Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin Ride Review | Retro thrills on Enfield’s big twin

[@himydad1499]

RE is indeed the only manufacturer that really NAILS the retro look.

[@funkygrib1]

OK, I am a RE owner and fan boy but that Kawa W800 with the bevel drive cam is kinds special too ! All metal and chrome just the same ! but a wee nit rich.

[@himydad1499]

@@funkygrib1 True, that's why I have the W800 in my garage, the engine is indeed a beauty but the experience of riding my classic 350 is however next level. The W800 can't beat that and I doubt the 650 can.... Next year I'll do a testride. Cheers.

[@GlynOC]

That's because to them it's not retro, they never stopped making bikes that look like this. It's just what they do!

[@funkygrib1]

@@himydad1499 I have always admired the W800 from a distance but its an eye opener to hear your owners opinion, I will keep this in mind. Thank you.

[@lorimcquinn3966]

A Scrambler look is just that, just a look, not a bike that's actually decent or better off-road. Too bad they did the engine in black, a complete offensive homage to the Scrambler of the 1960's. Your eyes pass right over the engine, hard pass on this.

[@deanblanton-fh3gq]

Thank you Royal Enfield designers. You finally listen to the customer after two years of asking You now have a 650 classic that has the look of the 60s and 70s at a great price. Too bad Triumph didn’t get the memo regarding their ridiculous prices. Didn’t learn a thing from Harley Davidson problems. Priced themselves out of the market over a 60 year old design with a few up grades.

[@DirkGentley42]

60 year old design? Do you mean Triumph? The new Hinkley/Thailand Triumphs are virtually nothing to do with the old designs except in name(s).

[@God-is-love-]

Exactly 💯. Moreover in our india it's cheaper than foreign countries ❤

[@logangodofcandy]

Triumph has a $5,000 bike. What price memo didn't they get? The 400x will probably be cheaper than the 650 classic in the US.

[@razgriz380]

Don't be ridiculous. The Triumph is the price it is because of the build quality and standard of components which is leagues ahead of the budget RE version here.

[@kushagraN]

​​@@logangodofcandyboth triumph 400 are also cheaper than every 650 RE & the himy 450 in India as well. Speed 400 is an amazing value at 250k INR (3000 USD) and a gorgeous bike especially to me who was never a fan of the old classic REs. They are definitely selling well in a market that triumph had 0 presence previously, so the experiment has worked. Now that they have been on sale for an year, looking to find a used speed 400, or even better the scambler.

[@Sr.D]

Right to the point, no stupid music, no stupid fly by camera angles, best video of the classic 650, and I have seen a lot of them

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@Sr.D Aw, thanks!

[@fraidwoodcesco]

agreed

[@jfro5867]

Gorgeous looking bike, we can’t go fast nowadays anyway due to speed cameras, crap roads, congestion. Time to chill out a bit and enjoy the journey more on something that looks stunning.

[@edwardwilliammorris1340]

Excellent video . Thanks. I'm an Enfield meteor rider , might move up to a 650 model from 350 eventually, but probably not as my 350 does everything well . These modern royal Enfield bikes have come so far in the last decade it's unreal . I had a new bullet 15 years ago , it was so bad I got rid of it. The new 350 I own has done 1000s of miles with me ( and loads of luggage) and delivers comfort and reliability 👍 keep it up Enfield

[@shashimenon1000]

Good video. No unnecessary gimmicks. Good bike. Gives you just what it says...a good ride❤

[@ajaymadduri2289]

Good road presence good rider posture and RE has absorbed all the rider instincts in all their products. Value for money and for happy rides.

[@morrisminor56]

That is a good old style gentleman's motorbike.

[@Rudra71124]

Man, now I have to get this too.My Classic 350 needs this to give her company.😊

[@TheNorthernClassicRider]

Wow Dan, you hit the jackpot getting that test ride. Looking forward to trying it out for myself.

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

Haha, thanks! Lucky break I guess, especially with the weather and roads as well. Hope you get the same for your run!

[@saloader3290]

Did you get the nod before the KZbin Dullards that swarm round RE like flies round poo 👍 Congratulations

[@gordonharkness5446]

Beautiful! RE appear to really understand how to build and style proper retro motorcycles. More than happy with my Interceptor but this is very tempting!

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

Wow! Bang on lines & an analogue bike without a digital dash, hallelujah.👍😁

[@geraldscott4302]

Sadly it does have a digital display, right in front of you where you have to constantly look at it. A huge wart on an otherwise beautiful bike.

