Royal Enfield Bullet 650 Full Review: Engine, Features, and Performance
The Royal Enfield Bullet 650 is the latest addition to the iconic Bullet lineage, marking a significant upgrade in engine, features and performance while retaining the classic styling cues that made the Bullet a legend. Revealed at the EICMA 2025 in Milan, the bike brings the Bullet heritage into the 650 cc twin-cylinder era.
Heritage & Style
- The Bullet series has been in continuous production for decades and is recognised for its unmistakable silhouette, “thump” engine sound and timeless design.
- On the Bullet 650, Royal Enfield retains hallmark design elements: the teardrop-shaped fuel tank, hand-painted gold pin-stripes, chrome detailing, step-up bench-style seat, twin “tiger-eye” lamps flanking the headlight casquette.
- Although modernised, the styling emphasises continuity: combining vintage aesthetics with contemporary mechanicals.
Engine & Performance
- The Bullet 650 is powered by a 647.95 cc (often rounded to 648 cc) air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine (SOHC) that the 650-series Royal Enfield models share.
- Output: 34.6 kW (~47 PS) at 7,250 rpm and 52.3 Nm of peak torque at 5,150–5,650 rpm range (various sources).
- Transmission: 6-speed constant-mesh gearbox, wet multi-plate clutch.
- The engine delivers smoother power, better refinement and ample performance for both highway cruising and city use compared to earlier single-cylinder Bullets.
Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
- The bike uses a steel tubular spine frame, shared with other 650 twins in RE’s line-up.
- Front suspension: 43 mm (or 41-43 mm) telescopic forks, approx. 120 mm of travel. Rear: twin shocks (approx. 112 mm or 90 mm travel depending on spec).
- Brakes: 320 mm front disc, 300 mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS.
- Wheels and tyres: Spoked wheels (19″ front, 18″ rear) with tube tyres. Seat height 800 mm, kerb weight approx. 243 kg.
Features & Equipment
- Instrument cluster: Semi-digital – analogue speedometer with a digital inset for fuel gauge, gear-position indicator, trip meter.
- Retro controls: Polished aluminium switchgear, adjustable clutch & brake levers.
- Lighting: LED headlamp within the classic casquette headlamp design, twin pilot lamps.
- Design touches: Hand-painted pin-stripes, chrome exhaust (“peashooter” style), single step-up bench seat.
Expected Price & Launch India
- Revealed at EICMA 2025; expected India arrival early 2026.
- Estimated ex-showroom India price in the range ~ ₹3.4 lakh to ₹3.7 lakh.
Pros & Considerations
Pros:
- Big-capacity twin engine brings serious performance while retaining vintage styling.
- Strong brand heritage, standout retro design, and premium equipment compared to many rivals.
- Soul-appeal: For riders who want classic form with modern functionality.
Considerations:
- Kerb weight is high (~243 kg) which may affect nimbleness in city traffic.
- Tube tyres & spoked wheels may mean more maintenance compared to tubeless/ alloy alternatives.
- Price is premium; competitors (and future RE models) may offer similar displacement with more modern features or lighter weight.
How It Stacks Up & Market Position
- The Bullet 650 slots into the mid-to-premium retro-motorcycle segment, targeting enthusiasts who value style, brand legacy and displacement.
- Competitors include bikes like the BSA Gold Star 650 and other 650-cc retro twins.
- Unlike many modern retro bikes which prioritise lightness and performance, the Bullet 650 leans into presence, comfort and cruising attitude.
Verdict
For those who have long admired the Bullet’s iconic shape and rumble but desired considerably more performance and refinement, the Bullet 650 delivers. It marries the “soul” of the Bullet with a thoroughly modern 650 twin engine, decent electronics and premium touches. If you’re comfortable with the weight and premium tag, and you value heritage as much as specs, it’s one of the most compelling retro bikes on the horizon.
