Royal Enfield Classic 650 Wins Bike of the Year - autoX Awards 2025

‘What’s in a name?’ – well, if the said name happens to be Classic and you’re Royal Enfield, then everything. You see, if there’s one motorcycle that single-handedly transformed Royal Enfield’s fortunes – in India and worldwide – it has to be the Classic.

The ‘Classic’ name first appeared in 2009, when RE introduced the all-new Classic 500 and 350, powered by their then-modern UCE engine. The twins were an instant hit among the masses, perfectly blending the Royal Enfield vintage charm with newfound reliability and refinement. Naturally, the Classic range set the cash registers ringing, and how! Buoyed by its success, RE scaled new heights, poured resources into fresh platforms, and transformed itself into the global powerhouse that it is today.

Over the past decade and a half, the Classic has remained RE’s star performer, consistently topping sales charts. Most of its success, of course, came from the Classic 350, especially after the 500’s discontinuation in 2020. Last year, though, RE revived the idea of a bigger Classic – this time with more cubic capacity, an extra cylinder, and heaps of cool. Enter the Classic 650 – a motorcycle that merges the nostalgia and philosophy of the original with the superior engineering of RE’s 650 platform. A winning formula? You bet.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Classic 650 First Ride Review: Revisiting the Golden Formula

Despite no mechanical similarities with the smaller 350, the Classic 650 instantly feels familiar. The moment you lay eyes on it, you know RE has nailed the brief again. It’s a true modern classic – the silhouette is unmistakably Classic, the proportions are beefier, and the detailing is spot-on. Round LED headlamps, analogue dials, authentic metal bodywork, and those gorgeous colourways – every element is exquisitely executed. Compared to the 350, which is no featherweight itself, the 650 looks brawnier, all thanks to its 648cc parallel-twin engine and low-slung twin exhausts. At 243kg, it’s quite hefty too, but once you’re on the move, the weight quickly disappears – just like your worries.

On the go, the power delivery is creamy, performance effortless, and the relaxed ergonomics turn every ride into a therapy session – yes, even on the racetrack. As for ride quality, it’s firm but composed. Like most modern RE 650s, the setup leans toward the stiffer side, although it’s far more compliant than that of the Super Meteor or the Bear 650.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs Interceptor 650 Spec Comparison: What's Different?

The suspension is taut and absorbent without ever feeling punishing. Sure, it’s not as plush as the Classic 350’s, but that’s the point – the 650 delivers the signature Classic experience with a slightly different flavour, yet with the same intent and emotion. The Classic 650 is more than just a name – it’s a whole new vibe, which is what makes it worthy of the ‘Best of 2025’ tag.