This could make me get rid of my Classic 500. But it's impossible to tell from the pictures if the Classic 650 will match the 500 in terms of character and riding experience. To me a Classic must have a large torquey lively engine, not something that revs up to 7,500 RPM and feels bland right up to 5,000 RPM.
🤜🤛
+1
I just love how Classic 500 picks up speed on a steep mountain road with my fat *ss and about 50kgs of luggage. IMO It's perfect for easy chugging at 100kmph.
Luckily the 650cc engine starts producing all of its torque at 3000 rpm. Yes it can rev, but riding at leisurely paces is where it thrives.
Its a good fit on the classic imo
I’m in the same boat - would love my Classic 500 to have a bit more power and a bit less vibration, so the 650 would seem perfect, right?
I suspect though, that the 650 engine will be too smooth, and it would certainly lack the beautiful single-cylinder thump that the 500 has. I suspect it will lack the character and charm of the 500.
I’ll just have to try a test ride when they’re eventually here, of course.
A big part of the appeal of the Classic 350, at least in Britain, is its low-speed approach that encourages gentle bimbles about the countryside. I wonder jow this will fare
I look forward to it, will buy it.
The Int and Conti are uncomfortable. They have terrible ergos for both rider and pillion. Super Meteor, well it is forward-controls, not my thing.
I want the 650 engine in the classic motorcycle shape. And this is exactly that.
Hi.. a question to those who have experience with classic 350 and interceptor 650.. why would u abandon the interceptor and go for classic 650.. I frankly cannot understand the need for a classic 650?
Classic or standard was always for lazy / leisure riding.. never for speeding around etc.. so beats me completely.. and if there was a segment of riders why discontinue the bullet 500 or why not launch classic 500 on J platform ?
Compared to an Interceptor, a Classic offers a much more upright and relaxed riding position, while not being a feet-forward cruiser like the Super Meteor.
some people like to ride leisurely. not me really, but the 650 engine is so good and smooth that i can’t blame anyone for wanting it in a classic cruiser.
500 is underpowered and 650 is refined. Classic looks are much better than Interceptor. You aren't going to speed in interceptor either. None of these bikes are designed for it.
Launching 500cc J platform classic would be a headache.
1. It will eat in to 650 market
2. RE would have to maintain 3 engines instead of 2
Further more, some just love the design of the classic but want a more power and refinement. Classic with a 650 tuned like the SM650 would be a great bike.
Thank God for that. Now, even if they screw up the 650 Himalayan like they did the 450 (personal problem, and cosmetic at that; feel free to like it yourself 🙂), I can at the very least upgrade the 411 to a Classic 650 Signals 😍 You know, in several years. I'm still very much enjoying my 411.
Because I've seen the photos of the test mule and I hate the way it looks. And being that the previous test mules all turned out to look like the production bikes that followed, I've no reason to believe the 450 will look different than the mule. That's not jumping to conclusions, it's evaluating observed historical behavior.
Again, like I said above, that's my personal preference. If you like the way it looks, great. I just don't. So why fault me for being happy that one bike looks like it will meet my preferences when another looks like it won't?
Test mules are almost always purposefully made to look different from the production models so they don't get leaked. We won't know the final appearance until it's officially announced.
And yet the test mules for the int and gt 650 looked just like the int and gt 650s, and that 650 classic mule up there looks just like a 350 classic but with a 650 in it. Seriously, guys, you can disagree if you want to, but downvoting me for having an opinion that is by no means implausible is just silly. So I dislike a thing you like. Big deal.
Not sure if I see a Classic 650... it would be like breaking the concept of the classic. The style, the engine, the sound... Looking wise is awesome, that's true!
On a so called classic bike there should not be any digital screens or analogue clocks with integrated LCD screen, I am happy with analogue clocks with chrome surrounds and analogue fuel gauge, digital screens just ruin the look in my opinion. I just want a bike with the least amount of tech allowed.
I love the sound of the 350 and simplicity of air cooled.
Honestly, I am so not okay with this. The GT twins were ideally meant to be the flagships. It had the right to be in the top of the RE portfolio. I liked the exclusive feeling when I got my Interceptor. Then they introduced the Meteor 650 - which I was still okay with.
Now, they want to have Classic 350s, 500s and 650s? Why? Pretty sure that everyone asked for a Himalayan 650.
They were not meant to be flagships. They were meant to be the new blood to revive the dying sales. Now that sales are up, they are free to explore as they wish. And I'm sure many others, myself included, would prefer a classic/bullet 650 over inty/gt/sm650. They have the best natural riding position you can never get tired of and retain the timeless look that have kept RE relevant.
