From The Horses Mouth | Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Review | A Modern Classic Cruiser Motorcycle
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2023
- The 'Ol' Man' gets to ride the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Motorbike for the first time, and gives his impression about what this bike is like to ride.
Darcy reviewed this motorcycle last year and really loved it. Here's a link to our first review: • 2023 Royal Enfield Sup...
He was 20 at the time, and it is interesting to hear about the bike from his perspective, as a younger motorcycle rider.
In this video review, we capture the essence of the motorcycle in some breathtaking scenery in North Wales. Did Royal enfield get it right? Could they have done better? Or different? We find out.
Engine, gearbox, clutch, brakes, suspension, ride, handling, styling...we cover it all, AND you can really HEAR the sound of the bike, as with all of our reviews.
Does it fill the gap that Harley-Davidson has left with the old Sportster: Iron 883 & 48? Is it anything like a Triumph Bonneville?
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Thanks for the review and I agree with pretty much everything you had to say about it including the subjective points on aesthetics. The instrument cluster also hurts my eyes to the point where it's the primary difference between feeling the itch to buy or not. If it had the same instruments as the Interceptor for example I would be much more in love.
I'm sure it won't be long before someone hacks the tripper display to show something else...
Good review and agree with your points made, agreed it would look better with spoked wheels in my opinion too. Given the price I think a great value machine overall.
dude you are the guy who lives in windows XP wallpaper
😂😂😂😂
He is trying to get rid of his mobile phone. LOL
You nailed it. As much as the review is great, the scenery around is insane. Seems unreal. I never imagined a place could be this beautiful
Lol
😂😂😂😂😂
I own a SM650 Interstellar Green, it's just simply superb, the ride is amazing, and you can feel the pride when you ride one.
He is living in paradise and the quality of this video is awesome
This is the review I was waiting for! Can't wait for the delivery of my Super meteor 650!
Awesome enjoy your new ride when it arrives 👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlManAbsolutely!
Royal Enfield sure hit it out of the park. It's absolutely stunning looking. It's perfection.
So good to have you back, I was missing your reviews and insights.
An old school MC theme channel for the masses. Thank you to you both👍👍.
Also enjoy the photography channel👍👍
Awesome 👍🏼
Hear hear
*OUTSTANDING* review of a fabulous cruiser bike for us old geezers 👍
You are living your dream, Ol'Man 👍
Looking eagerly forward to your Harley review 👍
Thanks buddy 👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlMan
Saw your HOG (Salamander colored one) already, great job, Ol'Man 👍
I really enjoy your totally honest real world reviews 👍I’ve been watching your videos for some time now , and you are getting good at this 👍keep them coming!
Great video, I love what RE have achieved in the last few years. They have set the bar in choice, quality & for the UK, the pricing but having set the bar I hope they don't fall into the trap of bringing out new specs/types with little differences for the sake of it as it could have a negative effect on what RE have achieved to date. I am looking forward to hopefully a bobber type.
The surrounding is so picturesque. The bike is powerful just like the rider.
that RE Super Meteor makes more sense than a Harley Davidson in the UK.
It makes more sense than an HD in America too
I love mine, in the same colour as your review machine, many smiles per mile. I can't take it anywhere without someone commenting on how good it looks
Same . Just mine is the gray one
This is one of my top channels for motorcycling content on youtube…pure unadulterated, brutally honest content with a dash of humor…btw despite my fondness for classic style bikes, I personally ride a 2017 XSR900 and yet thoroughly enjoyed the old man’s take on the Hornet last week..wearing girl pants and sitting on barbed wire..will be etched in my mind forever 😂…love the father & son duo..keep up the good work…
This is the reason I wait for ol man's review. Honest to heart.
Thank you 😊
I agree totally with what you say about the styling of the Super Meteor 650. In 1997, Royal Enfield released a "factory custom" version of the Bullet called the Lightning. This was revised in 2000 and became the Lightning 535. Then in 2002, a version sporting the new alloy AVL engine came along in 350 cc and 500 cc displacements renamed the Thunderbird. The Thunderbird basically put ape hangers and right way up forks on a Bullet, and with engine revisions and facelifts, lasted until 2020 when it was succeeded by the Meteor 350, which ditched the chromed spoked wheels for black alloys, blacked out everything barring the fork stanchions, and put on lower handlebars.
In my eyes, a new 650 cc twin Thunderbird with "proper" forks (though more raked out), chromed spoked wheels, a proper twin binnacle instrument cluster and chromed or polished stainless steel appointments would be just the ticket. If they can bring out a 650 Classic on the Super Meteor frame surely they can reintroduce the Thunderbird. Not everyone is into the bobber look. Call us boomers old fashioned if you want, I don't care. Matte black is dull and unimaginative and ugly, I want shiny.
