Awesome ride once again, I really enjoy watching all your content, it just gets better and better, keep it up and we all look forward to seeing you soon.
Thank you for this video. I've been looking at the Super Meteor, the Kawasaki Vulcan S, and the Triumph Speed Twin 900. I recently sold my LAST Harley, they ride like a dump truck. My wife and I always ride together and we are eldely and want a soft ride. My wife also has many health issues and walks with a walker. The Super Meteor 650 is a stuntingly good looking bike, but I'm afraid the harsh ride is turning me off. There are many things I like about the Super Meteor 650, the center stand, alloy wheels (tubeless tires) the style, low seat height, the engine (650cc is all I need) and the Super Meteor seems to be geared just right. But the harsh ride is a deal breaker for me. Once again thank you for this video. Ride safe and enjoy every journey.
Thanks Gene. Good on you and your wife still wanting to get out despite the health issues. As for the Super Meteor, do you watch Aussie Biker Dude ? An up and coming channel, now riding the Super Meteor and loving it. Here is a link youtube.com/@aussiebikerdude6563?si=F8KkXZC7Jpk8bccF . Maybe converse with him. On a recent video, he did adjust the rear shocks. I haven’t ridden either the Kawasaki or Triumph, but would guess that their components are of a higher quality, I mean the Triumph is well tried/tested and has been reviewed to within an inch of it’s life. When I had my Interceptor 650, I did change the rear shocks for YSS Gold Tops, and they made a huge difference. I have no doubt that the crashy ride could be sorted, and even with the added expense, it would still come in cheaper than the Triumph, and close to the Kawasaki. I wish you all the best with your quest, come back here and let me know what you went for. Cheers
I completely get what your saying Ian I have only ever ridden one bike with forward rests and I really found it strange I had to keep looking down at junctions when pulling away to see where to put my feet 😁 the super is a weighty beast I believe although I guess it makes it very planted when riding . I'm not big into silver but I will say that looks very good with the black black as a contrast and I will say the Royal Enfield I think are the only ones these days to put out good looking chrome downpipes instead of what looks like dull poor quality metal that discolours within a couple of hundred miles . I also like their totally black engines too I agree with you on the rear light cluster though and it does look a stretch to the gear lever , 2 clocks would be nice although it's not a big issue I think I would rather see chrome bars with maybe black stem mirrors to match the engine . Good review nice one 👌👍
Evening Ian very good review as usual The Super Meteor does look a lot better in the flesh. It would be nice if RE made the Interceptor to the same standard and I hope the new 450cc Himalayan is as well :)
Exciting times ahead on the RE front James. I must admit that I wasn’t really looking forward to taking the Super Meteor out, preconceived ideas about cruiser style bikes etc, but as you can probably tell, I actually liked it, very solid build quality, a bit hefty to manoeuvre, but you don’t notice it when on the move……a good bike 👍 Cheers
Nice job and I appreciate the fact that you took it easy on a brand new engine. Too many others are not always as considerate. Seems like the bike grew on you a bit. I have owned many cruiser style bikes over the last 56 years, so the things that you find a bit odd are second nature to me. Many cruiser bikes are without a Tachometer and you get use to knowing where you are in the power band. I am considering one of these, along with the T100 Bonnie and the W800 which, of course, are not true cruisers. I prefer the 360 degree crank configuration on the Kawi . To me the classic Brit Bike sound is like music. The new Bonnevilles and the RE 650s sound ok, and I understand the theory behind them, but I will always prefer the way the old Nortons, BSAs, and Triumph twins sounded back in the "good ol' days". I will be test riding a Super Meteor in a couple of days as our local RE dealer just got a couple unpacked a week, or so, ago. I expect to like the bike just fine and as far as $$$$? They are hard to beat.