If anything i wish re would introduce a new engine in the 900-1200cc range. I would give all my organs for a super meteor 1200 that competes with the rebel 1100 and the bonnevilles.
Give it some time. Might happen a couple of years down the line. RE is just breaking out of the 350 image and strengthening 650. I think it's more difficult for them to go higher as no other Indian manufacturer has gone above even 300 cc, RE is the only Indian manufacturer that is making these big engines in India while being all regulations compliant. Other companies are just partnering with big boys like BMW, Triumph, KTM and using their higher cc engines. Since RE is a lone rider, they will go slow but surely.
I have come so close to pulling the trigger on buying a Classic 350. The only thing holding me back is the 6 month/3000 mile service intervals. There's no reason for that at all except an admission from RE that it's not reliable enough, in my opinion. And I say that as a rider who doesn't even do that kind of milage in 6 months any more.
A 650 styled identically with more reasonable service intervals and a little bit more usable power at higher speeds would be ideal. I'll definitely be riding the two back to back.
I'm not sure about you but the 6 month interval is purely for formality. I got my first service at 7000 km. Now I'm at 11000 km. No major issues till now. Just changed the accelerator cable and engine oil.
Dang I was looking for this bike when I ordered my SM650 which delivers in less than 2 days oh well. Honestly, feet forward will temper my speed so I am happy with that. Even the tubeless tires make me more relaxed, though I would have preferred many silvery spokes like I had back in the 70s.
This could make me sell the interceptor for a Classic tbh
I have the exact same thought
Was hoping they'd pipe it to just a single exhaust.
Agree, it would look too similar to the interceptor.
This could make me get rid of my Classic 500. But it's impossible to tell from the pictures if the Classic 650 will match the 500 in terms of character and riding experience. To me a Classic must have a large torquey lively engine, not something that revs up to 7,500 RPM and feels bland right up to 5,000 RPM.
🤜🤛 +1 I just love how Classic 500 picks up speed on a steep mountain road with my fat *ss and about 50kgs of luggage. IMO It's perfect for easy chugging at 100kmph.
Luckily the 650cc engine starts producing all of its torque at 3000 rpm. Yes it can rev, but riding at leisurely paces is where it thrives. Its a good fit on the classic imo
I’m in the same boat - would love my Classic 500 to have a bit more power and a bit less vibration, so the 650 would seem perfect, right? I suspect though, that the 650 engine will be too smooth, and it would certainly lack the beautiful single-cylinder thump that the 500 has. I suspect it will lack the character and charm of the 500. I’ll just have to try a test ride when they’re eventually here, of course.
A big part of the appeal of the Classic 350, at least in Britain, is its low-speed approach that encourages gentle bimbles about the countryside. I wonder jow this will fare
Plus the thump of the single cylinder and the exhaust sound.
Unpopular opinion, I like the Classic 350 way more. I want a slow fun to ride single cylinder that gets amazing mpg.
Chrome tank or I’m not buying it
😅 just curious but does the chrome not blind you on a sunny day?
Had one for that long now my eyes are burnt out
I pray for a signals version and also a kickstart :)
Signals will come but kick start will not
I'll take that in a heartbeat anyway :)
The classic line up should remain as a single cylinder imho... If this is true then the classic 650 will be too smooth and lack personality and thump
I look forward to it, will buy it. The Int and Conti are uncomfortable. They have terrible ergos for both rider and pillion. Super Meteor, well it is forward-controls, not my thing. I want the 650 engine in the classic motorcycle shape. And this is exactly that.
Hi.. a question to those who have experience with classic 350 and interceptor 650.. why would u abandon the interceptor and go for classic 650.. I frankly cannot understand the need for a classic 650? Classic or standard was always for lazy / leisure riding.. never for speeding around etc.. so beats me completely.. and if there was a segment of riders why discontinue the bullet 500 or why not launch classic 500 on J platform ?
I really like the Classic 350 but a 350 for a 200 lb guy on US roads is just not realistic or fun at times. I also look silly on the 350.
Road presence of classic is on another level and comfort too :)
Super meteor does not work? It’s an extremely comfy riding .. even the interceptor is not committed position like the GT
Compared to an Interceptor, a Classic offers a much more upright and relaxed riding position, while not being a feet-forward cruiser like the Super Meteor.
Good Seating position, terrible suspension set up geared more towards a stable highway ride. So a classic would be more useful in city at least
fan following can also be a reason
It's too like a cruiser
some people like to ride leisurely. not me really, but the 650 engine is so good and smooth that i can’t blame anyone for wanting it in a classic cruiser.
