February 14, 2006 – ACCESS has been concerned for months that the State Department’s plan to include RFID chips in passports has not been well thought out. The original plan would have placed an RFID chip in every passport which would have contained unencrypted data about the passport holder. After a storm of protest, the State Department revised the standard to include some encryption. Now, a Dutch television news program has along and broken that encryption in less than two hours. The ramifications of this to passport holders are anything but positive.

Depuis l’annonce d’un FPS Indiana Jones développé par MachineGames (la série Wolfenstein depuis 2014), certains membres de la rédaction étaient fébriles. D’un côté, un studio qui a réussi à moderniser un classique avec brio, et de l’autre une licence légendaire. Mais on avait vraiment du mal à voir comment ils allaient marier les deux, tant […]

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With the Corona virus not far from everyones minds and the precautions that individuals took to protect their health. It is not a far stretch to consider the possible germs and bacteria that have potentially taken up residence on our cell phones. Mobile devices are never far from most individuals. They are constantly being touched, placed down, picked up and placed near the face. A study published in 2017 found that cell phone screens were host to multiple viruses and bacteria including: E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus.  Depending on the temperature and relative humidity, cold and flu viruses can survive from a few hours to up to 9 days.

How to Clean Cell Phone Screens

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From washing urinals to tidying up the beach, we can already see a future where our robot servants help keep our world a little cleaner. Now, a robotic arm has mastered the surprisingly complex task of sink washing, showing off its ability to learn.

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In a bid to draw in more riders and make e-motos more accessible, Zero Motorcycles has unveiled a new 'All Access' plan. At its core are six newly developed motorcycles, all priced under US$10,000. The first two electric motorcycles from this pack were unveiled at EICMA 2024.

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While growing evidence suggests that there’s a link between blood iron levels and the development of Alzheimer’s disease, new research investigating the effects of an available iron-reducing drug has raised concerns about its use as a treatment for the condition.

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CFMoto's engineers have had their hands full. Its booth at EICMA had quite a few new releases on display, but the star of the show was a brand new, state-of-the-art 1,000cc V4 and a 'Master of Speed' superbike concept signalling the company's WSBK intentions.

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Honda’s presence in the electric two-wheeler space has long been limited to one-off scooters and bikes. But all that is set to change with the Japanese maker unveiling a performance electric motorcycle called the EV Fun Concept at this year’s EICMA motorcycle trade show.

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UK-based R&D shop White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC) punched a gaping hole in a Zero SR/S electric motorcycle to reduce aerodynamic drag by 10%. The prototype now goes faster, and can deliver extended range at highway speeds – proving this method can serve as an effective way to increase EV efficiency.

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Cleveland Browns Draft History. Seasons: 73 (1946 to 2021) Record (W-L-T): 540-515-14 Playoff Record: 17-21 Super Bowls Won: 0 (0 Appearances) Championships Won *: 8 . All-time Passing Leader: Brian Sipe 1,944/3,439, 23,713 yds, 154 TD . All-time Rushing Leader: Jim Brown 2,359 att, 12,312 yds, 106 TD . All-time Receiving Leader: Ozzie Newsome 662 rec, 7,980 yds, 47 TD

Colorful clothing is vulnerable to the effects of detergents. However, if you follow these simple rules, you should be able to maximize the lifespan of your clothing's colors.

A peculiar, motionless cloud near New Zealand's southern coast has caught NASA's attention.

Tidying up your closet or any part of your home can feel overwhelming, especially with lots of clutter. The 90/90 rule provides a simple, effective method to streamline the process and create a more organized space.

