Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Review: Better Than The Kawasaki Vulcan S?

The RE Super Meteor 650 sounds decent on paper but nothing really stands out. We find out if it’s the same in the real world too. 

• Its 648cc parallel-twin heart makes 47PS and 52.3Nm. 
• Underpinnings include an inverted fork at the front with twin shocks at the rear. 
• These things said, it tips the scales at a massive 241kg. 

With the Super Meteor 650, Royal Enfield ushered in a new era of affordable large-displacement cruising earlier this year. The bike was purring away in full glory on the lovely arrow straight roads of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. However, how often will you come across such roads? There were still unanswered questions about its daily usability and we found out exactly that. 

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Design & Features

The Super Meteor 650 looks similar to its younger sibling, the Meteor 350, but is slightly beefier. It has a low-slung and wide seat with a laid-back riding stance for long-distance comfort. Its teardrop-shaped fuel tank, scooped seat, and beefy fenders add to the cruiser look. 

It has an LED headlight and taillight, as well as optional LED indicators. There's even a USD front fork (the first in a production Royal Enfield) and alloy wheels with wide rear tyres available. The top-tier models include a windscreen, dual-tone and more comfortable seats, and a cushioned pillion backrest.

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 has the same semi-digital instrument cluster as the Meteor 350, with an analogue speedometer, general telltale lights, and a digital inset displaying information such as fuel level, tripmeter, odometer, clock, gear position, and an Eco prompt. The instrumentation also includes a Tripper Navigation pod powered by Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Engine & Specs

This is the same 650cc engine that first appeared on the 650 twins. Even the power and torque are comparable. So we know the power is enjoyable and the torque is plentiful. RE, on the other hand, has given the Super Meteor a larger airbox and a revised fuel map. So, while it may not feel as quick as the 650 twins (the Interceptor or the Conti), the torque spread allows you to pull each gear for a longer period of time. That lack of oomph is also due to its heft, which takes away some of its peppiness.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Chassis

I wasn't expecting the Super Meteor to be as enjoyable as it was when riding up Lavasa. The torquey engine keeps you hooked, changing direction is easy, allowing you to dodge stray potholes or cattle with minor bar inputs, and the grip levels on offer are adequate. What really inspires confidence is how stable the entire bike feels. When leaned over, it never broke a sweat. Thank the 1500mm wheelbase for that.

The braking system is also strong. This 241-kilo machine stops much better than the Interceptor, thanks to the USD fork, and the tyres are much better.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Dimensions

Most of you may have looked at the spec sheet and become concerned about the 241kg kerb weight. So, yes. It's hefty. It does, however, imply that you will need some muscle to lift it off the side stand or push it around the parking lot. But there's a trick to propping it up on the main stand. It is, in fact, elementary physics. The bike is propped up by applying weight to the fulcrum.

Even performing U-turns does not necessitate the rider overextending their arms significantly, and the low saddle height aids in this regard.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Variants & Price

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 comes in three models: Astral, Interstellar, and Celestial, with the only difference between the two being the colour schemes. The Celestial variant, on the other hand, has a more cushioned and comfortable seat, a tall windscreen, a cushioned pillion backrest, and more premium colorways.

Verdict

Royal Enfield's Super Meteor 650, like the 650 twins in 2018, genuinely surprised me. The parallel-twin engine's versatility is obvious, and Royal Enfield is taking things to the next level with the Super Meteor. It has perfectly filled the void left by the Harley-Davidson Street 750 while not draining your bank account as much.