Worth the Hype?!? Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Review

[@felixVanDiemen]

I own a Super Meteor and I pretty much agree with most of your points. I bought a genuine RE heel/toe shifter on eBay and easily installed it myself, love it. At the moment I am riding my bike all the way up the east coast of Australia, from the bottom of Tasmania to the tip of QLD and the bike has performed brilliantly I couldn't be happier. It's a good honest fun bike and I love it 😀

[@StubYourToeM8]

That's the bike I own. I love it. I can travel 700 km in a single day and still feel fresh at the end.

[@FreeMilesMC]

That’s so cool. It’s a great bike for touring and cruising ☺️

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

That is great to hear.

[@hypermotionwizard]

How's the rear suspension? I've heard mixed reviews on it.

[@felixVanDiemen]

@@hypermotionwizard I had my OEM rear shocks swapped out by the dealer for YSS as the stock ones are a bit harsh. However the stock front suspension is superb.

[@felixVanDiemen]

@@hypermotionwizard I also fitted a DNA air filter and aftermarket slip on mufflers, really brings the engine alive and allows it to breath properly.

[@DrNioky]

The Royal Enfield Interceptor is not a "cheap clone of a Bonneville". It's a revival of the original RE Interceptor from the 60's which existed at the same time as the original Bonneville.

[@WyreForestBiker]

You are thinking in historical terms , referring to the modern bikes the RE Interceptor is a cheap clone of the modern Bonneville ... indeed much of the design was done by ex Triumph people who had been involved with the Bonneville project . It was aimed directly at offering a cheap alternative to the Triumph.

[@Cj-nu7nx]

Have owned a Harley and scraped begs on occasions but not ever on the SM 650. If you're riding to do that, you're on the wrong bike! The foot peg height is not a problem at all. It's quite generous for a cruiser. It doesn't drag super early at all when competently riding within the bikes parameters. Weight is zero problem for what it's designed to do and the bike rides planted in cross winds, highways and super easy to ride in traffic on slow commutes and is super well balanced at low speed. I have never experienced a false neutral, the gear box is beautiful. Love the wide bars and leverage it gives. I have no issue with forward controls but for customising into a Bobber mid controls could be a lot of fun. Zero leverage swimming motion problems with the bars, never experienced that and never heard of it before on this bike. Maybe rider error... At the end of the day it's a chill bike. Perfect commuter. Great for day trips and bang for buck a safe and enjoyable ride.

[@kos_tikas2083]

I'm in the running-in period of my Super Meteor. Until yesterday I was focusing on getting the right speed for every gear and be sure to reach 90km/h in 6th gear. Today I just laid back and let my bike cruise at 70-80 km/h. The sound of the engine in my ears relaxed me so much that made it a whole new experience for me. This bike is so lovely, I hope it lasts forever!

[@BelgianDoomer]

Its wierd seeing myself on the youtubes. Miles we had a great day filming this, love the review! I absolutely love this bike!

[@FreeMilesMC]

You did really well especially a few of the fly by shots👍🏼👍🏼. Was definitely a good time ☺️

[@Thombable]

...bought one in summer '23. Spot on as regards the clearance; this is not a bike to throw into corners. But as you said, it's something for chill rides on backroads. One thing that RE didn't get right: rear shocks. Go beyond 90kmh on not so good roads, you fear for your spine. Shocks suck big time. I changed them to Hagon aftermarket and it feels like a different bike.

[@76olahpeter]

Yes, I agree. The rear shocks are horribly hard.

[@leswatson8563]

Not a bike you can throw into corners? I've managed to grind my right foot peg in a corner and she held the line just fine. I've been riding since 1970. That said I do love riding this bike. Safe cruising to you sir ...

[@Thombable]

@@leswatson8563well, good for you, I guess…

[@johnh9031]

Check out the CEAT front tyre if you’re leaning in too far, its maxxed out , no chicken strips. Be careful, you’re right on the edge of those fronts

[@GarethLa]

Great review, natural conversation. Two of you should do a regular review show!

