Two Royal Enfield fans chat about the SuperMeteor 650 ‖ A totally biased review...

So we got to ride the SuperMeteor 650 at long last. Brilliant bike that we both highly rate...
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[@alvindavenport5657]

Here in the US, cruisers dominate the market. Consequently, we are more familiar with the pros and cons of this genre. To obtain the low seat height common with cruisers, you get limited suspension travel, and typically more forward-mounted foot controls. Comparing the Shotgun with the Super Meteor, you find the Shotgun has more mid controls but a higher seat. It’s difficult to have a low seat and mid controls without compromising leg room. You’ll also find limited suspension travel comes with the low seat. I think the Shotgun has slightly longer rear shocks and a little plusher ride. I’ve owned several cruisers, and none have had a soft ride from the rear suspension. The biggest negative with the low seat is the stiff rear suspension. When the forward controls are combined with the stiff suspension, you find you can’t brace yourself against sharp impacts-that’s when your spine does the compressing. Takes getting used to. Only the larger, more expensive cruisers cope decently with this issue. They combine massive weight with a little better quality suspension to make the ride more tolerable. Rear brakes typically are more effective on cruisers due to their long wheelbase.

[@simonchilli2088]

The green Supermeteor does look nice. On the Shotgun front I saw all of the colour variations at a local dealers and surprisingly I liked the dark grey one best. Lack of transfers and the single colour did it for me. In the meantime I've gone with a Classic 350 Dark in black. I'll wait until March next year to see if I want to add or upgrade to a 650cc.

[@danielmcneil3004]

Thanks guys once again for a very thorough and entertaining video. You work together beautifully. Glad you talked about braking, Sean and specifically rear brakes. I also use the rear brake often, because it was how I was taught many years ago. And every full stop that I make involves both brakes. Smoother and more efficient. Manufacturers put it there for good reason. Cheers and keep up the good work, Dan. ✌️🏍🇨🇦

[@michaelreid2329]

The reviews of after market rear suspension of both the Hagon and YSS shocks seem to significantly improve the behaviour of the suspension.

[@MentatOfDune]

Loved my Meteor 350 but sold it because I was always at full throttle and wanted more from the engine. Bought a CB1100 Ex but I'm genuinely considering trading it back in for a new Meteor 650. P.s. The Tripper, since the last update 6 to 9 months ish ago, is now fantastic. No issues with disconnections and reconnections after fuel stop.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

@@MentatOfDune I had the CB1100EX (2018 model) too. Lovely bike with some seriously good quality components. Suspension was incredible. Sadly, I found it just too weighty to push around and getting it out of the shed etc. We love the Super Meteor. Just waiting to see what a difference the Hagon shocks make as that's a deal (and back 😬) breaker at the moment.

[@ThebigT721]

Stuart Fillingham’s partner also says the BSA is a comfortable pillion seat.

[@larrywade9041]

Nice video guys. Suzie looked great & did a marvelous job -go Suzie!! You guys work really well together. Keep up the great work mates! Have a lovely day! Cheers!! Your friends from the other side of the pond. Illinois, USA

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks very much Larry, really appreciate your support and encouragement on this channel. I hope you had a good 4th seeing friends and family. All the best 👍 , Sean

[@ShaktiSuzie]

Thanks Larry, that's really kind. I think I've found my calling, Sean definitely has 😁 he's a natural on screen and so good at what he does 🌟

[@larrywade9041]

@@ShaktiSuzie Agree!!

[@moto-a-gogo]

Hello Sean, I do enjoy your various reviews. Just the right mix of emotion and thought on familiar and unfamiliar machines, along with your joyfullness for our hobby/lifestyle. My RE of choice is a Hunter 350, as a stable mate to an 865 Bonneville. Soon I'll fit more aggressive tires to the Hunter as you've done on the Beezer. That long stroke single is a joy for light off road use. Good to see your Suzi on the reviews, and by all means keep her in focus !!😊

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hello Moto thanks for the comment. If you watched my visit to Hitchcock's video there was a Hunter in there with a big wide offroad front tyre. I'm afraid I don't know what brand it was but will you have options in a 17inch? I'm considering getting back into 350 ownership myself, really really love that engine. Thanks for the support. Sean

[@moto-a-gogo]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist Yes, proper dual sport tires for the Hunters 110/70-17 front have been quite limited. I'm seeing Indian made dual sports becoming available in the sizes needed from Ceat and Apollo on e-bay and some other cycle suppliers. Prices are reasonable, so that's the direction I'm looking.

