Royal Enfield has officially brought back its most iconic nameplate, the Bullet, now in a brand-new 650cc avatar. After quietly discontinuing the Bullet 500 a few years ago, the Chennai-based brand has reignited nostalgia with modern muscle. The Royal Enfield Bullet 650 made its public debut at Motoverse 2025 in Goa, just ahead of its global showcase at EICMA 2025, signaling that the king of classic roadsters is ready for a fresh chapter.
Classic Soul, Modern Heart
At first glance, the Bullet 650 is unmistakably… well, a Bullet. The tall stance, chrome-heavy detailing, and hand-painted pinstripes on the teardrop tank all scream tradition. But underneath that timeless body lies Royal Enfield’s latest engineering finesse. It’s designed for those who grew up with the sound of a Bullet echoing through narrow Indian lanes but now crave the comfort and punch for cross-country rides.
The 650 doesn’t try to be flashy—it stays loyal to its roots. The upright riding position, long seat, and broad handlebars remain untouched. The difference, however, lies in the refinement. This isn’t the rugged, vibrating machine your uncle rode; it’s a matured, touring-ready evolution of that legend.
The Engine: Smooth Power, Familiar Feel
Royal Enfield’s decision to slot in the 648cc parallel-twin engine—the same one powering the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650—is a masterstroke. It produces 34.6kW (47 PS) at 7,250 rpm and 52.3 Nm of torque at 5,650 rpm. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, it delivers the kind of relaxed, effortless cruising that smaller Bullets never quite managed.
| Specification | Royal Enfield Bullet 650 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 648cc, parallel-twin, air-oil cooled |
| Max Power | 34.6 kW @ 7,250 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 52.3 Nm @ 5,650 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Kerb Weight | 243 kg |
| Front/Rear Wheels | 19-inch / 18-inch |
| Brakes | Dual Disc with Dual-Channel ABS |
While it retains that signature thump—albeit more refined—the new engine is noticeably smoother at higher revs. It hums rather than rattles, encouraging long, relaxed highway rides. The extra power doesn’t just make it faster; it gives the Bullet a newfound composure at 100 km/h that older models struggled to maintain.
Design: A Tribute to Tradition
Let’s be honest—nobody buys a Bullet for radical design changes. And Royal Enfield knows it. The Bullet 650 is a masterclass in continuity. From the round LED headlamp with chrome surrounds to the signature tiger-eye pilot lamps, the visual DNA is instantly recognizable.
The classic winged tank badge is back, now more sculpted and finished in premium chrome. The hand-painted pinstripes are still applied manually, keeping that artisanal touch alive. It’s nostalgia wrapped in finesse. Even the multi-spoke alloy wheels manage to look retro without feeling dated.
In essence, the Bullet 650 looks like the Bullet you fell in love with—but one that’s been through a luxury spa treatment. Cleaner lines, fewer welds, and tighter panel gaps make it feel far more upmarket than before.
Comfort and Ride: Built for the Long Road
If comfort was the soul of the old Bullet, the new 650 polishes it to perfection. The long, cushioned seat offers generous support for both rider and pillion. The upright posture feels natural even after hours in the saddle. That heft—243 kg of it—might make city maneuvering a bit cumbersome, but out on open roads, it gives the Bullet a majestic stability that’s hard to match.
The steel tubular frame adds rigidity, while the suspension tuning focuses on absorbing highway undulations with ease. It glides through long stretches of tarmac, holding its line confidently.
The Bullet 650 also brings in a few welcome modern touches:
- LED headlamp with chrome bezel
- USB Type-C charging port
- Dual-channel ABS for safer braking
- Front and rear disc brakes
- New switchgear and digital-analog instrument console
Every addition feels subtle, not flashy—because the Bullet isn’t about gadgets. It’s about the experience.
A True Heir to the Throne
Royal Enfield fans have waited for this. The Bullet 350 carried the torch through the years, but enthusiasts always felt there was room for a bigger, more powerful version that could stretch its legs on highways. The 650 answers that call perfectly—it’s a cruiser dressed as a classic.
Unlike the Continental GT, which appeals to café racers, or the Interceptor, aimed at urban explorers, the Bullet 650 is for purists. It’s for those who want the royal stance, that deep exhaust note, and the heritage that has made “Bullet” practically a synonym for motorcycle in India.
Launch Timeline and Expectations
The Bullet 650’s India launch took place on November 21, 2025, following its global preview at EICMA. Market buzz suggests pricing will undercut the Interceptor slightly, placing it in the Rs. 3.2–3.4 lakh (ex-showroom) range. Bookings have already begun at select dealerships, with deliveries expected to start before year-end.
Considering Royal Enfield’s history with the Bullet, demand is likely to surge among both nostalgic fans and new riders seeking classic style with modern reliability.
The Verdict
In an era of hyper-connected, feature-loaded machines, the Royal Enfield Bullet 650 feels refreshingly analog—but never outdated. It’s the kind of motorcycle that doesn’t scream performance figures; it whispers legacy.
It’s not just about horsepower or torque it’s about that unmistakable feeling of sitting upright, thumping down an open road, and knowing you’re part of an 80-year-old story still being written.
