The motorcycle that built Royal Enfield’s legacy is stepping into the future. After its grand debut at the EICMA show in Milan, the new Royal Enfield Bullet 650 is poised to hit the market, blending the timeless design fans adore with the modern performance they’ve been craving.
This isn’t just another new model; it’s the reinvention of an icon. While the silhouette is unmistakably Bullet—long, heavy, and dripping in chrome—the soul of this machine has been utterly transformed.
The Heart of the Matter
Gone are the thumping single-cylinder engines of the past. Nestled within the Bullet 650’s classic frame is the proven 648cc parallel-twin engine that powers Royal Enfield’s entire 650cc lineup, including the Interceptor and Super Meteor. This air-and-oil-cooled powerplant delivers a smooth 47 horsepower and 52.3 Nm of torque, offering a relaxed, broad-shouldered riding character perfect for touring and city cruising alike. It’s paired with a six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch for smoother downshifts.
For loyal Bullet riders, this translates to a riding experience they’ve only dreamed of: effortless power on highways and a refined feel that reduces vibration, all while retaining that classic, thunderous exhaust note.
A Deliberate Dance Between Old and New
Royal Enfield has masterfully walked the line between heritage and modernity. The design is a heartfelt tribute to its history:
- Abundant chrome on the fenders and exhaust.
- The iconic teardrop fuel tank, still featuring hand-painted pinstripes.
- Classic “tiger eye” pilot lamps flanking a modern LED headlight.
- A long, comfortable bench seat and metal body panels that evoke a bygone era.
However, subtle updates ensure it’s ready for today’s roads. The instrument cluster mixes a traditional analogue speedometer with a small digital display for essential info like gear position and trip meters. You also get LED lighting all around and a discreetly mounted USB-C charging port.
Built on a Proven Foundation
The Bullet 650 rests on a sturdy steel spine frame, ensuring that familiar, confident handling. The suspension setup includes 43 mm telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is handled by a 320 mm front disc and a 300 mm rear disc, with dual-channel ABS as standard for safety. The classic stance is achieved with a 19-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear, wrapped in tyres sized 100/90 and 140/70, respectively.
Key dimensions include a seat height of 800 mm, a weight of 243 kg, and a fuel tank capacity of 14.8 litres.
Availability and Expected Price
The Bullet 650 has already been launched in international markets like the UK and the US, with prices starting at approximately £6,749 and $7,499, respectively. For the Indian market, the wait is almost over. Industry experts anticipate a competitive ex-showroom price of around ₹3.40 lakh, positioning it as an incredibly attractive proposition. All eyes are on Royal Enfield’s upcoming MotoVerse event in Goa, which is widely expected to be the stage for its official Indian launch.
The new Bullet 650 is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a statement. It proves that you can honor the past without living in it, offering the classic character of a legend with the capable, modern heart of a contemporary machine.
