Royal Enfield is gearing up to launch the new Super Meteor 650 and in the run-up to its introduction, new details about the production-spec bike have emerged.
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Super Meteor 650 gets lower seat height than Meteor 350
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To get the 648cc, oil-cooled, parallel twin engine
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Relaxed rider’s triangle
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: ergonomics
The Super Meteor 650 is going to be Royal Enfield’s first, modern-day, twin-cylinder cruiser and the focus has been on providing comfortable ergonomics. We’ve already seen them come up with a relaxed riding position on the Meteor 350, and the Super Meteor 650 will take it even further.
In fact, the Super Meteor’s seat height is lower than the Meteor 350’s 765mm seat, making it more accessible to a wider range of riders. We’ve also learned that the bike has a deeply scooped seat and wider handlebar, and its forward set pegs are sure to appeal to cruiser-bike aficionados.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: chassis
The new Super Meteor 650 is expected to be based on a modified version of the chassis you see on the existing 650 twins – the Continental GT and Interceptor. That’s after taking into account the new mounting points for the rider and pillion footpegs and the new heel and toe shifter plus rear brake pedal.
In addition, there will be a new brace at the top of the frame to which the engine head is attached. It seems that this is being done to further dampen out whatever little vibrations that the already smooth, parallel-twin engine gives out.
The frame is suspended by a USD fork and twin shock absorbers at the rear which should be preload adjustable. The point to note is that the front alloy wheel size is 19 inches, while the rear alloy wheel is 16 inches as opposed to the 17-inch rear on the Meteor 350. Expect the Super Meteor 650 to sport wide tyres and as for the tyre make being used, it is likely that Royal Enfield has slapped on a pair of Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres on the bike.
Braking duties are likely to be taken care of by a single disc set-up both at the front and rear.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: engine, design and features
The super sweet, 648cc, oil-cooled, parallel twin engine – the cornerstone of the existing 650 twins – is said to power the new Super Meteor 650 as well. It is likely to be in the same state of tune, producing 47hp and 52Nm. That said, Royal Enfield has made a few tweaks to the appearance of the engine cases to add some visual distinction.
Speaking of which, the Super Meteor 650’s design will bear almost no resemblance to the existing Royal Enfields. From the shape of the fuel tank, with a retro-styled winged logo and offset fuel filler cap, to the side panels and tail section, the bike will have its own identity. That said, some sharing of parts with the Meteor 350 is expected, mainly the round LED tail light, instrument cluster, tripper navigation pod and switchgear.
The switch cubes, however, are likely to be of a lighter colour shade (presumably brushed silver/chrome) instead of the usual black. It is a similar case with chrome mirrors and stalks.
The Super Meteor 650 is also expected to debut a new LED headlight, and should be among the first Royal Enfields to feature such a headlight. A similar LED headlight has been spotted on the upcoming Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 test mule.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: launch timeline
EICMA 2022 is just around the corner and Royal Enfield may reveal the Super Meteor 650 at that event in Italy. Besides, the Royal Enfield Rider Mania is making its return towards the end of November this year, following a pandemic-caused hiatus of two years. That seems like the ideal platform for Royal Enfield to introduce its flagship, 650cc-class cruiser in India.
Rishaad Mody
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
