Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 vs Honda Rebel 500: Rider Swap Comparison

Royal Enfield Meteor 650 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S650 vs Honda Rebel 500
Meteor 350 vs Classic 350 Video: / @teacher-t-thailand
Ancient Biker : • Thailand Budget Hotel ...
Meteor Vs Vulcan S 650: Meteor 650 Vs Vulcan S 650 - Which is the best midweight Cruiser?
Meteor 650 Vs Vulcan S 650 - Which is the best midweight Cruiser?
• Meteor 650 Vs Vulcan S...
Meteor 650 Hagon Rear Shocks: • Meteor 650 suspension ...
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 against the Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 and the Honda Rebel 500. In this unique rider swap review, three owners take turns riding each other's bikes and sharing their experiences and insights.
In this video, you will discover:
First-hand feedback from each rider on performance, comfort, and handling
Detailed comparisons of features and specifications
Pros and cons of each cruiser motorcycle
Which bike stands out in different riding conditions

[@leswatson8563]

I love my 650 RE Super Meteor. From the ride height to the forward controls. Rode from Hertfordshire to Cornwall recently. Definitely needs better rear shocks. I'm currently on setting three on the rear suspension. 36psi front tyre and 38psi back. I found I'm not getting bounced off my seat riding the back roads so much with these settings while riding between 30 to 40mph, or at 70 on British motorways. That said I intend to buy the same rear suspension units as you have already installed. I only ended up with the Super Meteor as not one local shop had the 650 Kawasaki cruiser when I went to buy a new bike. My grandson bought one - can that bike move when it needs to! Impressive! A possible point of interest for you. We both spent under £25 in petrol travelling to and home from Cornwall. Safe enjoyable cruising guys! 😊👍

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Nice. Cornwall. I do miss the place sometimes. The standard shocks are ok until you hit a pot hole. Then you bottom out, and nearly get a back injury. But I’m sure on UK roads they perform better. The roads here in Thailand leave a lot to be desired in places. Yep, those Vulcans sure can motor. But for low slow cruising, the Meteor is much better. My racing days are over. All the best. Great mpg!

[@user-bluemountainre]

I have Super Meteor 650, same colour as yours, absolutely love it, have fitted a DNA air filter which has definitely helped the throttle response, next job is replace the rear shocks with either YSS or Hagon. Really enjoyed the comparison between bikes, well done.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Thank you so much. I will have to contact YSS to do a comparison against the Hagons I think. But either way, get rid of those originals. Not worth keeping on the bike. I’m interested in the DNA filter, but when dry season comes, it gets very dusty here. I would prefer just to change a paper filter, than clean a wire mesh. All the best and safe riding 🙏

[@felixVanDiemen]

@@Teacher-T-Thailand I'd definitely be changing that air filter! The DNA ones actually let the engine breath properly (the paper ones are cheap and nasty and are very restrictive to reduce noise emissions) DNA type are far more efficient and don't have to be cleaned very often at all.

[@TXLorenzo]

@@felixVanDiemen I have the DNA on my SM 650. It removes that ridiculous snorkel (restricts the airflow) and wakes the motor up as a result. I added some TEC slip ons which gives even more airflow and reduces weight as well. In addition, I put a Powertronics FuelX system to richen the air mixture and the bike now rides cooler and smoother.

[@felixVanDiemen]

@@TXLorenzo I have done exactly the same to my Super Meteor! My slip ons came unbranded from Hitchcocks. It sure makes a difference hey 😁 In the last two days I have ridden the length of two states in Australia, from the bottom of Tasmania right through Victoria and up to NSW. The Super Meteor has been superb 😎

[@felixVanDiemen]

By the way that’s about 1,000 km plus an overnight boat trip 😁

[@elmaneze]

Hi, Teacher T. I’ve been following you from the very first video. Nice content. Keep up the good work!!! Respecting to the bikes, let me tell you that I have a 2015 Vulcan S 650 ABS for about two years. It’s been a pleasure from the beginning. I have made a lot of mods, and still continue doing it. I’m 58 and it’s my second “big” bike. Before I had a meteor 350 which I sold because I feel the need for more power. At that time the Super Meteor was just a rumor; so I didn’t want to wait and after some really short period finally had the chance with a Vulcan. It’s my come true dream bike. Sorry for the long comment. John from Colombia. Bye for now. Ride safe!!!