[@earldelsanto]

I absolutely hate a digital dash. That is a deal breaker for me

[@earldelsanto]

​@@geraldscott4302is it digital or not?

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

I ❤ Royal Enfield! With that nineteen inch front wheel, I bet it does quite well on 💩 roads too.

[@johnfountain8588]

I have an Interceptor and will be looking hard at this bike - I don’t much like the bench style seat on mine and would prefer to be seated down in the bike as with the 350 I have a feeling that is will suit my style and I will be able to get a leg over it which is getting harder at my age 76 - This was a very good review and I think the first review out there You got the scoop I believe and it would have been a good idea to show a side profile of the bike Thanks for the ride along And best regards from Florida 🦩🦩🦩🦩

[@Biggus63]

It will be considerably heavier than the Interceptor, probably around the 240ish kgs of the Super Meteor and Shotgun since it's on the frame of those two, so it might seem a bit sluggish compared the the 217ish kg Interceptor. I have an Interceptor and I think I'll be staying with it. I also have a 500 Classic. I wish they'd given it a sprung seat like on the 500 to be honest, but it is a stunning looking bike and I reckon it will sell well.

[@Bigfatbobbbb]

@@Biggus63biggus dickus

[@franktreadwell3442]

What a beautiful bike. I love the full sized mudguards. Looking forward to test riding one.

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

I'm glad it's still air-cooled... looks fab, and a strong potential upgrade or stable-mate to the 350/500! (My wish list would have asked for a 360 degree engine)! Can't have it all-ways! Well done Royal Enfield!

[@tedwitus]

Nice video Mid-life...personally, i wish they'd hit the mid-displacement market with a 500cc Classic. I believe that's a legacy model so maybe they will.

[@-old-school-motorcyclesltd]

What a coup 😊 Well done and great ride love this couldn’t wait to see this and will definitely be trying one in the new year

[@markwhitehead1658]

I like it. I have the 350 classic its beautiful and goes well. It can pull the skin off a rice pudding. It goes the same two up too. If you think the 350 is gutless you are missing the point of it. Having more cc wont make it a better bike . Bikes are about more than that. Great video.

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@markwhitehead1658 Fair points, and totally agree there’s more to life than cc and hp but if you DO want more there’s now the option.

[@fasteddy3661]

A great bike that I will certainly buy. However they should have given it a sprung seat like to Classic 500, that would solve the rear suspension problem.

[@bobbyblueace]

Your getting good at this. Really good. Nice work. 😉

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@bobbyblueace Gee, thanks! Lovely of you to say so, appreciated. Always room for improvement but practice makes, and all that.

[@nikhil.k8938]

Straight to point ❤❤

[@MandeepSingh-nm2qj]

Such a beautiful bike. Equally beautiful review❤

[@niallwildwoode7373]

I recognise those roads, they're right on my doorstep. The 650 looks pretty good, although I concur with many that the rear mudguard's radius is visually jarring. If it's too pricey then I'll just get one of the many cheap Inties out there and build a bobber.

[@brettwicks7339]

Great review , we are spoilt for choice , Cheers .

[@sanatandharma4435]

Bloody 'ell! It's a stunnder! Many thanks for this review.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Looks really nice and to think that it's price undercuts the price from 2 years ago of the BSA GoldStar and i bet it won't suffer from those faults the BSA has had reported. Also its not, I'm sure, going to have it's price slashed in 12 months time.

[@Cj-nu7nx]

12 months ownership with the Super Meteor, converted to single seat with Solo Seat finisher and Bar End mirrors only. I have no reason to sell. I love it! Perfect for my riding. Love it! Until now... 🤔 On first look, this bike delivers everything I was looking for but couldn't find. Will definitely test ride to compare to the Super Meteor. Even if it equals, it may get me over the line to trade. What a stunning bike!❤

[@dannyward959]

I currently have the 2022 meteor 350 ride 7k per year went to buy my retirement bike yesterday a 650 meteor, but was told a 650 classic was on the way out. I have put the purchase on hold I will be up grading to the 650 classic as soon as it is released in the US. retirement in 10 months hope to go out with a new bike. Counting the days for both I have had many bikes over the last 50 years the enfield is a simple straight forward bike no speed demon but boy it’s a great bike

[@johnharris7353]

Sounds good looks good !

[@Tommy-Atkins]

Now if only RE had fitted the Guerilla 450 single engine into the classic/Bullet 350 frame!…a classic style single with nigh on 40 BHP !..not that much less than the 650 twin range!! …great ramble pal…always look forward to your new vids…this one is hard to beat as no one else has had a ride review yet!..well done you 👌😎👍

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@Tommy-Atkins Interesting idea! I think there’s more to come from that 450 engine as well so we’ll see what comes. And thanks for kind words.

