Best 650cc Bikes to Own in India

The mid-sized motorcycle market in India has been very active in the last few years.

There has been a marked growth in the market for the 650 cc class, which features some great bikes that are fast, stylish, and suitable for touring, such as the legendary Royal Enfield twins and the sporty yet affordable Kawasaki and Ducati bikes.

They are not as expensive as superbikes. However, these bikes strike a good balance for individuals who want to transition from a 200cc to a 400cc engine or those seeking to embark on tours. Here we will be listing the best 650 cc bikes that are available in India in 2025, what makes them special, how they appeal to real people and why it’s important to choose the right one.  We will also discuss why the right kind of comprehensive bike insurance is indispensable even when you have the best of the lot.

Here Are A Few that Dominates The Market

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 cc bike

It is one of the best in the 650 cc bike category. Its engine and performance, including 648 cc with about 47 horsepower at 7250 RPM and 52 NM of torque, are among the most sought-after and formidable among its contemporaries.  Some of its unique features that make it stand out are its comfortable seating, smooth twin-cylinder engine that proves dependability and simple upkeep. It is a cult favourite for long rides as well as city driving.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

The engine is the same with 648 CC, which makes about 47.6 horsepower at 7150 RPM and 52 NM of torque. The difference lies in its look and design. Spot your posture and clip on bars give it a cafe racer look. It is a great choice if you want a retro look and a fun ride.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Again, a bike with a 648 CC twin engine with about  46.3 BHP and 52.3 Nm of torque. However, what sets it apart is a full-fledged cruiser layout with a low seat height (740mm) and feet-forward ergonomics. Additionally, tripper navigation, alloy wheels and LED lights give a classic look with a modern touch. The bike weighs around 241 kg, but it is a great ride for leisurely travel.

Kawasaki Versys 650

This can be bought through parallel import. The specifications include a 649 CC DOHC twin with liquid cooling, which can make up to 68 HP and 47 lb-ft of torque. It has a 19-litre tank and a touring set-up. It is a crossover between sport and touring with an upright riding position, adjustable suspension, and a strong mid-range punch. It is a choice for touring long distances, especially on highways, in addition to looking like a classic ride.

Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono:

The specifications include a 659 cc single engine with liquid cooling, 77 PS and 63 Nm of torque. This is a unique hypermotard in the 650 cc class that gives you high driving thrills. It is meant for those who want something different and interesting besides twins or cruisers.

Choosing The Right One

It all depends on personal style and choice. Royal Enfield twins are still the best choice if you want retro style at an affordable price. For youngsters who want to look sporty in a retro way, the GT 650 looks like a cafe racer without sacrificing comfort and long trips. A chilled and relaxed person should go for the Super Meteors with an upright position and advanced tech, like a tripper, that makes it perfect. Fond of long rides and trips across the highways?  The Versys 650 has adjustable suspension, which makes it more comfortable and improves performance. Want to stand out among the bikers?  Go for a Ducati. The hypermotard from Ducati has a sporty personality that no other bike in this class can match.

Why Insurance Matters?

The best 650 cc bike is not just a way to commute, but is also an investment. They have high-end parts and cost more to repair or replace. They are often used at cruising speed, which makes them even more vulnerable to bad road conditions, weather and accidents. Hence, it is very important to choose the right two-wheeler insurancethat gives complete coverage to set you worry-free in the long run. Besides being a mandatory requirement from a legal point of view, insurance also helps you to meet your financial requirements at the time of need.  It not only covers the damage made to your insured bike but can also help you with your accidental disability treatments.

A third-party bike insurance may be enough to meet the Government regulations, but it may not be enough for the rider. Here is why you need more:

1. Comprehensive bike insurance covers damage to your bike from fire, theft, natural and artificial disasters.
2.  It even includes extra add-ons to suit your customised needs, like zero depreciation, no claim benefits, Indian protection, roadside assistance and personal accidental coverage.  This accidental coverage includes coverage for medical treatments supporting the rider’s cause.
3.  This becomes essential for twins and heavier bikes, where repairs are more expensive. Additionally, it also helps to keep the resale value high by covering the parts that need to be fixed.
4. It acts as a safety net for the bike slide interceptor 650 for Kawasaki Versys, where repair of a twin-twin-cylinder engine can become very expensive.

Pro Tips:

1. Look at the cost of driving, not just the prices in the showroom. RTO insurance and all other accessories are extra costs that come with owning a premium bike
2. Do try out different ergonomics on a test ride. The way you sit and ride on a casual Cruiser is very different from how you will ride a sportier GT.
3. A good writing gear is a must for a speed of 650 cc or higher.  You must wear a helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots.
4.  Focus on the upkeep, maintenance, and services of your bike. Regular tuning, chain care and clutch adjustments are essential for twin bikes.
5. Invest in good two-wheeler insurance as soon as you buy the bike, and do not ride without insurance. Even the showroom plans might not cover everything that you need.

Ending Notes

There are a lot of different types of 650 cc motorcycles in India, from cruisers that provide comfort for long riders to Cafe racers that look cool but are not hard to handle. Starting from the Interceptor 650, which is still the best-selling bike because of its comfort, classic look and low maintenance, to Ducati’s 698 that offers a thrilling ride for the fluent and high-performance riders at a high price, the market offers all.  However, with looks and performance comes the safety and security of the vehicle and the rider. It is hence prudent to ensure that your dream vehicle has the right insurance that protects both the man and the machine. A comprehensive bike insurance plan with extras like zero depreciation or roadside assistance is the best, as these dream machines deserve the best they can get.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.