2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Review

[Hugh Janus]

The Super Meteor 650 is Royal Enfield's flagship model. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)

Royal Enfield’s Super Meteor 650 may be the most significant motorcycle to ever come out of India. Its classic styling, impressive performance, and excellent build quality exhibit where Royal Enfield has been, where it is, and where it’s going. The Super Meteor’s classic styling pays homage to the brand’s original cruisers such as the 1952 Meteor and 1956 Super Meteor. Its 648cc parallel twin maintains the thumpy character that we have come to love in the INT650 and Continental GT 650. And the impressive fit and finish of the Super Meteor 650 represents a new standard for Royal Enfield.

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 model lineup. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Overview

The Super Meteor 650 is a retro-styled middleweight cruiser designed to be as accessible as it is functional, while delivering a relaxed stance. Starting MSRP is a class-best $6,999, but that’s the only thing “cheap” about this cruiser. Everything else is top-notch. Designed around Royal Enfield’s sweet parallel twin, the Super Meteor 650 slots nicely into the middleweight cruiser class, competing against models such as the Kawasaki Vulcan S and the Honda Shadow line. And even if it’s smaller in displacement and stature than the discontinued Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster, it is definitely a candidate for filling the void left by that American V-twin.

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor in Astral Black ($6,999). (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)

The SOHC fuel-injected engine has a 78.0 x 67.8mm bore and stroke and four valves per cylinder working with a 9.5:1 compression ratio. The engine produces a claimed 46.4 hp and 38.6 lb.-ft. of torque. For reference, we had the 2022 Royal Enfield INT650 on the Cycle World in-house Dynojet 250I dyno last year and recorded 40.9 hp at 6,800 rpm and 37.4 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,100 rpm at the wheel. The Super Meteor 650 has a different intake and exhaust system that results in slightly different power delivery, says R-E, but we expect similar results on our dyno.

Royal Enfield's 648cc parallel twin is full of character, thanks in part to its 270-degree crankshaft that gives the engine a 90-degree V-twin sound. Impressive low-end grunt is followed by strong midrange pull and solid high-rpm performance. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)

The Super Meteor has an all-new chassis designed by famed British chassis specialists Harris Performance, owned by Royal Enfield since 2015. The tubular-steel frame helps achieve both a low center of gravity and a low seat height of 29.1 inches. Rake is 27.6 degrees, trail 4.7 inches, definite steps to the relaxed side from the Continental GT and INT 650′s 24.0/4.1 figures. The Super Meteor’s wheelbase is 59.1 inches, 4 inches longer than that of the Conti/INT. This all helps set the tone for the stance of the bike, increases stability, while the wheelbase in particular makes more room for a passenger. (Read Technical Editor Kevin Cameron’s story about wheelbase and chassis geometry here if you’d like to learn more.) Tires are 100/70-19 front, 150/80-16 rear, mounted to tubeless alloy rims.

A nonadjustable 43mm Showa Big Piston inverted fork (the first used by R-E) provides 4.7 inches of travel and twin shocks with five-step adjustable preload offer 4.0 inches of travel.

A set of tubeless alloy rims in conjunction with a centerstand are a testament to the Super Meteor’s sincerity as a long-distance cruiser. And with the addition of a windscreen, deluxe touring seat, and pillion backrest for the Celestial variant ($7,499), the Super Meteor 650 is tailor-made for cruiser touring despite its middleweight displacement.

Whether your journey takes you across town or across the county, the Super Meteor 650 is comfortable for miles on end. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)

Available safety equipment includes non-switchable ABS. No other electronic intervention or ride modes are present, maintaining a classic experience that is felt throughout the entire motorcycle. A retro-themed instrument panel utilizes an analog speedometer with a digital information screen displaying a fuel gauge, gear position indicator, tripmeters, and a clock. The Super Meteor 650 also features Royal Enfield’s Tripper turn-by-turn navigation pod. Riders can link to the navigation pod via Bluetooth through their smartphone. Further adding to the visceral feel of this Royal Enfield is a mechanical throttle cable that provides a solid, analog connection between rider and machine.

The Super Meteor 650 is the first Royal Enfield motorcycle to receive an LED headlight. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)
The Super Meteor 650 Tourer comes with a windscreen, deluxe touring seat, and a pillion backrest. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is available in three variants: Astral ($6,999), Interstellar ($7,299), and Celestial ($7,499). The Astral model comes in three color options (green, black, and blue). The Interstellar features a two-tone paint scheme in two colors (green or gray), and the Super Meteor 650 Tourer is available in Celestial Red or Celestial Blue and features a windscreen, deluxe touring seat, and pillion backrest. Adding to the bike’s iconic cruiser styling is the 4.2-gallon teardrop fuel tank with a metal gas cap. LED lighting, a first for Royal Enfield, is standard on all.

Royal Enfield has a gamut of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories for the Super Meteor 650 which include the windscreen, the deluxe touring seat, the pillion backrest, and a range of other accessories including engine guards, footpegs, mirrors, and LED turn indicators.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor Riding Impression

The fit and finish of the Super Meteor 650 is like nothing we've seen before on a Royal Enfield. The craftsmanship is comparable to a Triumph motorcycle. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)

Swinging a leg over the middleweight cruiser for the first time, the quality of the Super Meteor 650 becomes abundantly clear. From the cockpit, the fit and finish of this Royal Enfield is reminiscent of Triumph’s lauded detailing. The sparkle paint is deep, rich, and without blemishes. At the controls, the switch cubes are surrounded by plated aluminum and the levers are adjustable. Fire up the 648cc parallel twin and the rider is greeted with a soft rumble. The cable-actuated clutch has a great feel and a broad, easy-to-manage engagement range. Its pull is not overly strenuous but strong enough to deliver positive feedback.