[@romeldias]

RE needs to tune in to check out what Sue wants cos those aesthetic notes from her at the end are on point!

[@ShaktiSuzie]

Thank you for saying that! They really do 😅 maybe I'll get a job for RE? 🤔

[@romeldias]

@@ShaktiSuzie Hahahaha all the best for that!! Love from India!

[@richardjohnson3463]

You two are getting good at this Sean! Nice review

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thank you Richard that's very kind. We will be including Suzie whenever possible from now on if she's feeling up to it.

[@ShaktiSuzie]

Thank you that's so kind. We LOVE it ❤

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Thanks for the review Sean. Kelly and I have just bought a SM650 as a wedding present to each other. Celestial Blue. Taken the screen off straight away. The Tech bar riser kit it came with helps with my smalley stature. Five seconds into your ride confirmed exactly what we've found too, and a pair of fully adjustable Hagons are on order 😊

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Congrats on your new bike. Celestial is very special indeed, I do like most of the tiers and colours but that one does pop. I had the supernova variety of the 350 Meteor...

[@ShaktiSuzie]

Awwww that's beautiful to hear ❤️ enjoy and congrats on your wedding guys 🥰🩷

[@PhilipBallGarry]

@@ShaktiSuzie Thanks so much 🙏❤️. Yes, we recently returned from Kos. 32 degrees to 8 here last Monday 🙄 lol. Booked Kefalonia for next June's 1st Anniversary already. Gotta be done. Only way to deal with post-holiday blues 😊

[@slawomirkulinski]

You have only 100 miles on this bike. Of course you will get jerkiness. Run it in then comeback. My Bullet completely changed after 2000 miles.

[@Disposalist]

Love your vids. Very thorough and watchable. I love RE as a brand (they have helped 'save' 'classic' biking in modern times and are a great influence on the market) and have liked very much the bikes I've tried (Super Meteor, Classic 350, Bullet 350) and am so tempted, but not quite enough to make me give up my Speedmaster. I don't love my Speedmaster's short suspension, short range and somewhat snatchy throttle and I don't need a 1200 engine, but it's combo of character, comfort and capability is so awesome. The Super Meteor, for me, is overly modernised and lacks character. I found the suspension good, but hard (I can hear your voice wobbling with the road bumps). The gears/engine forgiving, but requiring moving up through the gears very quickly. I really liked it when I tested it, but when I got back on my Speedmaster, there was just no question. I sank back and pulled away with a satisfied groan and smug smile. I'm sure the Super Meteor is perfect for those not really wanting a 'cruiser' style and appreciating something more characterful than other modern bikes, but for me, looking for a characterful classic style and feel with a comfortable, cruiser-ish riding position, the Speedmaster is the only choice. But the Super Meteor, especially at the price, is excellent. I hope they do really well, if only because I would love to see Triumph make a smaller capacity Speedmaster! hehe

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Hi guys. Nothing wrong with a totally biased review. After all, when we comment on bike videos and tell about our own machines they are surely biased opinions.... I do like the modern RE's. As soon as life isn't getting in my way I fully expect to be buying one. I was actually looking towards a classic 350 but your review of this larger capacity RE has made me reconsider....

[@garywoods765]

Another great review keep up the good work great team

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Gary, it is our aim to have Suzie on as many of these as we can. It's fun for both of us. Hope you are well 🙏

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Beautiful bike, beautiful couple x

[@-old-school-motorcyclesltd]

Top job Sean & Suzie Very professional again 😊 not tried one yet but that black is my personal favorite cool looking machine. Ridden the meteor that’s nice, loving Suzie and the bench seat answer !! Correct ✅ 😂 she got you there lol 👍 Look forward to the next one 😊😊 Have a good weekend you two 🍺🍺⚽️

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks very much Phil. Hahaha, yes Suzie on point today, keeps me on my toes. You know what I'm toying with the idea of a Meteor along side the BSA... I'm just not riding the Daytona...

[@markfortin8286]

That was a beautiful road you were on. In spite of the traffic it looked like a very enjoyable ride. I would be interested to try the Super Meteor to see how it compared to the V-Twin cruisers I have ridden. In the past I've had trouble with the ergonomics of 'partially forward' type of controls you describe. Enjoyed the video, thanks for taking the time to put this one together!

