The Ultimate Royal Enfield 650-cc Motorcycle Spec Comparo

Royal Enfield now have six 650-cc motorcycles in their line-up and choosing the right one for you can prove to be difficult. The engine is the same in all these bikes but their personalities are vastly different. In this comparison article, we’ve broken down how each of these bikes are different from one another with respect to their specifications.

Powertrain	Power	Torque
Continental GT / Interceptor	47.4 hp @ 7,250 rpm	52.3 Nm @ 5,150 rpm
Super Meteor 650	47 hp @ 7,250 rpm	52.3 Nm @ 5,650 rpm
Shotgun 650	47 hp @ 7,250 rpm	52.3 Nm @ 5,650 rpm
Interceptor Bear 650	47.4 hp @ 7,150 rpm	56.5 Nm @ 5,150 rpm
Classic 650	47 hp @ 7,250 rpm	52.3 Nm @ 5,650 rpm

All of these motorcycles are powered by a 648-cc, twin-cylinder, oil-cooled, SOHC engine paired to a six-speed gearbox. Since the engines are exactly the same, there is little to no variation in peak power and torque outputs or the rpm they are delivered at. The Bear 650 however does produce 4.2 Nm peak torque more than the others.

Dimensions	Kerb Weight	Seat Height	Wheelbase	Ground Clearance	Fuel tank capacity	Seating Capacity
Continental GT / Interceptor	214 kg / 218 kg	804 mm	1398 mm	174 mm	12.5 litres / 13.7 litres	Continental GT: 1 /2 Interceptor: 2
Super Meteor 650	241 kg	740 mm	1500 mm	135 mm	15.7 litres	1 / 2
Shotgun 650	240 kg	795 mm	1465 mm	140 mm	13.8 litres	1 / 2
Interceptor Bear 650	216 kg	830 mm	1460 mm	184 mm	13.7 litres	2
Classic 650	243 kg	800 mm	1475 mm	154 mm	14.8 litres	1 / 2

While all of these bikes weigh over 200 kg, the heaviest one here is the newest entrant to RE’s 650-cc family, the Classic 650. The Bear 650 having been designed with off-road intentions has the maximum ground clearance as well as the tallest seat height. The Super Meteor, being a classic cruiser has the lowest seat height, least ground clearance as well as the longest wheelbase. Interestingly, four out of these six bikes are also available in single-seat configurations.

Brakes and Tyres	Front Brake	Rear Brake	Switchable ABS	Front Tyre	Rear Tyre	Wheel type	Tyre type
Continental GT / Interceptor	320-mm disc	240-mm disc	No	100/90-18	130/70 R18	Alloy / Spoked (Option on both)	Tubeless / tube (Depending on wheel type)
Super Meteor 650	320-mm disc	300-mm disc	No	100/90-19	150/80 B16	Alloy	Tubeless
Shotgun 650	320-mm disc	300-mm disc	No	100/90-18	150/70 R17	Alloy	Tubeless
Interceptor Bear 650	320-mm disc	270-mm disc	Yes	100/90-19	140/80 R17	Spoked	Tube
Classic 650	320-mm disc	300-mm disc	No	100/90-19	140/70 R18	Spoked	Tube

The primary differentiating factor here is what wheels are offered. While none of these motorcycles come with spoked wheels compatible with tubeless tyres, the Interceptor and Continental GT do come with the option of either alloy or spoked wheels, which come with tubeless and tubed wheels respectively depending on which one you opt for.

Suspension	Front Suspension	Front Suspension Travel	Rear Suspension	Rear Suspension Travel
Continental GT / Interceptor	41-mm telescopic front fork	110 mm	Twin shocks	88 mm
Super Meteor 650	43-mm upside-down fork	120 mm	Twin shocks	101 mm
Shotgun 650	43-mm upside-down fork	120 mm	Twin shocks	90 mm
Interceptor Bear 650	43-mm upside-down fork	130 mm	Twin shocks	115 mm
Classic 650	43-mm telescopic fork	120 mm	Twin shocks	90 mm

All of these 650s have twin coil springs with shock-absorbers at the rear and, except for the Classic 650, USD forks at the front. The Classic is the only one here which gets a right-side-up telescopic fork.

Price	Continental GT/Interceptor	Super Meteor 650	Shotgun 650	Interceptor Bear 650	Classic 650
(Starting, ex-showroom)	Rs 3.19 lakh/Rs 3.03 lakh	Rs 3.68 lakh	Rs 3.59 lakh	Rs 3.39 lakh	Rs 3.37 lakh

The Super Meteor 650 has the most expensive base price here at Rs 3.64 lakh (ex-showroom). All of these prices are for the basic colour options of each bike. All Royal Enfields have variants which are largely if not entirely based on colour options. If you opt for more premium colours, the price of the bike starts to climb. The most well-known of RE’s premium colour options is definitely the full chrome Continental GT, which RE call ‘Mr. Clean’ in their variant catalogue.

As is the norm with all spec-comparos, the numbers only tell part of the story and we always insist that you test-ride all the bikes you are considering before making a final decision.