Royal Enfield’s Super Meteor 650 utilizes the same 648cc parallel twin as the INT650 and Continental GT 650. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)

The 650 twin generates plenty of usable torque down low—essential for a cruiser. And, because it’s so readily available, riding a gear high is easy and you don’t sacrifice much get-up-and-go. Rev the engine out for passing, and the Super Meteor continues to perform. Running the engine high into the rpm range does not generate any uncomfortable buzzing and the power continues to pull. At one point on the ride, the Super Meteor 650 was traveling north of 90 mph and it easily could have gone more.

As we made our way out of Dallas before entering the highway, the Super Meteor’s ability to cruise through town in any gear is impressive. Pulling away from a stoplight, I could short-shift up to fourth gear and cruise effortlessly at speeds as low as 20 mph. Clicking through the gearbox, the shifts are quick and decisive whether the clutch is used or not.

On the Super Meteor 650 Tourer, the windscreen (available on Astral and Interstellar models through Genuine Motorcycle Accessories) provided plenty of wind protection for my body, but generated a lot of buffeting around my helmet. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)

Traversing through the urban sprawl of Dallas, the suspension provides a stable, precise ride. The nonadjustable suspension settings (preload adjustment on the twin shocks) are taut which allows the bike to maintain a neutral ride despite external forces being applied to the chassis. Grabbing a handful of gas or brake does not make the Super Meteor 650 wallow or seesaw. The 43mm Showa Big Piston Fork offers plenty of holdup when contacting uneven surfaces and provides ample bottoming resistance.

At the rear, the twin shocks are oversprung for a middleweight cruiser. Their stiff spring rate makes the shock ride up in the stroke despite being set on the lowest preload setting. Hitting unexpected bumps in the road can be jarring at the rear, popping my 125-pound frame out of the seat. Some may find this discomforting but I much prefer a bike to be too stiff than too soft.

Cruising lakeside on the Super Meteor 650 in Astral Green. The British racing green paint color is fitting for a brand with so much lineage to the UK. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)

Handling is relaxed and neutral, but if needing to make a quick maneuver, an aggressive input into the wide handlebar will quickly change the trajectory of the motorcycle. We did not find any twisty roads near Dallas, despite trying, but on freeway on-ramps, the Super Meteor 650 easily rolls onto the side of the tire and maintains its lean angle quite comfortably. Coming into corners, initiate the lean angle and maintain it with the throttle before mashing the gas and standing the bike up upon exit. If the roads stayed twisty, the Super Meteor would dance all day.

Leaning through one of the few curves available on a backroad near Dallas. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)

Traveling on straight roads, the Super Meteor 650′s open rider triangle is comfortable cruising for miles on end. Forward controls, a low seat, and a wide handlebar put the rider in a classic cruiser stance. Sit back, put your feet up, and let the time tick by; the only thing this cruiser needs for easier cross-country travel is cruise control.

The ByBre brake system utilizes a single 320mm front disc with a twin-piston floating caliper. A 300mm disc with a twin-piston floating caliper slows the rear wheel. Both brakes feature a dual channel ABS system. Throughout our ride, we did not encounter any hard braking zones. But when testing stopping performance in a straight line, the brakes will quickly shed speed and with a hard enough pull the ABS system will activate.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Conclusion

The classic styling of the Super Meteor 650 gives the motorcycle a timeless appearance. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)

The Super Meteor 650 is a benchmark for Royal Enfield moving forward. In this new middleweight cruiser, Royal Enfield has delivered a level of quality we have not seen from it before. It’s not just “good for a Royal Enfield.” Starting at $6,999, this classic cruiser offers quality craftsmanship, a versatile engine, comfortable ergonomics, and a three-year unlimited-mile warranty with roadside assistance. Any rider entering the middleweight cruiser market must consider the Super Meteor 650.

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 in Interstellar Grey ($7,299) features a two-tone paint scheme whereas the Astral models are solid colors. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)
The Super Meteor 650 is by far the most stylish cruiser in its class. (Josh Shipps/Klings/Royal Enfield/)

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Specs

MSRP:	$6,999–$7,499
Engine:	SOHC, air/oil-cooled, 4-stroke parallel twin
Displacement:	648cc
Bore x Stroke:	78.0 x 67.8mm
Compression Ratio:	9.5:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed constant mesh/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	46.39 hp @ 7,250 rpm
Claimed Torque:	38.57 lb.-ft. @ 5,650 rpm
Fuel System:	Electronic fuel injection
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate
Frame:	Steel tubular spine
Front Suspension:	43mm inverted Showa Big Piston; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Twin shocks, preload adjustable, 4.0 in. travel
Front Brake:	2-piston floating caliper, 320mm disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston floating caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	19 in./16 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	100/90-19 / 150/80-16
Wheelbase:	59.0 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.3 in.
Seat Height:	29.1 in.
Fuel Capacity:	4.2 gal.
Claimed Weight:	531 lb. w/ 90% fuel & oil
Contact:	royalenfield.com

Gearbox

Helmet: Arai Regent-X

Jacket: Spidi Garage

Gloves: Spidi Garage

Pants: Spidi J-Tracker Denim Pants

Boots: Rev’It Grand Shoes

Source

[Six30]