Thank you for the review! Beautiful country, ride on.
I love your reviews. Your place is so beautiful and serene.. Like a piece of undistorted paradise..
Absolutely stunning Landscape. We tune-in for the scenery and stick around for the MC's.. he looks like a viking, a broad sword and shield wouldn't be out of place. Great review/reviewer. 👍👍
"I am not trying to connect anything to anything" man I feel the same 😂 I must be getting old.
You are one of the finest reviewer Mr. Darcy ever we have seen on UA-cam, your polite demenours and super refined dialectical skills are quite appealing to your followers. Thanks for sharing an honest review of this bike with minute details. Hopefully prospective buyers may find it useful for their future plans. Have a pleasant day ahead 👍
I had been waiting for this review for a long time. Thank you.
I love your channel! You ride in some of the most beautiful countryside and give valuable insight about the bikes. Where I live it is flat and all the roads are straight so it is an escape to see your rides. Keep up the good work!
I've owned my SM since February it really is a excellent motorcycle
Ive ridden the bike in some extremely wet weather the bike hasn't missed a beat it's covered 5k mile's now just back from a trip to Barcelona extremely pleased with the bike the build quality is exceptional
The SM is my 4th new Enfield since 2019 previously owned a Interceptor, Himalayan, Meteor and is by far the best
Fitted a pr of mid position TEC footrests they really make a difference on long runs just being able to adjust your feet position it eases pressure on your hips and lower back
I bought mine after Darcy's review and was impressed with the build quality and that gem of a motor. But in all truth the bike is lacking in many ways.
The second or third generations of this model will improve the overall feel and appearance of the Meteor.
But as a first attempt Royal Enfield have delivered a quality product. And it has soul
As a yellow Meteor 350 owner, I'm considering upgrading someday. The upper trims with the plush seat and deflector are more classic-looking, especially in blue. But that green-gold-black damn, it's the sexiest.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with the bike!! Really really useful stuff.
Very sad for the poor fox 😢
Amazing to see your connection with the horses and as always I enjoyed immensely the rider’s view perspective part of the video. Also the sound was coming really nicely. 🙂
I have Royal Enfield Classic 350 and I will consider this bike next. You explained in depth. Love your review. I like the built quality of Royal Enfield.
Interesting perspective on this review. Not what I expected, however all points very valid.
Thank you reviewing this bike.
That’s by far the nicest one of these I’ve seen but it’s still pretty ugly overall compared to the Interceptor. Good to see they’ve toned down the awful graphics RE seem to adorn most of their models with but I cannot get over the toddler’s toy style RE logo on the engine case and why do so many manufacturers struggle with the design of the instrument panel? Just keep it simple, classy, not asymmetric and have a rev counter.
The toddler's toy RE logo on the engine case reminds me a bit of the old Toys R Us one.
In general I like their badges , graphics and paint schemes but you’re so right about the dire logo on the engine. It’s Horrible.
@@jonathanwallis6854 the tank badge is great but completely at odds with the engine logo
The whole video is just lovely, videography , presentation , honesty. I liked it a lot. Looking forward to watching other videos on your channel.
And yeah I smiled and agreed to distance from mobile and connecting it to anything. Keep shooting . Much love
Many thanks 😊
Great job with the video. Very professional. I liked the music at the end. I got myself the Classic 350 a couple of months ago and love it. Looking forward to the Shotgun 650 from Royal Enfield. Also the Classic 650. Maybe in a few more years as my final bike.
Back to the channel after while. Happy to see the old man up and reviewing bikes. Wish you a good health and a long and happy life.
Welcome back and yes it is great to be recovered and back riding 👍🏼
It's a great first bike and a great last bike.
what do you mean😭
I mean a good bike for the beginner and a good bike for us old farts who a looking at something a little more relaxed.@@Johntheviewer
@@TXLorenzo ohhh okay thought you meant something else entirely haha
Very good, honest review. I'd love to see what a custom super meteor would look like with some of the changes you mentioned.
Ive had a SM650 for about 3 months now, Im in Australia. And i still like to hear what people have to say about this bike. Im truly in love with this bike and mostly id agree with your points. The styling i do disagree with you re the front, i quite like it! It gives somewhat of a modern spin to a classically styled motorcycle. Im in my mid 30s, and i didnt want a stodgy old looking cruiser. I enjoy your reviews. Thanks for your work!
In Australia too, thinking of getting this bike, is yours still going well?, and still liking it?
