The upcoming Royal Enfield Bullet 650 Twin has already sparked one of India’s biggest motorcycle debates — how does it compare against the most loved mid-capacity machines in the country?
While Royal Enfield has owned the retro space for decades, brands like Triumph, Jawa, and Honda are now challenging its dominance with modern technology and global finesse.
But can any of them truly match the Bullet’s blend of heritage, torque, and timeless charm? Let’s find out in this detailed comparison.
1️⃣ Lineup Overview — Four Retro Icons, One Battlefield
India’s 350–650 cc retro motorcycle segment has evolved fast. From modern-classic roadsters to bobbers, each brand brings its own personality and design DNA.
| Model | Segment | Engine Type | Price Range (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Bullet 650 Twin | Heritage Classic | 648 cc Parallel-Twin | ₹ 2.80 – ₹ 2.95 L |
| Triumph Speed 400 | Modern Retro Roadster | 398 cc Single-Cylinder | ₹ 2.33 L |
| Jawa 42 Bobber | Retro Bobber Cruiser | 334 cc Single-Cylinder | ₹ 2.35 – ₹ 2.45 L |
| Honda CB350 | Japanese Neo-Retro | 348 cc Single-Cylinder | ₹ 2.15 – ₹ 2.30 L |
All four motorcycles share a retro silhouette but diverge sharply in performance, feel, and audience.
2️⃣ Engine and Performance — Power vs Personality
When it comes to mechanical prowess, the Bullet 650 stands apart.
Its parallel-twin engine delivers not just numbers but character — smooth, torquey, and perfectly suited for long Indian highways.
| Bike | Engine (cc) | Power (PS) | Torque (Nm) | Gearbox | Top Speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Bullet 650 Twin | 648 | 47 | 52 | 6-Speed | 165 |
| Triumph Speed 400 | 398 | 40 | 37.5 | 6-Speed | 155 |
| Jawa 42 Bobber | 334 | 29.9 | 32.7 | 6-Speed | 130 |
| Honda CB350 | 348 | 21 | 30 | 5-Speed | 125 |
Key Insights
- The Bullet 650 offers nearly double the torque of the Honda CB350 — effortless performance even at low RPMs.
- Triumph Speed 400 shines with agility and refinement, but lacks the twin-cylinder “thump” that defines the Bullet.
- The Jawa 42 Bobber is strong on mid-range character but less versatile for long touring.
In sheer highway composure and torque delivery, the Bullet 650 remains unmatched in this lineup.
3️⃣ Ride & Handling — Built for the Long Road
| Bike | Kerb Weight (kg) | Seat Height (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) | Ride Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Bullet 650 Twin | 225 | 800 | 1,500 | Balanced & Stable |
| Triumph Speed 400 | 176 | 790 | 1,377 | Sporty & Nimble |
| Jawa 42 Bobber | 185 | 740 | 1,485 | Relaxed & Cruiser-Like |
| Honda CB350 | 181 | 800 | 1,441 | Comfort-Oriented |
Bullet 650 Ride Character:
The 650’s heavier build translates to more stability at high speeds, minimal vibrations, and superior ride comfort over rough patches.
While the Speed 400 corners sharper, the Bullet 650 delivers that effortless “glide” typical of old-school British twins.
Suspension Setup (Expected):
- Front: 41 mm Telescopic Forks
- Rear: Twin Gas-Charged Shock Absorbers
- Tyres: 18” Front / 17” Rear, Tubeless Options
The tuning leans toward comfort and control — perfect for long rides and Indian road conditions.
4️⃣ Design & Comfort — Tradition vs Modern Edge
Each rival interprets retro differently — from the Jawa’s bobber curves to the Speed 400’s muscular stance.
But the Bullet 650 is pure heritage: long fenders, a tall stance, and a silhouette that’s instantly recognizable.
| Bike | Design Theme | Build Type | Comfort Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Bullet 650 Twin | Timeless Classic | 90% Metal | ★★★★★ |
| Triumph Speed 400 | Modern British | Alloy-Heavy | ★★★★☆ |
| Jawa 42 Bobber | Old-School Bobber | Mixed Metal & Plastic | ★★★★ |
| Honda CB350 | Neo-Retro | Metal Body Panels | ★★★★☆ |
The Bullet 650 leads in material quality and comfort, with thicker seat padding, chrome-heavy detailing, and superior paint finish.
Triumph’s build is premium but more contemporary, while the Jawa 42 offers style at the cost of practicality (solo seat only).
