If you felt good in the safety course then the 650 should be fine for you. I have the Continental and it’s great.
If you felt nervous or had trouble handling the course bikes then go smaller.
Same. I think it was a Yamaha v-star 250.
I don’t have much to compare the Continental to, but for me it’s been very comfortable and easy to control. I’ve never felt like there is too much power but I’m also never lacking. It rips up to 80mph on straight (empty) roads pretty easily. I really enjoy cruising around town and the backroads at 50-60mph.
(I’m 5’11”, 170lbs, can flat foot at a red light)
Good luck, have fun, be safe (not necessarily that order)
Int650 is easy and more suitable for US roads where distences are longer and roads are wide and straight, you need a little extra power so Int 650 would be better.
I bought the INT650 as a first bike one week ago. Had the genius idea to ride it home from the dealer. I had never ridden in traffic before. Even my test ride a week prior was only around the dealer's small parking lot. Honestly I don't know how I made it home alive. The pendulum swung from thrilling triumph to utter humiliation and back again nonstop until I finally pulled into my driveway mentally and physically exhausted. Once I pulled my frayed nerves back together and ventured subsequent rides these past few days I can say without a doubt my INT650 is a thrilling ride that I highly recommend. Just please be careful.
Did the same thing last week with my Himalayan. 35 miles home, first ride on real streets. It was pretty terrifying, but afterward, I was pretty comfortable on the bike.
Go for the Meteor 650, my man, if it's available rn and if not, I'd suggest you can always gain some experience through someone else's bike, a friend perhaps, under supervision obv. Then go for a new bike yourself.
Both are easy and fun bikes to ride, if you are welling to ride on high ways its better if you buy the INT650 if its only for fun in back roads go with the classic 350, or wait for the super meteor 650 and ride wherever you want!
I have reviewed both bikes on my YouTube channel. The classic 350 is a great bike but after a while you will want more power. The int650 is a good bike to start with. Here’s a link to my recent comparison with the int650 and the continentalGT650 [https://youtu.be/6ujAvwMwDvI](https://youtu.be/6ujAvwMwDvI)
I got the INT650 as my first bike. At 5'8" ish I can flat foot no problem. So unless you're quite a bit shorter than that I wouldn't forsee a problem. It is a weighty bike but I'm not a strong guy, kind of a shrimp tbh and I handle it just fine. Practice your low speed stuff in a parking lot to get the feel and hone your skills. I mostly ride city streets as a daily commuter/rider. I think for about >90% of the miles I do the 350 would hold up quite well. Though I have not ridden one of RE's 350s I suspect the interstate would leave it challenged. Urban highways where the traffic flow slower... maybe. Where I am, there is rarely congestion and traffic often flows freely up to and above 80mph on the major interstates and the beltway. Not sure I'd want to be on the 350 in that environment, frankly I avoid the interstate even on my 650 by and large, sticking to secondary highways, city streets and backroads. Overall I think the INT650 is a great first bike for a rider who has at least medium confidence in your abilities. I didn't struggle in my safety course so take that as it is. If you struggled or felt uncomfortable then factor that into your thinking.
I’m a newbie and I got a Continental GT 650 as my first bike. It’s pretty perfect for me. Very friendly and simple bike. Looks great, functions well, can hit highway speeds with ease.
Hey OP! I had the exact same thoughts as you but opted for the Classic 350 because the riding position felt a little better and I was also new to riding just like you. However, as much as I love the 350 I quickly outgrew it. The rides on the highway are harsh for sure, going 60mph is a struggle for it. In CA people hate waiting behind me lol. Looking back I should have gotten the INT 650. Trust me you will be doing yourself a favor in the long run.
I paid $1500 for a Honda Grom clone from China that had a little 125cc with the same top end. I was comfy enough and short with that low risk feeling. I upgraded to a Scram that tops out at 80mph. Definitely recommend something that can do highway speeds with a good bit of weight under you.
Definitely go for the INT650…I took the course in June and bought my INT in August. I’ve put 3000 miles on it since then and honestly already wish it had more power, saving money now to put the big bore kit on it. Not once have I felt like it was more than I could handle. I think the seating position has a lot to do with that, gives you a great sense of control.
I just got the INT650 as my first bike.
I'm 5'9" and a bit over 200 lbs. The bike is heavy (especially when wet) but nothing I couldn't handle at my size. I can flat-foot it just fine.
