Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

The Super Meteor 650 is easily one of the best-looking motorcycles in Royal Enfield's portfolio. The top-spec Celestial variant stands out with its dual-tone cream and red color scheme, tall windscreen, and comfortable touring seats, offering a commanding presence on the road. The cruiser styling is accentuated by muscular fuel tank extensions, a long wheelbase, and a low-slung stance, making it an attention-grabber, especially in traffic.

Additional accessories like the pillion backrest, LED headlamp, and tripper navigation pod enhance both style and functionality. However, the location of the charging port inside the side panel feels impractical, as accessing it on the go is inconvenient

The Super Meteor 650 is powered by the same 648 cc parallel-twin engine found in other Royal Enfield 650 models. It produces 46.4 bhp at 7250 rpm and 52.3 Nm of torque at 5650 rpm, making it a strong performer in city and highway conditions. The low and mid-range torque are particularly impressive, offering a smooth, linear power delivery that makes city riding enjoyable. The 6-speed manual gearbox is well-tuned, with precise shifts that enhance the riding experience.

While the engine shines with its tractability and enjoyable exhaust note, heat from the motor can be an issue, particularly when stuck in traffic. Despite this, the brakes offer excellent bite and are responsive enough for both city and highway riding. However, taking U-turns or handling tight corners can be tricky due to the bike’s size and weight​

Handling is where the Super Meteor 650 truly shines. The bike features a 43 mm USD front fork with 120 mm travel, and twin shocks at the rear with 101 mm travel. 

The setup ensures that the bike remains stable on smooth tarmac, making it feel like Alaadin’s magic carpet on highways. However, the rear suspension is stiff, which makes riding over rough patches or potholes uncomfortable. You can feel every undulation on the road, which may not be ideal for long-distance cruising.

One challenge with the Super Meteor 650 is its low ground clearance of 135 mm, which makes the bike prone to scraping over speed bumps. The wind buffeting caused by the tall windscreen can also be an issue when riding at higher speeds​

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is designed for long-distance touring, and the forward-set footpegs and relaxed, upright riding posture ensure that riders remain comfortable during extended rides. The touring seats, especially in the Celestial variant, are plush and offer excellent support. The pillion backrest adds to the comfort for two-up riding, although the stiff rear suspension can detract from the experience, especially for the pillion rider.

The ergonomics of the bike, with the wide handlebar and low seat height, make it easy to handle, although the 241 kg kerb weight can make maneuvering in tight spaces more difficult​

The Super Meteor 650 comes with an array of modern features, such as the tripper navigation pod, which provides turn-by-turn navigation. This is particularly useful for touring, although it may not be necessary for city commutes if you're already familiar with your routes. 

The bike is also equipped with LED lighting for better visibility, especially at night. However, as mentioned earlier, the location of the charging port is somewhat impractical.

The dual-channel ABS is standard, ensuring rider safety during braking. The inclusion of a hazard light is also a thoughtful feature, adding to the bike’s practicality in various riding conditions

For a 650 cc cruiser, the Super Meteor 650 delivers decent fuel efficiency. During city riding, the bike returned around 21.5 kmpl, and on the highway, it managed to deliver a mileage of 26 kmpl. Given its 15.7-liter fuel tank, the bike offers a respectable range of around 330-400 kilometers, depending on riding conditions

At ₹3.94 lakh, the Super Meteor 650 is the most expensive model in Royal Enfield’s lineup. Despite its high price, the bike offers great value for riders seeking a powerful cruiser with a balance of performance, comfort, and style. The build quality, features, and overall experience make it worth the price tag, particularly for those who value long-distance cruising.

Royal Enfield’s after-sales service network is vast, ensuring that Super Meteor 650 owners can access maintenance and repairs easily. The brand is known for its affordable service costs and readily available spare parts, adding to the bike’s long-term reliability​

The Super Meteor 650 competes with other middle-weight cruisers like the Kawasaki Vulcan S and the Benelli 502C. While the Kawasaki Vulcan S offers a more refined engine and superior handling, it comes at a higher price point. The Benelli 502C, on the other hand, is priced similarly but lacks the brand appeal and widespread service network of Royal Enfield. The Super Meteor 650’s affordability and features make it a strong contender in the cruiser segment

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a highly capable cruiser that combines classic design, modern technology, and strong performance. Its relaxed ergonomics, powerful engine, and eye-catching design make it an excellent choice for riders looking for a comfortable and stylish cruiser. While it has a few drawbacks, such as the stiff rear suspension and wind buffeting at higher speeds, it remains a solid option for those who want a premium cruiser without venturing into more expensive territory​