[@filipvrijders7994]

For Interceptor en Continental: to shine up your engine: take wet sandpaper 1200 grid. Use it wet and start on a small surface. Don’t be alarmed when the metal gets dull and grey, that s normal. Then take Meguiars nxt metal polish and polish the dull part. You end up with a mirror 😊 You leave the engine covers on the bike and do little pieces at the time. The end result is amazing. You only have to do this once. Maintenance: little polish with nxt every now and than.😊 When there is a scratch on the engine, you can polish it out the same way: sandpaper 1200, nxt… You can use harder sandpaper when it is a deeper scratch, but do it gently: first 1000, than 800…Always finish with 1200. Stuart Filigan has a video about polishing engine cases. A blacked out engine is easier to maintain. But you have to protect it too and take care of it. Muc Off and Autobrite do amazing things. When you have a scratch on Matt blacked out paint: you can use a paste for “stoves” (wood stove…) like “Starwax” for cast iron. I own a GT and a Shotgun and this is how I keep them new😊

[@rockintigger]

You can also fit the 350 meteor handle bar usb. socket as it plugs straight into the blank plug in the headlight 😎

[@FreeMilesMC]

That’s actually so cool to know ☺️

[@Gaius0]

I did the same. So much better that way. I still don't understand why RE decided to change the USB port to under the side panel in the SM when it worked so well in the handlebars in the Meteor. Very weird design choice that felt like a downgrade for no apparent good reason.

[@freddempster4085]

I like the wooden spoon mic mount. Gonna get one.

[@farangdrivingroyalenfieldm3941]

Just signed for my super meteor, driving a meteor 360 now. This is spot on, and I think I'll try the shifter as it's, and if to complicated I'll head to Bangkok and get a heel toe shifter installed as need to get brackets from oem manufactures to fit my bags :)

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Footpegs are really low. When I rode the Shotgun 650 I didn't notice that. :) Nice video mate.

[@geraldscott4302]

I was seriously considering the Meteor 650 as a replacement for my worn out 118,000 mile 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan 750, which I bought new. But there is just way too much black on it, especially flat black. I want bright shiny paint (not black) bright aluminum, and loads of chrome. I wound up buying a really nice red and chrome 1996 Honda Magna 750, in beautiful condition with only 14,000 miles on it for $3200 cash. No taxes, no fees, and NO FLAT BLACK.

[@cowmath77]

What attracts you to Japanese cruisers and where are you located? You can get them dirt cheap here in America because nobody wants them

[@geraldscott4302]

@@cowmath77 It's not just Japanese bikes I'm attracted to, but older (no sport bikes) in general. I like carbureted bikes with no computers, bright shiny paint, lots of chrome, and NO flat black. I own a 2002 Sportster and a 2007 Royal Enfield, as well as the Kawasaki Vulcan. There are currently no new bikes I have any interested in. They are all computerized, and most of them are flat black.

[@cowmath77]

@@geraldscott4302 why are you afraid of computers?

[@geraldscott4302]

@@cowmath77 To me, motorcycles are MACHINES. 100% mechanical with a rudimentary electrical system, that can be worked on with common hand tools and a basic multimeter. Putting a computer on one completely changes what it is. I'd rather have my computer on my desk.

[@cowmath77]

@@geraldscott4302 a computer is quite literally a machine though. Any fuel injected bike can also be worked on with simple hand tools and a multimeter. I’ve yet to ever hear of an ECU failing in my entire life, on any bike, ever.

[@motechRevolution]

Owned it for 12 months its a superb little bike, its a superb ride, a bike you can just ride without thinking

[@raphaeldukhan]

and what happened after 12 months?? Sold it?

[@TriumphRascal]

You can buy and fit the heal and toe shift. I got mine from India, but I think you can get them from the UK now. The rubbers were harder to find. I don’t scrape the pegs because I ride it like a cruiser not a sports bike. I agree about it feeling like a Bonniville, I used to ride a Triumph America and the Super Meteor is very similar, but better in a lot of ways.

[@RanMachlof]

Good review mate. I have SM650 down size from a Moto Guzzi V7 850 and SM650 much nicer to ride and not as fragile as the Moto Guzzi V7. I got a belt drive fitted to my Meteor 650 and its great. P.S Hitchcock motorcycles in England got an heel & toe shifter for the Super Meteor.

