I’ve had a Harley Davidson 1200cc sportster and out of all the bikes I’ve owned it was the worst rides and handles like an old farmyard tracktor and I think the RE is everything you need from a cruiser
I have a 1200 sportster too, and I live on an island in Thailand with the roads full of potholes. It spanks my ass every time I ride it. Still have to ride it sometimes but I spend most of my days on Royal Enfield himalayan 411 scrambler because it's much more fitting for my situation and much more safer to drive as well as having a very comfy seat, so my ass is also well taken care of. but it's not a HD sportster 1200. It doesn't turn heads the same. Depends if you want to turn heads, or you want a comfortable drive. The super meteor will be fine for English roads. But for Thailand the rear suspension is not soft enough. I believe Royal Enfield Thailand will probably release a slightly different version for Thailand, just in the same way they release most models with knobbly tires instead of straight tires in Thailand. I reckon this new 650 model in Thailand will probably have ohlins dampers on the rear suspension or some pre-loading settings if not the Thailand customers won't be as interested. The bikes are also faster in Thailand because they aren't restricted with all of those silly legal restrictions you have in the UK and in the European Union as well
@@AjarnSpencerand that's when I thought to myself "someday I'll retire to Thailand".. Where air-cooled bikes can roll.. Do they sell big four bikes like the cb1100 there?.. Ta😊
If Royal Enfield could just take this bike to the next level and offer a 4 cylinder engine with some real power and a tachometer for serious cross country touring it would be perfect. Make a 1200cc in-line 4 cylinder with separate tachometer. 100 horsepower or more. Optional model. Love the styling on this bike and the quality of it. Just need a option for evperienced riders that want a more powerful bike
I will be returning to biking after a 38 year break and I keep coming back to the Super meteor after 6 months of research I am 70 plus and I say good on you
I've seen this in the flesh it's a beauty. Great review, I own the hunter 350 and I agree you have to use both brakes, these Enfields are a proper chill out machine... Who knows what will come next with RE and the prices are perfect, let's face it, if the run forever in India they are bullet proof 😊😊 xx
Thank you Martine hope you’re enjoying your Hunter….super fun bike. Some people are speculating about a 650 version but I’m not too sure about that myself 🤔 xx
I think half the fun with the hunter is , you can fully master it and use it's full potential, and 100 mpg who can argue with that, and the add ones from India are so cheap 🤣👌 take care
I've just ordered a keeway k light from appleyards with a view to doing my bike test next year. The supermeteor is top of my shopping list. Thanks for the great videos.
Absolutely superb video, I agree with everything you say about the RE Super Meteor 650. If l was 20 years younger it would be my choice of fun! I will have to stick to my beautiful Classic 350 which blows me away!! 😅 Thanks Dave. 👍
I'm nearly 70. I just bought the Super Metor in blue and am I loving it. You bet! Cruisers suite me and the arthritis in my lower back and knees. Becide I've been riding cruisers since my late 20's. Suites my riding lifestyle really. Safe riding sir 👍.
Well, I’m six foot 2 inches tall, 34” inseam. -talk about a praying mantis! LOL, started riding in 1963 on a 1957 Harley Panhead that I rebuilt into a chopper, never looked back. 0ver the course of years I rode 29 chopped Harleys and half a dozen BSAs and Triumphs, parked my last Harley (2005 Road-king [not chopped for a change}) last year-I’m done now. What a great life though.Very nice re-review. Thanks.
Keep seeing that bike parked up outside the shop looks nice keep fancying a test ride wasn't sure how much hassle I would be getting in regards to buying it from sales team. It's my local dealer just over the hill 👍🏻👍🏻 nice review thanks
+1 on moving the controls to the rear.. BTW I have ridden my ST1100 and my two ST1300/Pan Europeans in all 48 contiguous US states and half of the Provences of Canada and yes, it's a wonderful touring motorcycle. Reliable also. I've seen US Pan's with over 100,000 miles still going strong.