Thanks for this comment, appreciated. Yes I have too much mechanical sympathy to go thrashing an engine with no miles on it. I definitely get what you are saying about the sound. In the past, I have owned a few Brit bikes. The Matchless 500 G9, and BSA Royal Star 500 twins had that “special” soundtrack (in 1984, I also had a 1947 Norton Model 18 single). Although I haven’t ridden the Kawasaki W800, I have heard them, and they are pretty damn close. I haven’t ridden the T100 either, but they are well tried and tested, if a bit pricy. The Super Meteor is a real step up in quality compared to the Interceptor, and feels quite substantial. There is a chap in Australia, who has a small YT channel, riding his Super Meteor. Perhaps you could quiz him on his thoughts of ownership. Here is his link youtube.com/@aussiebikerdude6563?si=4zVqdjtY2SMO2u-_ Cheers
Hi, thank you. I did a video a while back ua-cam.com/video/DRyU78s705k/v-deo.htmlsi=HY0R2vlU4CA66btz explaining how I got on with trying to get the best audio from my set up. I have the DJI Osmo Action 3 with the cables in the video plus a Hama VSOP notebook mic, available from Amazon. At speeds over 55mph, without a screen/fairing, the wind noise becomes noticeable. On faired bikes, it is so much earlier due to buffeting, (which is our nemesis). Since the video, I have played around a bit more with the camera settings, recording at -12db (I think), then increasing the volume in editing. A bit of a ball ache, but it’s the only way to combat wind generated distortion. Hope this helps.
So you are near to me, I ride that road via Church Minshull often as I live in Winsford. On cruiser style bikes the feet forward is needed to compensate for low seat hight, as the seat goes down the knees come up and you would be too cramped. Size of rider matters as well. I have a bit of arthritis in my left hip so rear sets are out and many mid rest bikes are too. On the R.E. and the Speedmaster which I have they are hardly much forward, on my old T120 my lower leg was just 90 d. and on the SM I would guess 100. I am 32 inside leg. You see small guys on big Harleys and they look like they are trying to have a lie down. The rider has to fit the bike or it isn't for them. Gear shift pegs are adjustable anyway and I have found the factory always sets them way too low. Good vid enjoyed spotting all the familiar places. Do you go to J & S ? 🤠
Hi Maicom, thanks for the comment. I used to live in Nantwich, but now live on the North Lancashire/Cumbria border, but frequently travel to Nantwich to visit family. Whilst down, I try and fit in a demo ride on something. I used to go to J+S a lot, but not so much since moving. I know the Winsford road well too. We lived on narrow boats for 8 years, some on Venetian Marina on the Wettenhall road, plus the marina I stopped at for this video. All the best.
Good review Ian. Thanks. I love that twin burbling away as the sound track. You are right about those rear indicators which could do with raising to be more visible. I don’t like the diagonal lettering. I visited Bentley to try and get an apprenticeship when I was in my teens 45 years ago, no luck. It was a different place to now I am guessing.
Thank you. When I was leaving school back in 1978, I got as far as an interview at RR+B as it was then, without success. Then in 1985 I managed to get in the Parts and Accessories dept. Remained there for 22 years, I couldn’t stand it anymore. Far too many lazy sods, who were convinced the company owed them a living……it drove me nuts, so off I went. There was a massive change when Vickers, who used to own the company, sold RR to BMW, and Bentley to VW Group. Under VW, Bentley has grown, so as a brand it was a success, but sadly, the Crewe built cars are really just “kit cars” now. All the parts come in, and just assembled in Crewe. Much the same as most manufacturers, I guess. Just not the “special” cars they used to be.
@@ianhughesroyalenfield I left school in 77 so we are similar in age. My dad took me to Aston Martin as a lad and it was a true craft seeing them hand beat the panels and individually build the engines. I went back to AM as an insurance surveyor inspecting all the ramps and lifting kit when they made the Vanquish and DB9 and boy what a difference. The carbon fibre bodies were glued together.
Great lookin bike Ian. Good work on the review as always. Like the points you raised pertinent to you as a rider, like adjusting the gear lever for example. I liked the sound, from the vid it sounds nothing like an Interceptor. Liked the way you respected the lack of miles on the engine; credit to you for that. Enjoyed the ride too, came out brill on me big telly. Think I need to get a test ride on one. I’m pretty certain I wouldn’t swap Edna for one, luv that bike too much to part with her. Saw a 650 BSA in the flesh tonight for the first time at Whitby bike night. Quite a few people gathered around it talking to her proud owner. There is a lot a like very much about the new BSA, the clocks for one. This is only my personal taste and not a criticism of the bike, but for me there are to many silver parts around the engine area. She is a lovely lookin bike and I’m sure owners will be delighted with their purchase. Again, I just can’t see me swapping Edna for one. Ride safe my friend.