Eknath Shinde Exclusive Interview: महाराष्ट्र के मुख्यमंत्री एकनाथ शिंदे ने NDTV से बात करते हुए कहा कि ढाई साल में जो काम हुआ इतना काम कभी नहीं हुआ है. अटल सेतू कोस्टल मराठवाडा वॉटरग्रीड योजना किसी के इगो के वजह से रूकी थी, लेकीन हमने प्रोजेक्ट पूरा किया. किसान को बिजली मुफ़्त देने का काम किया. हर घर में किसी ना किसी को राज्य सरकार ने कुछ ना कुछ देने का काम किया है. उन्होंने कहा हम जो बोलते है वो करते है. महाराष्ट्र में विकास और कल्याणकारी योजना किए है. लोगो में संतोष है, पूरा माहौल महायूति का है. हम मैजरोटी से जीतेंगे. महायुती का स्ट्राईक रेट ज़्यादा रहेगा हमें भरोसा है. CM योगी के 'कटेंगे तो बटेंगे' नारे से लेकर उद्धव ठाकरे के बैग चेक मामले पर भी उन्होंने बात की.

“Lord” George Sanger was about as close to an A-list celebrity as one could be in Victorian Britain. He traveled the country bringing his beloved circus from town to town, astounding everyone from lowly laborers to royalty. Clever, cheeky, and possessing a natural talent for showmanship, Sanger has often drawn comparisons to P.T. Barnum. However, […]

The post 10 Facts about Britain’s P.T. Barnum Including His Disturbing Death appeared first on Listverse.

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Before the end of November, Royal Enfield will launch the Goan Classic 350, its fifth product on the J-series engine platform, following the Meteor, Classic, Hunter, and Bullet. The Goan Classic will be a funky-looking bobber-style motorcycle that will share most of its fundamentals with the Classic 350.

1. Riding position will be different from Classic 350’s
2. Will use the same engine as the other RE 350s
3. Could be the most expensive 350cc RE upon launch

Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350: details

Since the Goan Classic will use the same 349cc single-cylinder engine as the rest of the RE 350s, its peak output will most likely stand at 20hp and 27Nm of torque. Even the Goan Classic’s main frame is likely to be the same as the Classic 350. The differences are likely to be in the styling, paint options, and riding position. 

Also See: Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin review: All-Time Classic?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a long, storied history with India with the first model officially launched almost 30 years ago. It has been going strong ever since and has been the bestselling Mercedes in India for years. Its popularity only grew with the introduction of the long-wheelbase V213 model in 2017. In its sixth generation now, the V214 E-Class is bigger, techier and promises the same chart-topping performance. We test the claim with the entry-level E 200.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class exterior

The new E-Class is longer, taller, and has a longer wheelbase than before, and as a result, road presence is considerable. Up front it gets LED headlamps in Merc’s latest design language, but the digital LED lights with projector elements are reserved for the top-of-the-line E 450. The star-studded grille with the huge Mercedes logo further adds the necessary bling, though its thick black surround seems at odds with the otherwise restrained and classy look.

Over to the side, the added length gives it that much-needed limousine look, while the S-Class-like flush door handles are a techy touch. Like the new BMW 5 Series, the E-Class also gets 18-inch wheels, but, as the spokes stretch to the end of the rim, they feel bigger and don’t look as disproportionate as the ones on the BMW. The separated rear quarter glass is a nod to the Maybach S-Class.

At the rear, it gets LED tail-lamps with a tri-arrow design motif, and a healthy dose of chrome. 

Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior

The E-Class has also grown on the inside, both in terms of space and modernity. The front section is dominated by what’s called a ‘Superscreen’, which means the dashboard itself is made of three individual screens: a 12.3-inch free-standing digital instrument cluster, a 14.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen. We’ve seen this cluster on new Mercs with a host of customisation options (although not as much as in larger Mercs), but the large centre screen is where most of the functionality is. So much so that even the AC vents are digitally controlled via the settings in the climate menu of the screen. Definitely a handful, but something that would mostly concern the chauffeur more than the owner seated in the rear, and luckily can be manually overriden. Moreover, HVAC controls are now exclusively in the touchscreen like the S- and C-Class, but less intuitively, require a two-step process to access.