@@leesadrone7343 yep still do! I feel exactly the same way about it. Coming up to 5k done on it. No real issues to speak of. The speedo has a leak, sometimes there is condensation on the inside, but thats just a warranty replacement. Otherwise, starts every time, does everything i ask it. Planning a Dart windscreen, touring seat and Verex exhaust this year. And maybe bags. Still pretty to look at. Never really wanting for more power. Looks fantastic. Goes fantastic. I really love it
@@martincorvalan8704 awesome thanks, think I'm going to go for it, can't get the bike out of my head, going for a second test ride to make sure then🤞
@leesadrone7343 let us know how the test ride goes 👍🏼
I appreciate the review although my Classic 350 stays in the garage, cheers from chicago
Nice reveiw love the sounds the bike makes so different
Great review! Completely agree with each n every observation you made. 👍
Nice work, love the quiet roads and scenery 👍🍰
bro Liveing in heaven
I enjoy this and all your reviews. The horses are a great addition. I’m waiting for this bike to come to the usa. Lower caps cause I’m not proud of it at this time.
Thank you and your son for all you do. 🥰🐞🌻
These are a really nice looking bikes, the paint finishes are really good. I am similar to you and woukd like, traditional forks, dual clocks and wire wheels. However those things wouldnt stop me getting one.
She sounds well , it’s very tempting
I was very close to buying one of these; loved the styling and the feet forward riding position, but in the end I wanted a bit more power, so I got a 2021 T100 (20bhp more). Great review as always Ol Man.
Such a magnificent place.
It is North Wales 🏴
RE is coming out with a new bobber next year. Its called Shotgun 650
Im 43 and have been wanting to finally get my riding test (ive ridden 125s for years, these new royal enfield's are all beautiful... however, everything u just said about this bike has kind of put me off, i didnt realise i wanted a bike with spoked wheels, normal forks and slightly more rake in the front end, i even agree about the cluster.. ive personally heard an interceptor with an after market exhaust on it that a friendof mine bought, and dear me, it sounded absolutely beautiful, it even looked far nicer than the original that came with the bike. So i believe that a different exhaust system is a must on the enfields, my friend said the sound was completely different to what it is now. Like night and day he said.
I need to buckle down and get the money together for my test and bike, watching your videos is like torture.
Thanks for all your content guys.
David
Keep going and it won't be long until you purchase a bike 👍🏼
Absolutely Beautiful & Majestic Bike, No doubt at all one of my favorite Cruisers!!!, Great video, Thanks for sharing 👍👊✌️!!!
Our pleasure!
I enjoy your videos, keep doing what you do. I have a Super Meteor in the same colour and have had it since February and covered 3,500 miles. I disagree with most of your criticisms, but respect your views. I recently travelled over 400 miles on one journey and the seat wasn’t any less comfortable than many other bikes. I’ve had a few cruisers now and this bike compares well against my 2012 Triumph America, but better in many respects.
What a beautiful home, life and family. I know you know the value of things
I was in a Royal Enfield dealer's the other day and the whole range looked really nice. I was wondering if Harley or Indian could go down this route? A 750 cc in an old classic style with nice knuckle head cylinder pots. Not everyone wants or can afford the big v twins.
I’d certainly be interested
Wish they did.. 🙂
Spoked wheels would have looked really nice on the bike. RE are making some really nice looking bikes lately and getting to the same level in quality as the bigger brands like Harley and Triumph. But at a more affordable price. Great review. 👍
Great value for money if it’s your thing. But definitely spokes and more classic dash. Rumours of a classic 650. That would probably more more the finished product. Nice video. Lovely horses. 👍
Nice exhaust sound ❤❤❤
Canny review mate, really like the bike, good luck to Enfield.
I'd have one tomorrow if I could live without me old Harley....
Can't wait for the classic 650
Sounds amazing when you get into it. I was surprised it sounded so throaty.
0:35 wow....what a scene..just wow
10:30 look at this haha
@@adityagautam7992thankfully I do get to enjoy sceneries like that in the parts where I live, but I don't have access to ranches where horses meet on my way out.
I agree with you regarding the front forks. It seems odd that they chose this style of bike for their first foray into upsidedown forks. I wonder how long it will take for someone to sell slashcut silencers for it.
Nice looking bike, even nicer with the sun shining ☀️
It certainly is 👍🏼
I liked Mr. Darcy's review of this bike but was surprised that you weren't in the video since you are a cruiser guy. I test rode the SM650 recently and really liked it. I like the agility it has and it felt about as easy to handle as my Interceptor. At the same time, it is quite stable. The brakes are better too. The only thing I didn't like was the forward placement of the foot pegs. That's a personal preference. Oh, and the spy shots of the upcoming Classic 650 seem to suggest that the chassis is the same as this so I share your feelings on the topic.