[@rubo1964]

How is MG fragile ?people put over 100k miles easily without issues

[@FrankOsman]

​@@rubo1964 I was going to ask the same. The Guzzi design has been the same tested and reliable design for decades. I like the Super Meteor, but the Guzzi V7 is a wonderful bike.

[@mauriceb.5318]

Royal Enfield is doing much better with the new bikes than their old bikes, especially in fit and finish. Everything feels of higher quality. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with the engine in the Super Meteor. In general, the engine is absolutely great, I use it in my Interceptor 650. There, the engine produces a nice punch and elasticity. The engine feels a little strained on the Super Meteor and the Shotgun, and I felt the final punch was missing, which is probably due to the weight. But the Super Meteor in green and the Shotgun in white would be a bike for the showcase, they look very, very nice.

[@FreeMilesMC]

I honestly like reviwing Royal Enfields so much ☺️

[@mauriceb.5318]

@@FreeMilesMC Three weeks ago was a RE Ride Session by Louis Storefront, there i had the chance to testride the New Himi (that is next level, the Engine is top) the Shotgun and the Meteor 350 (Surprise me so much how low can you go, specially the Singel Zylinder engine you can counting the seconds between the next Spark, make me kind of Meditation mood Ohmmmmm. :)

[@keithkeitht5873]

You can buy a heel/toe shifter. I just bought one for mine 2 months ago! I did put YSS shocks on it and AEW mufflers and also GIVI monokey luggage system!

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Adjust the rear shocks up a bit RE has a bad habit of putting bikes on showroom floor with shocks adjusted to bottom setting

[@saddle8bag]

I never really saw the purpose of a heel shift on a bike with pegs as they allow you to rock your foot by pressing down with your heel anyway. Heel shifters make much more sense on bikes with floorboards as you can't rock your foot to upshift. You have to pull up with your heel static which just feels unnatural and something that requires thought. The covers on the REs are not chrome. Chrome is very easy to care for. The REs are some unfinished aluminum.. I had them on my Triumph and they collected dirt in the pours of that metal like a sponge. As you say, they are an immense PITA to keep clean. But just so you know, chrome looks better and is beyond simple to keep clean.

[@louhmx1136]

6700 wonderful miles on my SM 650. Aftermarket (AEW) pipes really give it character

[@OriginaleasyD]

I have the SM650 Celestial. I have two major issues with my bike. The rear suspension, which is the cheapest on the market at $60USD for the pair, absorb about as good as a steel rod. It hurts my back unlike anything I've ever ridden. The tour seat is hard. Commonly, a cruiser has a "sit into" seat. This is a "sit atop of" seat and it is pretty hard on the prostate. Pain sets in as quickly as ten minutes. You know what my first upgrades will be.

[@NoelRoots-t1u]

Some of the bikes we rode about on in the 70’s were really crude then because i find my meteor 350 is probably one of the most stable bike i ever owned

[@YeahNahMaybe947]

Its a 241 kg low framed entry level cruiser with forward controls, criticism of the foot peg scarping at 90 kph is pointless (read nonsensical) . Its a entry level cruiser not a cafe racer.

[@Potatoalex538]

Royal is such an old school bike with amazing body it is known for its sturdyness and rugedness in india as you know indian rodas are very bad and this bike can withstand those rough roads..

[@Kkozi]

I was really excited when I hear first infos about Super Meteor but then after a test ride it was quite dissapointing for me. I have the Meteor 350 and It is maybe the best motorcycle I've ever ridden on. :-) Really. But now SWM Stormbreaker V1200 came to the EU market it is a way for me to go. It is literally Sportster 48 with some add ons and bigger tank. After a test drive I can say it has everything like Harley 48 has, the motor is a pleasure. Ride comfort is really great and far better than on Super Meteor. There are plenty of heel shifter solution for Sportsters, endless amount of acessories. The price is very decent I think. I has way more character than Super Meteor, the V-engine is really a thing. I must say I love RE 650 engine but in the deep of my heart I always wanted to be closest to the Sportsters engine with every cruiser I tried. Take a look and maybe do some video with testdrive. This your review is really special and common like many on YT.

