If the Classic 650, launched at EICMA 2024 a year ago, was aimed at recapturing the old style of post-war motorcycles, this new Bullet 650 simply makes the heritage real; It features a nameplate that has been a feature of the Royal Enfield brand for over ninety years. Both have the same foundation, but have inherited a different spirit.
Also Read: Royal Enfield Bullet 650 with 648 cc parallel-twin engine unveiled at EICMA 2025
Royal Enfield Bullet 650 vs Classic 650: Design
The Classic 650 inherits the soft lines, teardrop tank and chrome-accented touches of its younger brother, the Classic 350. The bike sits low, looks handsome, and feels timeless. The color palette, Vallam Red, Bruntingthorpe Blue, Teal Green and Black Chrome, helps it look rich and mature. The proportions are almost perfect for a modern retro motorcycle, with subtle updates like LED lighting and improved finish quality showing just how much Royal Enfield's craftsmanship has evolved.
In contrast, the Bullet 650 is more straightforward, strong and confident. Its shape is derived from the smaller Bullet 350, with larger dimensions and refinement of the 650 cc platform. Signature features like the chrome-ring headlamps with twin pilot lamps, hand-painted tank pinstripes and metal tank badging are present, as is the iconic Bullet lettering.
It looks and feels like a Bullet should in its most advanced form, commanding, substantial and proudly in line with the spirit.
Royal Enfield Bullet 650 vs Classic 650: Features
Royal Enfield has struck a careful balance between heritage and practicality with both models.
The Classic 650 features a semi-digital instrument cluster with tripper navigation, dual-channel ABS, LED headlamps and taillamp units and the same Showa suspension setup seen on its 650 siblings. Chrome switchgear, fine paintwork and neatly integrated details add to the feeling of quality.
The Bullet 650 gets the same hardware base, large analog speedometer with semi-digital dials, LED lighting and a sturdy build. But it lives up to the retro brief, with minimal electronic intrusions and honest ergonomics that feel instantly familiar to longtime Bullet riders.
The seats, too, are slightly different in character, with the Classic 650's softly shaped saddle feeling more cruiser-friendly, while the Bullet 650's flat seat emphasizes everyday utility and rider-back seat comfort in a more traditional manner.
Both motorcycles ride on 18-inch spoke wheels, use the same twin-shock rear suspension setup, and feature premium Showa telescopic forks at the front, which are tuned for comfortable, confident highway manners rather than sporty cornering intent.
Royal Enfield Bullet 650 vs Classic 650: Specifications
Beneath the retro design lies the same refined 648 cc, air-/oil-cooled, parallel-twin engine that has powered every Royal Enfield 650 to date. It produces 47 hp at 7,250 rpm and 52.3 Nm at 5,650 rpm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox and slip-and-assist clutch.
The Classic 650 weighs around 243 kg, has a seat height of around 800 mm and ground clearance of 154 mm. It is expected to sit in the same ballpark as the Bullet 650, as it uses the same chassis, suspension geometry and fuel tank size of 14.8 litres.
Braking is handled by discs at both ends with dual-channel ABS, while suspension duties are handled by Showa telescopic forks at the front and twin gas-charged shocks at the rear.
In short, the ride experience should be instantly familiar to anyone who's spent time in an Interceptor or Super Meteor, smooth, streamlined and confidence-inspiring, but here wrapped up in timeless design.
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First publication date: 05 November 2025, 15:36 PM IST