Nice and informative and honest review - thanks! Interesting about the gear shift feeling a bit vague. I have a new Speedmaster Chrome which as you know is also forward control, and compared to the R9T I traded in for it, the gear change is crisp and definite. I'd be surprised if the Meteor's vague gear change is down to the forward control linkage. Unless it does have 'play' in the joints, which I suspect it doesn't.
I envy you those lovely North Wales roads. We're in Aberdaron on a family holiday right now, so sadly, not on the bike. We live in Cheshire so not too far away! I must come over that way on the Speedmaster and sample those back roads.
3:45 the reasons are traffic and parking area problems in India. 😊
Nice bike and it looks better for taller riders, great video as always ❤
Yes good for a taller rider 👍🏼
Nice review 👌
Honda and Triumph started the modern retro movementn ow we have so many great choices from more brands, this is one of them
The sound at 11:35 was amazing. Nice
That’s a nice bike, yes I agree about how that bike would benefit looks wise by offering those silver colored bits on the triple tree and fork to black , and spoked wheels, 👍🏼
We waited and then we have been rewarded 🙂 ol'man you're the man 😅 you put so much life and soul in your observations. I'm particularly appreciative of the fact, you pulled over to see the unfortunate animal. You're a gentleman ❤ ol'man you got lovely, most beautiful horses 💯 ps: the ride is bone jarring here on Indian roads apart from that we love this machine to the T!!
Thanks 😊
sounds throttie, nice. it does remind me of my first bike a 1967 650 BSA Hornet. Thanks for sharing.
Nice video, thanks. This motorcycle has a "touring" version, which add things like a Sissi bar and a more comfortable seat for long travels, for both rider and passenger. Keep it up!
Cracking review! I like cruisers & came close to buying but bought a late model (muted) Yamaha midnight star instead. The build quality was fine for me but tiny things on the RE had a disproportionately negative affect on me & stopped me laying out my cash. The clocks, the side panel decals & the tank badges which are horrible & visually distort the tank lines. I'd still consider a used one in 18 months or so....
It’s a great looking motorcycle!! Maybe one day
I can’t wait for the Classic 650. I think it would be the perfect complement to my Interceptor and something I could use daily.
What a beautiful country side, I regret never been to GB. The forward controls are a big plus on this bike, the lower the saddle, the more forward controls must be. Don´t believe ? Just sit on a Honda Rebel and you know what I am taking about, just in general. Great report you made, I enjoyed ! RE made a very good job on this bike I guess, I like it.
I appreciate your attention to the styling. There are some really beautiful parts of this bike like the lines, paint, and shape/form of some parts. However, there are some really egregious design choices like the contrasting, wheels, and "modern" components that really take away from a bike with so much potential. The Meteor 350 and Hunter 350 used modern design touches beautifully, and the Classic 350 honors timeless style with ease. This bike seems to be attempting to take the approach Triumph chose to go in 2016: a classically styled bike with contemporary fit and finish. Unfortunately RE fell on their face a bit, as it blends these styles in ways that clash rather than harmonize, creating an overall disjointed appearance that could struggle to appeal to the lovers of classic bikes or modern bikes.
Well, each to their own, I'm not a cruiser guy, yet I own a 350 Meteor and love it. I looked at the 650 and it just seems BIG. Forks are fine to me, don't care about dash all that much but I guess INT clocks would have been nice. I prefer these wheels to spokes as easier to clean and less chance of rust. Hoping very much they come out with a bike with a bigger single than the 350 like the 500 everyone seemed to hope for. I guess that would be a heap more money to develop a new engine and not air cooled (I like the simplicity of the 350). Would like just a bit more push/go though. Thanks for the vid !
I agree with you. I love my 350.
It's a great old fashioned British designed / Indian built, 350 thumper.
I don't need American comparisons, that seems to be unnecessarily important these days.
I am surprised that the navigator dial, being a digital display, could not have an option to select it as a traditional tachometer.
Recently finished 10k on mine, it's got some problems but a capable machine and great value for money (I recently grauduated college and aint got 20k$ to splurge on a harley XD)
Got the Classic 350 first but didnt float the boat.
Got the Super Meteor 650 a couple of weeks ago. Cant stop riding it 😊.
I agree with the dials, miss the rev counter and the tripper could have been built into it.
