By priyag
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Discover the rich legacy of Royal Enfield’s Classic series, from the first-generation models to the latest Classic 650. Explore its timeless design, powerful performance, and evolution through the years.
Royal Enfield comes to mind when venturing into the world of strong, durable, and vintage motorcycles. With a history of over a century and originating from England, RE motorcycles are known and remembered for their distinctive engine thumps and classic yet aggressive design philosophies. Royal Enfield began its roots when the company started supplying reliable motorcycles to the British Army in 1914 for the 5th Motor Machine Gun Battery. These motorcycles were equipped with machine gun sidecars, which proved invaluable in combat situations, particularly during battles like those near Ypres in 1915. One of the most notable military contributions of the company was producing the Flying Flea, a lightweight 125cc motorcycle designed for airborne troops. This model was capable of being dropped from aircraft and was used extensively during key operations, including D-Day. On another note, the Flying Flea is to make its re-entry into the two-wheeler market, taking on the avatar of an EV this time, which is a key to re-living RE's rich history.
The British War Department ordered over 4,000 units of the Flying Flea due to its effectiveness in communication and mobility on the battlefield. Royal Enfield has also contributed to the Indian Army, as after independence in 1947, the Indian Army sought reliable motorcycles for border patrols.
In 1949, Royal Enfield's Bullet was selected for this purpose due to its durability and performance compared to previously used models like Triumphs and BSAs. The Indian government ordered several batches of Bullets, leading to the establishment of a manufacturing facility in Madras (now Chennai) to produce these motorcycles locally. This is how the classic series came into being.
The first generation of RE’s classic series of motorcycles was first released in 2009 and was sold until 2021. The respective models under the series were the Classic 350 and Classic 500. A notable feature of the Classic 350 included a carburettor, and the Classic 500 was equipped with an EFI. The colour options for both models were Stealth Black, Chrome, Battle Green, and Gunmetal Grey.
Heading into the detailed specs of both motorcycles, the Classic 350 is equipped with a 346 cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, twin-spark, air-cooled engine and generates 19.1 bhp at 5250 rpm and a torque of 28 Nm at 4000 rpm. The RE 350 incorporated a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox, telescopic front suspension, and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. The braking system comprises a 280 mm disc at the front and dual-channel ABS at the rear.
The classic 500, on the other hand, was equipped with a 499 cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark ignition, air-cooled, fuel injection engine that generated 27.2 bhp at 5250 rpm and a torque of 41.3 Nm at 4000 rpm. The suspension setup included a telescopic front suspension and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. The braking system of the Classic 500 comprises a 280 mm disc at the front and a 153 mm drum at the rear.
Royal Enfield’s classic series again received a modern reinterpretation of its past glory when the Generation 2 Classic 350 was released. This Generation 2 motorcycle made its debut in 2022 with newer elements such as a new engine, chassis, suspension, and brakes, along with new cosmetic changes as well.
Getting into the specifications of the revamped Classic 350, the motorcycle is powered by a 349 cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that delivers 20.21 PS of power at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The fuel tank capacity of the Generation 2 Classic 350 is 13 litres, and the seat height is 805 mm.
The Generation 2 offers a 5-speed transmission, and the suspension setup includes a 41mm telescopic front fork and twin-tube shock absorbers at the rear. The braking in the Generation 2 Classic 350 is handled by a 300 mm disc at the front and a 150 mm drum at the rear. Single- or dual-channel ABS was also included according to the variants.
The colour options include Redditch Grey, Halcyon Black, Signal Desert Sand, Dark Stealth Black, Chrome Red, and more. The motorcycle is available in 5 variants, which are Redditch, Halcyon, Signals Edition, Dark Edition, and Chrome Edition.
Keeping Royal Enfield’s rich history in mind, Royal Enfield’s newest iteration of the classic 650 has launched in the Indian market and is priced at ₹3.37 lakhs and can reach up to ₹3.50 lakhs (ex-showroom).
The newest Royal Enfield Classic 650 is powered by a 647.95 cc, inline twin-cylinder, four-stroke engine that generates 46.3 bhp at 7,250 rpm and 52.3 Nm of torque at 5,650 rpm mated to a six-speed constant mesh gearbox. The engine features a fuel injection system as well, utilising a fully synthetic 10W-50 engine oil.
The new classic 650’s main frame, subframe, and state-of-tune largely resemble the Shotgun 650. The design elements of the new Classic 650 include a round LED headlight housed in a beautifully shaped cowl, reminiscent of classic motorcycle designs. The iconic teardrop-shaped fuel tank and curved fenders enhance the classic 650's appeal and ensure functionality. Another charm factor of the new classic 650 is its generous chrome detailing, especially on the twin exhausts and other components.
The notable features of the new classic 650 include full LED lighting, which includes an LED headlamp, tail lamp, and turn signal lamps. The semi-digital instrument console resembles the classic 350, which includes a speedometer and a multi-information digital display showing a fuel gauge, gear indicator, odometer, and a clock. The Classic 650 is equipped with a USB Type-C charging port for convenient device charging on the go, and an optional tripper navigation pod provides turn-by-turn navigation functionality. Other notable features of the new Classic 650 include Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable brake and clutch levers.
Coming to the chassis and the suspension setup, the motorcycle sits on a tubular spine frame and features a 43mm telescopic fork at the front with 120mm of wheel travel, and at the rear suspension setup receives twin shock absorbers with 90mm of wheel travel.
The braking system in the new classic 650 comprises a 320mm single-disc brake in the front and a 300mm single-disc brake at the rear, with twin-piston floating callipers. Dual-channel ABS is standard. The motorcycle rides on an MRF Nylo-high 100/90-19 front tyre and a 140/70 R18 rear tyre.
Noting the dimensions and weight of the new classic 650, the motorcycle’s wheelbase is 1,475 mm, the ground clearance is 154 mm, and the seat height measures up to 800 mm. The new Classic 650 measures 2,318 mm in length, 892 mm in width, and 1,137mm in height. The kerb weight of the motorcycle is 243 kg. The fuel tank’s capacity is 14.8 litres.
To bring some more light into Royal Enfield’s new classic 650 launch, B Govindarajan, Managing Director, Eicher Motors Limited, and CEO of Royal Enfield, mentioned the following words: “The Classic 650 is more than just a motorcycle – it’s a tribute to our rich legacy, where timeless design meets effortless performance. It carries forward the spirit of Royal Enfield, blending craftsmanship with an unshakeable bond between rider and machine. Built on our proven 650cc parallel twin platform, it offers a perfect blend of refinement, capability, and powerful road presence, making it an even more aspirational choice for those who love the Classic’s DNA, seeking more power and versatility. With the Classic 650, we are not just building motorcycles; we are preserving the essence of pure motorcycling for generations to come. We’re thrilled to bring this iconic machine to India, and I am confident that it will be embraced with the same passion that defines our riding community.”
To conclude, the Royal Enfield Classic series has always been a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal. From the first-generation models that embodied vintage aesthetics with their distinctive thump to the modern reinterpretation in the Classic 350 Gen 2 and the latest Classic 650, Royal Enfield has consistently evolved while staying true to its roots. The launch of the Classic 650 marks yet another chapter in this storied legacy, offering a refined yet powerful ride for those who seek both nostalgia and modern performance. With its robust engineering, refined twin-cylinder powertrain, and unmistakable road presence, the Classic 650 stands as a testament to Royal Enfield’s commitment to pure motorcycling. As the brand continues to blend tradition with innovation, the Classic series remains an icon that transcends generations, ensuring that the spirit of motorcycling endures for years to come.