I have only ever ridden one cruiser and that was BMW R18, not a big fan of the feet forward and you do sit very low. I have sat on the 650 Meteor and it did feel heavy. I am looking forward to see what they with the 650 Classic version, all that chrome. Nice ride Ian👍
Thanks Alex, I didn’t actually find the seat height to be too bad, but the peg position does take a bit of getting used to. Not my thing, but not a bad bike. As I mentioned, it is so smooth comparatively to the Interceptor.
First time viewer care of MR TAYM's recommendation. The Super Meteor is a big step up in quality from my old Interceptor, that colour really suits it. Would prefer two clocks and the foot pegs set further back. Otherwise a cracking bike.
Hi Simon, thanks for having a look at my channel, TAYM is a good egg 😎. Yes, you pretty much mirror my thoughts on the Super Meteor. I was surprised that the foot pegs didn’t take me as long to get used to them, than I thought it would. The off set clock, I could get used to too. A quality bike. Thanks again.
Thank you. Unfortunately I can’t compare with anything from Triumph, as I haven’t ridden them myself. I can only really review bikes on how they make me feel at that point in time. Sorry I can’t be of more help. What I will say though, is that they do a similar job, but at a much reduced price 😉
@zenaldiak if I had a dealer close to me I would try them, but unfortunately they are many miles away. Judging by what other reviewers say, I think the Triumphs might be a bit more refined, and hold their value better.
Ian, I have been considering the SM 650 for my first motorcycle. Everything about it says: I'm worth every penny you spend for your first motorcycle, not overpowered, not cheap quality & i wear like iron(will last a long time with proper care and maintainance). It says its a great value for the money!! The gray/black 2-tone is a nice color choice! Doug, from the U.S.A. 🇺🇸🦅🦁🤓
Hi Doug, the Super Meteor 650 would make a great first motorcycle. The engine is tried and tested, having been in the Interceptor 650 since 2019, and has been developed over time, so is now a smooth, sweet lump. The forward foot controls may take a little while to get used to, especially if you have ridden with normal pegs, but it’s just a case of adapting. The low seat height makes stopping, and putting your feet down very easy, and let’s face it, it is a damn fine looking motorcycle. There are some very nice colours available, and the chrome makes them pop. All you need to do, is get out on one 😎 All the best.
@@ianhughesroyalenfield Ian, thank-you for the quick response! With a few options to get put on the 650, I know I'll have a FABULOUS time with the motorcycle! I'm looking to make it a "touring" model. Proper saddle-bags, windshield and engine guards. I like the idea of having cruise control on the cycle as well. Which color I go with really makes no matter! At 59, I will treat myself to this luxury and enjoy it to no end!🏍️🤓🐻🦁 Doug
@douglasradowick508 good age to start motorcycling 😎well done. There are plenty of touring options, but other than a throttle locking device, I haven’t heard of any other form of cruise control for the SM650. Have you looked at The Bingley wheeler youtube.com/@thebingleywheeler?si=gIrWOFOLhRnNgkDv and Aussie Biker Dude youtube.com/@aussiebikerdude6563?si=ZVrXFZQCr-raSdpb ? They both have SM’s with panniers etc, and being owners, would be a good resource for you. If you do comment on their’s, please just give me a mention. Cheers
@@ianhughesroyalenfield Ian Hughes, I most certainly will be passing your name onto them when I inquire, from them, about the cruise control option. Thank-you for smoothing out the bumps that are in the road of my journey to getting my first bike. I know it prove to be a wise investment into my life, as a motorcycle owner & rider! 🏍️🇺🇸🤓🦁 Doug
Like yourself, I do rather like the Super Meteor, Ian, but I think that at my current age of 77, it'd probably be getting a bit too heavy for me to push around in the very compact yard where I keep my little Suzuki VL250 Intruder. I agree about the cruiser riding position taking a little while to get used to (the Intruder, bought 2nd-hand last year, is my first cruiser in 64 years of riding), but one does fairly quickly adapt.
I agree with all accounts there Chris. A bit heavy to push on gravel driveway. Towards the end of the ride, my feet did naturally head outwards. A good solid bike, and with slightly better exhaust so you could hear it, would be good, but a minor criticism.