[@ScrolltheNature]

Really awesome jacket !!

[@jjcastleberry3662]

She's beautiful!

[@dennisolson3667]

I now have a problem. I am moving to South America from the US in June. I will be selling my Trials 500, GT 650 and Classic 350. My plan is to get a RE and add a side car. In the last week I now have the option of the Bear or the Classic. Decisions, decisions.

[@Bajaborn]

Price for the trials 500?

[@YiddoHuayi]

There's yt clips of Classic 350s with sidecar in Thailand. They look mint. I would love to have a Classic 650 with sidecar...

[@arbrocks6909]

Classic 🎉

[@imochasingh6875]

Ready for some mods before even launched in the market. 1) 2in1 exhaust pipe to loose some weight and get some extra hp. 2) A handlebar riser or a taller handlebar to give ourself a more upright and relax riding poster and to give a bobber look for myself. 3) Lower the rear fender a little bit. Lower the seat a little more. Am confused if the foot peg will be comfortable with a lower seat?

[@david.beckenham]

I was lucky enough to buy a second hand T100 Gold Line with 8000km (5000miles) in the clock for less than the overall price of the Classic 650. But if I didn't bump into that absolute bargain I'd run to RE to get one of these absolute beauties. But the thing is, the Bear 650 is also a great looking thing... 😱

[@jonlloyd830]

Great video thank you! Feel like I need one of these for the DGR 2025!!! Agreed I owned the 350 meteor and really felt that RE had some sort of pedigree or kudos when producing a genuine retro feel. I would certainly consider a bigger version like this, that was my only issue (350cc ok but just not enough for me)

[@tonywright8342]

I would go the Classic 350 any day. It even looks better than this.

[@leighcoulson2148]

Looks great and in the running for an eventual replacement for my Continental GT 650, or at least on my shortlist (not that I'm in a hurry to replace it). Nice to see the launch on my local roads too.

[@markusjentesart]

Ever since RE released the 650 cc motor, building different types of motorcycles around it has just made the brand so much more attractrive. They're surely going to make a killing with the 650 line of bikes moving forward. The moment RE gets into the 850+ cc level, it will really make things very interesting too.

[@MANIplanet-1985]

It's my feverate bike ❤

[@KevinofWessex]

Don't need any power on a motorcycle of this nature. Great video...

[@matthewloewenthal5114]

RE got it just right with the 350. A new 500 single may well as been as vibey as the old one and I don’t think they could air cool it and get is passed emissions regs . This is just a Repainted shotgun. It doesn’t look right. The old British derived bullet 350 was very rough in engineering terms but was lovely and smooth. The J Series platform is pretty much perfect and with the aftermarket pipe and air filter mod nearly as fast as the old 500. I won’t be selling mine and look forward to maybe a second 350 as they will be going cheap for at least a while.

[@DexterDexter123]

shorter pipes and bar end mirrors and that’d. perfect.

[@ayushdesai-dakle]

This is absolutely going to be used as a daily commuter bike atleast India where it will sell most units, its truly one of the brands India can be proud about.

[@vilasterrormotogp1419]

I'm sad that the Thumper engine was lost, I always thought that sooner or later Royal was going to bring out a larger single-cylinder engine, but they opted for the engine from the Intercepter, the engine is excellent, I love twin-cylinder engines, but I like things to be different. I don't really like seeing the same engines in different models, for example maybe this classic model could have the engine with a different explosion order, something that was more classic and gave a different sound for example like Kawasaki did in the W800 model, I think that this classic would be better this way.

[@EnKay0000]

Each and every word you said was in my mind as well. I just hate this exhaust note on a Classic bike! There's no way that I will ever buy Classic650. RE launching different bikes with the same engine is becoming a joke 🤣

I hear you man.

[@goma8695]

Beautiful 😍❤️ no dought it becomes my favourite

[@89RASMUS]

I think it can all be summarized as other brands try to look retro while RE IS retro. There's just something more genuine about these bikes and how they're built. Modern in the bits that counts, like fuel injection, ABS and electronic ignition, while still old-school in style, ergonomics and performance. All the feel from an old bike, but without the drawbacks. Perfect for the returning bikers who wouldn't want to wipe oil stains in the driveway every morning, but still want a classic ride.

