Riding Royal Enfield’s Super Meteor 650
I had the pleasure of riding Royal Enfield’s Super Meteor 650 launch this past fall, and I’ve been trying for the life of me to tell ya’ll about it. Now that we’re full swing into riding season, that time is now. The Super Meteor 650 (starting at $6,999 is definitely one to consider when shopping for a new bike this year, especially if budget is a concern.
The Super Meteor 650 brings a new level of character, style, and accessibility to the cruiser category, set to redefine the essence of cruising freedom in America. Designed with styling inspired by vintage Royal Enfield models, the motorcycle is built around the brand’s highly-acclaimed 648cc parallel twin engine.
The Super Meteor 650 is classically styled; however, it’s equipped with some pretty trick, modern components. The retromod Roadster features a cool stance too: meaty 16-inch rear wheel and 19-inch front. With its sloping lines from the fuel tank to the low-slung seat, then back up to the passenger seat over the rear fender, the bike looks good either standing still or in motion. It’s proportiante too–nothing too bulky or out of place on this entry-to-mid-level cruiser. Built on a tubular steel frame that is visible throughout, the cruiser’s appeal is as exhilarating as it is timeless.
The Super Meteor 650 is powered by a 648cc fuel-injected, air/oil-cooled, twin-cylinder engine found on the Royal Enfiled’s INT 650 and Continental GT 650. While you’re not winning any races (depending on who you’re racing, I guess), it’s engine power is relative to the type of bike you’re buying. In other words, it’s adequate and does the job just fine. In fact, it accelerates quicker than I anticipated. It’s a very capable machine with the chops of producing a strong, low-end grunt with some liquid-cooled top-end cruising fun too.
“The Super Meteor 650 punches above its class in the middleweight cruiser segment,” says Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer for Royal Enfield. “This motorcycle is an evolution of all our focus and efforts in the segment, and is a thoroughbred, retro cruiser in every sense.”
Royal Enfield’s Chief of Design, Mark Wells said, “The bike has confidence-inspiring stability, corners exquisitely, and feels planted at highway speeds. It is the ideal mid-segment bike that will not only turn heads, but put many more enthusiasts out on the roads to find the kind of enjoyment that pure cruising from Royal Enfield can offer.”
The rider’s view and controls have received particular focus to ensure that the design, fit, and finish are class-leading. Its instrument cluster combines the timeless elegance of an analog speedometer with the functionality of an LCD for essentials such as revs, gear indicator, fuel gauge, clock, and trip meter. Adjustable clutch and brake levers offer a smooth operation and a touch of retro finesse, while ergonomically designed barrel profile hand grips integrate the Royal Enfield logo. All-new plated aluminum switch cubes hold unique rotary switches, placing premium, chic design elements into the rider’s hands. Then there is Royal Enfield’s celebrated TBT (Turn-By-Turn) navigation pod, the Royal Enfield Tripper. A first on any Indian-made motorcycle when introduced on the Meteor 350, this highly-focused tool, developed in collaboration with Google, links to the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth. A discreet USB socket is located beneath the left side panel. Further attention-grabbing features on this cruiser are its LED headlamp, a first for Royal Enfield. It is carefully designed to deliver old-school charm but provides all the benefits of LED technology.
Available in three variants, Royal Enfield also offers the Super Meteor seven unique color options. The Astral and Interstellar variants focus on the cruising needs of the solo rider. Astral Green, Astral Black and Astral Blue deliver a simple yet unique color offering. The Interstellar variant offers a more premium, two-tone finish and is available in Interstellar Grey and Interstellar Green. The Celestial variant focuses more heavily on the touring rider, offering an OE-fitted deluxe touring seat, pillion backrest, and touring flyscreen, and is available in Celestial Red and Celestial Blue.
Like all Royal Enfield motorcycles, the Super Meteor 650 is supported by an extensive range of genuine motorcycle accessories that together complete a theme based on the rider’s preferences. These have been developed alongside the motorcycle to ensure a perfect fit. Rigorously tested in the field, Royal Enfield Genuine Motorcycle Accessories offer exceptional quality and a 3 year warranty that matches the motorcycle itself. A first edition launch kit is available at Royal Enfield dealers across the United States with the popular accessories like touring mirrors, compact engine guard kits, rider and passenger deluxe footpegs, billet oil cap cover, beautifully polished handlebar clamp with bar end finisher kit, full front and rear LED turn signals, and a Royal Enfield motorcycle cover. Whether riding solo, with a passenger, or in a group, the Super Meteor 650 from Royal Enfield outputs 122 years of motorcycle history into the ultimate expression of pure cruising.
The Super Meteor 650 motorcycles are available for purchase now at your local Royal Enfield dealership. For more information about Royal Enfield and the Super Meteor 650, please check with your local dealer or visit www.royalenfieldna.com.
