Review | Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

This bike is the latest creation to roll out of the Royal Enfield factory in Chennai, India. It's called the Super Meteor 650, and as the name suggests, it's an updated version of the already very popular Meteor 350. 

The Super Meteor 650 can rightfully be introduced as an entirely new bike for the brand thanks to a completely new main frame, new suspension geometry and the addition of the already celebrated 650 twin-cylinder engine with induction and exhaust parts developed exclusively for the new model. 

The Super Meteor 650 fits into the category of Cruiser, a field that Royal Enfield has been familiar with and excelling at for many decades. This is, however, the first time Royal Enfield has produced a cruiser with the 650 twin engine. I've always admired the smaller 350 single-cylinder engines, but to speak the truth, despite the characterful charm of the singles, I've always lusted after a little more 'go', and the 650 twin gives just that.

The new model also features some excellent features seen for the first time on a Royal Enfield; some solely aesthetic, others practical and performance related. One of the significant changes is seen within the front suspension setup. For the first time ever on a Royal Enfield, the Super Meteor has upsidedown forks providing a more compliant and stable ride, and the rear swingarm has been tweaked, redesigned and upgraded too. The fuel tank, side panels, and for the first time, an LED headlight are all brand-new parts never before seen on previous models. 

Despite the Super Meteor being built in India, there is still a positive link to the British brand heritage, with much of the technical and design development of the new bike completed at the Royal Enfield facility in Leicestershire.

Vital Statistics: 
Engine - 648cc parallel twin-cylinder
Power - 47bhp
Torque - 52.3Nm
Weight - 241kg
Saddle Height - 74cm
Top Speed - 100mph
0-62mph - 7.3 seconds
Priced from £6,799.00 (as tested)

My height & Weight - 184cm (6'1ft) & 90kg

The Super Meteor is available in two trim options: The Super Meteor 650 (as tested in Astral Green) and the Super Meteor 650 Tourer, which has a windscreen, slightly softer saddle and a pillion backrest. Both variants have significant design characteristics and features, which I feel would appeal to different riders, depending on what the bike is more likely to be used for. As is typical for Royal Enfield, thanks to the price and engine size, the brand has once again produced a bike with few close competitors. 

In terms of other sub-1000cc cruiser bikes, Harley Davidson has the Nightster, Honda has the Rebel, and Kawazaki has the Vulcan S, but none come close in terms of value for style and performance. Triumph is a common brand comparison to Royal Enfield, but the closest equivalent from the Hinkley factory is the Bobber, which has twice the engine size and almost twice the price tag. 

Royal Enfield produces these bikes on masse, and that helps with the ability to reduce profit margins and, thus, lower the retail price in your local dealership. Again though, as I found when reviewing the Continental GT 650 Twin, it's important to point out that a lesser price doesn't necessarily mean a lesser bike. The Super Meteor feels like a quality product. The switch gear, dials and overall construction of the bike feel very good. Royal Enfield has equipped the Super Meteor with its new Tripper Navigation System, which, once paired with an app on your phone, will over directions and journey information from a small screen to the right of the main dial. There's no tachometer as seen on other models; however, I didn't feel I was missing out at any point. The single dial offers all the information required and even indicates when riding in an economical gear to help preserve MPG. 

As is typical for a cruiser-style bike, it is a 'foot forward' stance which means you lose the ability to raise yourself from the seat easily in anticipation of bumps in the road. With a heavy backpack on, unless you have the core strength of a CrossFit champion, you have no option but to soak up the bumps through your backside, which becomes tiresome on bumpy B-roads. Whilst the saddle is comfortable, the rear shocks did, at times, feel a little too firm. Admittedly, I didn't attempt to adjust the ride comfort myself, but the rear shock absorber travel is adjustable with some included tools, and perhaps with some tweaking, this could have been improved. 

Rear shock firmness aside, there is little else to grumble about regarding the ride. The upside-down Showa forks on the front give a very stable and precise steering feel, and the shocks are damped nicely in compliance with the front brake feel. Likewise, at the rear, the foot pedal offers a nice grab with ABS on hand to kick in should you hit any loose road surfacing. 

I've celebrated the 648cc parallel twin multiple times before on both the Continental GT and Interceptor, and here on the Super Meteor, I'll celebrate it again. The development team behind the 650 engine have done a superb job with the power delivery and gearing. Just under 50bhp might sound too humble for enjoyment, but it isn't. The engine feels plenty powerful enough, and the delivery of the power is linear and smooth. The 650 engine also allows for variable riding styles; short shifts and intense twists on the throttle are rewarded with an impressive choppy low-rev-pull, where you feel the best of the torque band. Alternatively, dance around with higher revs whilst zipping through corners, and the reward is a zingy spritely response whilst clipping through the gears with ease. 

As a rider, you're not spoilt for choice in terms of rider modes; there is just one. I like that, though; many new bikes are unnecessarily complicated with three power modes plus a 4th for wet weather. As is typical for Royal Enfield, you get what you're given and what you're given is pretty good.

I predict that the Super Meteor will be a big hit with the custom-build community, and I've already seen a few builds underway. And again, thanks to the price tag, a little bit of creative flare and individualism isn't going to break the bank. The Super Meteor is a sub-£7k bike with a 3-year warranty and an insurance category that shouldn't make it too painful for the younger and older riding groups to insure. 

What I love about the Super Meteor 650
Great Styling - Fantastic Engine - Exceptional Value for Money.

What could be improved on the Super Meteor 650
A firm ride from rear shocks may result in purchasing aftermarket upgrades - Not many choices on colour and trim options.

If the styling works for you, then the Super Meteor is well worth a test ride. As I found with the Continental and Interceptor, this Super Meteor would suit new riders, experienced riders and riders that are perhaps returning to the hobby after some time away. 

The Super Meteor offers a great blend of compliance, performance and, perhaps most significantly - fun.

Words: John Marcar
Pictures: Henry Faulkner-Smith