[@rexsceleratorum1632]

RE was in a socialist time capsule from 1955 to 1990

[@MANIplanet-1985]

I love this bike 🏍

[@agnosticengineer]

5:00 6:00 6:54 13:41 BEST SHOT😍😍😍😍😍

[@Potatoalex538]

Love this indian bike😊

[@WillysHellToad]

Royal Enfield...❤❤❤

[@ThePenitentOne]

I can't pinpoint what it is, but something definitely doesn't look right with this Classic 650 model, idk if it's the out of proportion rear wheel with the rear fender or what, it looks like as if you could fit a much bigger wheel back there

[@vorrdegard2176]

I am on the same dilemma

[@jalford5089]

Its the nacelle. That nacelle is Bullet, always was always will be. To look out over that chubby comforting front end and not hear a single thumping away just isn’t right. T’aint natural. The exhaust note is odd too. The riding position looks to have the footrests too far forward and the bars slightly too high. Not for me

[@JorgeAbreu-ut7jo]

It's just a shotgun with smother curves. The fenders are realy a design mistake. Lost oportunitty.

[@pierceson02]

Beautiful bike indeed

[@David_loves_foods]

I would have loved if they kept the single cylinder it was so different, and now it sound exaclty like all their 650's

[@lightfoot413]

It is very quiet and thanks for the review...

[@lezmdk187]

WOW that is really nice must have one for the collection well done again harley who....

[@electrobob1]

Last spring I considered a Guzzi Bellagio or RE Classic350. I went for the single. The Bellagio rides like a charm but had a shoret production run. Quite similar layout to this 650 let's hope this works out good for RE. Personally I wouldn't consider this upgrade over the 350. btw, you drive it like a 350 LOL!! kr, Erik

[@mortalgamer8760]

5:00 all you want to see😍

[@trevorwilliams195]

What most people wanted is a new j platform 500 cc classic..but it would stop the sales of the 350 outside India..I'd buy a 500 at a heartbeat..and i love my 350..

[@DexterDexter123]

looks gorgeous.

[@timsnaden8937]

Wow, a load of exciting new bikes this year. I'd like to see some bigger engines with around 70 bhp. Love my interceptor, but often run out of puff

[@artstar5994]

What a beauty!

[@geraldscott4302]

I love the looks of the Classic 650 (except that black one, I never ever want to see another black bike) I absolutely love the teal colored one. It is bright and shiny, with almost no black on it. Sadly if it ever makes it to the U.S. it will be well over $10K USD OTD.

[@wdb7187]

Finally... spoked wheels!

[@Jaams44]

Are they tubeless?

[@brettwicks7339]

Just don't get a puncture out on a ride , no quick get home fix unfortunately .

[@o00scorpion00o]

Pity we don't see modern retro cars, cars today look boring and driving them is boring. It's good to see so many modern retro bikes, when we say retro we really mean normal because this is how bikes should look in my opinion. The Triumph 400 is a nice bike and so is the new Honda GB 350s, never though I'd see Honda make anything else other than transformer style sport bike or sport tourer so hopefully this is a sign of things to come from Honda, it got so bad I thought they fired their design team ! Anyway, this new RE will be out of my price range for now so I'm on the lookout for a 650 or 700 Deauville , sure no looker but nice and old and if I get the 650 I'll have a choke, this is what's missing on modern bikes, the classic rawness of an old no electrics carb bike with choke lol. I wouldn't mind the CBF600 with integrated panniers either.

[@Lemmingadventures]

The fenders need to be exactly like the classic 350. That front fender needs to wrap around the front tire like the classic 350 does.

[@arthurpendragon7224]

They are not 'fenders', they are called 'mudguards'.

[@Lemmingadventures]

@@arthurpendragon7224 potato, pobobot, eh.

[@imochasingh6875]

I am hoping this one is going to be great for a bobber customisation. Everybodies knowledge is welcome.

[@donaldelder540]

Great looking machine

[@versyschris]

Nice review. What helmet are you wearing?

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

Thanks! It's a Shoei Glamster - terrible name, lovely helmet!

[@Oldguy-k3t]

Now if Royal Enfield would make a modern version bmw r80 gs, have cash, will travel.

[@Rebel-Forces-Earth-007]

I'm wondering what after-market silencers would fit and work on this bike; to reduce weight and increase power and sound quality.

[@paulsumpter9573]

You said "Air cooled" but isn't that a radiator in between the frame downtubes?

[@someone-wi4xl]

Wish it had a kick start

[@frankschmaelter]

RE ❤

[@khruzuvero6214]

Will pillion seated be introduce too?

[@GG-ub4ej]

Im hoping this gets to the United States before terriffs take effect and jack the price up.