What’s impressive are the seats that offer good room and support with the right amount of cushioning. The soft pillows help, but ventilation is sorely missed on hot days. Also, strangely, the Burmester sound system’s stunning 4D experience is exclusive to the front seats. The speakers inside the seats can be altered up to 10 levels, and at their maximum, are strong enough to double up as a massage function as well. Aesthetically, it gets a large open-pore wood panel for the centre console and soft-touch materials all around. What is a slight irritant is the cramped footwell with a cramped dead pedal – noticeable if you are someone with a UK12 foot size. 

In the back, space is even more generous than before. But it’s not just the sheer room on offer; the overall comfort is impressive as well. The seats, like at the front, are hugely comfy with the right amount of support and cushioning; however, the party piece is the recline that’s moves the backrest from 26 degrees to 36 degrees. And that's not all, the seat squab also features an extendable underthigh support for added comfort. Add to that the ‘Boss’ mode, which allows you to push the passenger seat all the way to the front, and you get enough room to sit as comfortably as you would in a lounge chair. It also features powered sunblinds for the rear windshield and windows with manual blinds for the rear quarter glass. AC performance was a sore point for the earlier version, but the four-zone climate control and the AC vents housed in the centre and B-pillars help cool the cabin fast. However, a command touchpad to control the infotainment from the rear would have been a cherry on top.

The India-spec E-Class gets the ‘Chauffeur Pack’ as standard, which brings with it a foldable centre armrest for the rear with cup holders, a wireless charging pad and some storage space. Fold the armrest back and you’ll have a centre seat, but it’s far from comfortable due to the large centre tunnel hump. This makes the E-Class only an occasional 5-seater.

What does improve practicality, however, is the fact that you no longer have to sacrifice boot space with a spare wheel. The space saver now sits under the boot floor and results in a rather generous 510-litre boot.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class performance

The new E-Class comes with three powertrain options: the E 200 seen here with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, the E 220d with a 2.0-litre diesel and the E 450 with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. In terms of performance, the 2.0-litre petrol engine makes 204hp and 320Nm but also features a 48V mild-hybrid setup that bumps up the power by 23hp under acceleration. That said, the response is linear and the surge in acceleration is gentle. Although it’s more responsive in Sport mode, it never feels too aggressive. Mated to the engine is a 9-speed automatic, which, thanks to the closely stacked gears, always ensures you are in the power band.

The mild-hybrid setup aids in bottom-end response and the torque flattens out once you’re over triple-digit speeds. The engine is refined, but there’s a raspy exhaust note that seeps into the cabin past 3,200rpm; it is far from sounding coarse. 0-100kph is a relaxed 8.25 seconds but there is no dearth of pulling power during overtakes.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class ride and handling

While the performance might not be something to boast about, the focus of an E-Class is always comfort and ride quality. With 18-inch wheels and a soft suspension setup, the new E rides well and composed on smooth highways. However, over broken roads, especially at low speeds, there is a fair bit of movement inside the cabin, and it can thud over bad patches. That said, ground clearance is something you don't have to worry about much with the new E. Large speed bumps are well managed, and the car almost never scrapes its underbelly. Impressive, but you still need to be wary of the long wheelbase over some poorly built speed bumps. 

Handling manners are neutral with a light yet sharp and linear steering that aids manoeuvrability. You can tweak the response in the drive modes, but it remains a comfy cruiser and not a corner carver. That said, grip levels are good and body roll, despite the soft suspension, is only marginal.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class price and verdict

Priced at Rs 78.5 lakh, the E 200 is only Rs 2 lakh more than its predecessor, and given the updates, it's not a significant amount. Against its rival, the 5 Series, also available in long-wheelbase guise, it's Rs 5.8 lakh more, so a comparison between the two is inevitable. But as things stand, the new E-Class – especially in this E 200 guise – has got a lot of things right. Sure, more tech should have been lavished at the rear instead of the front given its primarily chauffeur-driven duties. Still though, it is a vast improvement over the previous version, which is a feat in itself. 

It gets the stately look expected of a limousine, plenty of tech to keep it modern for a few years, and amazingly, an even more spacious and comfy rear seat than before. It's clearly then a no-brainer. The only question remaining is if it is better than the new BMW 5 Series, and we will find that out soon.

