Royal Enfield Classic 650: road test: how the Indian 'old style' motorbike rides

Arriving last year to flank its 350 cc little sister, the Royal Enfield Classic 650 (7,000 euro) fully preserves its retro style: rounded lines, generous mudguards, rounded front headlight with chrome frame, strictly analogue instrumentation (with a small digital display), elongated twin exhausts, single seat (the passenger seat, easily removable, is standard) and an attention to detail that testifies to the evolution of the Indian brand in recent years. Materials and paintwork are of an excellent standard, as is the assembly: the stripes on the 13.5 litre tank in the Black Chrome version are even handmade. The chrome components are abundant but well proportioned, and give a touch of nobility to a bike designed to be first and foremost beautiful to look at.

Beneath the retro appearance beats a modern heart: the 648 cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine - already seen on the Interceptor, Continental Gt and recently on the Bear (LINK https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/royal-enfield-bear-650-come-va-scrambler-indiana-stile-anni-60-AHycrcJ) -, delivers 47 hp at 7,250 rpm with 52 Nm of torque. The twin-cylinder is linear, full of torque at low and medium revs, inspiring relaxed riding, without pulling gears but exploiting the elasticity of the engine, which is able to pick up in sixth gear as early as 40-45 km/h. Progression is smooth but present, with a throttle response that is always predictable and rounded. The 350's steel double-cradle frame has been revised to accommodate the new engine without detracting from the classic ergonomics. The suspension (41 mm telescopic fork and adjustable twin shocks) favours comfort. As for the brakes, at the front we find a 320 mm disc with floating dual-piston caliper, at the rear a 300 mm disc. The electronics are reduced to the bone: apart from the ABS, which is compulsory by law, there is no riding mode or traction control; there is also an USB socket, LED lights and the turn-by-turn navigation tripper (optional).

The riding position is comfortable and relaxed, 805 mm above the ground: the seat is well padded, the handlebars are wide and the footpegs are positioned somewhere between a custom and a sports bike. Even after a few hours of use you don't feel tired. Even though the Classic 650 weighs 220 kg in running order, thanks to its low centre of gravity, it does not tire when manoeuvring from a standstill, while on the move it is quite agile. The Indian bike certainly does not have a sporty set-up, but it is always stable, predictable and sincere in its reactions. The braking is safe and modular, even if it does not have the aggressiveness that we found in the naked sisters of the house: it is consistent with the spirit of the bike that does not like violent braking, but composed and gradual braking. The six-speed gearbox, moreover, is precise, well proportioned, and works in symbiosis with a light clutch. As for fuel consumption, we recorded an average of almost 24 km/l during the test. We tested the Classic 650 on the roads around Savona, both in the city, where it moved with elegance, and outside, on the hilly routes, where it gave us an exciting ride. In short, the Royal Enfield Classic 650 is a bike that invites you to slow down, enjoy the ride and savour every curve.