great real-world review , you can't fake shits and giggles , it really does look fun to ride and nothing gives more-confidence than a well-planted bike . RE is really good at making bikes , especially this 650-range , owners just love the whole range which says a lot . I've never tried-one but always fancied  a GT650 , ended-up buying a low-K W650 that came my way for silly-money . It's my 'small-bike' and I love riding it , probably keep it for my old-age when my 82 TR1-XV1000 (modified) gets too-heavy . I've owned all the fast-stuff in my 55-years of riding , Ducati's , Laverdas , Suzi GSXR's , Kwaka-1000 etc along with BMW's , too-many Triumphs , Nortons etc. Once it's in your blood , there's no going-back . Ride it like you stole it .  Dave  nz

I bought the black & chrome classic 650 the same as what you were riding & I love it yeah its got some weight but I'm used to heavy bikes as owned ones that were heavier in the past I love the engine & the sound it makes including the whine from the gearbox as it just adds to the charm of it, ok so I've already done some mods to mine like lowered hagon shocks as I'm a short arse bar end mirrors & some after market cans no doubt more mods shall get done over time but very pleased with mine.

Mike (Scream if yah wanna go faster) Pye 😁😂😹

Great review, good to see someone riding it like this to show it's capable of a fun ride! 😁👍

Great review. Surprised me how well you say it handled. I have only ever tried the hunter, good bike but a bit underpowered for me. Does sound incredibly heavy though but as you said probably keeps it planted.

Good review which gave a real idea of its performance and handling. I’m a fan of RE but maybe not this one.

Let's go!!

Royal Enfield? Best value for money, smiles per mile bike out there. Don’t waste your extra thousands of pounds on the SELF proclaimed premium brands. Don’t fall for the badge snobbery because the enfields are surprising a lot of people. They have created a brand that’s not just the bike, but a lifestyle. Cheaper accessories in their bucket loads. The engine range is Fantastic, 650, 450, 350. Harris frames. Just perfect! Throw away all your posing key rings and get an enfield. You won’t regret it.

I test rode one of these, it was quite good but wasn't sure about the footrest position. Next day or so, numb bum and twinge down my hamstrings.
I asked the dealer about service intervals and cost. First service is 300 miles and costs around £300! Apparently it's a big service and costs the same roughly as the annual service.
I then took a Honda GB350S out for a test ride and felt much more comfortable. Not as much power as the RE Classic 650, obvs, but for me it just felt a better bike. Servicing deal at £299 for first (600 mile) service plus next 2 annual services is much cheaper "cost of ownership" than the RE. I hear about owners of RE doing their own servicing, well that's great for them, and I feel capable of doing the basics, but not sure id want to do a full service.
Anyway, I'm really enjoying my GB350S

Lets goooo

👍👍

Done 1200 miles on mine in just over two months.

Bike is great except for the awful pillion seat. Sadly we upgraded power wise from a lovely C350 for two up longer trips but this is the first bike my wife doesn't want to get back on due to the discomfort she ensured on a short trip out.

Engine, gear box, looks are all great though.

Both the 650 and 350 have  soul and character that other retro impersonating makes have not come close to
And they are always compared  to bikes costing upwards of 3 grand more.
That says a lot if you think about it .
Are the others actually 50% better.?
For me having ridden most of whats are on the retro market no is the answer.

Am sorely tempted, but having had a few dodgy sensor warning lights pop up on my Classic350 in 3.5k miles, I'd rather return to carbed bikes esp as their prices are crashing. I'm of the era when we could diagnose and fix our own bikes.

A touch of advice if I may, check out RoSPA for advanced rider training. I'm currently doing it in my locality, on my first purely observation ride, I rode like you and my trainer said I was very unsafe. He says I've improved hugely in just two training sessions....six left before I go for my test a (hopeful) badge. Better safe than sorry 👍

Mike would you have one over a t100 for example?

With the extra weight you will prob notice the hills more compared to the other 650's. Def one have been looking at to go with my Himmy!

But just saw there's a new Voge thats gonna be at ABR😂  

P.s see you in the Queue for test rides. If I see you might have a chat re the Welsh tet because think you have done it! (Am thinking of doing this year).

it looked really bumpeh

That bike is the life line for billions of people in india and outside..your lucky riding that my its my life wish to buy it after gettingmy job...

Why did you go this bike on the off-road test? I saw the bear test. Those guy are better than the classic?

the only real bad thing about this bike is getting off it and having to park it.