Also see:

Next-gen Mercedes CLA previewed ahead of global debut

Constant changes in EV taxation distort the market, says Mercedes India CEO

Mercedes-Benz is on an onslaught in India and wants to leave no segment empty. After EVs, coupe-SUVs, and even sedans, it is now the turn of a convertible. And no, unlike the previous ones (E 53 cabriolet and SL 55), this one does not carry an AMG badge. The CLE 300 is a cabriolet that is far from the usual gung-ho AMG models, and instead, is a convertible for those who want to take it easy. It’s more about style and the feeling of the wind in your hair than about lap times and cornering.

Mercedes CLE: design

The CLE’s calling card is its top down laid-back character. 

In terms of design, there is a faint resemblance to the C-Class, but that’s all it is. Up close, the CLE is very different. The India-spec gets the AMG line treatment as standard, which adds a layer of sportiness to the design. As a result, the only chrome bits on the face are the studded grille and the strip on the front lip. The digital LED headlamps are wider and sharper, the bonnet features two muscular power lines, and the bumpers are sportier with piano black accents.

Over to the side, you can tell it’s closer to a C-Class in dimension, thanks to the identical wheelbase. However, it trumps the C in terms of length and width. There is a prominent strip of chrome on the window line, the A-pillars, and the door handles. What also look the part are the sleek 19-inch wheels. A lot of the design will come down to your choice of colour combination. The soft-top can be had in a subtle black shade, but if you want a bit more pop, you can choose a shade of red as well for the roof.

At the rear, the LED tail-lamps get a connecting element, and sporty bumpers incorporate the trapezoidal chrome exhaust tips that, like on all modern Mercs, aren’t actually connected to the exhaust system.

With the top down, it’s hard to miss the CLE. The long bonnet, raked windshield, sharp wheels and a stunning stance make it a looker. But even with the top up, it’s not like you’ll pass it over as just another Merc. The lines and form factor are properly unique and with the right colour combination, it will stand out.

Mercedes CLE: interior

Neck warmer acts as a scarf in chilly conditions.

The interior of the CLE 300 is quite close to the C-Class when it comes to the dashboard design and layout. The AC vents, 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the 11.9-inch touchscreen are a straight lift, but on the CLE, the touchscreen gets a tilt function to reduce glare, especially when the top is down. Also, like with the soft top on the outside, you can opt for a bold upholstery choice for the interior to add a bit more drama.

There are more exclusive bits in the form of a wind deflector that pops out over the top of the windshield and ensures the airflow isn’t ruining your hairdo. There are vents in the front headrests that channel warm air onto the front passengers’ necks, acting as a virtual scarf in chilly weather. While that may be appreciated up north, the rest of the country is likely to keep it switched off. In terms of comfort, the seats are excellent with the right amount of cushioning and support – long distance drives will be effortless. They also get seat kinetics, along with heating and ventilation, which adds to the overall comfort. The CLE is a 2+2, but space in the back is best suited for children or short drives for adults under six feet. The backrest is upright, underthigh support is near absent and knee room is tight as well. Getting in and out, though, is extremely easy with the top folded away.

Spare wheel eats into the already low boot space.

What may also pose a challenge for long trips is the lack of boot space. With the soft top down, there isn’t much room; there’s space only for soft bags. Add a spare wheel, which in our conditions is handy, and you’re left with very little space. 

Mercedes CLE: performance

Relaxed is the one-word description for how the CLE drives. It is laid back, restrained, and perfect for a quiet cruise. With the top up, cabin insulation is excellent and does a great job of muting a lot of ambient chaos of the city. The soft top has multiple layers of sound deadening, which helps keep out the excessive road and wind noise. It can be opened in just 20 seconds at speeds of up to 60kph.