5️⃣ Features and Tech — Simple but Smart
Despite its traditional look, the Bullet 650 won’t fall behind on equipment.
It inherits several premium features from Royal Enfield’s newer 650 lineup.
| Feature | Bullet 650 | Speed 400 | Jawa 42 Bobber | Honda CB350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Full LED | Full LED | Halogen/LED Mix | LED |
| Instrument Cluster | Twin-Pod with Tripper Nav | Digital LCD | Digital-Analog | Semi-Digital |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Navigation | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Brakes (ABS) | Dual Disc / Dual Channel | Dual Disc / Dual Channel | Single Channel | Dual Channel |
| Gears | 6-Speed | 6-Speed | 6-Speed | 5-Speed |
Verdict:
The Triumph Speed 400 leads in technology and lightness, but the Bullet 650’s premium instrumentation, navigation, and mechanical simplicity offer long-term reliability.
6️⃣ Brand Loyalty & Ownership Value
When it comes to emotional connection, Royal Enfield has a legacy unmatched by any rival.
Over 90 years of brand lineage gives it a cultural depth that no new entrant can replicate.
| Aspect | Bullet 650 | Speed 400 | Jawa 42 Bobber | Honda CB350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Heritage | 90+ Years | Global Entry (India 2023) | Revived Legacy | Modern Return |
| Resale Value (3 Years) | High (70%) | Moderate (60%) | Moderate (55%) | High (65%) |
| Dealer Network (India) | 2000+ Outlets | ~130 Outlets | ~150 Outlets | ~130 Outlets |
The Bullet 650’s after-sales network and strong resale value will make it an easier buy for most Indian riders.
Triumph’s service experience is world-class but limited to major cities, while Jawa’s supply chain is still developing.
7️⃣ Long-Distance Touring — Who’s the True Cruiser?
| Bike | Tank Capacity (L) | Highway Mileage (km/l) | Cruising Speed (km/h) | Vibration Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet 650 Twin | 13.5 | 25 | 100–110 | Minimal |
| Speed 400 | 13 | 28 | 90–100 | Moderate |
| Jawa 42 Bobber | 12.5 | 26 | 90 | Noticeable |
| Honda CB350 | 15 | 36 | 85–95 | Minimal |
If your goal is long, unhurried rides across the country, the Bullet 650 remains the most comfortable of the lot.
It may not be the fastest, but it’s certainly the one that will fatigue you the least.
8️⃣ Pricing vs Value — The Real Decider
| Bike | Ex-Showroom Price (₹) | Segment Appeal | Value Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet 650 Twin | 2.80 – 2.95 L | Classic Twin | ★★★★★ |
| Triumph Speed 400 | 2.33 L | Modern Retro | ★★★★☆ |
| Jawa 42 Bobber | 2.35 – 2.45 L | Lifestyle Cruiser | ★★★★ |
| Honda CB350 | 2.15 – 2.30 L | Urban Commuter Retro | ★★★★☆ |
While the Triumph Speed 400 wins on outright tech and affordability, the Bullet 650 provides the most premium mechanical experience under ₹3 lakh — a twin-cylinder classic in a single-cylinder price zone.
9️⃣ Verdict — Why the Bullet Still Rules
Each motorcycle here has its strengths:
- The Triumph Speed 400 is nimble and modern.
- The Jawa 42 Bobber is soulful and stylish.
- The Honda CB350 is smooth and reliable.
But the Royal Enfield Bullet 650 Twin combines all three —
heritage, highway comfort, and a commanding road presence that none of its rivals can quite match.
“You don’t buy the Bullet 650 just to ride — you buy it to belong.”
It’s more than a motorcycle; it’s a statement of Indian motorcycling history continuing into the modern era.
FAQs — Royal Enfield Bullet 650 vs Rivals
Q1. Which bike is faster, Bullet 650 or Speed 400?
The Bullet 650 has higher torque and a higher top speed, though the Speed 400 accelerates quicker.
Q2. Which one is best for city riding?
The Triumph Speed 400 and Honda CB350 are more agile in traffic
Q3. Which has better build quality?
The Bullet 650 wins with its metal-heavy construction and superior chrome finish.
Q4. Which motorcycle is best for touring?
The Bullet 650 offers the most relaxed highway experience with minimal vibration.
Q5. Which offers better resale value?
The Bullet 650 and Honda CB350 both hold value well due to strong brand recall and networks.
