Of all the motorcycles to come out in recent times, perhaps the most eagerly awaited one has been the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. In fact, within cruiser circles, it has already emerged as the most talked-about bike. This model is a bid by the company to rewrite the definition of the middle-weight cruiser segment. But how far can it live up to expectations? This is just another good looker of a cruiser or something backed by a substance to match the style? Let’s find out.
Design and Build Quality: A Modern Classic
First-glance impressions: the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a looker. The design echoes that classic cruiser ethos with its long, low-slung profile, broad handlebars, and that imposing fuel tank that recalls motorcycling’s glorious yesteryears. Now, build quality shall be among the very first things you notice. The metalwork is solid, the paint finish is exquisite, attention to detail commendable.
The all-LED lighting on the Super Meteor 650, along with the large circular headlamp and the chunky front fork, does lend a very modern feel to the motorcycle. The retro-styled instrument cluster is a mix of old-world charm combined with modern functionality—the analog speedometer sits right next to the digital display. Another high point is the switchgear quality, which gives one a feeling of reassurance each time one reaches out for the controls.
It is worth noting, though, that the motorcycle’s substantial weight can be a little intimidating for newer riders. Weighing in at about 241 kg, the Super Meteor 650 is not light and hence not easy to maneuver at low speeds. This has been one of the sticky points in some of the Super Meteor 650 negative reviews. The heft, though, does contribute to a stable ride, particularly on highways.
Engine and Performance: A Smooth Operator
But in its retro skin, it houses the heart of a modern monster. The Super Meteor 650 shares its 648cc parallel-twin mill with the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. However, Royal Enfield has subtly revised the engine mapping and the system to make it smoother, more refined, and better suited to the life of a cruiser.
With 47 bhp coming in at 7,250 rpm and 52 Nm of torque coming in at 5,650 rpm, the Super Meteor 650 isn’t a particularly powerful bike for its segment; however, it is truly linear and quite predictable. In actuality, the nature of the motor is rather really well-suited for relaxed long-distance cruising. It has sufficient torque available lower down the rev band, so city riding doesn’t require frequent gear shifts. The six-speed gearbox is slick and incisive; the light clutch action adds to the effort while using it.
As far as performance goes, the top speed of the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 will be about 170 km/h. That’s decent enough for a motorcycle of this nature. Anywhere between 100 km/h and 120 km/h is the sweet spot; the engine feels relaxed with barely any vibe. Of course, you will feel some burr through the handlebar and footpegs, but if you push it above that range nothing will spoil it.
Ride and Handling: Built for the Open Road
Long, relaxed rides are what the Super Meteor 650 is all about. The suspension setup includes a 43mm upside-down fork at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. While the front suspension does a great job soaking up bumps, the rear can feel a bit firm, especially on rough roads. This has been noted in numerous Super Meteor 650 long-term review reports whereby riders found this rear suspension could become a little uncomfortable on long journeys over less-than-perfect roads.
Now, on a positive note, this motorcycle’s wheelbase and low CoG lend to high-speed stability which is great. Cornering isn’t such a momentous task on the Super Meteor 650 as one would imagine for a cruiser; this is partly due to wide handlebars and, of course, a very well-balanced chassis. The bike holds a line through bends pretty nicely, and the brakes—twin discs up front and a single disc at the rear—possess ample stopping power with good feedback.
One of the very few flaws of this machine is the wide turning radius. You will need to make more effort to turn around tight corners or U-turns than what you usually expect; some riders have noted this as one of the Super Meteor 650 negative reviews.
Comfort and Ergonomics: The Cruiser Experience
Any cruiser’s comfort is of prime importance, and keeping that in mind, the Super Meteor 650 does not come short. The seat is wide and well-padded, offering good support for long rides. Aiding this relaxed riding position, which is easy on the back and shoulders, the footpegs are slightly forward-positioned. Taller riders, though, might believe that the positioning is a little cramped, especially during longer rides.