The 258hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol is creamy smooth and has dollops of torque that come in gradually. Instead of lunging ahead each time you flex your right foot, the CLE glides and picks up pace gradually. Though it gets more eager when you change the mode from Comfort to Sport, it still remains close to its character as a Mercedes-Benz rather than an AMG. What adds some zest to the performance is a 48V mild-hybrid system, which provides a bit over 20hp under hard acceleration. Still, nothing about it makes you want to corner hard or drive enthusiastically, and it urges you to cruise and enjoy the top-down experience. At high revs, there is a faint rasp of the exhaust, but nothing more. 0-100kph takes 6.7 seconds and the 9-speed automatic works very well via the paddleshifters.

Mercedes CLE: ride, handling

Maneuvering the CLE is easy, and despite the heft gained in Sport mode, it remains light on its feet. 

Being a long-distance cruiser, the suspension on the CLE is tuned for bad roads. It is soft and supple, and hence, despite the 19-inch wheels, ride comfort is very good. There is no adaptive suspension, so changing the modes won’t change the ride, but the stock setup works very well for our road conditions. One miss would be a nose-lift function as ground clearance is something to worry about, especially with a full load. Handling is effortless with a light steering. Maneuvering the CLE is easy, and despite the heft gained in Sport mode, it remains light on its feet. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system offers good grip and control in bends, should you end up driving it enthusiastically.  

Mercedes CLE: price, verdict

At Rs 1.1 crore (ex-showroom, India), the CLE 300 is pricey. However, it has no direct rival as of now. The BMW Z4, at Rs 90.90 lakh, is cheaper and gets more power, but it’s a totally different experience thanks to its sportier character. While the Rs 1.3 crore Mercedes-AMG E 53 cabriolet is a full Rs 20 lakh more – and very good – it isn’t as relaxing as the CLE 300.

What the CLE 300 offers is a car that is comfy and luxurious enough to use as a daily driver, but can change its character in 20 seconds and offer a completely different experience. It sits in a sweet spot with no direct competition, and if a smooth, relaxing convertible is what you want, this will be a nice choice.

Also see:

New Mercedes E-Class review: Has the best gotten better?

I vividly remember my first dalliance with the charming Royal Enfield Classic 350 – our then long-termer when I was just an intern. It was early July, and I was riding to Mumbai from Pune with the monsoon in full swing. Despite the unforgiving weather, that ride is etched in my memory. After that, I remember asking Rishaad (the bike’s primary custodian) for it every chance I got, and while I absolutely adored it, I couldn’t help but wish for a bit more performance. Prior to this, my only other experience with an RE was my uncle’s Interceptor 650, and I wished for a bike that would marry the styling and comfort of the Classic 350 with the performance of the 650cc parallel-twin. And that’s exactly what the company has done (well, almost). Say hello to the gorgeous Classic 650 Twin.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin design, quality, colours

There are good-looking bikes and then there are good-looking bikes. This Classic 650 Twin definitely falls in the latter category. The overall silhouette is a union between the Classic 350 and the Shotgun, both handsome bikes to begin with, and it keeps building on that. You can identify the Classic 650 Twin as a Classic for sure but you won’t mistake it for the smaller one. That big engine, twin pipes and its sheer size make the 650 easy to identify.

While the visuals are derived from the smaller 350, the 650 Twin’s colour palette is unique. There are four colours on offer – Bruntingthorpe Blue, Vallam Red, Teal Green and the Black Chrome. The latter two are colours seen on the original UCE Classic models and the Teal Green is by far my favourite colour here. It is the only one amongst the four options to get a colour-matched frame and main stand (yes, you read that right).

Fit and finish is the best on any Royal Enfield yet and there are lashings of chrome everywhere. Even the switch cubes and wheel hubs are chromed out! RE wants to drive home the fact that you’re on the bigger Classic so there’s a beefy handlebar clamp (of course, it’s chrome) and fittingly, even the headlight housing is properly prodigious.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin weight, manageability

At 243kg, the Classic 650 Twin is the heaviest modern-day RE yet (at least until the Himalayan 650 arrives). The weight is a non-issue at anything over walking speeds, but you’ll feel every ounce muscling the bike around in the parking lot and while putting it on the main stand.