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Mark. Well my mind was blown by the chap who said you could fit shotgun footpeg hangers to the SM650 as the have the same frame. Previously I thought the same as you forward pegs are a no no. Thanks 😊

[@AdamForeman]

I love the Celestial Blue version, that's the one that stands out for me the most. With Royal Enfield having a great aftermarket selection, you can upgrade and customise it to your hearts content and really make it your own.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I could be persuaded by astral green but I agree the Celestial bikes are something special. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@williamlylecameron9345]

Thanks both for another excellent video. I have always wanted to see you review the RE Super Meteor 650 and now I have, thank you.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi William, thank you very much for this comment. I'm going back out on the SuperMeteor 650 so another video is planned 😃

[@williamlylecameron9345]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist Nice one Sean, I look forward to it.

[@felixVanDiemen]

Great review, thanks 🙂 I have the Celestial Blue, love it!. The screen works well with a screen extender, especially in winter. I agree about the buffeting from the screen without the extender. Cheers mate!

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Felix. Appreciate the comment.

[@stevemorris9862]

Morning from Australia FNQ had a new super meteor 650 in NZ moved to Australia and have a new Super Meteor 650 Really love this bike it does everything well and for the purchase price its a bargain.I ride it very hard at times and it just doesn't disappoint. Iam 67 and the comfort level for me is great 👍 😊😊

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Steve, glad you are getting on well with your bike(s). I was going to have one but was tempted away by the BSA 😄

[@ianhalliwell8604]

After an accident that broke my left ankle i bought a cruiser, Triumph America, but i just couldn't get on with this feet forward lark, kept hoping I'd get it but i never did and soon sold it.

[@mickdukes2732]

The dog would need goggles and a leather jacket😂

[@simonchilli2088]

A white silk scarf too!

[@felixVanDiemen]

I agree that it's more comfortable than the Intercepter. I used to have an Intercepter and I sold it because I just didn't like the riding position. If you like the Super Meteor but prefer a mid footpeg position, it would be easy enough to fit Shotgun mid controls on the Super Meteor as they have the the same frame. Just a thought.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Felix, now that is something I didn't think of. Great idea! Thanks 😊

[@crumblymal8479]

Maybe an addition to the garage is on the cards Sean 😉especially if they bring out the much awaited Classic 650 👍

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Crumbly, I was very close to doing a deal for a Meteor 350. I decided to pause for now but the Meteor has a place in my heart for sure...

[@louhmx1136]

4300 miles on my Super Meteor 650. Love it, especially with the AEW mufflers and YSS shocks.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

90% of your braking power is your front brake you should condition yourself in an emergency to grab a handful of front brake because if you stop on the rear brake you will lock up the wheel and high side. The rear brake should be removed as it is a vestige oh it's bicycle ancestry and everyone is conditioned by driving a car to stop on the rear brake from an emergency. When I first got my British motorcycles I went into the confusion of which side the brake was on and which side is it was on so I decided just to grab the front brake because that was the same on all the bikes.

[@lamportprez3714]

I had one of these, lasted 3 days! Pros: good ergos if you are 6 foot +; cheap new; looks…. Cons: weedy power; back destroying suspension; lack of character; poor build quality…. Best custom I have owned (and I’ve had Harley’s), go second hand = Honda magna vf750c 🤟

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Lamport for the comment. Nice to have your input, different opinions always good 👍

[@exeterrider]

It's a nice bike, the forward controls may bug me after a while. But for the money it's superb. Thanks for the mention. Love my 350👍 Good job Sean and Suzie🎉

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Steve, appreciate that. Believe it or not I keep hankering after my old 350 Meteor, i shouldnt have sold her, I might have to join you in J series ownership again 😃. Cheers.

[@exeterrider]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist yes I did get that impression. I get it though, as a only bike, I can see why people step up in power. The "J" is a lovely engine, you're right there 👍

[@TheAgalmic]

The doggie is called Bow 🙂

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

You sir are a true patron of Midwest Moto. I have a lot to learn 😁

[@leegreveson]

I'm with you on the braking, especially now I'm on a bigger bike, rear braking is more subtle, there's a time and a place for front braking and if you're "grabbing a handful" then it's probably poor planning or an emergency 😮 If you're a really forward thinking rider (or driver) brakes are just an option 😂 I watch the Motojitsu motorbike channel and his cornering advice is "slow in, fast out". I still prefer the Shotgun over the SM, a Classic wouldn't sway me but a Bullet would. There's not a lot between the two 350 models we already know, but I'd not be surprised if it is released. Good to hear that continuous improvement is RE's policy too. Finally, please please please get a second camera angle to capture more of the bike, even though Tenbury Wells looks quite nice 😂

[@dweezl8193]

I may be becoming a Royal Enfield fanboy myself because, according to my wife, i have developed an unhealthy obsession with these bikes. Im a Honda guy at heart but I stopped in at my local Indian Motorcycle dealer a while back and fell in love with the Super Meteor in Astral Blue that they had on the floor

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

It's an affliction that's for sure 😂. Once you've ridden a Royal Enfield it's the character and feeling that keeps you coming back!