Good review, 650 is the perfect size engine for all round riding especially in the UK with all the cameras, potholes and lunatics driving AND riding around, some days I'm more wary of bikes than cars 😅, beautiful bike, some people slate the CEAT tyres but I've found them a good functioning tyre, cheers Chris
I am hanging out for the Classic 650 version, I reckon it will be a beauty, my much beloved Kawasaki Versys 650 , do everything bike 2018 ,has been great, time for a new direction, and what Royal Enfield have been building of late , worth the investment, pity, can't get to Appleyards from down here in Australia. Cheers.
What an amazing review 🙌 Just made me more proud for owing this bike . Amoung all other varents i must say that Astral Blue is a propper beauty. Awesome video,new like and sub for you, have an amazing day. ✌️✌️
TEC bike parts do folding foot pegs that will fit in the mid range location, this way you have the ability to change positions as you ride giving you a break.
Another informative, entertaining and unbiased critique, Dave. Like you, this class is not really my thing. It's style is typical of what I might have drawn, together with HD Electra Glides, and the like, on the back of my exercise books at school.(Much to the chagrin of my teachers.)😂 However, I do understand the appeal these bikes have, and as you say, if a bike speaks to the rider and a connection is made, then that is all that matters. It is a good looking machine, no doubt, and this example does look rather resplendent in its Astral Blue finish. Nice one Dave. Looking forward to your additional material regarding the ST.👍
Like you I'm waiting to see the Classic 650 in the metal, will not be selling my Classic 350 though as it can't be beaten for it's calming ride. I think the new 650 will be based on rather than a copy of the 350 and called the Constellation.
Show a review of long distance in the US (think 2500 miles one way) at 80+ mph(130kph) however I like the look and personality of the bike for what it's designed for, A country cruiser in the UK
I did not get on with the riding position, although to be fair, hard to judge on a test ride and never ridden a cruiser, so no surprise it feels alien. Looks divine though :)
Good Morning Dave thank you again for the 2nd review of this bike , i have to agree its a nice looking bike but i would have liked to have seen a rev counter with the tripper between them plus mid controls tbh , lets hope the 650 classic is as good if not better so take care & ride safe
Lovely video! Great to see the bike again, have you ridden the Kawasaki Vulcan S? Was what I was looking at for my first bike but then this beauty has come along and is tempting. Would be great to see a review on the Vulcan with a comparison to the Super Meteor :)
I was hoping for a bobber (shotgun 650). Not sure its a thing now. A hunter 650 would be good. Now triumph throw in a speed 400 and HD throw in x440... so much choice.
Very good video as usual. We in the US haven't seen the Super yet but looking forward to it. A 650 classic would be it for me. I have the 350 Classic and love the styling and in my opinion, the perfect conveyance for relaxed back roads touring. I'm still hoping for a big single from RE but who knows!! I had a 2020 Interceptor but sold it and I still have sellers remorse.😂😂
I tested one last Saturday the 4th of Nov. here in San Diego and afterwards put a deposit on the Astral green. God willing should arrive late December or early January. I prefer forward controls on a cruiser instead of the wannabes of the Meteor 350 which I'm trading in. 😎
As for the hard panniers, they have yet to be seen by anyone on this planet. RE quietly removed them from all the accessory catalogues. Along with the luggage rack.
@BW, its a nice looking bike, at least in the pics and vids I've seen. This bike hasn't reached the States and I wonder if it will have enough power for the long stretches of higher speed highways and interstates we have here. Would love to know how comfortable it is to cruise at 75-80mph. Also, does the touring model have cruise control?
I've owned many motorcycles since 1967, which include a lot of cruiser style motorcycles since I have a short inseam and have trouble reaching the ground. I've owned four Harleys (NEVER again) a 96 Ci, 103 CI and two 114 CI. Years ago I owned Honda VLX (600cc) and I had a lot more fun with the smaller Honda than I ever had on a large bike. The only problem with the VLX was it only a four speed gear box and at highway speeds (60-65mph) the vibes were bad. The Super Meteor with it's six speed gear box should be a hoot to ride and not have the vibes of my old Honda.