My only gripe on the design front is that the gap between the rear fender and the tyre is a little unsightly. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nowhere near as unseemly as on a Harley X440, but on an otherwise good-looking bike, it’s definitely a fly in the ointment. The bike you see in all the pictures has a solo seat, but customer bikes will come with a pillion seat and grab rails, just like the Shotgun. The riding position is very neutral and you can easily spend a lot of time in the saddle.

Seat height is set at a relatively low 800mm, but this is perhaps the toughest bike with an 800mm perch to get your feet down on. I’m 5’11” and I could just about get both my feet flat on the ground – and I had to sit on the lowest part of the seat for that. To blame is the wide engine, which splays your legs out a fair bit. Shorter riders will have to find a workaround or look elsewhere.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin riding experience

Enough praise has been showered on Royal Enfield’s twin-cylinder engine already, but I’m here to lay some more onto that pile. This is easily the best engine on any Indian motorcycle – in my books at least – and for good reason. Smooth, tractable and with torque almost everywhere, this motor excelled in every situation. Going through sleepy towns, blasting through corners and even holding 80mph (124kph) on the motorway, everything was navigated with reasonable ease. The motor is carried over as is from the Shotgun, with no mapping or gearing changes.

The Classic 650’s chassis is similar to the Shotgun, with the same main frame and the same steering  geometry. The differences boil down to a telescopic fork here vs a USD on the Shotgun, and different wheel sizes (19/18-inch wheels, like the smaller Classic – the Shotgun uses an 18/17 setup). The Showa fork is 43mm in diameter and the twin shocks are the same as the Shotgun’s. Suspension travel, too, is the same fore and aft, at 120mm and 90mm, respectively.

While the Classic 650 is a willing companion if you want to attack corners, the mid-set pegs can scrape without too much trying and you need to adjust your body position accordingly. I also missed having a heel shifter, like on the smaller Classic, but these complaints are something I can easily look past.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin ride and handling

What I simply cannot ignore is the stiff and jarring ride. And I’m saying this after riding the Classic 650 Twin in the UK, where the roads are head and shoulders better than ours. This is literally the only thing that is actively stopping me (and I suspect will do so for many others) from going out and buying one today, that’s how good the rest of the bike is.

Brake sizes on the big Classic are the same as the Super Meteor and Shotgun, and that means they’re powerful enough but in a progressive manner. Fun fact: the calipers are RE branded but are the same ByBre units seen on the aforementioned two models. This is something, I’m told, will trickle down to other REs in time.

The spec sheet worshippers may lament the lack of a USD fork but, honestly, I don’t think it’s any worse off without one – this look suits the Classic better. Never once did I feel that the front end was lacking in feel or stability and we were keeping a fair lick on these beautiful UK roads.

While the laced wheels do mean tubed tyres today, Royal Enfield says tubeless wire-spoke wheels are in development, which is encouraging to hear. However, it’s still early days so don’t expect to see them anytime soon. Hopefully,  you will then be able to fit the tubeless wheels even on the single-cylinder Classic/Bullet models down the line.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin expected price, verdict

Royal Enfield hasn’t revealed the price of the Classic 650 Twin but has hinted that the starting price will be in the Shotgun’s ballpark and the top chrome colour in the Super Meteor’s territory. That is sure to make the Classic 650 Twin a heart-over-head purchase. You could also argue that the Shotgun and Classic are too similar in how they ride and that the extra cash you shell out is just for the form factor and riding position.

With the Classic 650 Twin, Royal Enfield has been quite clear that its focus is on the relatively untapped export markets. With what I’ve experienced, I’m sure it will do well for them and I wish them all the best. However, I can’t help but shake this nagging feeling that the suspension will be a problem on our roads and while this is a wonderful bike in many ways, it isn’t the Classic 650 I used to dream about. I hope to be wrong, but we’ll find out soon enough.

Also See: Royal Enfield Classic 650 twin video review

Also See: Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin review: All-Time Classic?

