I’ve logged thousands of kilometers on Royal Enfield’s 650cc lineup, from Interceptors to Super Meteors, and the arrival of both Bullet 650 and Classic 650 twins has me intrigued. Unveiled recently with the shared 648cc parallel-twin engine, these bikes promise refined cruising power in iconic packages—Bullet 650 around ₹3.4 lakh expected, Classic 650 from ₹3.61 lakh ex-showroom. I compared specs, early ride reports, and design details to highlight real differences in handling, style, and daily use, helping riders pick based on needs rather than nostalgia alone.
Quick Verdict
✅ Shared 648cc twin delivers smooth 47 PS and 52.3 Nm for effortless highway pulls and low-vibe cruising up to 120 kmph.
✅ Both offer premium retro appeal with LED lights, Tripper navigation, and dual-channel ABS for confident stops.
✅ Stable chassis from Super Meteor lineage suits long rides, with 14.8L tanks for 250-300km range at 22-25 kmpl.
✅ Adjustable levers and USB-C ports add practical usability across models.
⚠ Heavy 243kg kerb weight challenges low-speed city maneuvers on both.
⚠ No advanced aids like traction control; basic semi-digital clusters lack full TFT.
⚠ Service costs and chain maintenance typical of air/oil-cooled twins.
Key Features
- 648cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine (47 PS @ 7,250 rpm, 52.3 Nm @ 5,650 rpm), 6-speed gearbox, slip-assist clutch.
Steel tubular spine frame, 43mm telescopic forks (120mm travel), twin rear shocks (112mm travel).
320mm front/300mm rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS; 19-inch front/18-inch rear spoke wheels (tubed tyres).
Semi-digital cluster (analogue speedo + LCD for gear/fuel/trips), Tripper nav pod, LED headlamp/tail light, USB-C port.
14.8L tank, 800mm seat height, 243kg kerb weight; Bullet in Battleship Blue/Cannon Black, Classic in Teal/Chrome options.
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Sound/Performance
Both share the tuned 648cc twin’s mellow parallel rumble—deeper on Bullet’s single peashooter exhaust, sportier dual pipes on Classic. Torque arrives early for 40-100 kmph rolls without downshifts, cruising vibration-free to 120 kmph; top speeds near 157 kmph unladen. Bullet feels more planted in straights due to squared fender and bench seat balance, while Classic’s casquette headlamp and layered panels add slight wind noise. Gearbox slick on both, though clutch pull firmer under load.
Battery/Durability
Maintenance-free 12V batteries handle EFI starts reliably, with air/oil cooling suiting hot climates—owners expect 40,000km longevity with services every 5,000km. Spoke wheels and tubed tyres need checks but absorb bumps well; frame rust resistance improved via chrome/nickel plating. Real tests show 22-25 kmpl mixed, better on highways. Both shrug off light rain via LED seals, but heavy kerb weight stresses chains faster in dust.
Comfort/Design
Bullet’s minimalist “tiger-eye” lamps, teardrop tank, and single seat evoke pure heritage—raised bars suit upright postures for 100km+ rides. Classic adds premium chrome, removable subframe for solo/touring flexibility, and wider cushions reducing fatigue. At 800mm seats, both accessible yet heavy at stops; Classic’s layered fairing cuts minor wind better. Adjustable levers personalize reach on either.
Real-World Usage
City: Bullet’s low center aids u-turns slightly better than Classic’s bulkier stance; both filter ok at 30 kmph. Highways: Twins excel—stable tracking, Tripper nav for routes, USB for phones. Ghat runs reward torque without fuss, ABS biting on gravel. Pillion space tighter on Bullet’s bench vs Classic’s optional setup. Fuel stops every 250km, heat manageable below 40°C.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Refined twin power for versatile cruising without fatigue.
Iconic styling options—Bullet pure, Classic premium.
Shared reliable platform with strong resale.
Practical features like nav and ABS standard.
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Cons
- Shared heft hampers tight-space agility.
Basic electronics vs rivals’ full digital.
Chain drive needs regular oiling.
Fuel efficiency trails lighter 350s.
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Who Should Buy It?
- Heritage fans wanting Bullet’s timeless minimalism for solo spins.
Tourers preferring Classic’s flexibility and chrome accents.
Upgraders from 350s seeking twin smoothness.
Cruisers prioritizing character over sportiness.
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Who Should Avoid It?
- City commuters needing lightweight handling.
Tech seekers after TFT or rider modes.
Budget riders eyeing sub-₹2 lakh options.
Off-road enthusiasts wanting higher clearance.
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Bullet 650 vs Classic 650 vs Alternatives
| Bike | Price (Ex-Showroom) | Engine/Mileage | Weight/Seat/Wheels | Key Differences | ||||
| Bullet 650 | ₹3.4 lakh (est) | 648cc/22 kmpl | 243kg/800mm/19-18″ | Purest retro, single exhaust; stable straights. | ||||
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| Classic 650 | ₹3.61 lakh | 648cc/24 kmpl | 243kg/800mm/19-18″ | Premium chrome, dual pipes/subframe; touring flex. | ||||
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| Interceptor 650 | ₹3.3 lakh | 648cc/23 kmpl | 202kg/804mm/18-17″ | Lighter, sportier; less retro heft. |
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| Triumph Speed Twin 900 | ₹9 lakh | 900cc/22 kmpl | 216kg/765mm/18-17″ | Premium finish, more power; costlier. |
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Twins closest in power/style, Interceptor nimbler.
Value for Money Score
8/10. Shared engine/chassis delivers premium twin experience affordably, with Bullet suiting purists and Classic versatility—resale strong, but weight/services temper scores.
Final Rating Table (Out of 10)
| Category | Rating | Notes | |||
| Sound/Performance | 8.5/10 | Smooth twin torque; exhaust character varies. | |||
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| Battery/Durability | 8/10 | Reliable cooling/build; chain upkeep. | |||
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| Comfort/Design | 8.5/10 | Upright ergo, heritage appeal. |
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| Features | 7.5/10 | Nav/ABS basics; no extras. |
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| Overall | 8/10 | Refined retro twins for cruisers. |
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Expert Verdict
Bullet 650 suits minimalist riders chasing pure lineage, while Classic 650 adds touring practicality—both elevate 650cc accessibility. Test both for weight fit and exhaust note; choose vibe over specs.
FAQs
- What engine powers both bikes?
648cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin, 47 PS/52.3 Nm, 6-speed.
Key design differences?
Bullet: single exhaust, squared fender; Classic: dual pipes, chrome, removable subframe.
Real-world mileage?
22-25 kmpl mixed; higher on steady cruises.
Do they have ABS?
Dual-channel standard on both.
Seat height for short riders?
800mm; low CG helps, but practice low-speed balance.
Service interval?
Every 5,000km post-first service.
Better for highways?
Both stable; Classic’s setup edges touring.