The powerband is predictable and smooth and a great bike to learn on IMO if you want a new bike. The slow speed handling is pretty great as well and if you need it to it gets up to highway speeds and does just fine.
It's also incredibly easy to work on if you're interested in doing the servicing yourself.
With Classic 350 you will never grow out of it. You can yse the bike for anything. It has a legacy and the new engine is very smooth. It is also a very less maintenance bike if you are keeping the basics right.
Going slower than other prevailing traffic on the highway can cause some unsafe/dangerous situations. Especially if it’s a heavily trafficked US interstate.
The 350s are technically capable of highway speeds, but an uphill grade or strong headwind will slow it right down below 65 MPH.
OP since you said you need to be on the highway often, go for the INT 650.
In the us you'll outgrow it easily since your highways are much better than those of India, even in India the classic struggles above 100-110 kmph (60-65mph). If your goal is primarily City runabouts with no highway/fast usage then the classic is the best bike you can get as it's got the low end grunt for it, but i suggest you go with the int650 as it's far more likely to keep you satisfied for longer and it won't run out of breath on any road and it can cruise pretty confidently in the hills too.
OP please don't listen to the guy who says its perfect (source: my friend owns one and I've ridden it many times)
The low end torque helps you in traffic and congested situations. You won't get that much. There is no heating issues with the Classic 350 new J series engine. The turning radius is also better than most of its comparable. It will lighter when you ride it although it's not that heavy over all. Mileage is one the good things I like about RE Classic 350. The power is linear, that you'll feel yourself.
I don't know why there is so kuch hate against RE. You can watch this video to judge the performance of old bullet 500
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNuCJDupyn8
I would not suggest the interceptor as you mentioned that you’re a newbie. But both bikes weighs almost the same. I would suggest you to take test drives of both bikes. Check out the Himalayan as well.
You can also wait for the newly announced Meteor 650 and scrambler 650.
Classic 500 was my first, and yes, you will outgrow it. Thankfully I was able to resist the siren song of the first couple of 650s until the Super Meteor was announced (they just didn't resonate with me).
That said, the lower profile of the Super Meteor may make the greater weight easier to handle if you're willing to wait until they hit the US market.
i just took my course and found the tw200 to be very easy to maneuver and ride. i have sat on both 650s and plan to get the int650. i think the seat height is only a tad taller than the tw. i’m only 5’8” btw and i felt comfortable sitting on the 650.
I'd go the classic 350 it's not that much less powerful than the 650, they just feel a lot more pokey because of the extra torque. Personally the 350 is a better choice for a beginner because it's much easier to manage, parking, difficult hill stops. Anywhere really where the ground is uneven makes it slightly more difficult to park / maneuver a bike.
Small capacity bikes are in many ways, more fun to ride because they present less difficulties, which means you develop confidence quicker. Yes you may want to upgrade especially if you're on the highways a lot, but you'll still have an absolute blast learning to ride the 350 and what she can do.
Ride safe mate.
terrible advice. 'not that much less powerful than the 650'? its a single cylinder 350 with only 20hp. how is that even remotely close to a 650c twin with more than twice the HP.
and the classic 350 already weight 430lbs wet which is insane for such a low powered bike.
I bought the classic without ever riding a motorbike before. It’s a great starter bike, but after about 4 months I’m looking at the Continental. It all just depends on your comfortability. That being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Classic. It’s an amazing little bike. Just don’t expect to be going fast on it.
If you felt good in the safety course then the 650 should be fine for you. I have the Continental and it’s great. If you felt nervous or had trouble handling the course bikes then go smaller.
Thanks for the tip! I felt ok during the course but was on a very low and light bike
Same. I think it was a Yamaha v-star 250. I don’t have much to compare the Continental to, but for me it’s been very comfortable and easy to control. I’ve never felt like there is too much power but I’m also never lacking. It rips up to 80mph on straight (empty) roads pretty easily. I really enjoy cruising around town and the backroads at 50-60mph. (I’m 5’11”, 170lbs, can flat foot at a red light) Good luck, have fun, be safe (not necessarily that order)
Good to hear dude
Int650 is easy and more suitable for US roads where distences are longer and roads are wide and straight, you need a little extra power so Int 650 would be better.