I vividly remember my first dalliance with the charming Royal Enfield Classic 350 – our then long-termer when I was just an intern. It was early July, and I was riding to Mumbai from Pune with the monsoon in full swing. Despite the unforgiving weather, that ride is etched in my memory. After that, I remember asking Rishaad (the bike’s primary custodian) for it every chance I got, and while I absolutely adored it, I couldn’t help but wish for a bit more performance. Prior to this, my only other experience with an RE was my uncle’s Interceptor 650, and I wished for a bike that would marry the styling and comfort of the Classic 350 with the performance of the 650cc parallel-twin. And that’s exactly what the company has done (well, almost). Say hello to the gorgeous Classic 650 Twin.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin design, quality, colours

There are good-looking bikes and then there are good-looking bikes. This Classic 650 Twin definitely falls in the latter category. The overall silhouette is a union between the Classic 350 and the Shotgun, both handsome bikes to begin with, and it keeps building on that. You can identify the Classic 650 Twin as a Classic for sure but you won’t mistake it for the smaller one. That big engine, twin pipes and its sheer size make the 650 easy to identify.

While the visuals are derived from the smaller 350, the 650 Twin’s colour palette is unique. There are four colours on offer – Bruntingthorpe Blue, Vallam Red, Teal Green and the Black Chrome. The latter two are colours seen on the original UCE Classic models and the Teal Green is by far my favourite colour here. It is the only one amongst the four options to get a colour-matched frame and main stand (yes, you read that right).

Fit and finish is the best on any Royal Enfield yet and there are lashings of chrome everywhere. Even the switch cubes and wheel hubs are chromed out! RE wants to drive home the fact that you’re on the bigger Classic so there’s a beefy handlebar clamp (of course, it’s chrome) and fittingly, even the headlight housing is properly prodigious.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin weight, manageability

At 243kg, the Classic 650 Twin is the heaviest modern-day RE yet (at least until the Himalayan 650 arrives). The weight is a non-issue at anything over walking speeds, but you’ll feel every ounce muscling the bike around in the parking lot and while putting it on the main stand.

My only gripe on the design front is that the gap between the rear fender and the tyre is a little unsightly. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nowhere near as unseemly as on a Harley X440, but on an otherwise good-looking bike, it’s definitely a fly in the ointment. The bike you see in all the pictures has a solo seat, but customer bikes will come with a pillion seat and grab rails, just like the Shotgun. The riding position is very neutral and you can easily spend a lot of time in the saddle.

Seat height is set at a relatively low 800mm, but this is perhaps the toughest bike with an 800mm perch to get your feet down on. I’m 5’11” and I could just about get both my feet flat on the ground – and I had to sit on the lowest part of the seat for that. To blame is the wide engine, which splays your legs out a fair bit. Shorter riders will have to find a workaround or look elsewhere.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin riding experience

Enough praise has been showered on Royal Enfield’s twin-cylinder engine already, but I’m here to lay some more onto that pile. This is easily the best engine on any Indian motorcycle – in my books at least – and for good reason. Smooth, tractable and with torque almost everywhere, this motor excelled in every situation. Going through sleepy towns, blasting through corners and even holding 80mph (124kph) on the motorway, everything was navigated with reasonable ease. The motor is carried over as is from the Shotgun, with no mapping or gearing changes.

The Classic 650’s chassis is similar to the Shotgun, with the same main frame and the same steering  geometry. The differences boil down to a telescopic fork here vs a USD on the Shotgun, and different wheel sizes (19/18-inch wheels, like the smaller Classic – the Shotgun uses an 18/17 setup). The Showa fork is 43mm in diameter and the twin shocks are the same as the Shotgun’s. Suspension travel, too, is the same fore and aft, at 120mm and 90mm, respectively.

