After what seems like a very long wait since its debut at EICMA last year, the Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin has finally been launched. Prices for the Classic 650 Twin start at Rs 3.37 lakh and go up to Rs 3.50 lakh.
At the heart of the Classic 650 Twin is RE’s tried and tested air/oil-cooled, 648cc, twin-cylinder engine making the same 47hp and 52.3Nm as most of the other bikes it powers. The Classic’s main frame, subframe and state of tune is largely very similar to that of the Shotgun 650.
Where the Classic 650 Twin very obviously differentiates itself from the Shotgun is in its style. In trademark Classic fashion, the big Classic has a very traditional retro design and lots of chrome everywhere including the switchgear cubes and the wheel hubs.
Just like its smaller sibling, the Classic 650 also runs on 19/18-inch tubed wire-spoke wheels. MRF supplies the rubber here, with bespoke NyloHigh tyres developed specifically for this model. While the Classic 650 Twin uses a right side up 43mm telescopic fork (in contrast to the Shotgun's USD unit), it has the same 120mm of travel. Even the twin rear shocks are borrowed from the Shotgun and have the same 90mm of travel.
With its 14.7 litre fuel tank brimmed, the Classic 650 tips the scales at a portly 243kilos, making it the heaviest RE available today.
This bigger Classic has pretty much the same feature-set as its smaller 350cc sibling. The digi-analogue display along with the Tripper navigation pod is carried forward here as is the USB charger. The only difference is that the Classic 650 comes with a slip and assist clutch.
The Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin can be had in four colours - Bruntingthorpe Blue (Rs 3.37 lakh), Vallam Red (Rs 3.37 lakh, Teal (Rs 3.41 lakh and Black Chrome (Rs 3.50 lakh). Bookings for the new Classic 650 will open from today and deliveries will begin by April.
All prices ex-showroom, Chennai
Also see: Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin review: All-Time Classic?