It is interesting to hear your thoughts as a former Interceptor owner. I like the Super Meteor, although the cruiser style is not for me. About 15Kg could be shaved off the weight by changing the shocks, front fork inserts and exhaust system, but that would only bring it closer to the stock Interceptor weight. An interesting comparison; I would choose the Super Meteor over the BSA Goldstar.
Thanks GBD. I think I would have to ride them back to back. It’s pretty close, though the SM650 twin is smoother than the BSA single, I just think it would be down to brand loyalty, or configuration preferences. To twin or to single 🤔😂.
I think you should do another review in a few months time Ian when the bikes been run in a bit,gotta say it looks a real corker it’s got a thumbs up from me will see if I can get a test ride on one👍🏻
Don’t worry John, I have already discussed this with Roger (on all the bikes). I will do a longer ride, probably making a two part video, similar to what I did on the second outing on the BSA Goldstar. Roger has only just got the RE range up for demo’s so we have to take care at the moment 😉😇 Well worth a test ride if you get the chance, as I was genuinely surprised.
All modern bikes should be exempt from pollution controls.EFI bikes run hot 🔥 while bikes with carburetors run nice and cool. The heat also cooks the oil to death. 300 miles and the oil is black as coal.
Genuinely seems a good bike don’t know why that fitted that tripper it’s no good Ian waste of time a rev counter would of been better also the jet black one that they showed when they released them you cannot get over here a nice set of Hines two into one would look nice on it everyone who I know that’s got this bike love it 👍👍🙏🏍️
@@ianhughesroyalenfield Mercia Moto stopped using his I used mine on the scram no good to slow to react once you turn the bike off then start it back up you have to redo your route from the phone pain in the bum they are 👍👍🙏🏍️
What the HELL are those death traps things cutting off your lane, and forcing you onto the other side of the road, I have never seen anything like that before! Who the F thought that was good idea!
The local council’s think it’s a good idea to slow traffic down coming into small villages, under the title of “Traffic Calming”. The idea being that you have to stop to allow oncoming traffic through, before continuing yourself. The problem is, when coming from the opposite direction, even though it’s your right of way, a lot of bad drivers ignore them 🙄 so come straight for you on your side of the road 🤬.
Not really ice, but a nice bike. Will be interesting to see how it goes with a few more miles on the clock. Definitely not a naughty boy bike though 😈😂
@@ianhughesroyalenfield There's a video about a riders650 seizure with catastrophic engine failure because the chain broke and killed the engine. I can't believe they designed it that way.
Awesome ride once again, I really enjoy watching all your content, it just gets better and better, keep it up and we all look forward to seeing you soon.
Thanks Roger, I will never be a “polished, scripted” reviewer, but hopefully the feeling I get, is in there somewhere 😂
Thank you for this video. I've been looking at the Super Meteor, the Kawasaki Vulcan S, and the Triumph Speed Twin 900. I recently sold my LAST Harley, they ride like a dump truck. My wife and I always ride together and we are eldely and want a soft ride. My wife also has many health issues and walks with a walker.
The Super Meteor 650 is a stuntingly good looking bike, but I'm afraid the harsh ride is turning me off. There are many things I like about the Super Meteor 650, the center stand, alloy wheels (tubeless tires) the style, low seat height, the engine (650cc is all I need) and the Super Meteor seems to be geared just right. But the harsh ride is a deal breaker for me.
Once again thank you for this video. Ride safe and enjoy every journey.