[@hectorshouse7348]

Dogs are wonderful…but you need the time for them

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

I never rode this one, but I did the Shotgun. :) Still I think that this one looks better in my opinion. Overall a well done video. Enjoyed it.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks very much for the comment 👍

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist You are welcome.

[@j9fo]

The thing putting me off RE is the frequency of services and how expensive they are at the main dealer. If you are planning to do a lot of miles it does tend to negate the initially reasonable purchase cost compared to Japanese bikes.

[@droptuned83]

Im really liking this bike the more I see of it, but need to see the classic verision because of the control layout. Definitely need more of Sues on your chanel 😊 And 100% you need a Dog on the channel. 👍

[@caahacky]

What bike(s) do you own at the moment?

[@simongilbert2704]

nice bike , nice roads , and weather ,,, thanks for mention ;;

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Simon! Appreciated 👏. Hope to see you back at Midwest again soon.

[@JohnTanner61]

Adjust the rear shocks UP and it becomes a much more comfortable ride. Counterintuitive but works!

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks for the tip John, do you mean loosen off the preload? Apologies I'm not clear...

[@BobfmBali]

No Sean just the opposite, make the preload stiffer.

[@raymondlee7413]

WoW very nice looking, honda rebel 500 hmmm..... guess a fight coming....who going to have top selling.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Ray, with RE doing 130 supermeteors a quarter I think RE SM650 outsells rebel....

[@LumpyCarbs]

If you have never ridden a Harley I would be interested in your thoughts if you were to get a demo ride so you can compare the experience to the Super Meteor. I’d need to think about the best model. I also think it would be good to compare a secondhand Harley of similar value to the SMeteor.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Buy a low mileage garage queen that is gathering dust in someone's garage. Sure you might have to put a battery and tire service it but it will be a bike that is rebuildable forever and if you want to sell it you certainly won't lose any money on it unlike anything that oil and field makes which has almost no resale value at all

[@malcolmpatton9314]

Dog is ok but we have always had pets cats and dogs just enjoying just one dog currently it will impact on your motorcycle tours.we wouldn’t be comfortable with carrying our little dog on the motorcycle.she loves the caravan holidays which would be difficult with a cat. Back to motorcycles the shotgun would be my pick but holding off until the classic is released before I make my decision,can only afford one bike two brands I currently like are Royal Enfield and cf moto. Thanks for the review.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks for the comment Malcolm. I agree about dogs and motorcycle tours even though Suzie does really want a dog. Also very much into Royal Enfield and CFmoto at the moment. Both amazing value...

[@johnharris7353]

I don't want this huge, heavy, underpowered thing!

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

That's good, as you don't have to have one 😉

[@mikehurley5052]

You value 2 wheeled willies opinion?????? I went to a dealer to see one of these, sat on it for 2 seconds, that was enough to hate it.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I do like Willie a lot tbh and he's owned one of these so I asked him and talked to him about it beforehand. 😀

[@TerraMagnus]

The helmet audio is terribly mumbly, sadly.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Will work on this, thanks Terra!

[@nigelcox7477]

If you ask the lady for her thoughts, let her speak without interruption… we DO want to hear her.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Good comment, thank you. I'll let Suze have more time next round. Cheers Nigel

[@dertechniker8867]

Sorry if it is off topic but when I see a woman with tattoos I'm immediately shocked. No go, red flag,...

[@richardgitz2264]

Now look at that, and all this time I thought motorbikes and motorcyclists were all about freedom, about freedom in all its forms.

[@garywoods765]

Best to stick to coronation street then unbelievable comment something my granny would have said and I'm 70 so a long time ago

[@jerrywines382]

Why make such an irrelevant and unnecessary comment, unless you're actually trying to undermine someone's self confidence that is. Men don't get to control women anymore thankfully. You need to drag yourself into this century.

[@toddparker6807]

You are entitled to your opinion, but I think she is a nice, vibey young woman. Tatoos are tattoos, and they can be done tastfully. Suzie like anyone else, is far more than her tatoos and is not limited by them. Tattoos, in one way or another, are part of ones life journey.