RE’s 650cc Cruiser Spotted Testing With Touring Accessories – Is It A Bigger ‘CLASSIC’?
The 650cc cruiser’s design seems heavily inspired by the good ol’ Classic 350
Royal Enfield’s 650cc lineup, comprising the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650, has been an enormous success across the world. Royal Enfield is now planning to back it up with a new 650cc cruiser, which has been spotted testing overseas.
This isn’t the bike’s first sighting though, as it was previously seen undergoing tests on Indin turf as well. In its latest sighting, however, the bike was seen overseas and that too, laden with touring accessories. Let’s take a look.
A ‘Classic’ Design
One look at Royal Enfield’s 650cc cruiser and it gives properly based on the Classic 350, which makes sense, considering the Royal Enfield Classic 350 has been the company’s most popular product.
The 650cc cruiser boasts a round headlight with a chunky chrome bezel, which is well complemented by a teardrop-shaped fuel tank. Along with this, the bike gets triangular side panels, spoke wheels, split seats, circular indicators, and a tail lamp, which add to its retro charm.
The riding posture is upright, thanks to mid-set footpegs and a wide handlebar
Interestingly, another variant of the bike, with alloy wheels and a USD fork, was also spotted testing. This variant is similar to the one seen testing in India.
Like the design, the ergonomics of the 650cc cruiser also remind us of the Classic 350. The swooping handlebar, low seat height, and mid-set footpegs, all result in a seemingly comfortable and upright riding posture, same as the Classic 350.
A new 650 Cruiser riding on the success of the Interceptor 650 and Conti 650
Ready For Ladakh
Royal Enfield is expected to launch the bike in 2023 at a competitive price. Swipe up to know all about it.
The Royal Enfield Classic moniker is synonymous with Ladakh road trips. And the company knows this will very well also be the case with the 650cc cruiser. So, Royal Enfield seems to be testing many touring accessories for the 650cc cruiser, as seen in the spy shots.
All test mules sport Aluminium side panniers, similar to those sold for the Himalayan, along with a large plastic top box.
There was also a different variant of the bike with USD forks, alloy wheels, and different touring accessories
Apart from this, the test mule with alloy wheels and USD forks is equipped with tubular crash protectors, auxiliary lights, and a tall windscreen, which is crucial for cruising at high speeds.
Expect all these accessories to be sold separately, probably under its Make-it-Yours programme.
Engine & Specs
The RE 650cc cruiser will use the same 648cc engine as the Interceptor and Continental GT 650
Under the skin, the Royal Enfield 650cc cruiser (or the Classic 650) would feature the same 648cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine as the Interceptor and Continental GT 650. The motor belts out 47.6PS and 52Nm .
It gets circular lighting elements and spoke wheels
As mentioned above, the test mules here roll on spoke wheels. These are sprung on telescopic forks (barring the alloy wheel variant) and twin shock absorbers while being clamped by single disc brakes at both ends.
Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser Price & Launch
All test mules boasted Aluminium panniers and a plastic top box
Considering the bike is still in its testing phase, the launch is probably still far away. Moreover, Royal Enfield already has the Scram 411, the Hunter 350, and the Shotgun 650 in the pipeline, which are all expected to launch this year. So, the Classic 650 may only arrive in 2023.
When it does, though, it’ll be priced around the Rs 3 lakh (ex-showroom) mark, making it an exciting proposition in the market.
Photo Credits: RideApart
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