Thanks Gene. Good on you and your wife still wanting to get out despite the health issues. As for the Super Meteor, do you watch Aussie Biker Dude ? An up and coming channel, now riding the Super Meteor and loving it. Here is a link youtube.com/@aussiebikerdude6563?si=F8KkXZC7Jpk8bccF . Maybe converse with him. On a recent video, he did adjust the rear shocks. I haven’t ridden either the Kawasaki or Triumph, but would guess that their components are of a higher quality, I mean the Triumph is well tried/tested and has been reviewed to within an inch of it’s life. When I had my Interceptor 650, I did change the rear shocks for YSS Gold Tops, and they made a huge difference. I have no doubt that the crashy ride could be sorted, and even with the added expense, it would still come in cheaper than the Triumph, and close to the Kawasaki. I wish you all the best with your quest, come back here and let me know what you went for. Cheers
I completely get what your saying Ian I have only ever ridden one bike with forward rests and I really found it strange I had to keep looking down at junctions when pulling away to see where to put my feet 😁 the super is a weighty beast I believe although I guess it makes it very planted when riding . I'm not big into silver but I will say that looks very good with the black black as a contrast and I will say the Royal Enfield I think are the only ones these days to put out good looking chrome downpipes instead of what looks like dull poor quality metal that discolours within a couple of hundred miles . I also like their totally black engines too I agree with you on the rear light cluster though and it does look a stretch to the gear lever , 2 clocks would be nice although it's not a big issue I think I would rather see chrome bars with maybe black stem mirrors to match the engine . Good review nice one 👌👍
Thanks Mal, agree with all, except maybe the all black engines. The Hunter one looks good though, so I obviously can’t make my mind up 🤔😂
Evening Ian very good review as usual The Super Meteor does look a lot better in the flesh. It would be nice if RE made the Interceptor to the same standard and I hope the new 450cc Himalayan is as well :)
Exciting times ahead on the RE front James. I must admit that I wasn’t really looking forward to taking the Super Meteor out, preconceived ideas about cruiser style bikes etc, but as you can probably tell, I actually liked it, very solid build quality, a bit hefty to manoeuvre, but you don’t notice it when on the move……a good bike 👍 Cheers
Agree,they do look better in the flesh. I am not really looking for anything heavier than the Interceptor though.
@martinowl Always good to have options. You don’t feel the extra weight on the move, though you would on a gravelly drive 😳😂
Nice job and I appreciate the fact that you took it easy on a brand new engine. Too many others are not always as considerate. Seems like the bike grew on you a bit. I have owned many cruiser style bikes over the last 56 years, so the things that you find a bit odd are second nature to me. Many cruiser bikes are without a Tachometer and you get use to knowing where you are in the power band. I am considering one of these, along with the T100 Bonnie and the W800 which, of course, are not true cruisers. I prefer the 360 degree crank configuration on the Kawi . To me the classic Brit Bike sound is like music. The new Bonnevilles and the RE 650s sound ok, and I understand the theory behind them, but I will always prefer the way the old Nortons, BSAs, and Triumph twins sounded back in the "good ol' days". I will be test riding a Super Meteor in a couple of days as our local RE dealer just got a couple unpacked a week, or so, ago. I expect to like the bike just fine and as far as $$$$? They are hard to beat.
Thanks for this comment, appreciated. Yes I have too much mechanical sympathy to go thrashing an engine with no miles on it. I definitely get what you are saying about the sound. In the past, I have owned a few Brit bikes. The Matchless 500 G9, and BSA Royal Star 500 twins had that “special” soundtrack (in 1984, I also had a 1947 Norton Model 18 single). Although I haven’t ridden the Kawasaki W800, I have heard them, and they are pretty damn close. I haven’t ridden the T100 either, but they are well tried and tested, if a bit pricy. The Super Meteor is a real step up in quality compared to the Interceptor, and feels quite substantial. There is a chap in Australia, who has a small YT channel, riding his Super Meteor. Perhaps you could quiz him on his thoughts of ownership. Here is his link youtube.com/@aussiebikerdude6563?si=4zVqdjtY2SMO2u-_ Cheers
Great video 👍What camera and mic set up do you use ? The sound of the bike came over really nicely.
Hi, thank you. I did a video a while back ua-cam.com/video/DRyU78s705k/v-deo.htmlsi=HY0R2vlU4CA66btz explaining how I got on with trying to get the best audio from my set up. I have the DJI Osmo Action 3 with the cables in the video plus a Hama VSOP notebook mic, available from Amazon. At speeds over 55mph, without a screen/fairing, the wind noise becomes noticeable. On faired bikes, it is so much earlier due to buffeting, (which is our nemesis). Since the video, I have played around a bit more with the camera settings, recording at -12db (I think), then increasing the volume in editing. A bit of a ball ache, but it’s the only way to combat wind generated distortion. Hope this helps.
