Super Meteor 650 – Is It the New Contender to Beat the Harley Davidson X440?

The Super Meteor 650 is one of Royal Enfield’s most anticipated models, offering a unique combination of power, design, and comfort. Positioned as a cruiser with premium features, this motorcycle stands out with its 650cc engine, advanced technology, and robust build quality. With the popularity of the Meteor 350, Royal Enfield took the next step with the Super Meteor 650, focusing on providing a more powerful and versatile machine for long-distance cruising and daily commuting.

In this review, we will cover all the essential details about the Super Meteor 650, including engine specifications, performance, design features, technology, and pricing. We will also delve into the bike’s advanced features that ensure a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable riding experience. If you’re looking for a well-rounded cruiser with classic styling and modern performance, this motorcycle deserves your attention.

Key Highlights of the Super Meteor 650

Before diving into the specifics, let’s take a quick look at the key highlights of the Super Meteor 650:

  • Engine: 648cc Parallel Twin, Air/Oil-Cooled
  • Power Output: 47 bhp @ 7,250 RPM
  • Torque: 52 Nm @ 5,650 RPM
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Gearbox
  • Brakes: Dual Disc Brakes, Dual-Channel ABS
  • Suspension: 41mm Telescopic Forks (Front) and Twin Shock Absorbers (Rear)
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.7 Liters
  • Price: ₹3,49,000 (Ex-Showroom)

Let’s take a deeper look at these points to fully understand what makes the Super Meteor 650 a standout motorcycle in its class.

Super Meteor 650: Engine and Performance

The Super Meteor 650 is powered by a 648cc parallel-twin engine, designed to offer a great balance of performance and smoothness, making it suitable for long-distance cruising as well as daily commuting. Royal Enfield has used the same engine platform as the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650, making it a proven performer with a more relaxed cruiser setup.

Engine Specifications:

  • Engine Type: Parallel Twin, Air/Oil-Cooled
  • Displacement: 648cc
  • Bore x Stroke: 78 mm x 67.8 mm
  • Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
  • Power Output: 47 bhp @ 7,250 RPM
  • Torque: 52 Nm @ 5,650 RPM
  • Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine Performance

The 648cc parallel-twin engine is capable of producing 47 bhp at 7,250 RPM, ensuring plenty of power for highway cruising. The 52 Nm of torque at 5,650 RPM provides ample low-end grunt, making it easy to maintain a steady pace even at lower revs. This makes the Super Meteor 650 suitable for relaxed cruising on highways, while also being responsive when you need to accelerate out of tight spots or on twisty roads.

Top Speed and Acceleration

The Super Meteor 650 has a top speed of 160 km/h, making it capable of high-speed cruising while maintaining stability. The bike accelerates smoothly, and the six-speed gearbox ensures that the rider can maintain efficient cruising speeds on long highways while also providing smooth downshifting for overtaking maneuvers.

  • 0-100 km/h: Around 6.5 seconds
  • Top Speed: 160 km/h

Fuel Efficiency

With its 15.7-liter fuel tank and efficient engine, the Super Meteor 650 delivers decent fuel efficiency, averaging 20-25 km/l under normal riding conditions. This makes it suitable for long touring rides where fewer fuel stops are necessary.

Transmission and Ride Quality

Transmission: 6-Speed Gearbox

The Super Meteor 650 comes equipped with a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox, providing smooth shifting across all gears. The gear ratios are well-suited for both relaxed cruising and spirited riding. The gear shifts are positive and direct, with the clutch action being light and easy, ensuring comfort for long rides.

Suspension: Comfort and Handling

Royal Enfield designed the Super Meteor 650 to provide excellent comfort and stability for long rides. The bike is equipped with 41mm telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, offering a combination of comfort and control on both smooth highways and slightly rougher roads.

  • Front Suspension: 41mm Telescopic Forks with 130mm Travel
  • Rear Suspension: Twin Shock Absorbers with 80mm Travel

This setup provides a balanced ride, absorbing bumps and rough patches while maintaining handling stability. While the suspension isn’t meant for aggressive off-roading, it is perfect for cruising, touring, and everyday riding.

Brakes: Dual Disc with Dual-Channel ABS

The Super Meteor 650 comes equipped with dual disc brakes with dual-channel ABS. The 320mm front disc and 300mm rear disc provide ample stopping power, while the ABS system ensures that the wheels do not lock up during emergency braking or on slippery surfaces, enhancing rider safety.

  • Front Brake: 320mm Disc with Dual-Channel ABS
  • Rear Brake: 300mm Disc with Dual-Channel ABS

Design and Ergonomics

The Super Meteor 650 inherits the classic cruiser styling that Royal Enfield is known for. It features a retro-modern design, with a focus on comfort and long-distance cruising capabilities.

Design Features:

  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.7 Liters (including 3.5 liters reserve)
  • Seat Height: 740mm
  • Ground Clearance: 135mm
  • Kerb Weight: 241kg
  • Wheelbase: 1,500mm

The 15.7-liter fuel tank is slightly larger than its 350cc counterpart, providing better range for long-distance rides. The seat height of 740mm is lower than many other cruisers, offering a more comfortable and accessible ride for a wide range of riders. The ground clearance of 135mm ensures the bike can handle city streets and highways with ease, although it’s not ideal for heavily rugged or off-road terrains.

Ergonomics

The ergonomics of the Super Meteor 650 are designed for relaxed, upright cruising. The handlebars are placed at a comfortable height, allowing the rider to enjoy long-distance touring without straining the back or wrists. The seat is wide and padded, offering excellent comfort for both the rider and pillion. Whether you’re on a short city ride or a multi-day tour, the seat and ergonomics are built to minimize fatigue.