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Thanks for your comment John. Like you, I had the Meteor 650, and like you I needed a bit more power. I too would have bought the Vulcan if I had test rode it first. Enjoy that lovely bike. All the best and ride safe in Columbia 🙏

[@simonchilli2088]

Thoroughly enjoyable watching the various views of the bixe. It's the rainy season here in England for the second time this month!!

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Thanks. Ahhhhh good old Blighty. At least you have the tennis and football to keep you busy 😂🙏

[@roberthambly9926]

Nice video thanks for taking the time guys

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@scottbieber1731]

Yes! I had my chain serviced and tightened, what a big difference!

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Scott, you slacker 😂🙏

[@jasondargonaut]

I have the Super Meteor 650. I have to say the bike really grows on you. I came to it from a classic 500. Loved its refined nature and the feel of a proper cruiser. It feels really steady and well put together. I like that it's understated in stock yet has a very unmistakable presence. I feel the bike feels different during different times. I hate it while parking in tight spots. I hate it on bad roads. I hate it in choc a bloc traffic. But once the roads are open and a little flat, it turns into a majestic beast. It even sounds different at higher revs than lower. I feel like I'm still not on board with the suspension and the heavy nature of it. Although it feels like I am adapting to it. It's a strange thing this bike. I love it but also feel it's not easy to love all the time. Not like the Classic. But then I've always wanted an authentic feeling cruiser. I guess it will motivate me to take it out of the city on to the highway more. That's the only way to enjoy it. It can feel as unwieldy as a car in traffic. But easy to flick as well. This bike is some what of a paradox.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

The Meteor needs tweaking to personal needs for sure. The rear suspension upgrade made a world of difference to the bike, over standard. Also my seat modification, to soften it. The rear silencers weigh 5kg each. I see the appeal to swap them out, but haven’t done so yet. 🙏

[@irvinkaleb]

Great video guys. I have the rebel 1100. My first bike. I really been enjoying it

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Thanks. Now that’s a bike I’d like to test ride. Especially as I’m now working on my Harley Davidson Street Glide review. 😂🙏

[@marianbotea7085]

Great video; these were my 3 options for my next bike and I am pleased I went for the Vulcan S; all of them are awesome machines; willing to take a trip with my son as pillion from UK to south Spain next summer after his GCSEs

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

The Vulcan is a good choice. Like I said in the video, all 3 bikes are fantastic. It’s all down to personal rider preferences which one to choose. But any of these 3 is not a wrong decision. All the best on that trip to Spain. Sounds exciting. 🙏

[@sanketkhonde3164]

I really enjoyed the video

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Many thanks. We will try to make another. 🙏

[@wandickramirez4274]

The Kawasaki Vulcan s 650 stock exhaust its a junk. Once you change that for an after market one, everything changes for good.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

That seems to be with most bikes these days sadly. Those dam emission controls. That don't work, because we double the amount of metal exhausts on the planet.

[@Griffindor21]

Great video always👍. What do you think of a heel and toe shifter for the 650?