@@ianhughesroyalenfield thanks for the reply. I will have a look at your video 👍🙂
@@davidroberts7490 happy to help, if you need anything else (camera/sound related 😂) just ask 😉
So you are near to me, I ride that road via Church Minshull often as I live in Winsford. On cruiser style bikes the feet forward is needed to compensate for low seat hight, as the seat goes down the knees come up and you would be too cramped. Size of rider matters as well. I have a bit of arthritis in my left hip so rear sets are out and many mid rest bikes are too. On the R.E. and the Speedmaster which I have they are hardly much forward, on my old T120 my lower leg was just 90 d. and on the SM I would guess 100. I am 32 inside leg. You see small guys on big Harleys and they look like they are trying to have a lie down. The rider has to fit the bike or it isn't for them. Gear shift pegs are adjustable anyway and I have found the factory always sets them way too low. Good vid enjoyed spotting all the familiar places. Do you go to J & S ? 🤠
Hi Maicom, thanks for the comment. I used to live in Nantwich, but now live on the North Lancashire/Cumbria border, but frequently travel to Nantwich to visit family. Whilst down, I try and fit in a demo ride on something. I used to go to J+S a lot, but not so much since moving. I know the Winsford road well too. We lived on narrow boats for 8 years, some on Venetian Marina on the Wettenhall road, plus the marina I stopped at for this video. All the best.
Good review Ian. Thanks. I love that twin burbling away as the sound track. You are right about those rear indicators which could do with raising to be more visible. I don’t like the diagonal lettering.
I visited Bentley to try and get an apprenticeship when I was in my teens 45 years ago, no luck. It was a different place to now I am guessing.
Thank you. When I was leaving school back in 1978, I got as far as an interview at RR+B as it was then, without success. Then in 1985 I managed to get in the Parts and Accessories dept. Remained there for 22 years, I couldn’t stand it anymore. Far too many lazy sods, who were convinced the company owed them a living……it drove me nuts, so off I went. There was a massive change when Vickers, who used to own the company, sold RR to BMW, and Bentley to VW Group. Under VW, Bentley has grown, so as a brand it was a success, but sadly, the Crewe built cars are really just “kit cars” now. All the parts come in, and just assembled in Crewe. Much the same as most manufacturers, I guess. Just not the “special” cars they used to be.
@@ianhughesroyalenfield I left school in 77 so we are similar in age. My dad took me to Aston Martin as a lad and it was a true craft seeing them hand beat the panels and individually build the engines. I went back to AM as an insurance surveyor inspecting all the ramps and lifting kit when they made the Vanquish and DB9 and boy what a difference. The carbon fibre bodies were glued together.
Wow. Such a shame.
Great lookin bike Ian. Good work on the review as always. Like the points you raised pertinent to you as a rider, like adjusting the gear lever for example.
I liked the sound, from the vid it sounds nothing like an Interceptor. Liked the way you respected the lack of miles on the engine; credit to you for that.
Enjoyed the ride too, came out brill on me big telly. Think I need to get a test ride on one. I’m pretty certain I wouldn’t swap Edna for one, luv that bike too much to part with her.
Saw a 650 BSA in the flesh tonight for the first time at Whitby bike night. Quite a few people gathered around it talking to her proud owner.
There is a lot a like very much about the new BSA, the clocks for one. This is only my personal taste and not a criticism of the bike, but for me there are to many silver parts around the engine area.
She is a lovely lookin bike and I’m sure owners will be delighted with their purchase. Again, I just can’t see me swapping Edna for one.
Ride safe my friend.
Thanks Neil. There is a lot I like about the Gold star, but the engine looks more like a B31, what do you think ? 🤔
@@ianhughesroyalenfield I agree Ian, that’s because of the pushrod tunnel or lighthouse as it’s also called.
Good one Ian, they may not suit everyone but I absolutely love mine
Cheers mate 😁👍
Good bike mate.
I have only ever ridden one cruiser and that was BMW R18, not a big fan of the feet forward and you do sit very low. I have sat on the 650 Meteor and it did feel heavy. I am looking forward to see what they with the 650 Classic version, all that chrome. Nice ride Ian👍
Thanks Alex, I didn’t actually find the seat height to be too bad, but the peg position does take a bit of getting used to. Not my thing, but not a bad bike. As I mentioned, it is so smooth comparatively to the Interceptor.
First time viewer care of MR TAYM's recommendation. The Super Meteor is a big step up in quality from my old Interceptor, that colour really suits it. Would prefer two clocks and the foot pegs set further back. Otherwise a cracking bike.
