From a laid-back cruiser to a scrambler, the line-up has got it all
The Royal Enfield 650 family of bikes consists of several models that cater to different riding styles, all built around the air-oil cooled, parallel-twin cylinder, 648cc engine platform. Even though they all share the motor, they have two chassis that differentiate the six bikes. The original 650s, the Interceptor and Continental are based on the same frame, with the Bear also now in the mix. On the other hand, the Super Meteor, Shotgun, and the recently launched Classic 650 all share a slightly different chassis.
Classic 650
Price: Rs 3,37,000 to Rs 3,50,000 (ex-showroom)
The Classic 650 is the latest addition to the brand’s line-up of bikes, a tribute to the brand’s heritage. It gets traditional styling elements such as a round headlamp and the iconic retro design borrowed from the Classic 350/500 but changed to go with the bigger engine. It offers a balanced mix of nostalgia and performance, ideal for riders who appreciate retro aesthetics and more than enough grunt for our roads. In many ways, it can also be considered as the modern, more powerful version of the Classic 500.
Interceptor 650
The Interceptor 650 is a classic roadster with retro styling. Here the 648cc, parallel-twin engine delivers 47PS and 52Nm. It is designed for those who love an upright riding posture, offering excellent performance and comfort, making it ideal for both city rides and long highway cruising.
Continental GT 650
The Continental GT 650 is a café racer inspired by the 1960s, with a more aggressive riding position with clip-ons in place of the handlebar and rear-set rider footpegs as compared to the Interceptor. It shares the same engine and frame, but offers a sportier feel and sharper handling due to its committed seating posture. It may not be as comfortable for everyday commutes, but great for weekend fun on the ghats.
Super Meteor 650
The Super Meteor 650 is a cruiser meant for long distance touring and mainly highway usage. Its design is focused on relaxed cruising, making it a good choice for those riders who enjoy leisurely rides on smooth roads. Note that the harsh suspension isn’t suitable for bad patches of road. All in all, the Super Meteor is ideal for those who want to graduate from the Meteor 350 or the Thunderbird 350. It is also the most affordable 650cc cruiser in India.
Shotgun 650
The Shotgun 650 is a factory built custom bobber that presents a modern take on the retro bobber design. Powered by the same engine, the Shotgun offers unique looks, and is for riders who want a more personalized motorcycle. Even though it’s a bobber with a single seat, the pillion seat is offered as an accessory.
Bear 650
The Bear 650 has a rugged scrambler inspired design, suited for both city riding and light off-road adventures. It is based on the same chassis as the Interceptor and is the scrambler version of the same. This model appeals to riders who want a sturdy, practical motorcycle that can handle various terrain while still delivering solid power and comfort. It has been tuned to offer the highest torque in Royal Enfield’s 650 line-up, at 56.5Nm, 4.5Nm more than the other Royal Enfield 650cc bikes. Additionally, it’s also the only bike in the family to have a two-into-one exhaust.
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