Naked Motorcycles

2017Royal Enfield Classic 500

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The Royal Enfield Classic 500 is a lightweight cruiser-style motorcycle ideally suited for beginner and experienced riders seeking vintage aesthetics with modern reliability. Built in India, it delivers classic character through its wire-spoked wheels, analogue instrumentation, and approachable 190kg weight, making it perfect for casual commuting and weekend rides. The bike is best known for combining retro styling with affordable pricing and proven engineering.

Capacity: 499.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 182.0 kg
Seat height: 800 mm
Power: 27.2 HP (19.9 kW) @ 5250 RPM

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Other years 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail20%

Cornering35%

City riding60%

Daily riding55%

Touring45%

Two-up45%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed classic-styled cruising and short-to-medium rides rather than outright performance.
Built for: A charming, retro-styled thumper that rewards a leisurely riding style with soulful engine character over speed.
Not ideal for: Not for riders seeking quick acceleration, sharp handling, or serious off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 800mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2017 Royal Enfield Classic 500, with a relaxed knee angle of around 120 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 499.0 ccm
Power: 27.2 HP (19.9 kW) @ 5250 RPM
Torque: 41.3 Nm (4.2 kgf-m) @ 4000 RPM
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1495 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 84.0 x 90.0 mm
Compression: 8.5:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric & kick
Ignition: Digital
Lubrication system: Wet sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Mulitiplate

Performance

Top speed: 120.0 km/h (74.6 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1360 mm
Overall length: 2140 mm
Overall width: 790 mm
Overall height: 1090 mm
Seat height: 800 mm
Dry weight: 182.0 kg
Wet weight: 190.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 13.50 litres
Ground clearance: 135 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Single downtube, using engine as stressed member
Front suspension: Telescopic, 35mm forks,
Rear suspension: Twin gas charged shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload
Front wheel travel: 130 mm
Rear wheel travel: 80 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. 2-Piston caliper
Front brakes diameter: 280 mm
Rear brakes: Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakes diameter: 153 mm
Front tyre: 90/90-18
Rear tyre: 110/90-18

Other

Color options: Beige, black, silver
Comments: Made in India. Brand full name is Royal Enfield.

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2010	2012	2015	2017	2019
Capacity	499 cc	499 cc	499 cc	499 cc	499 cc
Dry weight	182 kg	182 kg	182 kg	182 kg	182 kg
Seat height	800 mm	800 mm	800 mm	800 mm	800 mm
Fuel capacity	13.5 L	13.5 L	13.5 L	13.5 L	13.5 L