[@aidylyall883]

Hi. What I'd like to know is how does it ride compared to the classic 350?

[@RedRanger-b7m]

still waiting for a litre bike from RE. 650 is good for beginner, but now I want more. 0-100 in 6 secs is quite slow.

[@mar0364]

I really like the concept of this bike, but it’ll probably be at least a year before we see it in the US. Could it help fill the void left by the traditional Sportster? I sure hope so. That said, I was let down by the quality and performance of the Interceptor. For the same price, I ended up buying a used Bonneville instead.

[@andrewdyrda8012]

Nice. Real nice.

[@davidsnipes7297]

Enjoyed your review. One question, did you find the suspension stiff? Some reviewers from India said it was stiff. Thx.

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@davidsnipes7297 Didn’t stand out as such but that may be down to local tastes as much as anything - possible that Indian reviewers have different expectations.

[@saddle8bag]

This is how all bikes should be released. Better to not fill the heads of the reviewers with all the specifics so they know what to parrot. Just ride the goddamn thing and say what you like and don't like about it.

[@RobertMountfort]

Do they hold up?

[@gphilipc2031]

Looks great ...top speed and MPG?

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

Hi there! I'm afraid there's no top speed quoted (and, as I've said before, it's not really the most important thing on a bike like this) and for mpg I'd have said you'll probably get into the low 50s on a cruise going by previous with others with the 650 engine. Though caveated with the fact this bike is a bit heavier. Sorry, not really answered your questions there but hopefully a steer at least!

[@gphilipc2031]

@@midlifecrisismotorcyclist Believe me and with all due respect, that is how most of us quickly compare MCs.

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@gphilipc2031 Noted! In fairness at the point I rode this one we didn't have ANY tech info at all but I'll share in future. Thanks for feedback! 👍

[@korrakrit100]

How is feeling, if compare with Super meteor ?

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@korrakrit100 I confess I’ve not ridden the Super Meteor but going by wheel sizes etc I’d expect it to be a little more cruiser style.

[@stevenmiller184]

I appreciate the effort but the fenders look wrong. I had an Interceptor and found the engine, clutch and transmission brilliant but the seating position was uncomfortable.. My Classic 350 is much more comfortable, I will have to sit on this bike to get a feel for it.

[@jaide1312]

That super meteor frame sticks out like a sore thumb, the matte black look of it clashes with the bike and it has cruiser proportions that don't quite look right to me.

[@JoseRodriguez-yr8uj]

Se puede mantener cruceros de 140 150 ?

[@Bobthestraightguy]

Hi Dan hows the riding comfort level, especially over rough roads? Is it good or bad on bumps and rough surfaces??

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@Bobthestraightguy Not bad - big wheels and decent suspension parts mean it’s better than an Interceptor and different league from an American cruiser retro.

[@Bobthestraightguy]

@midlifecrisismotorcyclist thank you. Any vibrations or shakes or other issues at top speed???

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@Bobthestraightguy I'm not sure I got anywhere near the top speed but the engine has a nice balance between vibes to offer a bit of character without shaking the mirrors off their mounts or the fillings from your teeth. I've not ridden the BSA Gold Star yet but I'd imagine it'll be smoother than that bike's big single.

[@Bobthestraightguy]

@midlifecrisismotorcyclist Thank you Dan.

[@jagdeepbains1991]

Where is the notorious RR unit? Below as it used to be? I think they've changed the position on bear 650...but not on this...

[@TheArj62]

Bro ,how about gear shift ratio with speed...whats the minimum speed to put top gear

[@csorgb05]

I like the looks of the bike EXCEPT the rear fender. The fender looks misfitted and sits to proud over the rear tire. It just destroys the look for me.

[@spookydog6959]

nice motor

[@imochasingh6875]

And the handlebar looks different and good.

[@themailman8298]

RE bikes have a nice look and style. But why only 47hp engines? Why not bikes with more than 47? What is the reason for that?

[@JoseRodriguez-yr8uj]

La moto me encanta

[@richard9444]

I'm getting one of these😂

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

No offence, but how did you with less than 4k subscribers get in on the bike that early, before even the launch?

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@CornishMotorcycleDiaries KZbin isn’t my only outlet for my reviews and my good relationship with Royal Enfield is built on my wider work as much as my vids.

[@1234fazermann]

I heard the suspension is bad(too stiff) esp. in the rough roads, is it true?

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@1234fazermann I’m afraid I can’t comment on that - the roads we were on were all pretty decent. The suspension is of better quality than the Interceptor and Conti GT as well.