The screen does an adequate job of keeping the wind off on higher specification models (it’s optional on base bikes), though at higher speeds there is some buffeting. It is not a major problem but could be easily sorted if it became an issue with an aftermarket windshield.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: A Mixed Bag
While the Super Meteor 650 represents a mixed bag in terms of fuel efficiency, there is always this other end of the spectrum. Mileage figures for the Super Meteor 650 usually stay between 20-25 km/l, depending on riding conditions and style. While decent for a 650cc twin-cylinder motorcycle, these numbers are just not exceptional. Riders who really pound down a lot of miles and look closely at economy might find themselves a tad disappointed, particularly on long trips where fuel stops might be more frequent than desired.
However, if one does consider its capability for cruising and the amount of power it is capable of delivering, this might seem a fair trade-off to most enthusiasts.
Pricing and Variants: Value for Money?
Especially for highly price-sensitive markets such as India, what should be most notable with the Super Meteor 650 is the price. It comes in several variants, with the starting base price being around INR 3.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The top-spec variant, with the likes of the windscreen, touring seat, and backrest, gets a little bit more expensive at around INR 3.69 lakh (ex-showroom).
Finally, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 price is on-road and would have added implications in terms of insurance, registration, and optional accessories one may want to attach to the bike. Prices in general would range between INR 3.75 lakh and INR 4 lakh on-road, according to your location and the exact model or version you opt for.
The Super Meteor 650 is very, very well priced in value terms for what is a well-made cruiser, with a bike engine well below most of its rivals.
The Long-Term Ownership Experience: What to Expect
A Super Meteor 650 long-term review comes in handy for those who are in it for the long haul, stating what you can look forward to as an owner. With time, the Super Meteor 650 has turned out to be a solid machine with not too many mechanical issues reported against it. The motor is strong and only requires routine maintenance, such as oil changes chain adjustments, and replacement of the brake pads.
The electrical system of the Super Meteor 650 might be one of the few areas where it needs special attention. There are some minor issues reported with the lighting and instrumentation, particularly in wet conditions. While these problems are relatively few, they are worth keeping an eye on if you plan on making a lot of touring across varied climatic conditions.
Another big reason could be resale value: the motorcycles from Royal Enfield are known to have generally held their value rather well, and the same can be expected of the Super Meteor 650. With the bike having a strong brand reputation and growing in popularity, it’s easy to surmise that depreciation will be slow, making it a good investment for those who want to sell or trade-in at some point down the road.
The big question: Is the Super Meteor 650 the Right Bike for You?
Overall, the impression from the review of the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is very positive. It is a motorcycle that amazingly fuses classic cruiser styling with modern performance and technology. It would hence be great for people desiring a capable yet stylish cruiser either for weekend rides, long-distance touring, or even as a daily commuter if one can live with the weight and the fuel consumption.
Now, as with any motorcycle, some flaws exist. The weight may be a bit daunting for riders of less experience, and the fuel efficiency is quite good but not very great. Maybe the suspension could have been a little more forgiving; the turning radius is greater than it needs to be in city riding. These have been noted by some in various Super Meteor 650 negative reviews, but they’re pretty minor in the bigger picture.
Were one to consider the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 price on the road, he/she would realize how the Royal Enfield, with this motorcycle, has done very well at the premium yet accessible end of the middleweight cruiser segment. For those who like their classic cruiser experience and are seeking a motorcycle capable of doing any job—be it highway cruising city commuting, or weekend getaways—the Super Meteor 650 presents a very compelling case.
Whether you’re an old hand at riding or just getting into cruisers, the Super Meteor 650 will give you an engaging ride from the very first mile. It is probably one of the most exciting motorcycles in the lineup from Royal Enfield today, with its blend of style, performance, and value. If you’re looking for a cruiser as much about going as it is getting there, well, then maybe the Super Meteor 650 will be that special bike for you.