Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin 2024 review | First Ride

A handy crib sheet supplied with the publicity material for Royal Enfield’s latest retro helpfully details the brand’s long-standing relationship with the parallel-twin engine configuration that has since come to characterise modern bikes, for better or (some would argue) for worse. For those not up to speed with post-war British motorcycle history, Enfield credits its 1948 500 Twin as one of the most important bikes in its long history, and indeed of its era.

More knowledgeable motorcycle historians than I can be the judge of that, but the brand clearly feels a strong emotional connection to this engine type, expressed in more recent times with the development of a brand new air-cooled 648cc motor launched in 2018 in the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT. Since then, it has gone on to power the Super Meteor 650 Cruiser and the Shotgun 650 custom, the frame underpinning these two also providing the foundations for this new Classic 650 Twin.

Yes, new! It may not look it, but this is a totally modern bike, riffing as it does on Royal Enfield tradition but based around that decidedly 21^st-century engine and using up-to-date suspension and brakes to hopefully combine contemporary riding manners with a look harking back to the good old days. If, indeed, they were that good at all.  

Aesthetically, the Classic 650 Twin nails its colours to the mast of 50s British cruisers, with a pleasingly old-school construction of proper metal bits rather than plastic fakery for bodywork, like the headlight cowl with its trad integrated speedo, the fork shrouds and the sweeping mudguard enclosing the rear wheel. The engine is, of course, the emotional and physical heart of any motorbike and, modern or not, the 648cc twin looks the part thanks to its cooling fins, the polished crankcase covers and the chrome exhausts running forwards out of the cylinder heads, under the bottom of the bike and then out into the low-slung silencers.

Purists will doubtless be able to pick holes but, to the more casual observer, the proportions look spot on and there’s an all-round authenticity about the look even Triumph’s Bonnevilles will find hard to match. True, there are disc brakes and an LED headlight, but the modern forks have been neatly concealed and the twin-shock rear end looks the part, while detailing like the Royal Enfield logos engraved into the engine casings and bar clamp look suitably trad.

It’s a more imposing bike than anything yet seen from the brand as well, and a better finished one into the bargain with cables and hoses all neatly routed and organised rather than just crudely wrapped in electrical tape and zip ties as we’ve encountered on other modern Enfields.

The numbers don’t look all that impressive when you consider the air-cooled twin’s modest sounding 47PS (35kW) output has 243kg of bike to haul, plus rider and potentially pillion. For context, even the smaller of the two Triumph Bonneville options now has 65PS (48kW) and the BSA Gold Star nearly matches the Enfield’s output with a 652cc single. Previous experience of Royal Enfield’s retros also suggests money spent on looking good hasn’t always been matched by investment in running gear like tyres, suspension and brakes, either.

But numbers aren’t everything, and this Enfield twin has always delivered more in terms of character and fun than it has horsepower. The lazy state of tune is geared more towards low-end torque, which is delivered with a characterful bark through six well-spaced ratios and a pleasingly clunky feeling gearbox. Against that weight, the engine is never going to blow your socks off but the Classic 650 Twin doesn’t feel slow, delivering sensory delights with every gear and throttle opening. Which is what you want from a bike like this.

Where the Interceptor and Continental GT get by with crude suspension parts, the Super Meteor and Shotgun the Classic 650 Twin is based on also get half-decent running gear, the fork shrouds concealing some proper Showas matched with rear suspension units from the same. They’re still relatively basic, but are a step up in quality from the equivalent parts used on the Interceptor and Continental GT with which the Classic 650 Twin shares its engine, and it shows out on the road.

You need to be mindful of scraping the pegs in tighter corners but the set-up is more than sufficient for the power output, and in terms of ride quality and braking you’ll be happy you’re on a 21^st century bike and not a 50s one.

The Classic 650 Twin is a more substantial bike than others in Royal Enfield’s classic range, in part thanks to the combination of a 19-inch front wheel like that on the Super Meteor, but in this case, paired with an 18-inch rear rather than the latter’s cruiser-like 16-inch. This is no bad thing, and means taller riders can get comfortable without looking like they’re riding a toy bike as they might on the single-cylinder Classic 350.

A taller seat than expected and need to spread your legs to clear the exhausts and pegs makes it feel like a lot more bike at lower speeds, but it’s not too bad, and even shorter riders should get along just fine. The straight-backed riding position is pure trad as well, this and the wide single saddle on our test bikes perfectly acceptable for a long day out riding the beautiful roads across the North Pennines where we tested it.

A bolt-on pillion seat is also available, though the bike looks better in its single seat configuration. You at least get the choice, though. Relatively short suspension travel means you keep half an eye out for potholes and other bumps, but it’s more suited to British roads than an American style cruiser in this respect, and the weight and bigger wheels help the Classic roll over intrusions rather than send shocks up your spine.

Tech on the Classic 650 Twin is limited to things like the fuel injection and ABS Royal Enfield is duty bound to include to meet emissions and safety regulations, though space has also been found to subtly integrate the brand’s signature Tripper phone interface beside the speedo for basic app-driven navigation and the like. There if you want it, not intrusive to the overall retro vibe if you don’t.

We rode the bike ahead of its formal unveiling, at which point Royal Enfield still hadn’t announced any accessories. But going by previous we’d expect to see a range of personalisation options, period-appropriate luggage and other such delights if you want to deck your Twin out for more than just short Sunday morning trips out for a brew and bacon sarnie.

Colours-wise, you can go for the traditional black and chrome seen here or a selection of more 50s two-tone paints and scripted logos for a slightly different vibe. From what we saw of the display bikes, the Twin wears them all well and which you prefer will be down to personal taste and your interpretation of period dress.

Royal Enfield’s retro-modern twins have always been likeable bikes, value and charisma typically making up for any shortcomings in finish or ride quality. The Classic 650 Twin is a step up, though, and a demonstration of the brand’s confidence in celebrating its past, present and future.

Triumph’s classics offer a sense of the look with the reassurance of more modern manners and engineering, but the Classic 650 Twin has a greater sense of authenticity while still being usable in a way no true classic could be. How far down that retro route you want to go will be a matter of personal taste, but this side of a proper 50s bike, the Royal Enfield is as convincing a statement as you could make and packed with charm and character.