Lighting and Instrumentation

The Super Meteor 650 comes with a retro-inspired round headlamp, featuring LED technology for better visibility. The taillights and turn indicators are also LED-based, ensuring improved visibility and efficiency.

The instrument cluster is a modern combination of analog and digital displays, which includes:

  • Speedometer (Analog)
  • Tachometer (Analog)
  • Digital Trip Meter
  • Fuel Gauge
  • Gear Position Indicator

The digital screen provides additional information such as trip details, while the analog dials add to the bike’s classic cruiser aesthetic.

Technology and Features

The Super Meteor 650 incorporates modern technology features, making it an excellent choice for riders who want both classic styling and the convenience of contemporary tech.

Ride Modes

The Super Meteor 650 offers two ride modesRain Mode and Road Mode. These modes adjust the throttle response and ABS settings for different weather and road conditions. Rain Mode reduces throttle sensitivity, providing smoother power delivery on wet or slippery roads, while Road Mode offers more aggressive throttle response for regular riding conditions.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The Super Meteor 650 is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair your smartphone with the bike’s system. This feature enables you to make calls, control music, and navigate via GPS through the bike’s instrument cluster, keeping you connected without taking your hands off the handlebars.

Cruise Control

For added comfort during long highway rides, the Super Meteor 650 is equipped with cruise control, a feature that maintains a consistent speed without the need to keep the throttle twisted. This is a valuable feature for long-distance touring, reducing rider fatigue.

Pricing of the Super Meteor 650

The Super Meteor 650 is priced in the premium cruiser segment, offering both classic styling and modern performance. The ex-showroom price for the Super Meteor 650 in India starts at ₹3,49,000.

  • Super Meteor 650 Standard: ₹3,49,000 (Ex-Showroom)
  • Super Meteor 650 Touring: ₹3,74,000 (Ex-Showroom)

The pricing is competitive when compared to other cruiser motorcycles in the 650cc category, and it offers excellent value considering its powerful engine, premium features, and comfortable design.

Super Meteor 650: Competitor Comparison with Harley Davidson X440

When considering the Super Meteor 650 in the context of its competitors, particularly the Harley Davidson X440, here’s a breakdown of key areas where these two models compete:

  1. Engine Power and Performance
    • Super Meteor 650: Powered by a 648cc parallel twin engine, it produces 47 bhp and 52 Nm of torque, offering a smooth and stable performance ideal for long-distance cruising. With a top speed of 160 km/h, it excels in highway performance.
    • Harley Davidson X440: Equipped with a smaller engine, the X440 provides adequate power for city commuting and light touring, but it falls short of the Super Meteor’s outright performance in terms of raw power and torque.
  2. Comfort and Ergonomics
    • Super Meteor 650: The bike offers a low seat height of 740mm and relaxed ergonomics, ensuring long-distance comfort for riders of varying sizes. The twin shock absorbers and 41mm telescopic forks further enhance its ability to absorb bumps on highways.
    • Harley Davidson X440: While comfortable for city rides, it lacks the same level of extended touring comfort. Its ergonomics may not offer the same level of versatility and comfort for longer journeys compared to the Super Meteor 650.
  3. Technology and Features
    • Super Meteor 650: The bike is equipped with modern technology, such as Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and two ride modes (Rain and Road) for better riding adaptability. The LED headlamp and analog-digital instrument cluster provide a balanced, modern yet classic aesthetic.
    • Harley Davidson X440: While the X440 features decent technology, it lacks the extensive features like Bluetooth, cruise control, or dual ride modes, which the Super Meteor 650 brings to the table.
  4. Safety Features
    • Super Meteor 650: Dual-channel ABS and dual disc brakes (320mm front, 300mm rear) provide strong and reliable stopping power, adding to the overall safety of the bike.
    • Harley Davidson X440: While the X440 includes ABS, it may not offer the same level of braking efficiency or dual-channel system that enhances rider safety during emergency maneuvers or on slippery surfaces.
  5. Pricing and Value for Money
    • Super Meteor 650: Priced starting at ₹3,49,000, the Super Meteor offers premium features like Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and a robust twin-engine setup. Its price is competitive within the 650cc cruiser segment, offering solid value for both performance and features.
    • Harley Davidson X440: Typically priced lower, the X440 is more affordable but doesn’t provide the same performance or feature set. It may be ideal for budget-conscious buyers but lacks the advanced tech and high-powered engine of the Super Meteor.
  6. Design and Aesthetics
    • Super Meteor 650: Known for its classic cruiser styling, it features retro-modern elements with sleek lines and a well-balanced build. Its wide 15.7-liter fuel tank and comfortable seat height give it an appealing and approachable look.
    • Harley Davidson X440: While it retains Harley’s distinctive cruiser design, it has a more modern, minimalistic approach, catering to those who prefer a more contemporary look compared to the Super Meteor’s timeless charm.
  7. Fuel Efficiency
    • Super Meteor 650: Offering an impressive 20-25 km/l under normal riding conditions, the Super Meteor 650 balances fuel efficiency with its larger engine and powerful performance.
    • Harley Davidson X440: Typically more fuel-efficient in urban settings, but it may not offer the same long-distance touring economy as the Super Meteor 650.

Verdict: Is the Super Meteor 650 a Better Buy?

While the Harley Davidson X440 offers a great entry point into the world of cruisers, especially for urban commuting, the Super Meteor 650 shines in terms of performance, comfort, technology, and long-distance touring capability. The additional features and premium elements make the Super Meteor 650 a stronger contender for those seeking a versatile, high-performance cruiser with a modern touch.

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