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Thank you. I’m trying to get hold of one. Royal Enfield Thailand says not available in Thailand. But also have been told they are fitted as standard in India? I had one on my Meteor 350 and loved it. If you can recommend where to get, I’d appreciate it 🙏

[@Censuwine]

Out of the three, I've only experienced the Vulcan which I've owned since 2016. It's not my "main" bike so I only clock about 1,500 kms per year on it. I bought it because of its looks and was also surprised by its performance. I took it on holiday to Sicily and could keep up easily with a couple of friends on Ducatis doing 155kph. I do not find it especially comfortable and I am not too sure about the forward controls which expose one's lower back too much to road imprefections. I've tried moving the footpegs backward and even installing Kuryakyn footboards but, in terms of comfort, nothing beats the standard sit-up-and-beg position. I quite agree that the Vulcan needs to be revved beyond 3500 rpm to reach its sweet spot. I was also amazed at the slack on Scott's chain. I've been worried about mine for some time but it's nowhere near as bad as that! One last point. Over 15,000 kms and 8 years, the engine cut out three times for no reason. It was very unnerving the first time it happened. In reality, it started again immediately each time but I've often wondered what the trouble could be. Anyway, great video ... keep them coming.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Thank you very much, and thank you for your detailed comment. I hope someone can help you with the cutting out issue. I had similar on my Meteor 350, and it was a loose connection to the coil. All the best 🙏

[@iraxef1]

Own a super meteor and agree that the stock rear shocks were terrible… but after installing aftermarket shocks, it’s not something I think about anymore. How the bike should’ve been. Love the style, sound, 270-degree ‘power pulses’ of the engine. I’ve tried a Vulcan S and I recall it feeling ‘smooth as butter’.. but it doesn’t quite have the cruiser style I love. Never tried a rebel 500.. took my motorcycle safety class on older rebel 250s and those definitely looked the best (most like a motorcycle should look) to my eyes out of the available options.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Now you’ve grown to love the 270 degree thump like I do, it’s difficult to go back to a smooth 180 degree twin. The Rebel 500 is smooth like the Vulcan also, but does feel more like a cruiser in handling. Enjoy that Meteor. Safe riding and thanks for watching and commenting 🙏

[@Oggiwara1]

Thanks for sharing this comparison! How well suited are these bikes to ride with a pillion on a long ride?

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

A very good question. The Vulcan would be best. The other two would need aftermarket rear shocks to make comfortable in my opinion.

[@BobfmBali]

Have you made an update video on your rider seat that you cut the foam up on?

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Not yet, but plan to. I did mention an update briefly on this video at 2.20 mark 🙏 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp_PqIFpidFjf7csi=OBoGOfrpYQ_9CZ-1

[@crazygrandad5540]

Great video. I’m in the UK and can confirm the Rebel has 46hp it’s to keep it A2 license compatible like all the Honda 500s It is a great bike and love it. I had a Honda CBF600 before and that had 78hp. Only time I miss the extra hp is on uk motorways the 600 was a rocket compared. But I wouldn’t go back my Rebel gives far more smiles per mile. I have a friend with a Vulcan s and can easily keep up with on my Rebel.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Thank you. My bag. I got the HP wrong. Which explains why I was at the same pace when overtaking. All 3 bikes are fantastic. I loved my year with the Rebel. I’m nearly a year now with the Meteor 650. Off to trial a HD Street Glider in the morning 🙏

[@crazygrandad5540]

@@Teacher-T-Thailand all 3 bikes are great. I have short legs. I tried some Royal Enfields and was on my very tip toes. I do like the Harley 883 and the 48

[@MrMimios]

Nice comparison of three very good cruising bikes, each one with its own merits, and also I enjoyed of showing us the beautiful scenery of rural Thailand. Much appreciated😊

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

@@MrMimios Thank you so much. 🙏

[@Plough78]

Good video.. 👍. Wouldn't mind a ride on the Vulcan, the Rebel makes me feel a little nauseous 🤢 ascetically but guess i need to ride it also before passing judgement.. *Plough*

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

The Vulcan is a lovely bike, and some second hand bargains to be had 🙏

[@neildutton8077]

A motorcycle should be a piece of "mechanical art"...the RE is the only qualifier.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

They are good looking bikes for sure. And great value in comparison. 🙏

[@exvolttorres8999]

In your dream.

