Royal Enfield’s famous 650 twin platform has been a big hit ever since the Interceptor and Continental GT came out. When the Shotgun 650 was launched at the turn of the year, there were rumors of future models on this platform. Look and be amazed, the Classic 650 and Bear 650 are here.

The EICMA 2024 trade show is in full swing. Royal Enfield kicked off proceedings by unveiling its electric arm, the Flying Flea, and its first ever EV. But that’s not all, the bike maker has just launched the all-new Classic 650 which follows the Bear 650. Yep, it’s not one but two bikes built on the 650cc parallel-twin platform.

The Bear 650 made headlines a few days ago when it was first revealed to the public. It was soon seen listed on US site with a lucrative starting MSRP of $6,849. The Indian manufacturer followed up the Bear with a classic with a large capacity. The same old classic that Royal Enfield has built its identity on has gone big… in a big way.

Classic 650

Loz Blain/New Atlas

Like the Classic 350, the Classic 650 features a drop-shaped fuel tank, rounded fenders, a one-piece seat and round headlamps and nacelle, all of which are hallmarks of a modern Royal Enfield classic. There will be a seat available as an add-on. It rides on a 19-inch/18-inch wire spoke wheel.

The Classic 650 gets the same frame, swingarm, and rear dual shocks with 3.5 inches (90mm) of travel as the Shotgun 650, which isn’t really surprising since both of these bikes share most of the components and underpinnings. Up front is a 1.6-inch (43 mm) telescopic fork that offers 4.7 inches (120 mm) of travel.

Loz Blain/New Atlas

Weighing in at 535 lb (243 kg), the Classic 650 is the heaviest motorcycle from Royal Enfield. So if you were expecting easy maneuvering, forget it. The bike has 6 inches (154 mm) of ground clearance and 31.4 inches (800 mm) of seat height with a 3.9-liter fuel tank.

Powering the retro cruiser is the famous 648cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine from Royal Enfield, which produces 47 horsepower at 7,250 rpm and 38.5 lb.ft (52 Nm) of peak torque at 5,650 rpm. Gear ratios are comparable to those of the Shotgun 650, and the engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slip and assist clutch.

Loz Blain/New Atlas

In terms of features, the folks at Royal Enfield have graced the bike quite well when you compare it to the Classic 350. While the standard console is half digital and half analog, there is an available Tripper navigation pod you can choose. In addition, you get adjustable levers, a USB charging port, full LED lighting and dual-channel ABS.

The Royal Enfield Classic 650 is the sixth 650cc motorcycle from the company after the INT 650, Continental GT 650, Super Meteor 650, Shotgun 650, and the newly launched Bear 650. Four colors are available for the motorcycle: Bruntingthorpe Blue, Black Chrome, Vallam Red and Teal. Pricing for the US has yet to be revealed, but it starts at an MSRP of €6,800 in Europe, which equates to around $7,400. Pretty neat for a parallel-twin classic.

Björn 650

Loz Blain/New Atlas

The Bear 650 on the other hand is a scrambler style of the famous Interceptor 650. It undergoes some notable changes that give it a unique personality. Royal Enfield claims that Eddie Mulder, the youngest winner of the grueling Big Bear race in the California desert in 1960, served as the inspiration for the new Bear 650.

The combination of front and rear wheels has been changed from 18/18-inch to 19/17-inch. The suspension has also been improved; with the Bear getting the same Showa upside-down front forks as the Shotgun, but the internals have been changed while the rear gets new dual shocks.

Loz Blain/New Atlas

Additionally, suspension travel has increased by 5.1 inches (130mm/115mm) front and rear. Accordingly, seat height has also increased, making this the tallest of the 650s at 830 mm (32.6 in). The Bear 650 also introduces new MRF Nylorex block tread tires on spoked wheels; although tubeless tires are not an option right now. A new wide handlebar and a new footpeg location have been added to improve ergonomics.

With one major difference, the Bear 650’s 648cc parallel-twin engine is the same. The bike now has a two-into-one system with a single exhaust pipe on the right side instead of two exhaust pipes. With this tweak, peak power remains constant but torque increases from 38.5 lb.ft to 41.5 lb.ft (56.2 Nm) at the same 5,150 rpm. With the Bear 650 weighing more than 4 lb lighter than the Interceptor at 476 lb (216 kg), this redesigned exhaust system has undoubtedly contributed to some weight savings.

Royal Enfield

Functionally, there’s switchable ABS, a fully digital TFT screen, Bluetooth connectivity, Google Maps integration, full LED lighting and a USB charging port. In addition, Royal Enfield will also provide a wide range of accessories, including more scrambler-specific components such as a headlight grill and a sump cover, as well as standard equipment such as touring mirrors and a touring seat.

The Royal Enfield Bear 650 will be available in five different colours: Boardwalk White, Petrol Green, Wild Honey, Golden Shadow and Two Four Nine, starting at an MSRP of $6,849.

Source: Royal Enfield