Hype vs. Reality
After clocking 500 miles across city streets and open highways, I’m here to answer the burning question: Is this retro dream a practical daily rider or just a weekend novelty?
Let’s dive into the three biggest talking points: its weight, vibrations, and those polarizing tubed tires.
How the Classic 650 Defies Its Weight in NYC Traffic
The Classic 650 weighs 536 lbs but is surprisingly nimble in city chaos. During my downtown LA test ride, the upright posture and wide handlebars made filtering through traffic feel effortless. Royal Enfield nailed the ergonomics here; it’s like piloting a laid-back cruiser that somehow dances through gridlock.
But the weight does bite back when you’re not moving. Try pushing it uphill in a parking garage, and you’ll curse every pound. As one rider said: “It’s a gentle giant until gravity fights back.”
Test Riding the royal enfield classic 650
Stability at 75 MPH
On the Pacific Coast Highway, the Classic 650 shines. The long wheelbase and weight give it planted stability at 75 mph—no wobbles, no drama. But don’t expect sportbike reflexes.
Swerving around potholes requires deliberate input, and the non-adjustable suspension can feel jittery on rough patches.
Compared to my buddy’s 221-kg Harley Sportster, the Classic 650 feels more stable but less flickable.
The Vibration Conundrum
The 648cc parallel-twin engine is butter-smooth… until you hit 70 mph. That’s when the vibrations kick in, buzzing through the handlebars and footpegs.
On a 2-hour highway stint, my hands were tingling—something my Triumph Bonneville never does. But here’s the thing: some riders love this. As Motorcycle Magazine notes, “It’s raw character, not refinement.”
Tubed Tires: Retro Charm or Roadside Hassle?
Tubed tires in 2025, feel archaic. A flat on a rural Arizona backroad meant wrestling with the wheel. Meanwhile, my Interceptor 650’s tubeless setup? A 5-minute plug job. Royal Enfield missed a trick here, especially since the Interceptor offers alloy wheels as an option.
Showa Suspension: Built for Europe, Tested in the Midwest
The Showa suspension handles smooth asphalt like a dream but turns harsh on Michigan’s cratered roads. My spine felt every pothole, unlike the Super Meteor 650’s plusher dual shocks. As EVO India noted, “It’s tuned for Sunday cruises, not daily beatings.”
Price Tag vs. Competitors
Under $7000, the Classic 650 undercuts the Triumph Bonneville T100 ($12K) and even used Harleys. For retro enthusiasts on a budget, it’s a steal. But factor in tubeless conversions and suspension upgrades, and the “budget” tag fades.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Classic 650
The Ideal Rider: Weekend Cruisers & Retro Purists If you’re after a head-turning, relaxed cruiser for coffee runs and backroad adventures, this bike sings.
Steer Clear If… You Need Speed or Cross-Country Comfort Performance junkies and long-haul tourers should look elsewhere.
For retro lovers willing to overlook its quirks, absolutely. But if you demand modern polish, keep scrolling. Either way, this bike’s got soul—and sometimes, that’s enough.