While the Classic 650 is a willing companion if you want to attack corners, the mid-set pegs can scrape without too much trying and you need to adjust your body position accordingly. I also missed having a heel shifter, like on the smaller Classic, but these complaints are something I can easily look past.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin ride and handling

What I simply cannot ignore is the stiff and jarring ride. And I’m saying this after riding the Classic 650 Twin in the UK, where the roads are head and shoulders better than ours. This is literally the only thing that is actively stopping me (and I suspect will do so for many others) from going out and buying one today, that’s how good the rest of the bike is.

Brake sizes on the big Classic are the same as the Super Meteor and Shotgun, and that means they’re powerful enough but in a progressive manner. Fun fact: the calipers are RE branded but are the same ByBre units seen on the aforementioned two models. This is something, I’m told, will trickle down to other REs in time.

The spec sheet worshippers may lament the lack of a USD fork but, honestly, I don’t think it’s any worse off without one – this look suits the Classic better. Never once did I feel that the front end was lacking in feel or stability and we were keeping a fair lick on these beautiful UK roads.

While the laced wheels do mean tubed tyres today, Royal Enfield says tubeless wire-spoke wheels are in development, which is encouraging to hear. However, it’s still early days so don’t expect to see them anytime soon. Hopefully,  you will then be able to fit the tubeless wheels even on the single-cylinder Classic/Bullet models down the line.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin expected price, verdict

Royal Enfield hasn’t revealed the price of the Classic 650 Twin but has hinted that the starting price will be in the Shotgun’s ballpark and the top chrome colour in the Super Meteor’s territory. That is sure to make the Classic 650 Twin a heart-over-head purchase. You could also argue that the Shotgun and Classic are too similar in how they ride and that the extra cash you shell out is just for the form factor and riding position.

With the Classic 650 Twin, Royal Enfield has been quite clear that its focus is on the relatively untapped export markets. With what I’ve experienced, I’m sure it will do well for them and I wish them all the best. However, I can’t help but shake this nagging feeling that the suspension will be a problem on our roads and while this is a wonderful bike in many ways, it isn’t the Classic 650 I used to dream about. I hope to be wrong, but we’ll find out soon enough.

Also See: Royal Enfield Classic 650 twin video review

The Classic 650 Twin is the latest model from Royal Enfield to use the 648cc parallel-twin engine. Its design and feature-set are shared with the evergreen Classic 350 but most of the fundamentals are borrowed from the Shotgun 650. We list all the differences between the two 650s.

Classic vs Shotgun: design and colours

When the Shotgun 650 debuted, it didn’t really fit into any particular genre of motorcycle, with Royal Enfield describing it as a blank canvas for the custom scene. The Shotgun’s engine, exhaust and other bits are blacked-out on all its paint options for a mean, modern look. 

On the other hand, the Classic 650 Twin stays true to its name and has a charming, retro design. There is a lot of chrome on the bike and the colour palette is also very tastefully retro. 

Also See: Royal Enfield Shotgun 650: Bullseye, or a shot in the dark?

Classic vs Shotgun: suspension, wheels and tyres

Both bikes use the same engine, main frame and brakes but other cycle parts are a major area of difference. The Classic 650 Twin trades the Shotgun’s 18/17-inch alloy wheel combo for a more retro 19/18-inch wire-spoke wheel setup. Where the Shotgun rolls on tubeless CEAT Zoom Cruz rubber, the Classic runs on new MRF Nylohigh tyres, developed specifically for it. 

The Classic is suspended by a 43mm telescopic fork up front in contrast to the USD fork seen on the Shotgun. While the suspension componentry has changed, the travel has stayed the same at 120mm. Both bikes use twin shock absorbers at the rear, with 90mm of travel.

Classic vs Shotgun: weight, dimensions

At 243kg, the Classic 650 Twin is the heaviest model in Royal Enfield’s portfolio today. The Shotgun isn’t much lighter at 240kg, although it carries 13.8 litres of fuel, 1 litre less than the Classic. With an 800mm perch, the Classic also has a slightly taller saddle than the Shotgun’s 795mm seat. Ground clearance has seen a big step up on the Classic at 154mm, compared to the 140mm available on the Shotgun.

Also See: Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin review: All-Time Classic?