Hi Simon, thanks for having a look at my channel, TAYM is a good egg 😎. Yes, you pretty much mirror my thoughts on the Super Meteor. I was surprised that the foot pegs didn’t take me as long to get used to them, than I thought it would. The off set clock, I could get used to too. A quality bike. Thanks again.
Im doing the same thing...got an interceptor but like forward controls and improved build quality, cruiser style
Definitely a step up in build quality. A fair bit heavier than the Interceptor though. 👍
Great video!
How do you compare it with the Boneville "family members" from Triumph?
Thank you. Unfortunately I can’t compare with anything from Triumph, as I haven’t ridden them myself. I can only really review bikes on how they make me feel at that point in time. Sorry I can’t be of more help. What I will say though, is that they do a similar job, but at a much reduced price 😉
@@ianhughesroyalenfield was courious about a comparison with Boneville T100, T120, or the new speed 400. But this are in higher pice tags.
@zenaldiak if I had a dealer close to me I would try them, but unfortunately they are many miles away. Judging by what other reviewers say, I think the Triumphs might be a bit more refined, and hold their value better.
I prefer the tried and tested Vulcan s which is roughly the same price with much better clocks.
Only ever seen one of those in a matt black, didn't do it for me. I like a bit of bling 😎 cheers
Ian, I have been considering the SM 650 for my first motorcycle. Everything about it says: I'm worth every penny you spend for your first motorcycle, not overpowered, not cheap quality & i wear like iron(will last a long time with proper care and maintainance). It says its a great value for the money!! The gray/black 2-tone is a nice color choice! Doug, from the U.S.A. 🇺🇸🦅🦁🤓
Hi Doug, the Super Meteor 650 would make a great first motorcycle. The engine is tried and tested, having been in the Interceptor 650 since 2019, and has been developed over time, so is now a smooth, sweet lump. The forward foot controls may take a little while to get used to, especially if you have ridden with normal pegs, but it’s just a case of adapting. The low seat height makes stopping, and putting your feet down very easy, and let’s face it, it is a damn fine looking motorcycle. There are some very nice colours available, and the chrome makes them pop. All you need to do, is get out on one 😎 All the best.
@@ianhughesroyalenfield Ian, thank-you for the quick response! With a few options to get put on the 650, I know I'll have a FABULOUS time with the motorcycle! I'm looking to make it a "touring" model. Proper saddle-bags, windshield and engine guards. I like the idea of having cruise control on the cycle as well. Which color I go with really makes no matter! At 59, I will treat myself to this luxury and enjoy it to no end!🏍️🤓🐻🦁 Doug
@douglasradowick508 good age to start motorcycling 😎well done. There are plenty of touring options, but other than a throttle locking device, I haven’t heard of any other form of cruise control for the SM650. Have you looked at The Bingley wheeler youtube.com/@thebingleywheeler?si=gIrWOFOLhRnNgkDv and Aussie Biker Dude youtube.com/@aussiebikerdude6563?si=ZVrXFZQCr-raSdpb ? They both have SM’s with panniers etc, and being owners, would be a good resource for you. If you do comment on their’s, please just give me a mention. Cheers
@@ianhughesroyalenfield Ian Hughes, I most certainly will be passing your name onto them when I inquire, from them, about the cruise control option. Thank-you for smoothing out the bumps that are in the road of my journey to getting my first bike. I know it prove to be a wise investment into my life, as a motorcycle owner & rider! 🏍️🇺🇸🤓🦁 Doug
Like yourself, I do rather like the Super Meteor, Ian, but I think that at my current age of 77, it'd probably be getting a bit too heavy for me to push around in the very compact yard where I keep my little Suzuki VL250 Intruder. I agree about the cruiser riding position taking a little while to get used to (the Intruder, bought 2nd-hand last year, is my first cruiser in 64 years of riding), but one does fairly quickly adapt.
I agree with all accounts there Chris. A bit heavy to push on gravel driveway. Towards the end of the ride, my feet did naturally head outwards. A good solid bike, and with slightly better exhaust so you could hear it, would be good, but a minor criticism.
It is interesting to hear your thoughts as a former Interceptor owner. I like the Super Meteor, although the cruiser style is not for me. About 15Kg could be shaved off the weight by changing the shocks, front fork inserts and exhaust system, but that would only bring it closer to the stock Interceptor weight. An interesting comparison; I would choose the Super Meteor over the BSA Goldstar.