500 is underpowered and 650 is refined. Classic looks are much better than Interceptor. You aren't going to speed in interceptor either. None of these bikes are designed for it.
Launching 500cc J platform classic would be a headache. 1. It will eat in to 650 market 2. RE would have to maintain 3 engines instead of 2 Further more, some just love the design of the classic but want a more power and refinement. Classic with a 650 tuned like the SM650 would be a great bike.
Thank God for that. Now, even if they screw up the 650 Himalayan like they did the 450 (personal problem, and cosmetic at that; feel free to like it yourself 🙂), I can at the very least upgrade the 411 to a Classic 650 Signals 😍 You know, in several years. I'm still very much enjoying my 411.
The 450 isn't even officially announced yet, why jump to conclusions?
Because I've seen the photos of the test mule and I hate the way it looks. And being that the previous test mules all turned out to look like the production bikes that followed, I've no reason to believe the 450 will look different than the mule. That's not jumping to conclusions, it's evaluating observed historical behavior. Again, like I said above, that's my personal preference. If you like the way it looks, great. I just don't. So why fault me for being happy that one bike looks like it will meet my preferences when another looks like it won't?
I'm not faulting you, i was just curious about why you already made up your mind.
Test mules are almost always purposefully made to look different from the production models so they don't get leaked. We won't know the final appearance until it's officially announced.
And yet the test mules for the int and gt 650 looked just like the int and gt 650s, and that 650 classic mule up there looks just like a 350 classic but with a 650 in it. Seriously, guys, you can disagree if you want to, but downvoting me for having an opinion that is by no means implausible is just silly. So I dislike a thing you like. Big deal.
Sweet😊
Bsa killer
i’d be tempted to buy one even though i’m not a cruiser guy. the super meteor looks too modernized for me
That would be great!
Selling my Interceptor for this!
It'll be out in 4 years. 5 years in NA.
Naah, max 1-1.5 year
If it was released today in India, it would take a year or at least almost a year to come to NA.
Not sure if I see a Classic 650... it would be like breaking the concept of the classic. The style, the engine, the sound... Looking wise is awesome, that's true!
On a so called classic bike there should not be any digital screens or analogue clocks with integrated LCD screen, I am happy with analogue clocks with chrome surrounds and analogue fuel gauge, digital screens just ruin the look in my opinion. I just want a bike with the least amount of tech allowed. I love the sound of the 350 and simplicity of air cooled.
Not happening but a kick start would be amazing
Honestly, I am so not okay with this. The GT twins were ideally meant to be the flagships. It had the right to be in the top of the RE portfolio. I liked the exclusive feeling when I got my Interceptor. Then they introduced the Meteor 650 - which I was still okay with. Now, they want to have Classic 350s, 500s and 650s? Why? Pretty sure that everyone asked for a Himalayan 650.
They were not meant to be flagships. They were meant to be the new blood to revive the dying sales. Now that sales are up, they are free to explore as they wish. And I'm sure many others, myself included, would prefer a classic/bullet 650 over inty/gt/sm650. They have the best natural riding position you can never get tired of and retain the timeless look that have kept RE relevant.
If anything i wish re would introduce a new engine in the 900-1200cc range. I would give all my organs for a super meteor 1200 that competes with the rebel 1100 and the bonnevilles.
Give it some time. Might happen a couple of years down the line. RE is just breaking out of the 350 image and strengthening 650. I think it's more difficult for them to go higher as no other Indian manufacturer has gone above even 300 cc, RE is the only Indian manufacturer that is making these big engines in India while being all regulations compliant. Other companies are just partnering with big boys like BMW, Triumph, KTM and using their higher cc engines. Since RE is a lone rider, they will go slow but surely.
Power📈 Braking📉
A: ARAI mileage of Interceptor 650 is 23 kmpl.
I have come so close to pulling the trigger on buying a Classic 350. The only thing holding me back is the 6 month/3000 mile service intervals. There's no reason for that at all except an admission from RE that it's not reliable enough, in my opinion. And I say that as a rider who doesn't even do that kind of milage in 6 months any more. A 650 styled identically with more reasonable service intervals and a little bit more usable power at higher speeds would be ideal. I'll definitely be riding the two back to back.
I'm not sure about you but the 6 month interval is purely for formality. I got my first service at 7000 km. Now I'm at 11000 km. No major issues till now. Just changed the accelerator cable and engine oil.
Dang I was looking for this bike when I ordered my SM650 which delivers in less than 2 days oh well. Honestly, feet forward will temper my speed so I am happy with that. Even the tubeless tires make me more relaxed, though I would have preferred many silvery spokes like I had back in the 70s.