2021 Royal Enfield INT650

The Royal Enfield INT650 is a stylish and affordable motorcycle that’s easy to ride for beginners while being versatile and upgradable enough for more experienced riders.

The 2021 Royal Enfield INT650 is a retro-styled standard motorcycle powered by a 648cc parallel twin. An affordable price tag and friendly midsize engine make the INT650 a great bike for beginners, but a fun machine for more experienced riders as well.

The 2021 Royal Enfield INT650 sees no functional updates, but a range of new color schemes in addition to existing 2020 colorways.

The INT650 is viewed as the base model among Royal Enfield twins, with the cafe racer Continental 650 being the only other variant.

The 2021 Royal Enfield INT650 is powered by an air-and-oil-cooled 648cc parallel-twin engine. On the Cycle World dyno, we recorded a peak 42.20 hp at 7,070 rpm and 37.85 pound-feet of torque at 5,050 rpm. “Throttle response is silky smooth in any riding situation we encountered, which also adds to the Royal Enfield’s novice rider appeal. It’s obvious that a lot of time was spent getting the fueling correct, especially when you consider the engine’s air-/oil-cooled architecture,” our test rider said in Cycle World’s 2019 First Ride.

Handling on the INT650 is responsive yet neutral. The upright ergonomics allow a bit of leverage on the handlebar for quick steering. The suspension can feel soft at points, but the INT650 always kept its composure, even when ridden at a pace that 99 percent of its buyers will never approach.

The brakes display a nice combination of novice-friendly/expert-capable characteristics. There’s plenty of power and feel to reel in the INT650 during spirited canyon rides or panic situations, yet initial response isn’t grabby or overly progressive in a way that could overwhelm less experienced riders. Add a well-performing Bosch ABS system, which strikes a strong balance of intrusion needed for safe, yet aggressive braking.

The INT650 is pretty frugal on gas consumption. In our testing we found the INT650 to achieve 47.4 mpg, giving you about 170 miles of range with the standard 3.6-gallon fuel tank.

Ergonomics on the INT650 are upright and neutral. Mid-mounted footpegs and mid-rise handlebars put the rider in a comfortable position for easy cruising and canyon carving alike.

True to its retro style, the INT650 comes with minimal electronics and rider aids. Round analog gauges contribute to the 650′s vintage look and feel. Bosch dual-channel ABS comes standard.

Purchase of any Royal Enfield Twins model comes with a three-year unlimited-mile warranty and roadside assistance with the purchase of either Royal Enfield 650 twin model, including the cafe-inspired Continental GT.

Elements like piggyback shocks and Brembo-manufactured brakes give the INT650 a premium feel, despite the low price tag. No part of the INT650 feels flimsy or cheap.