Thanks GBD. I think I would have to ride them back to back. It’s pretty close, though the SM650 twin is smoother than the BSA single, I just think it would be down to brand loyalty, or configuration preferences. To twin or to single 🤔😂.
Stickers or badges 😁😁@@ianhughesroyalenfield
Badges
I think you should do another review in a few months time Ian when the bikes been run in a bit,gotta say it looks a real corker it’s got a thumbs up from me will see if I can get a test ride on one👍🏻
Don’t worry John, I have already discussed this with Roger (on all the bikes). I will do a longer ride, probably making a two part video, similar to what I did on the second outing on the BSA Goldstar. Roger has only just got the RE range up for demo’s so we have to take care at the moment 😉😇 Well worth a test ride if you get the chance, as I was genuinely surprised.
Great video Ian...i love mine! You get used to the forward controls really quickly
Thank you, they weren’t too bad even after this short ride, though I would definitely need to adjust the gear lever back a bit.
If ever I was to buy a bigger RE, it would be this one!
It surprised me Steve tbh, I didn’t think it would be as good as it is.
That bike would look perfect next to clementine just saying.
Rachel ; stop it. You know I haven’t enough cash for another bike 😢😂
It's a nice bike Ian, but if I go back to another 650 Enfield I'll be waiting to see what the Classic 650 is like when it comes out 😉
Yes, that looks a good proposition 😎 Cheers
Tec do small black mid pegs that fold up & blend into frame so you can move legs around if need too.
Showa forks nice & premium fit & finish.
Fit in with the cruiser boy's too.
Be able to get chrome or stainless bars in aftermarket.
Hi RR, it’s not my kind of bike though. A good solid, dependable, smart looking bike for those who are interested 😎 Cheers
@@ianhughesroyalenfield I also not a cruiser fan cause back & body wouldn't agreed with it.
All modern bikes should be exempt from pollution controls.EFI bikes run hot 🔥 while bikes with carburetors run nice and cool. The heat also cooks the oil to death. 300 miles and the oil is black as coal.
Fitting a fuel x lite helps 😉
Next Classic 650😌in the spring of -24..
Yes, looking forward to having a look/go on that one 👍 cheers
Genuinely seems a good bike don’t know why that fitted that tripper it’s no good Ian waste of time a rev counter would of been better also the jet black one that they showed when they released them you cannot get over here a nice set of Hines two into one would look nice on it everyone who I know that’s got this bike love it 👍👍🙏🏍️
Feels a solid bike Derek. Didn’t know that the Trippers were useless. Handy for people to know 👍 Cheers.
@@ianhughesroyalenfield Mercia Moto stopped using his I used mine on the scram no good to slow to react once you turn the bike off then start it back up you have to redo your route from the phone pain in the bum they are 👍👍🙏🏍️
@@SOLOMOTOUK I'll be honest I've used the tripper more than I thought I would and it's been faultless every time 👍
@@2wheeledwillie395 Willie I’m going back to last year when they first came out not worth the bother everyone was complaining about it
Maybe they have been updated.
Pollution controls account for 25% of the purchase price.
More than likely.
What the HELL are those death traps things cutting off your lane, and forcing you onto the other side of the road, I have never seen anything like that before! Who the F thought that was good idea!
The local council’s think it’s a good idea to slow traffic down coming into small villages, under the title of “Traffic Calming”. The idea being that you have to stop to allow oncoming traffic through, before continuing yourself. The problem is, when coming from the opposite direction, even though it’s your right of way, a lot of bad drivers ignore them 🙄 so come straight for you on your side of the road 🤬.
😳😳
🤔 ?
Nice little jaunt out to see how she feels. Definitely not your cup of tea mate 😁😇
Not really ice, but a nice bike. Will be interesting to see how it goes with a few more miles on the clock. Definitely not a naughty boy bike though 😈😂
@@ianhughesroyalenfield 😁😁 Indeed. Build quality looks pretty solid
I can't believe it has a chain driven oil pump. Diaster waiting to happen.
Hmm, there are many Interceptor owners who would disagree. It depends how much you consider the progress of product development.
@@ianhughesroyalenfield There's a video about a riders650 seizure with catastrophic engine failure because the chain broke and killed the engine. I can't believe they designed it that way.