Which Royal Enfield model should I buy?

Royal Enfield is a unique company. With its quirky mix of British heritage and Indian identity, the historic brand has risen to be a major player in the motorcycle industry.

The reason for its uniqueness, is that it refuses to join the technology and performance rat race, and is content with building simple, old-school, but ultimately enjoyable motorcycles. It operates at a slow and relaxing pace, but without compromising vision, passion, and community.

There are currently eight models in the Royal Enfield range, but with all of them being LAMS-approved and classically styled, it can be hard to know which is best for you. Fortunately, we recently had the opportunity to test the whole range. Here is a quick guide to help you choose.

One of the newer entries into the Royal Enfield range, the Hunter 350 is also the cheapest and one of the most fun. It acts as a simple, entry-level roadster, that is powered by a LAMS-approved and user-friendly 349cc single-cylinder engine. But its compact chassis, minimal bodywork, and cool colour schemes make it a fun and exciting ride. In some ways, it’s the least Royal Enfield-like machine in the range, which makes it perfect for those who want something a little different. Of course, like all of the 349cc bikes in the range, it is a little underpowered, especially for experienced riders.

Related: Royal Enfield Hunter 350 2023 Review

Specs:
Type: Air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder
Capacity: 349cc
Kerb weight: 181kg
Seat height: 790mm
Fuel capacity: 13L
Price: $7590-$7690 ride away

Like the Hunter, the Meteor 350 is powered by Royal Enfield’s 349cc single cylinder engine, but it acts as a replacement for the previous Rumbler 350 model. It adopts a more cruiser-like stance and presents a smooth, relaxing, and satisfying ride. It is a little more conservative than the Hunter with its colour schemes, but it is no less enjoyable or well-presented. It is a tad more expensive than the Hunter, but does include the Tripper navigation system as standard.

Related: 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Launch Review

Specs:
Type: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-oil cooled
Capacity: 349cc
Claimed wet weight: 191kg
Seat height: 765mm
Fuel capacity: 15L
Price: $8190-$8890 ride away

The third model in the 350 range is the Classic 350, which harks back to older Royal Enfield models, particularly the Bullet range. While there is a large array of colours and trims available, the Classic 350 will appeal mostly to those looking for something a little old-school or historic. It very much looks and feels like an old bike, but the smooth 349cc engine gives it a modern touch. Of course, like the Hunter and the Meteor, it is a little underpowered on faster roads, but it is still a joy to ride.

Related: 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Launch Review

Specs:
Type: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-oil cooled
Capacity: 349cc
Claimed wet weight: 195kg
Seat height: 805mm
Fuel capacity: 13L
Price: $7990-$8790

Did someone say adventure? The Himalayan is Royal Enfield’s first, and currently only, adventure bike. It has proven itself many times in the tough conditions of the actual Himalayans, and acts as an affordable and rugged option for those looking to hit the road’s less travelled. While it is a little old school its fit and finish, the 411cc engine is a pleasure to ride and lends itself well to dual-sport scenarios. While there are clearly more capable and well-equipped adventure bikes out there, the Himalayan’s price tag is a huge plus. Now, how about a Himalayan 650?

Related: 2017 Royal Enfield Himalayan launch review

Specs:
Type: Single cylinder, 4 stroke, air-cooled, SOHC, fuel injection
Capacity: 411cc
Claimed wet weight: 194kg
Seat height: 800mm
Fuel capacity: 15L
Price: $8390-$8790

The second “dual-sport” motorcycle in the Royal Enfield range takes the Himalayan platform and gives it the “scrambler” treatment. While it isn’t strictly an “adventure” bike, it can be used as such, with largely the same specification as the Himalayan. The eye-catching colour schemes are a little more attractive to younger markets and the Scram is also a touch cheaper than the Himalayan.

Related: 2022 Royal Enfield Scram 411 Launch Review

Specs:
Type: Single cylinder, 4 stroke, air-cooled, SOHC, fuel injection
Capacity: 411cc
Claimed wet weight: 194kg
Seat height: 800mm
Fuel capacity: 15L
Price: $8240-$8440 ride away

One of the two original 650 Twin models that were released in 2019, the Continental GT is the café racer in Royal Enfield’s line-up. It is inspired visually by the original 500cc Continental GT but utilises a brilliant 648cc parallel twin motor that, while learner-approved, packs plenty of punch. The café racer styling will certainly appeal to older riders, but younger riders with a sense of style will find it an attractive machine too.

Related: Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Review

Specs:
Type: Air/oil-cooled, SOHC, eight-valve, four-stroke parallel-twin
Capacity: 648cc
Claimed dry weight: 212kg
Seat height: 820mm
Fuel capacity: 12.5L
Price: $11,290-$11,890 ride away

Using the same brilliant motor as the Continental GT, the Interceptor is arguably the jewel in Royal Enfield’s crown. It is the only LAMS-approved motorcycle to receive a bikesales Bike of the Year nomination and has been a regular fixture in the Learner Bike of the Year nominations. The modern-classic look makes it a stylish and affordable alternative to the likes of the Triumph Bonneville and the engine is an absolute beauty.

Related: 2019 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 review

Specs:
Type: Air/oil-cooled, SOHC, eight-valve, four-stroke parallel-twin
Capacity: 648cc
Claimed dry weight: 217kg
Seat height: 805mm
Fuel capacity: 13.7L
Price: $10,990-$11,590 ride away

The latest addition to Royal Enfield’s range, and the third model in the 650 line-up, the Super Meteor 650 is the Meteor 350’s big brother. The classic-styled cruiser uses the same brilliant engine as the Interceptor and the Continental GT, but sits on a new chassis. It also introduces LED lighting and upside-down suspension for the first time on a Royal Enfield. The Super Meteor offers a more relaxed ride compared to its 650 siblings and is excellent for long distances.

Related: 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Review

Specs:
Type: Air/oil-cooled, SOHC, eight-valve, four-stroke parallel-twin
Capacity: 648cc
Claimed dry weight: 241kg
Seat height: 740mm
Fuel capacity: 15.7L
Price: $11,990-$12,540 ride away

While each of the eight models will appeal to different people, it is hard to go past the Interceptor 650 as the best all-round machine. It has a broad appeal and is arguably one of the best LAMS models on the market. Some riders might prefer the compactness and ease-of-use of the 350 machines, while the adventurous souls will lean to the Himalayan or Scram, but if you're just in the market for a good solid motorcycle, then the Interceptor is what you are looking for.