The rest of the front end i like but it probably suits my Celcius with the blue and white paint job better.
The 350 still awaiting in the back of the garage, its a fantastic looking bike.
Nice review. I recently took one out for review, and although I know we shouldn’t start off with preconceived ideas, I just don’t like cruisers. The Super Meteor however, really did surprise me. Looks wise, it does look “cool”, but I am not keen on the low number plate bracket, a style also found on the BSA Goldstar, it would be better located under the rear light. Although I get your thoughts on the front end, I think it feels quality, and the suspension doesn’t have the clattery feel the Interceptor had out of the crate. Although it didn’t take me too long to get accustomed to the feet forward pegs, I wasn’t too keen on the brackets, looked a bit too “Heath Robinson”. A really good bike though. 😊
I'd love to see you review the Meteor 350, I'd love to see how a taller rider gets on with it 👍
Darcy reviewed it a while back but we do need to revisit it for sure ua-cam.com/video/UX1e0ayDmCI/v-deo.htmlsi=Su4doLmh6F46BveT
I used to have a Kawasaki W650, which was a lovely bike. I feel like this is approaching the same sort of space in the market. Obviously it needs to shed some of more glaring evidences of modernity.
nice looking bikes, i have a gt650, looking ve removed around 20kg from it, i love the classic looks, its fast enough for the crappy roads in eire, the super meteor looks like a step up in build quality, RE hits the spot regarding quality, mpg, affordability and being able to service the machine myself, thanks
Me after 1500kms, Rear shocks aren’t great, watch out for pot holes unless you want a spinal adjustment. Sometimes changing to 6th goes to false neutral. Changed the tripper to tachometer. New levers. Overall I’m very happy with it
Took it for a spin and just didn’t want to give the machine back. Oh the front with spokes would look really authentic. For the price and capacity it’s a beautiful weekend ride. Since riding the SM 650 my love for the meteor 350 has grown too..
I agree with most of what you said. I would disagree with the description of the front end and highlighting some of the parts. Don't get me wrong,I love blacked out bikes,or painted to match,but,I think it's the same as when I see a blacked out bike and it has accents of brushed aluminum or chrome, to me and this is just my opinion, it looks kickass! Dude what's up with the dead fox!? Poor little guy.
Nice review mate. I like the exhaust sound you got. Tell me, what mods did you do to the exhausts to get that great sound? Cheers
Completely standard exhaust! Maybe it’s the microphone 👍🏼
Love the look of RE 650
I'm hoping and wishing for a Super Classic as well. However, I also hope they don't give it the same treatment as the Meteor and turn it into a full on cruiser. The thing about the Classic 350 is that it has the looks of the good old days, the dependability of a modern bike and still is quite capable of going on poor roads and trails. Doing this to the classic just blends it into a vast array of cruisers and, to be honest, there are better options in the same segment for the same kind of money. What I want is a "gravel cruiser". Upright riding position. Decent ground clearance. Good looks. Torqy engine. Simple maintenance. Something that feels just as much as home downtown as out in the bush. I want a Classic 350, just with the bigger engine.
Great review as always, I enjoy the animal and church stops.
Great to hear 👍🏼
Next new Classic 500 launch🤔👍Its the one I am waiting..
Nice job it sure sounds good
Fantastic Bike mate. 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Cruiser riders look for classics design. Chrome color instead of black for many part would have a better looks i think.
I'm hoping they will do a version of this styled to look more like the 350 Classic or Bullet.
In the same way that the 350 Meteor is basically the same bike as the 350 Classic or Bullet but the bikes look quite different.
(edit: oops, I should have watched it to the end before posting as you basically said the same thing)
A good stout no bull shit honest to goodness review. I have the 350 Supernova which I love and I could be tempted by the big lady..
Rode the SuperMeteor a few weeks before and feel you are completely right to compare it to a 883 Sportster..
Very smooth engine - not as torquey as the Sportster and it really needs its 6speed gearbox as the Sportster could live easily with a 4speed.
Nice handling and stable, but a higher CoG ….
It really is a bike that could replace the 883 ….
The 1200 (I‘m riding a 2004 1200 Custom) is engine wise on a complete different level - that brutal low down torque is closer to the BigTwins as to the SuperMeteor….😇
So when you not willing to pay the premium for a used Sportster this is the closest thing to get brand new on the market….
With my PCX 125 and my 1200 Sportster all my needs are filled ( more or less ) and I don’t see me buying a 3rd bike - otherwise the SuperMeteor would be on my list….
Has a good sound !
I really wanted this to be my first bike. It is not available in the USA yet so I got something else. Maybe next year it can be my second....