Bigger Bullet has bigger bang
FIRST TEST: ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET 650
Retro roadster brings Bullet style with added twin-cylinder shove
PICTURES ADAM SHORROCK
We like what the Bullet stands for – it’s fun and undemanding
The Royal Enfield name is as British as a village green and a strong cuppa – and despite being built on the other side of the world, it just feels right for a sunny run on British country lanes. With great looks and decent dynamics, the Bullet 650 nails the easy-going, nostalgic brief.
It shares much with the Classic 650, launched last year: 648cc air/oil-cooled parallel twin; chassis and running gear; and broadly the same price depending on finish.
The Bullet’s trick is how it presents that package. A single-piece seat replaces the Classic’s split perches, the rear mudguard shape changes, and the hand-painted gold pinstriping is there to do the heavy lifting. Put together, those details echo the silhouette of Royal Enfield’s evergreen Bullet 350, a bike with a lineage stretching back decades, and one that still tugs hard at the heartstrings of the retro-obsessed.
Dash combines retro and modern touches
And yes, you’ll get the attention. Park it outside a pub and someone will wander over for a chat, almost guaranteed. But the real reason the Bullet 650 exists is to offer the Bullet look with far more usable performance than the smaller thumper can deliver. RE’s 650 twin has been around long enough to feel properly sorted, and here it’s smooth, tractable and notably low on vibration. With long gearing and a broad spread of torque, you can leave it in third or fourth and just flow – it’s a calm, unforced way to make quick progress on B-roads.
The controls keep things old-school. The clutch action is on the heavy side and the gearbox wants a deliberate boot, especially when new, but it suits the bike’s no-rush personality. Fuelling is excellent: roll the throttle on and it responds cleanly, building speed without snatch or drama. There’s enough top end for sensible overtakes, while fifth and sixth feel like overdrives for relaxed 70mph cruising.
Single disc adequate rather than awesome
At 243kg wet it isn’t a lightweight, but the Bullet carries its mass well. The non-adjustable forks and twin shocks can feel abrupt at low speed over potholes and humps, yet improve as you work them harder and sit further into the stroke. Backing preload off helps, even if it never becomes truly plush. The low centre of gravity and 19in front wheel make it easy to steer with the bars, and the MRF tyres behaved predictably in dry test conditions.
Braking comes from a single front disc with a ByBre caliper; it’s progressive rather than punchy, and you’ll want to use the rear brake properly to stop sharply. Ergonomics are mild-cruiser with mid-mounted pegs; the seat is comfy, but weight sits down through your spine, so long stints can tire you before the bike does. Still, when you’re ready for a stretch, it’s probably time for that brew anyway.
JUSTIN HAYZELDEN
BUYING ONE
£6799 On-the-road cash price
£98.95 PCP per month x36 (£1359.80 deposit, 4000 miles, optional final payment £3217, 9.9% APR)
Handsome – and the build is very decent
THE RiDE VERDICT
The Bullet 650 is a charming retro and delivers a relaxed, rewarding ride. Add top-notch chrome, sparkly paint, beautifully finished pinstriping, heritage touches like cast badges and old-school detailing, and you’re onto a winner. Good value, too.
THE FACTS
Price £6799
Engine 648cc SOHC 8v parallel twin, air/oil-cooled
Transmission Six-speed chain
Power 46bhp @ 7250rpm
Torque 39lb.ft @ 5650rpm
Fuel capacity 14.8 litres
Seat height 800mm
Weight 243kg (wet)
Rider aids ABS