[@user-cc4pr8wc4w]

Good video again, but slightly an unfair comparison as you had upgraded shocks, belt drive and an modified seat, would there comments have been the same if there kidneys were left behind on a standard super Meaty. I test rode a BSA 650 yesterday an although not a cruiser, a very comfortable ride. Although made in India, it has a Rotax single cylinder an only five gears but pulls like a train. I’ve still got my Meaty 350 an love it. Keep well 👍😎

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

He’s very true. They certainly wouldn’t have liked it lol. Hit it does affirm my modifications have worked. And even affirmed to myself again after riding the Vulcan for a second time. Got to love a Meteor 350. All the best 🙏

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

I love the super meteor 650 one of the best looking small medium cruisers on the market I ride a triumph rocket 3gt in uk damn weather here as you well know and I’m looking at the 650 meteor or the shotgun for a more sedate ride round the country lanes but torn between the 2 but meteor is just ahead at the moment great video hope you are well and enjoy living in that beautiful country take care ride safe

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

The Rocket looks awesome, but a little scary. Meteor does what I need it to, after changing the rear shocks. Everything good here thank you. I find myself filming in Bangkok this weekend, ready for next week's video. I did like the Shotgun. 50 cm taller seat height though. Here is my review from Cornwall lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXPSn2yubriVoaMsi=NJ8dbOmOOXnUBHjr All the best 🙏

[@felixVanDiemen]

@@nicholasjarrold8649 I think the Super Meteor is the better of the two, both in looks and comfort, it is however subjective.

[@erikmartin6475]

Hi Teacher, what do you think of the kit for to down the rear shock

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

I never ordered it in the end. It looks like it’s made from aluminium, and I think would crack after time. But the Hagon shocks I have fitted have lowered the rear end by 20mm and I’m happy with that 🙏

[@cruze86]

You need a handlebar riser for your super meteor 650. Because the suspension is raised it will affect the rider triangle hence a high and inward tilted handlebar riser will make the triangle even more comfortable. It is available in after market. All CNC made, strong and durable. You just have to search a little bit and if you don’t get you can import one from some indian custom accessories brands.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

I thought I would have done by now. It's something I thought about before purchase. But I'm managing without for the moment. Any sponsors out there? 😁🙏

[@minchiominchioli5409]

how's life in Thaailand? the surroundings remind me of Hawaii. super nice!

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Super nice, but super hot some days. But great rural roads up here in the North for biking 👌🙏

I have the interceptor 650, I love it to bits but next year I’ll sell it and will get the super meteor ❤

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

I would hold off a little longer, and see what the new Classic 650 turns out like. 🙏

[@sarabjitprakash5757]

Meteor 650 has soul..it's the best by light years

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Agreed. But that Vulcan does fly, and comfortably also 🙏

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Long legs on the Rebel would be the worse than shorter legs stretching for the forward controls, unless a person can't reach the forward controls. lol Seat height has another equation, the width of the seat. A slightly taller but narrower front of the seat will enable feet on the ground as well as a shorter seat height that is wider. Loved your conversations on the bikes.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

I think we all found the bikes right for us. And top marks to Scott for squeezing those long legs onto those Rebel centre pegs. He is certainly happy with his Vulcan. Even more now he has tightened his chain 😂🙏

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@Teacher-T-Thailand 👍 I’ve had dealership service not get a new chain and sprockets right. Definitely more fiddly than shaft or belt drive.

[@ign2ryan]

Hi can you recommend aftermarket shock for sm650?

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Yes sure. Either YSS or Hagon. I have chosen Hagon as I was in UK when I purchased them. : kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqCoo2eqhN6DlZosi=oG14P0vY1P1npFwc Hagons review :kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqCoo2eqhN6DlZosi=oG14P0vY1P1npFwc

[@Tom-bm7mm]

Gentleman, I'm 60 years old. I Just started riding at the age of 56 when I retired. I'm not mechanicaly inclided. Which would you say is most reliable and requires the least amount of maintenance?