[@soufianenajah4746]

Would be interesting to see you test ride the Himalyan 450. Curious to know if you'd have chosen that for your surf trip over of the INT.

[@FreeMilesMC]

Actually would love to try that bike have already some thoughts to it and a Video for that bike was already scripted. But then the dealership who wanted to Rent me the bike canceld on the day of filming while i was picking up the bike 😤

[@leswatson8563]

I own a RE 650 Super Meteor. I wrnt to Cornwall on her this year. Over 300 miles to ride. I have arthritis in my lower back and both knees. Upon our arrival over seven hours later, no pain just smiles. So to me, a wize choice and she holds 70mph on a motorway without any problems two up. What else do you want from a maching?

[@volt8684]

It’s a shame RE don’t copy the twin clocks of a T100 or the BSA so much more attractive imo.

[@Fiatmannen1]

Live in Sweden, to date i have seen one! Royal enfield, the old himalayan.

[@Lostoldman]

I have the heel shifter bought on eBay it’s perfect

[@cowmath77]

When an 883 Sportster has more punch than a bike, I don’t think it’s for me; but I like the idea of it. If this bike were 200-210 kilos, I’d think about it.

[@au303]

I have liked my Super Meteor for the last couple months but you need to pay attention with how they assembled your bike. I thought I did a good inspection but a lot of little things have added up to be very annoying. The lip on the front fender chipped away its paint within two weeks, They missed half of the dummy plugs so now I need to find a solution to prevent rust because ordering any small screw or part from RE is impossible, The dealership installed my RE panniers and they ended up rubbing the rear turn signals until there is almost a whole in the turn signals and damage on panniers ( it is looking like RE is going to fight me on replacing my panniers), The right muffler has shifted so it is no longer symmetrical and so far the cannot figure out how to fix it. The inside of the mufflers are also already starting to rust just from the few time I was caught in the rain. Finally, The Tripper just doesn't work. It repeatedly disconnects and reconnects rendering it useless for me. You can really tell it is an Indian product.

[@leonidjoseph5483]

May be dealer fitted it wrong. In the company owned dealership in India it is on display with panniers and looks ok. May be your idiotic country men fityed it wrong.

[@Kloeten9393]

Ist das Motorrad für einen Sozius geeignet? Die niedrige PS machen mir etwas sorgen

[@FreeMilesMC]

Ich glaube man kann definitiv gut mit einem Sozius fahren genug Platz auf alle Fälle und der Motor reicht auch.

[@adamriese3610]

240 Kilo? My 2019 Sportster with a big 1200cc V Twin is around 255Kilo dry /268Kilo wet. I thought that bike is a lot lighter, are there so much metal Parts?

[@FreeMilesMC]

But it costs less then the sportster even tho I would love to ride a sportster at some point ☺️

[@adamriese3610]

@@FreeMilesMC yeah it isnt comparable in so many points. And a complete other bike. You saw mine when you filmed the Versys. When it runs and you are around you can do it, but be prepared the bike is not perfect, its driving like a old bike from the 80s

[@Savagehunter21]

for indian roads its shocker might be stiff we have many pot holes which always occurs on roads due ro heavy rain and bad material used for constructing a road

[@mr.srikanthhari4045]

you may buy an indian version gear shifter , it makes the gear upshift smoother than the sports style gear shifter..... i live out of india.... i bought the gear shifter from india before i get motorcycle from showroom..... immediately i have changed the shifter on the same delivery date...now my ride is more easier than ever.... because i own a meteor 350 in india.....

[@zensamui2409]

The hunter has no problems at all with strong side winds whatsoever.

[@simongilbert2704]

yes ,, the app thing and signing on each time is just childish ,, good honest review ;

[@pipelee727]

which one is more comfortable for a 400km trip? Meteor or shotgun. I prefer the look of shotgun, as well as the sitting position.

[@TheBlackSheepBoy]

Saw a similar vid with the same caption on it :P

[@FreeMilesMC]

That sometimes Happens with Videos of the Same topic☺️

[@TheBlackSheepBoy]

@@FreeMilesMC I wonder what is it with the internet talking about this bike in particular... Also currently binge watching all your vids to sleep. Good stuff mate.

