[RT13]

Very nice design language but apart from that I’m starting to struggle to make out the difference between the Super Meteor, the Shotgun and now the Classic. But hey, choice is good I suppose. If only they’d address the primary complaint of stiff/hard ride quality, that would be nice. Also, that pillion seat arrangement seems a bit of an ungainly afterthought. Could’ve been a little more elegant.

[Venkatesh]

With the launch of the new Classic 650 Twin, Royalenfield’s 650cc portfolio now comprises 6 models. Here's how they stack up.

[Proxima]

Booked the Black Chrome today. The dealer said he will deliver in ~45 days.

[DarthFader]

Originally Posted by Proxima

Booked the Black Chrome today. The dealer said he will deliver in ~45 days.

I guess you will be among the first ones to provide a proper review here because I am not sure when the test ride vehicles will be available at dealerships.
Please share your experience with us once its delivered.

[Saturn-V]

Originally Posted by Proxima

Booked the Black Chrome today. The dealer said he will deliver in ~45 days.

Congratulations

Did you get a chance to test ride it? I have an Interceptor and was wondering how would a person fell riding on both these motorcycles and which one gives a more relaxed and commanding feel while riding.

[DarthFader]

Originally Posted by Saturn-V

Congratulations

Did you get a chance to test ride it? I have an Interceptor and was wondering how would a person fell riding on both these motorcycles and which one gives a more relaxed and commanding feel while riding.

Did you TD Bear 650? Though it has quite stiff suspension, it did seem better than Interceptor. In terms of commanding position, I guess nothing will beat Classic.

[Saturn-V]

Originally Posted by DarthFader

Did you TD Bear 650? Though it has quite stiff suspension, it did seem better than Interceptor. In terms of commanding position, I guess nothing will beat Classic.

No I haven't had a chance with the Bear yet but, your observation now does make me curious about it. Never liked the Bear but looks like I'll try it out. Thanks.

[EasyRider Suraj]

Originally Posted by SithDefender

Since they are planning to increase the 650s to 750cc, they may bring in the 500cc to slot in between these two ranges. Though I have a feeling they will be focusing more into an even higher capacity to go worldwide against competition. A Himalayan 1200cc anyone ??

Jokes aside, it brings to mind the Carberry Enfield which was a fusion of two 500cc engines in a V-Twin form to create a 1000cc bike :

Attachment 2741866

Or the original 1938 Royal Enfield KX 1140 monster :

Attachment 2741864

Attachment 2741865

They showcased this 838cc v twin concept few yrs ago. This is what we need.

[EasyRider Suraj]

Originally Posted by JunkyardHunter

Now all we need is for RE to revive the Classic 500 and the trio will be complete

Unlikely due to emissions and market positioning. The top variant of 350cc is already very close to Interceptor 650 now. The best we could expect is a new retro bike made with their updated 440cc engine from Scram, they could revive models like Machismo for this engine.

Originally Posted by RT13

Very nice design language but apart from that I’m starting to struggle to make out the difference between the Super Meteor, the Shotgun and now the Classic. But hey, choice is good I suppose. If only they’d address the primary complaint of stiff/hard ride quality, that would be nice. Also, that pillion seat arrangement seems a bit of an ungainly afterthought. Could’ve been a little more elegant.

Save amount of difference as b/w classic and meteor in 350cc or thunderbird and UCE classic earlier.

[Freespirit27]

As a Shotgun owner I do feel a little cheated on pricing front but it will help shotgun retain the uniqueness.
I wonder what are the main differences which bring the price down. My take -

1. In the picture leaks the gear shift seems to be a toe shifter which is not great for Classic peg position.
   
2. A bigger tank on a 650 is welcome.
   
3. Also with the pegs slightly forward the heat of the engine is going to be more pronounced and not exactly great for a commanding seating that Classic was known for. The under thigh is going to catch a lot more heat!

All in all I feel the 350 J series is the right engine for classic type seating while the 650 maybe a tad uncomfortable for long runs.

[Baristyro]

There are plenty of complaints regarding stiff suspension, mostly revolving around Shotgun, SM and now Classic 650.

Thinking about it, the catch here seems to be the ground clearance, the Classic has the highest GC of the three but it's still just 154mm. At this point, a stiff rear suspension is basically a necessity for the engineering team to prevent the bike from scraping it's belly in challenging situations. The silver lining is that the Classic probably has the "best" stiff suspension out of the Three.

However, this hypothesis still doesn't explain the stiff rear of the Bear 650, which has plenty of GC to start with.

[windiesel]

Wayy too damn heavy and ponderous in my opinion. Interceptor and Conti remain the Go-To 650s. The sales figures bear testimony.

[Rennjit]

Some bikes are to be admired & not to be owned. Super meteor derivatives fall in this group owing to the dead weight if nothing else. I'm writing this sitting ahead of someone's classic 350, that's a manageable, usable bike. These twins offer nothing much than poser value unfortunately. They should've gone for a new compact road going frame, instead of the cruiser frame. But hey, RE is smarter than me & most of us, sitting and admiring its looks but not buying it.

[that_sedate_guy]

Quite honestly, the RE 650 mill in my opinion does way better justice in cafe racer and retro racer frames aka the OG twins and of course and ADV if needed. Pinning that motor into every frame in existence just doesn't quite cut it. It needs a low kerb weight platform to really shine. The heavy cruiser frames are much better suited for a higher displacement engine in a maybe harley-ish state of tune. With all these later releases, I find they simply don't give me that "Look once, love twice" feeling. They're all beautiful motorcycles without a doubt but while form can make you buy one, function is what will keep you riding it.

[Amrit@wheels]

Having driven the Classic for almost 40k kms, I am already familiar with the positives it offers. However, I am not sure if it is apt for the 650 twin cylinder engine. If I were in the market for a 650cc Royal Enfield, I'd rather go with the Bear or Interceptor. I hope I get proven wrong about this.