Royal Enfield Bullet 650 Review: The Legend Gets a Second Heart

For decades, the “dug-dug-dug” of a Royal Enfield Bullet wasn’t just a sound; it was the heartbeat of Indian highways. But let’s be honest—at 100 kmph, that heartbeat often felt like a panic attack. The vibrations would blur your mirrors, and your hands would go numb.

Enter the 2026 Royal Enfield Bullet 650. The legend is back, but this time, it has two cylinders, a lot more muscle, and finally, the ability to cruise at highway speeds without feeling like it’s going to disassemble itself.

I’ve spent some time wrapping my head around this machine, and here is the raw, unfiltered truth about whether the “Big Bad Bullet” is worth your money.

Design & Presence: The “Chest-Thump” Appeal

When you first walk up to the Bullet 650, it feels substantial. Royal Enfield hasn’t messed with the DNA. You still get the iconic hand-painted Madras pinstripes on the tank (a touch that still feels special in an era of machine-printed stickers).

The biggest visual change is the engine bay. That massive 648cc parallel-twin engine fills up the empty space that the 350cc single used to leave. It looks muscular, dense, and intimidating.

But here is the reality check: It is heavy. At 243kg, lifting this bike off the side stand requires genuine effort. If you are parking in a tight spot in Delhi or Mumbai, be prepared for a leg workout. However, once you get moving, that weight disappears, and the bike feels planted—like a tank. The chrome quality is top-tier; under the afternoon sun, the headlight casquette (the “tiger eyes”) gleams with that premium nostalgia we love.

The Engine: A Twin with a Soul?

This is the controversial part. Purists are asking: “Where is the thump?”

Let’s be clear: The slow, rhythmic “dug-dug” of the cast-iron engine is gone. The 650 Twin doesn’t thump; it rumbles.

• The Smoothness: If you are coming from a Classic 350 or an old Standard 500, the first time you twist the throttle on the Bullet 650, you will be shocked. It is buttery smooth. You can hit 100–120 kmph on the highway, and the mirrors stay crystal clear.
• The Power: With 47 PS of power and 52 Nm of torque, overtaking is no longer a calculation; it’s a decision. You twist, and you go. No downshifting frantically to pass a truck.

Does it feel like a Bullet? Yes, but a Bullet that went to the gym and learned some manners.

Ride Quality: Plush, But Not Perfect

Royal Enfield has equipped the Bullet 650 with a single-piece bench seat that is distinct from the split seats on the Classic 650.

• The Seat: It is wide, thick, and incredibly comfortable for both rider and pillion. My pillion rider actually preferred this over the Interceptor 650 because the grab rail is positioned better and the seat is flatter.
• The Suspension: This is where you feel the weight. The suspension is tuned for stability, not cloud-like comfort. On smooth highways, it glides. But on sharp city potholes, you will feel a thud in your spine. It’s not a dealbreaker, but don’t expect Himalayan-level plushness.

Real World Mileage: The Honest Truth

Let’s talk numbers. A 650cc engine is thirsty.

• City Traffic: Expect 18 – 20 kmpl. If you ride aggressively, it can drop to 16 kmpl.
• Highway Cruising: If you stick to 80-100 kmph in 6th gear, you can squeeze out 24 – 25 kmpl.

For a touring machine, a 14.8-liter tank gives you a range of about 300-320 km before panic sets in. Not bad, but you will be visiting fuel stations more often than your 350cc friends.

Comparison: Bullet 650 vs. Classic 650

Many of you will be confused between these two siblings. They share the same engine and chassis, so what’s different?

Feature	Bullet 650	Classic 650
Vibe/Aesthetics	Rugged, Old-School, “Made Like a Gun”	Premium, Retro-Modern, shiny
Seating	Single-piece thick bench seat	Split seats (Driver + Pillion separate)
Riding Posture	Commanding, upright, “Chest out”	Slightly more relaxed
Paint Scheme	Iconic Black/Gold with hand-painted stripes	Dual-tone, metallic options
Mudguards	Boxier, traditional valanced styling	Rounder, flowy lines
Best For	Purists who want the “OG” feel	Riders wanting a premium retro cruiser

Pros & Cons: A Quick Summary

Pros (What I Loved)	Cons (What Could Be Better)
✅ The Engine: An absolute gem. Smooth, powerful, and reliable.	❌ Weight: At 243kg, it is a beast to manage at low speeds or parking.
✅ The Looks: The hand-painted stripes and nacelle are timeless.	❌ The “Thump” is Gone: It rumbles, it doesn’t thump. Purists might miss it.
✅ Highway Stability: Stays planted even at 130 kmph.	❌ Heavy Clutch: In bumper-to-bumper traffic, your left hand will get a workout.
✅ Pillion Comfort: The best seat in the 650cc lineup for passengers.	❌ Missing Features: Basic instrument cluster; no fancy TFT screens here.

Verdict: Is It For You?

The Royal Enfield Bullet 650 is not for the tech-savvy rider who wants Bluetooth modes and traction control settings. It is for the rider who grew up admiring the Bullet but has outgrown its slow speed.

If you want a motorcycle that commands respect on the road, can cruise at 120 kmph all day, and carries the legacy of the longest-running motorcycle model in history—this is it. It’s the King, returned to claim its throne.