Royal Enfield just gets it when it comes to stylish motorcycle design. Every bike in their arsenal looks goooood. That makes things easier if you dig modern classics as much as I do, and the freshest of the fresh just hit North American soil this past week. The Classic 650 has arrived with timeless elegance and old-world charm.

To kick things off, Royal Enfield North America planned a proper launch in St. Augustine, Florida (followed by Daytona Bike Week). I whipped up a flowy Florida-themed illustration before heading south. Big thanks to RENA and their team for once again organizing a great launch and ride. If you're even mildly interested, read on for my honest opinion of the bike coming from a guy who typically leans the vintage custom way.

So, first things first. The Classic 650 is visually solid, and the controls are super simple, making it a delight to ride. Personally, I don't care about the bells and whistles of most modern bikes. I never buy a bike to replace my car. It's a completely separate thing. I want a damn motorcycle that knows it's a damn motorcycle, and the Classic 650 (and frankly, every Royal Enfield I've ridden) is exactly that. It's become one of my favorite brands because of this.

The engine is what you'd expect from a 650cc parallel twin. Very responsive and quick when you need it. You'll only really want a little extra punch on the highway, but it's still more than capable.

What would I change? I'd make a longer, vintage-style banana seat that fills the gap above the frame, but that's just me. They do sell a bolt-on passenger pillion seat that looks great. All three colorways are priced at only $7,499 USD. If you're feeling it, head to their website and configure your own digital dustmaker for fun, and check out my Instagram for more action.

More about the Classic 650