Which Royal Enfield 650 Twin Is For You?

Four motorcycles, one heart, each ready to scratch a different itch on your inner biker.

Royal Enfield has introduced four different motorcycle iterations using the 650 twin engine. Although they share the same engine, the underpinnings are quite distinct, as well as the state of tune for the two pairs of British and American oriented products. Here is how they are tailored for different target audiences.

Let's first get the engine out of the way as it is the same on all four bikes. The 650cc parallel twin engine with a 270-degree crank gives it the iconic V-twin rumble while being a parallel twin. The power in all its different iterations is 47 bhp and 52 Nm. This power is made slightly lower (100 rpm) at 7,150 rpm on Interceptor and continental GT. Nevertheless, what remains consistent is that the engine has a smooth and strong power delivery. And it does seem to offer an addictive soundtrack and vibration on all four bikes. This engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, which is smooth and does not require a lot of gear shifts but can also be nice during spirited riding.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

This is the roadster of the lot, featuring an upright but slightly leaned-over riding posture. The footpeg is neutrally set. The design of the bike is quite reminiscent of a retro roadster style. The tear-shaped tank, round headlight, and old-gen tail light don't deviate from the old-school vibe. The frame is a steel tubular, double-cradle frame. The bike gets a telescopic fork, and dual gas-charged shocks. It gets 18 inch wheels with the option of spoke or alloys. While the spoke options continue to arrive with metal finishing for the engine and chrome exhausts, the alloys get a blacked-out look.The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is for someone who is looking for a nice 650 cc daily motorcycle that can handle office runs as well as hit the highway on the weekend.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

The Continental GT exudes the true Cafe Racer vibe. It also rides on 18-inch wheels, similar to those of the Interceptor. It shares similar underpinnings with the Interceptor 650. Instead of traditional handlebars, it features clip-on bars, placing the rider in a committed riding posture, completely leaned over the tank. The tank, sculpted in a tear-drop shape, allows riders to add tank pads for better grip during spirited riding. One thing to note is that this might not be everyone's cup of tea when it comes to daily traffic commutes. But on an open highway this bike does make for a nice quick sporty ride. The only weak point in this package would be the suspension which doesn’t feel quite as competent as the other facets of this rather spirited cafe racer.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is not a motorcycle for fleeting urban shenanigans. It is a steed of measured pace and deliberate intent. It has clear cruiser ergonomics. Feet forward set and handle bar pulled slightly towards the rider. The front USD fork functions well, efficiently absorbing patches, bumps, and potholes with a sense of plushness. However, the rear feels unsettled on anything other than the smoothest of roads. Not the best kind of bike for broken roads which are half of our roads while touring. It requires a bit more effort to maneuver the motorcycle and change directions, thanks to the relaxed rake angle and the larger 19 inch front wheel. It continues the cruiser theme well with a 16-inch rear wheel. With a more comfortable pillion seating triangle, it becomes the superior two-seater tourer.

The Super Meteor 650 is available in three variants - Astral, Interstellar and Celestial. The Celestial variant gets a tall windscreen and a pillion backrest for added comfort. All of this puts the riders in a leaned back posture. All variants come with an LED headlight and a semi-digital instrument cluster with Royal Enfield's Tripper Navigation system.

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650

The Shotgun is the latest of the lot. Braking and suspension hardware are similar to the Super Meteor. The wheel sizes are 18 inches front and 17 inches rear. USD fork suspension travel is the same as the Super Meteor, while the twin shock units are longer. The seating posture is very neutral and relaxed. The changed wheel sizes make this bike a tad bit more responsive than the Royal Enfield Super Meteor, and it can do quick highway runs. However, for all intents and purposes, this is the only bike in the family that one buys purely for the way it looks. It is a style statement on wheels, one that Royal Enfield envisages you take it to a custom bike builder and customise it to your liking, or do it yourself.

So here are four very distinct motorcycles with the same engine explained. Now it is up to you which category of rider you fall into and which one you would choose. This is just not it. There are a few more motorcycles expected real soon to join this lineup. This might just be the next one and we are quite keen to have a go on it. Read more about it here - Classic 650 article link.