With the 350cc segment comfortably in its bag, Royal Enfield is eying new growth opportunities by expanding its 650cc portfolio. RE is also working on its 450cc motorcycles, which will be the future of its existing 410cc platform. With higher capacity bikes, Royal Enfield will also be able to target overseas markets and take on biggies like Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, etc.
In 650cc segment, Royal Enfield has already launched Super Meteor 650 earlier this year. Last week, they launched updated INT 650 and GT 650. Next up in the 650 range is likely to be 650cc classic roadster, 650cc Himalayan and a 650cc bobber, likely to be called Shotgun 650. A 650cc scrambler has also been spotted on road test. Latest spy shots are credited to Bullet Guru.
Talking a bit about the bike’s exterior profile, the signature retro styling is evident in the round headlamp, indicators and rearview mirrors, circular instrument pod, classic fuel tank design and flat-type single piece saddle. Royal Enfield scrambler 650 has a lean build, which looks familiar to Hunter 350. Apart from the triangular side panels, everything else is purely bare bones.
Riding ergonomics are pretty comfortable with centrally mounted foot pegs and raised handlebar. The bike’s saddle looks big enough to comfortably accommodate a pillion even on longer rides. Scrambler 650 will be mostly for street fun, but it seems capable of handling some mild off-roads as well. It has 17-inch wire-spoke wheels, linked to USD front forks and spring-loaded dual rear suspension.
Tech features could include Tripper navigation, which can be offered as an optional feature. Earlier this year, Royal Enfield had followed a similar approach for Himalayan and Meteor 350.
Powering Royal Enfield 650 scrambler will be the 648cc parallel-twin motor that churns out 47 bhp of max power and 52 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. While engine output will be largely the same as 650 twins, Scram 650 will have a higher power-to-weight ratio. That’s because the bike will be lighter with the single piece exhaust.
While captured among the cacophony of other noises on the road, Scram 650’s exhaust note was still able to create a pleasing aural experience. The signature parallel-twin character is clearly evident and the soft engine hum seems to complement the bike’s overall vocals. While the exhaust note is quite captivating, it also carries with it the hints of a potent and powerful heart that beats within.
Distinctive character of the bike’s exhaust note could be linked to its 2-into-1 emission pipe. In comparison, the 650 twins and recently unveiled Super Meteor 650 are equipped with dual exhausts. One of the many things loved about Royal Enfield bikes is their exhaust notes. In that context, the company has done a great job in the upcoming Scrambler 650. Enthusiasts will be surely looking to try this one. Expect Royal Enfield Scram 650 to be priced in the Rs 3.5 lakh range, ex-sh.
This post was last modified on March 20, 2023 4:21 pm