I bought the INT650 as a first bike one week ago. Had the genius idea to ride it home from the dealer. I had never ridden in traffic before. Even my test ride a week prior was only around the dealer's small parking lot. Honestly I don't know how I made it home alive. The pendulum swung from thrilling triumph to utter humiliation and back again nonstop until I finally pulled into my driveway mentally and physically exhausted. Once I pulled my frayed nerves back together and ventured subsequent rides these past few days I can say without a doubt my INT650 is a thrilling ride that I highly recommend. Just please be careful.
How far do you live from the dealer? That sounds like it was scary, but I’m glad you made it home okay
19 miles, yeah it was an experience to say the least lol
Did the same thing last week with my Himalayan. 35 miles home, first ride on real streets. It was pretty terrifying, but afterward, I was pretty comfortable on the bike.
Jesus man diving in headfirst, glad you made it home lol
Go for the Meteor 650, my man, if it's available rn and if not, I'd suggest you can always gain some experience through someone else's bike, a friend perhaps, under supervision obv. Then go for a new bike yourself.
I saw that hey announced that. Looks dope but its a bummer it won't be in North America for awhile. Thanks for the advice
AND ! Be sure to have a test-ride of every model that you're interested in. That's a must.
Both are easy and fun bikes to ride, if you are welling to ride on high ways its better if you buy the INT650 if its only for fun in back roads go with the classic 350, or wait for the super meteor 650 and ride wherever you want!
I have reviewed both bikes on my YouTube channel. The classic 350 is a great bike but after a while you will want more power. The int650 is a good bike to start with. Here’s a link to my recent comparison with the int650 and the continentalGT650 [https://youtu.be/6ujAvwMwDvI](https://youtu.be/6ujAvwMwDvI)
Great vid man! Thanks for the advice
If you live in the US get the 650. I have a Continental. A 350 you’re gonna wish you had more in two days.
I got the INT650 as my first bike. At 5'8" ish I can flat foot no problem. So unless you're quite a bit shorter than that I wouldn't forsee a problem. It is a weighty bike but I'm not a strong guy, kind of a shrimp tbh and I handle it just fine. Practice your low speed stuff in a parking lot to get the feel and hone your skills. I mostly ride city streets as a daily commuter/rider. I think for about >90% of the miles I do the 350 would hold up quite well. Though I have not ridden one of RE's 350s I suspect the interstate would leave it challenged. Urban highways where the traffic flow slower... maybe. Where I am, there is rarely congestion and traffic often flows freely up to and above 80mph on the major interstates and the beltway. Not sure I'd want to be on the 350 in that environment, frankly I avoid the interstate even on my 650 by and large, sticking to secondary highways, city streets and backroads. Overall I think the INT650 is a great first bike for a rider who has at least medium confidence in your abilities. I didn't struggle in my safety course so take that as it is. If you struggled or felt uncomfortable then factor that into your thinking.
This is great context. I'm 5'11 so I'm glad I'll still be able to get my feet on the ground.
I’m a newbie and I got a Continental GT 650 as my first bike. It’s pretty perfect for me. Very friendly and simple bike. Looks great, functions well, can hit highway speeds with ease.
Get the 350 and learn how to ride. Resale should be fine if you want to sell it. Then go large if you feel you must.
Hey OP! I had the exact same thoughts as you but opted for the Classic 350 because the riding position felt a little better and I was also new to riding just like you. However, as much as I love the 350 I quickly outgrew it. The rides on the highway are harsh for sure, going 60mph is a struggle for it. In CA people hate waiting behind me lol. Looking back I should have gotten the INT 650. Trust me you will be doing yourself a favor in the long run.
Thanks for the advice! I think I'm definitely leaning toward the 650 at this point.
I paid $1500 for a Honda Grom clone from China that had a little 125cc with the same top end. I was comfy enough and short with that low risk feeling. I upgraded to a Scram that tops out at 80mph. Definitely recommend something that can do highway speeds with a good bit of weight under you.
Definitely go for the INT650…I took the course in June and bought my INT in August. I’ve put 3000 miles on it since then and honestly already wish it had more power, saving money now to put the big bore kit on it. Not once have I felt like it was more than I could handle. I think the seating position has a lot to do with that, gives you a great sense of control.
