Royal Enfield Adds Two More 650 Models
Words NZ Autocar | Images Royal Enfield
While the Flying Flea electric sub-brand was the star of the Royal Enfield line-up at EICMA 2024, there were also some new ICE powered models. These comprised a pair of new 650s along with a limited edition Shotgun model.
Classic 650
The new Classic 650 mashes up old school aesthetics with easy power delivery from its 650cc twin-cylinder engine. Typical ‘Classic’ styling features include a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, rounded fenders, a single-piece seat, and circular headlight and surround. It uses 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels.
Most of the mechanicals are shared with the Shotgun 650 that launched earlier this year. RE says the ride “is both swift and graceful”. The firm adds that it is “imposing to look at but friendly to ride…a Classic pure to the core.” It too is a LAMS legal offering.
Bear 650
RE also added the Bear 650 to its twin-cylinder line-up, a new scrambler. It is the one that people had evidently asked RE to build, following the introduction of the Interceptor and Continental GT a few years back. It takes its name from the Big Bear run in the California desert in 1960, has a 19-inch front/17-inch rear wheel. Bear 650 uses the same Showa upside-down front forks as the Shotgun but with different internals. There’s also much more suspension travel, 130mm up front and 115mm at the rear. That gives it the tallest seat height of any of the six 650s in the line-up at 830mm. Being a scrambler it has block pattern tyres on spoked wheels. Bear also features a two-into-one exhaust system, saving a little weight. A fully digital TFT display is also new.
The company describes its Bear 650 as “a journey, a statement”. Being “versatile, robust and distinctively scrambler in aesthetic, the Bear 650 is poised to redefine the riding experience for “scrambler” fans across the globe.”
Shotgun 650 x ICON Motosport Drop
RE also debuted a custom Shotgun 650 at EICMA, the One Thousand of Icon Motosport. A limited-edition Shotgun 650 production model will carry this spirit forward. With only 100 units worldwide, it boasts a unique three-tone colorway, race-inspired graphics, gold rims, blue shock springs, and a red seat. There’s also a premium Slabtown Intercept RE jacket available.
