing on both feet when I’m on the Classic 650. Not that it bothers me—“skills, pare, skills!” I’d attribute this to the wider seat and the side cowling that bumps the rear end of my thighs whenever I get my foot down.
The seats, both rider and passenger, seem to be well-cushioned. I find it more comfortable than any Enfields that I’ve ridden.
Engine performance
Using the full tank method, the bike gives off a conservative 22km/L. It is a reasonable fuel consumption for a bike in its class. What shocked me is the difference in performance of the Classic 650 compared to the Interceptor 650, given that they run on the same engine platform. The engine provides a smoother but tamer acceleration. It goes effortlessly up to 100kph, but gives off the trademark vibrations when pushed beyond.
With only nearly 47 horses, RE’s 649cc air-cooled, parallel-twin is the least powerful engine in its class. But most of the middleweight bikes in the Philippines are water-cooled performance-oriented bikes. If you ask me, the engine’s character is more comparable to other air-cooled twins like the Kawasaki W800 or Ducati Scrambler.
Ride and handling
The Classic 650 is a heavy bike. Nevertheless, 240kg seems to be manageable once you do get to riding speeds. It won’t be as flickable as the Interceptor, but with its less jerky transmission, I’d prefer this in slow-moving, stop-and-go, or even standstill traffic situations.
I was in a ride-to-work situation with the bike for five days from Southwoods in Biñan to Lipa City in Batangas where I covered more than 100km a day. It would have been lovely to actually ride this to other parts of Luzon with thrilling inclines and enjoyable twisties, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to do so. I can only imagine what this bike can offer on a multi-day touring ride where its comfort will truly be tested, especially when pit stops are only done for two to three hours in between a 16-hour ride.
Extra features
One of the reasons I like Royal Enfield bikes is for their simplicity. But the upgrades seen on the Classic 650 are very much welcome. LED lighting? Check! Digital instrument clusters? Check! Fuel injection? Check! ABS? Check! Not too many creature comforts, but that’s all I need to call a bike modern and safe.
Verdict
A bike is only as good as the sum of its parts, and this bike does not disappoint. It shares the same 650cc platform that is incredibly reliable and cheap to maintain. If I’d only have one bike in my garage, this would be a definite contender. Quantitatively, a 9.5 out of 10.
What sets this bike apart from its competitors is that you can buy a classic bike with heritage, but it won’t break the bank. The top-spec Black Chrome at P445,000 is more than a hundred thousand pesos more affordable than a Kawasaki W800, and a lot more compared to a Triumph T100. With the Classic 650 lineup, Royal Enfield offers seasoned and new riders great value for their money.
SPECS: 2026 Royal Enfield Classic 650
Price: P445,000
Engine: 647.95cc air-cooled, parallel-twin
Power: 46.4hp @ 7,250rpm
Torque: 52.3Nm @ 5,650rpm
Wet weight: 243kg
Seat height: 800mm (31.49 inches)
Fuel-tank capacity: 14.8 liters
Score: 9.5/10
