Royal Enfield is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2026 and, by way of celebration, the Indian owned brand is introducing a 650cc version of its iconic Bullet. The Bullet was first launched by the then British company in 1932 and has evolved while being an ever present in the range for over 90 years. This latest version will be the first two-cylinder Bullet in all that time, being built on Royal Enfield’s well proven 650cc platform – as used on models like the Interceptor 650, Super Meteor 650 and the Bear 650. The Bullet 650 joins the range in addition to the traditional single-cylinder Bullet 350 we rode recently and will cost £6,749 when it goes on sale next year.
Enfield appear to have done a good job in creating a vintage motorcycle look, with so many classic Bullet design elements incorporated – including big (19” front, 18” rear) spoked wheels, twin pilot lights, teardrop style tank, headlamp nacelle, peashooter exhausts and stepped bench seat, not to mention the graphics and trim. A distinctive feature of the Bullet has always been its old fashioned riding position, and the 650 looks to have replicated this with its high handlebars and footpeg positioning.
But below the skin is a lot of modern technology. The 47bhp air-cooled parallel twin engine has a six-speed gearbox and is shared with other models in the range. Neat touches like the LCD readout inset into the analogue speedometer and LED headlights would have been unthinkable when the first Bullets rolled off the Redditch production line in 1932 but are sympathetically integrated into the latest design.
As well as the Bullet, Royal Enfield has created special editions of its
Classic 650 and Himalayan. Both should be on show at Motorcycle Live, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC later this month, along with a modified version of the Shotgun 650, which was built in conjunction with custom specialists Rough Crafts. Just 100 will be built for sale globally, with a number of cool touches including gold leaf striping, quilted leather seats and sold brass tank badges.