[@FreeMilesMC]

@TheBlackSheepBoy I feel like people on the internet talk about this bike because it’s good but i feel some major stuff was missed like the scraping footpegs etc. I am happy that you are enjoying the content ☺️

[@TheBlackSheepBoy]

@@FreeMilesMC It seems so hard to find critical reviews these days. I'm glad you're able to see through the merits and actually point out cons!

[@rek954]

What were you doing in my backyard 😉👌🤟

[@FreeMilesMC]

I was going through Belgium on my way back from vacation ☺️

[@batoubatou1268]

Great! Any specific region?

[@FreeMilesMC]

I don’t know yet. But I am open to ideas☺️

[@batoubatou1268]

If you like mountains and castles i can reccomend Lower Silesia.

[@CA-qh1ov]

I subscribed now the channel, after watch the "Morocco trip'. Be cautious. Every person, has a guardian angel, but don't abuse ... .

[@kallumama5464]

What is the mileage per liter of petrol?

[@bikeman0078]

👍🏼

[@TomasMontenegro-i4e]

gracias!

[@batoubatou1268]

Hello. Are you planning to visit Poland?

[@FreeMilesMC]

Yes absolutely in fall actually ☺️

[@kentwilliams3326]

I think of it more of a “Standard” style rather than a cruiser. FWIW

[@ユキヒョウ229]

Are you very tall or is this bike just small? It seems very small and cramped.

[@FreeMilesMC]

I am very tall the bike is also quite big but does not look like it when I sit on it. It’s sicewise pretty mutch as big as a sportster and is bigger then the other midweight crouisers

[@ユキヒョウ229]

@@FreeMilesMC i see! Thank you for answering and for the comparison!

[@Bob-xc2us]

Have you ever ridden a Kawasaki W800?

[@FreeMilesMC]

Sadly not would love to if I ever get the chance

[@shampoo-supernova]

Needs a 900cc

[@craigbutler3378]

How the hell can an Interceptor be a cheap rip off of a Triumph Boniville. Looks like someone doesn't know motorcycle history.

[@filipvrijders7994]

Frame made by Harris😊😂

[@thebestevertherewas]

A bit under powered for its size, IMO

[@thebestevertherewas]

If it had like 15 hps more, it would be the perfect bike

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@thebestevertherewas Would agree.

[@volt8684]

Get a honda rebel

[@tamayaytam]

The truth is there is no spoon.

[@rockintigger]

Heal a toe shifters are for girls, it’s not an of road bike. You don’t ride it like a cruiser, it’s not a sports bike. Tri riding a Triumph speedmaster a that will scrape the pegs standing still. The rear suspension bottoms out set the preload at four clicks up 👍 check out Teacher T’s video he’s even converted his to belt drive. 💪😎

[@FreeMilesMC]

Even if they are for girls I like them☺️

[@lauraiss1027]

"Heal a toe shifters are for girls, it’s not an of road bike. You don’t ride it like a cruiser, it’s not a sports bike." these two sentences make no sense. Heel-toe shifters are for off-road bikes? Or for girls on off-road bikes? And if it's not a sports bike and you don't ride it like cruiser how are you supposed to ride it then? Like a cartwheel? Next time take your time constructing a sentence.

[@rockintigger]

@@FreeMilesMC like you say, my bike, I do what I like👍 got the hacksaw out on mine 🤭

[@fabiors10]

Here's some seriously fragile masculinity. I bet he won't ride a scooter also.

[@BobfmBali]

If your getting the bike so cheap why bitch about the pannier price, the RE panniers really look the business and right and thats from a guy that uses soft panniers all the time.

[@Gaming_Medium]

Yes I don't believe you

[@MichaelMassie]

Ugliest bike RE has made recently, by far. Looks better in all black, though.

[@FreeMilesMC]

I think it’s fine it goes with there usual design language there are some worse offenders

[@lionheart5078]

lol its probably their best looking bike, besides the classic

[@paulfoster5432]

Interceptor a cheap clone ❓ LOL 😅 Cheeky Bugger, The Interceptor was built and designed from the ground up, and is much more popular than the Super Meteor LOL 😅 What a nob lmao 🤣