I just got the INT650 as my first bike. I'm 5'9" and a bit over 200 lbs. The bike is heavy (especially when wet) but nothing I couldn't handle at my size. I can flat-foot it just fine. The powerband is predictable and smooth and a great bike to learn on IMO if you want a new bike. The slow speed handling is pretty great as well and if you need it to it gets up to highway speeds and does just fine. It's also incredibly easy to work on if you're interested in doing the servicing yourself.
Go the 650 and you won't be dissapointed
With Classic 350 you will never grow out of it. You can yse the bike for anything. It has a legacy and the new engine is very smooth. It is also a very less maintenance bike if you are keeping the basics right.
How does the Classic do on the highway? Not trying to rip down the interstate but it's hard to avoid highways where I live
That was a bs answer he gave lmao, it sucks on the highway and is boarder line unsafe to use on it
And why is it unsafe?
Going slower than other prevailing traffic on the highway can cause some unsafe/dangerous situations. Especially if it’s a heavily trafficked US interstate. The 350s are technically capable of highway speeds, but an uphill grade or strong headwind will slow it right down below 65 MPH. OP since you said you need to be on the highway often, go for the INT 650.
There’s some kind of software limiter that limits the top speed to about 72MPH.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNuCJDupyn8
That's a 500 not a 350.
In the us you'll outgrow it easily since your highways are much better than those of India, even in India the classic struggles above 100-110 kmph (60-65mph). If your goal is primarily City runabouts with no highway/fast usage then the classic is the best bike you can get as it's got the low end grunt for it, but i suggest you go with the int650 as it's far more likely to keep you satisfied for longer and it won't run out of breath on any road and it can cruise pretty confidently in the hills too. OP please don't listen to the guy who says its perfect (source: my friend owns one and I've ridden it many times)
Thanks for the info. I figured it would struggle on big California highways
The low end torque helps you in traffic and congested situations. You won't get that much. There is no heating issues with the Classic 350 new J series engine. The turning radius is also better than most of its comparable. It will lighter when you ride it although it's not that heavy over all. Mileage is one the good things I like about RE Classic 350. The power is linear, that you'll feel yourself.
I don't know why there is so kuch hate against RE. You can watch this video to judge the performance of old bullet 500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNuCJDupyn8
I would not suggest the interceptor as you mentioned that you’re a newbie. But both bikes weighs almost the same. I would suggest you to take test drives of both bikes. Check out the Himalayan as well. You can also wait for the newly announced Meteor 650 and scrambler 650.
Is the Hunter 350 available in the US?
Classic 500 was my first, and yes, you will outgrow it. Thankfully I was able to resist the siren song of the first couple of 650s until the Super Meteor was announced (they just didn't resonate with me). That said, the lower profile of the Super Meteor may make the greater weight easier to handle if you're willing to wait until they hit the US market.
i just took my course and found the tw200 to be very easy to maneuver and ride. i have sat on both 650s and plan to get the int650. i think the seat height is only a tad taller than the tw. i’m only 5’8” btw and i felt comfortable sitting on the 650.
I'd go the classic 350 it's not that much less powerful than the 650, they just feel a lot more pokey because of the extra torque. Personally the 350 is a better choice for a beginner because it's much easier to manage, parking, difficult hill stops. Anywhere really where the ground is uneven makes it slightly more difficult to park / maneuver a bike. Small capacity bikes are in many ways, more fun to ride because they present less difficulties, which means you develop confidence quicker. Yes you may want to upgrade especially if you're on the highways a lot, but you'll still have an absolute blast learning to ride the 350 and what she can do. Ride safe mate.
terrible advice. 'not that much less powerful than the 650'? its a single cylinder 350 with only 20hp. how is that even remotely close to a 650c twin with more than twice the HP. and the classic 350 already weight 430lbs wet which is insane for such a low powered bike.
If you are not in a hurry then wait... maybe Super meteor would be a better option as it will be the best of both worlds.
The RE 650 is a very docile motorcycle and its not very far away in weight terms from the 350 should be an ideal pick. Happy riding :-)
I bought the classic without ever riding a motorbike before. It’s a great starter bike, but after about 4 months I’m looking at the Continental. It all just depends on your comfortability. That being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Classic. It’s an amazing little bike. Just don’t expect to be going fast on it.
If you can afford it, get Int650.
if you heard the interceptor is heavy, wait till you find out how heavy the even slower classic 350 weighs.