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

To be fair, all bikes need regular maintenance. Chain tightening, oil change, brake pads etc. best to find out which brand has your nearest dealer for maintenance. But Honda world wide seems to be cheap on parts and servicing 🙏

[@user-fk2mp5xh4s]

My Rebel 500 has passed 70k Miles, and still on the original battery. Safe Travels!

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Great stuff, Great value economical light weight bikes. Enjoy. Safe riding 🙏

[@MS-wd7gp]

Great video How tall is the rider of the rebel?

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Similar height to me, 5’ 8” but with longer legs. My inside seam only 28”. I’m sure Patrick is over 30”. 🙏

[@tweak991]

I've had a Vulcan S and while I liked it, that it's classed as a cruiser is kind of wrong. It's too sterile, for lack of a better term. The Rebel line is growing on me, but I have never liked the peanut tank look and the stock exhaust is hideous (aftermarket not much better with all the upswept, tiny options). The SM650, although I have never ridden one would be my choice as it has the look for sure and from every review I've seen or read, it has the "feel" and that history of RE. Plus the finish and color options for the RE are awesome compared to the paltry offerings from Honda and Kawi.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

In Thailand the Honda Rebel is very popular (short riders and lower price). There are many fibreglass tank covers available here to change the shape of the tank. And so many other body parts available also. A very customisable bike. The Meteor is good. But I’ve seen too many people sell after only a few months of ownership, due to comfort issues. Some second hand bargains to be had, giving room to change that awful stock rear suspension. The only downside of the Super Meteor. Hope you get on a test ride soon 🙏

[@darrylredmill4376]

You need to try the vulcan 900 custom or classic.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Good idea 🙏

[@4BeatZ]

Excuse me sir, I think hp data is wrong. Vulcan S has around 61 hp, and the rebel as much as the RE, 46-47. At least here in Spain those are the manufacturer specs.

[@jlrutube1312]

Yes, I have to agree. I noticed that the horsepower numbers for the Rebel were a bit off compared to what I have gleaned from other sources. I usually see at least 45 claimed for the Rebel or sometimes more.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Thank you. I think you could be right. It will depend on the year, and country. In UK there are restrictions, and I think that is the sites I used for data. 🙏

[@mikehurley5052]

Rebel or Vulcan for me, tried a Super Meteor, hated the seating position, and the weight for a 650 is ridiculous.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

It is a heavy bike. But I trialed a HD street glider today. And the weight of that is ridiculous lol 😂🙏

[@mikehurley5052]

@@Teacher-T-Thailand I sat on a Harley Fat bob the other day, 300kg but easier to move around than my BMW F650 gs that is 100kg lighter. Probably harder to pick up though, haha.

[@Lee-70ish]

Kawasaki and Honda are both good bikes, but like most are totally soulless and have no character at all.

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

😎

[@varghese_paul]

Watching this from India. The Vulcan's on-road price here is a whopping ₹9,34,099, while the Super Meteor 650 is a much more affordable ₹4,81,252. The Honda Rebel 500 isn't even available. Given the massive price difference, would it make sense to consider the Vulcan over the SM 650?

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

The Vulcan is a faster more powerful and comfortable bike. But is it worth twice the price? Probably not. And living in India, with cheap RE spares, I would certainly go with the RE. This weekend I rode and made a video about the Harley Davidson Street Glider. A lovely bike, but 7 times the price of a SM650 😂🙏

[@BinoyAlex]

❤❤😂😂❤❤

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

🙏

[@sk.wasimakhtar4112]

RE cant even put a decent engine with 46hp still cant cross rebel

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

😁

[@chrischristofis8501]

Awful vlog, what was the conclusion? A rubbish REnfield with aftermarket parts is now not total rubbish? Really!

[@Teacher-T-Thailand]

Not a fan of RE I take it Mr Po? You stick to your Yamahas and your coffee shops.