Ever felt the call of the open road?. For many of us, that call sounds exactly like the parallel-twin hum of the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. It’s been hailed as the “quintessential cruiser”, but after living with this beast, I’ve realised it’s a story of both incredible highs and some “deal-breaker” lows.
If you’re thinking about bringing this 648cc monster home, here is everything you need to know before you sign that cheque.
The Magic: Why It’s Easy to Fall in Love
At its heart, the Super Meteor 650 is all about power and grace. The engine delivers 47 PS of power and 52.3 Nm of torque, which means you get seamless gear transitions and a very effortless throttle response.
What makes it special?
- The Engine: The 648cc parallel twin is incredibly refined. In the city, you’ll barely feel any vibrations, just a pleasant, characterful “thump”.
- The Look: With its sculpted teardrop tank, low-slung seat, and first-ever Royal Enfield LED headlamp, it looks absolutely “delicious”.
- Stability: Thanks to a long 1,500mm wheelbase and a low centre of gravity, the bike feels “perfectly planted” even at triple-digit speeds.
The Reality Check: 3 Possible “Deal-Breakers”
No motorcycle is perfect, and some enthusiasts have pointed out three specific issues that might make you think twice.
- That Stiff Suspension: The rear suspension is notoriously stiff. While it’s great for stable highway cruising, a small manhole cover or road joint in the city can send a “nasty jolt” straight to your back.
- Pro Tip: Some owners suggest setting the pre-load by 1/2 steps to make it more compliant.
- Front-Heavy Feel: At 241kg, this is a heavy machine. You really feel that weight during low-speed manoeuvres, like taking U-turns in tight traffic.
- The Reach: For some riders, the standard handlebar feels a bit wide and far forward, which can put a strain on your upper back during long rides.
City Commuter or Highway King?
Can you use it as your daily ride in a busy city like Mumbai? Yes, but with caveats. The engine’s low-end torque means you don’t have to shift gears constantly in traffic. However, the heavy clutch can become a “bane” if you’re stuck in stop-and-go traffic for too long.
What about mileage? In real-world city conditions, expect around 22-25 kmpl. On the highway, you can extract up to 30 kmpl, giving you a total range of over 400km on a full 15.7-litre tank.
Make It Yours: The Accessory Game
If you want the ultimate comfort, Royal Enfield offers a Grand Tourer kit. It includes:
- Touring Seats: Wider and more contoured for long hours in the saddle.
- Tall Windscreen: Essential for reducing wind buffeting on the highway.
- Pillion Backrest: A “no-brainer” if you often ride with a partner to keep them secure and comfortable.
The Final Verdict
The Super Meteor 650 is RE’s flagship for a reason. It feels like a premium, expensive machine with its Showa upside-down forks and excellent finish.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes