Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Review: A Classic Design with Modern Performance

Royal Enfield is a brand known for its classic and iconic motorcycles. The company has been around for over a century, and it has produced some of the most recognizable motorcycles in history. One such motorcycle is the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, which was first introduced in the 1950s. Today, the Super Meteor 650 is back with a modern twist, and it promises to deliver an outstanding riding experience. In this blog post, we will review the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and see if it lives up to its reputation.

Review of the 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

After a long wait, the 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 has finally arrived and it was worth it. The iconic brand has expanded its flagship range with another flavor in the form of this classic-styled cruiser. It utilizes the same popular 648cc parallel-twin engine platform as its siblings, but features a new chassis and several new components that distinguish it from them.

The launch of the Super Meteor took place on the brand’s home soil in India, where international media got to test it on highways and backroads between Jaisalmer and Khimsar in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. The location offered diverse terrain and conditions that were perfect for testing the new machine.

Although local pricing is yet to be announced, we can make an educated guess based on international pricing. European pricing will start at €7890 while UK pricing starts at £6799 – roughly placing the SM650 around $A12,000 (plus on-road costs). The SM650 will be available in two variants – a standard version and a Tourer version that comes with a windshield and pillion backrest as well as two additional paint schemes – Celestial Red and Celestial Blue.

As with previous models, Royal Enfield is offering a wide range of accessories and apparel to go along with this new machine.

What is the 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650?

The Super Meteor 650 is a highway cruiser that boasts a classic style and design features inspired by the Meteor 350 (released in 2021) and, to some extent, the original Super Meteor 700 from the 1950s.

Powered by the same parallel-twin engine as the Interceptor and Continental GT, this bike is familiar territory when you start it up. The engine and drivetrain are virtually unchanged aside from a new airbox and exhaust system. However, a new chassis has been designed specifically for relaxed highway cruising. It comes equipped with forward-mounted foot controls, a wide handlebar, and a low seat height.

The bike also has some surprising features that continue to differentiate it from other models of the same type. For instance, it is equipped with an upside-down fork by Showa; LED lighting; Tripper navigation module as standard; USB charging port; dual-channel ABS; ByBre brakes (320mm single-disc front, 300mm single-disc rear); a 19- and 16-inch wheel setup; electronic fuel injection; and a 15.7L fuel tank.

What is the experience of riding the Super Meteor like?

Despite its reputation among horsepower-obsessed countries like Australia as cheap and basic machines that are underpowered for most Aussie roads, Royal Enfield’s balance between affordability and practicality is perfect in its Twin platform. The Super Meteor 650 exemplifies this quality perfectly.

The engine feels incredibly refined in this package offering smooth power delivery while still providing plenty of snap when you need it. Even on long stretches at speeds upwards of 120km/h, there was still plenty of torque to overtake slower vehicles without feeling strained.

Although it’s not fast enough to break any land speed records, it’s more than enough for recreational riders who want an enjoyable cruiser experience rather than seeking high-speed thrills. In addition, it’s a learner-friendly machine and is very easy to ride.

The gearbox also offers incredibly smooth shifting, making it a pleasure to operate even in low gears. The ride position caters well to cruiser riders, but some may prefer mid-mount controls over forward-mount controls. Nonetheless, the overall experience was comfortable with no fatigue or soreness even after really long stints in the saddle thanks to the plush seat.

Despite its weight of 241kg wet, it handles well and feels light and agile on tight streets as well as cruising on highways thanks to great stability and cornering ability. Even leaning at 160km/h (in a controlled and legal setting), the bike is rock solid and doesn’t sway from its intended path.

SPECS: 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

ENGINE

Type: Air/oil-cooled, SOHC, eight-valve, four-stroke parallel-twin
Capacity: 648cc
Bore x stroke: 78mm x 67.8mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE

Claimed maximum power: 47hp (34.6kW) at 7250rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 52Nm at 5650rpm

TRANSMISSION

Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR

Frame: Tubular steel spine frame
Front suspension: 43mm USD telescopic fork, 120mm travel
Rear suspension: Twin shocks, adjustable for preload, 101mm travel
Front brakes: Single 320mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear brake: Single 300mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tyres: 19-inch front, 16-inch rear, tubeless

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES

Claimed dry weight: 241kg
Seat height: 740mm
Wheelbase: 1500mm
Fuel capacity: 15.7 litres

OTHER STUFF

Price: $11,990-$12,540 ride away
Colours: Astral Black, Astral Blue, Astral Green, Interstellar Green, Interstellar Grey, Celestial Red, Celestial Blue

Design

The design of the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is inspired by its retro counterpart from the 1950s. The motorcycle features a classic round headlight, teardrop tank, and the signature chrome finish that makes it stand out from other modern bikes on the road. However, unlike its predecessor, which had a single-cylinder engine, this new version comes equipped with a powerful twin-cylinder engine that offers better performance without compromising on style.

Engine

The heart of any motorcycle is its engine, and the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 does not disappoint in this regard. It comes with a liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that churns out an impressive 47 horsepower at 7,250 RPM and a torque of 52 Nm at 6,250 RPM. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox that offers smooth shifts and precision control.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension system of the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 consists of telescopic forks at the front and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. This setup provides excellent stability on rough roads while ensuring a comfortable ride for both rider and pillion passenger.

As far as braking goes, this bike comes equipped with twin-piston calipers up front and a single-piston caliper at the rear, which provide ample stopping power. The bike also has dual-channel ABS, which ensures maximum safety while braking.

Performance

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is designed for performance, and it does not disappoint in this regard. The powerful engine and the responsive gearbox allow for quick acceleration and smooth cruising on highways. The bike can reach a top speed of 170 km/h, making it an excellent choice for riders who love to push their limits.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The Super Meteor 650 is designed with comfort in mind. The seat is well cushioned, and the footpegs are positioned in such a way that the rider’s legs don’t feel cramped during long rides. Additionally, the handlebars are positioned perfectly to provide optimum control while riding.

Technology

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 comes equipped with modern technology that enhances the overall riding experience. It has a digital instrument cluster that displays all vital information such as speed, gear position, fuel level, and more. Additionally, it features LED lighting all around, which provides better visibility on dark roads.

Maintenance

Maintaining a motorcycle is essential to ensure its longevity and reliability. The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is designed with easy maintenance in mind. All major components are easily accessible, which makes repairs and maintenance tasks less time-consuming.

Price

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is priced at $7,500 (approx.), which makes it an affordable option compared to other motorcycles in its class.

Which Royal Enfield Model Should I Buy In 2023?

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 lives up to its reputation of being a classic motorcycle with modern performance. It combines retro styling with modern technology to deliver an exceptional riding experience. Its powerful engine, comfortable ergonomics, and easy maintenance make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced riders alike. If you’re in the market for a classic motorcycle with modern performance, give the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 a test ride.

Overall, the Super Meteor is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-ride cruiser that’s perfect for relaxing and taking in the sights on long rides.

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