This is the second of your ride/reviews of this bike I have watched. I have been looking for something to replace the dearly missed 2015 Triumph Speedmaster I stupidly sold some years ago. This bike seems like it would be quite similar. The wife though might kill me or divorce me if I brought one home without selling my current fun car.
I like the Super Meteor 650 overall, and have considered it as a replacement for my well worn Kawasaki Vulcan 750. My main problem with it is cosmetic. It just has too much black on it. The wheels and engine covers should be silver, the bars, turn signals, headlight housing, and a few other parts should be chrome. I just don't get the black on top of black on top of more black look of most modern bikes.
Couldn't disagree more ... I have blacked out everything on mine. Astral black w black led turn signals, Black Bar ends, painted black fender, and when it comes out verex exhausts ceramic...
Upcoming E U directive is to ban Chrome, as its a filthy process involving chemicals which are bad for the planet. Shame, as I fully agree with you it's a much nicer look.
there is no best because every individual scenario is different. on the island I live on this bike would be very nice if it were not for the terrible stiff rear suspension which really want to take a road that goes like waves on the ocean with 16 potholes every 500 m. . It depends What you're going to use it for, how you like to drive, your preferred sitting position, if you would like high revs high torque, or lower revs high torque, and it depends on the environment you have to use the bike in. For example in Thailand the roads are full of potholes gravel and mud very often, so most bikes, even street bikes, are sold from the agent directly with tractor tires meaning knobblies. I left Leeds when I was 19 and I've been in Thailand nearly 28 years, so I don't really know what it means to drive on a flat well tarmaced road without potholes, and in Thailand we also don't know anything about the restricting of power are speed on motorcycles that you have in great Britain and Europe. I mean that A5 A2 thing I don't know what that is. I also see most reviewer is staying below 70 mph because of the speed limit and the police detectors and the traffic laws in England. In Thailand we don't have that issue you can drive at 240 km/h if you want which I believe is probably 160 mph or some thing. You don't even have to wear a helmet if you don't want to or even have a license because it's just about three quid fine repeatedly forever every time you get caught driving without a helmet or a license. It's about the same for speeding as well. So if you don't have a license you can just pay the fine when you get caught once or twice a year which won't be more than five quid. I have a Harley Davidson 1200 sportster but I don't drive it very often on this island because it feels like somebody's spanking your ass with a large iron bar. And the super meteor is going to feel the same although I'm still going to buy one when they arrive in Thailand in August. But the bike I use most of my 6 bikes which I currently own, is my royal enfields Graham 411 with the large knobbly tires, because despite not being my favorite aesthetic, I am much more of a cruiser type guy R also prefer some thing like my Ducati scramblers (have 2), the functionality of the bike makes sense for the island I live on. If I have a rain storm comes and the road turns into hell on earth, I can still drive home safely on that. But the Ducati café racer I own, or the Harley Davidson sportster, would be much more dangerous to drive home on in the dark during a tropical rain storm with rivers breaking the road apart and dissolving into mud as you drive
There's no might or maybe for the Classic 650, they are testing it now in India as we speak. It'll be here by the end of this year, possibly first quarter next year.
I have seen a utube clip of a company making mid mount pegs. Me only worry about buying one is how my cheesy back and syatica would play up with only having forward controls but this would help
Hi there. Where I am from I use the saying that I look like A MONKEY ON A MANGLE. I too am a tall large fellow so I think a choice of bike does have to suit you. I am VERY VAIN TOO. Great video again. THANKYOU.👍👍👍
Great vlog. Not my type of bike but please give it twin clocks. The ones on it ruin its look. I have ridden the 350 and the interceptor and are just not for me as I long for interceptor type bike. Like a bonny but too expensive and cba dealers
You wouldn't ever want to move those foot peg/ foot controls as they would not be in harmony with seat height. After a few miles your legs would be screaming to stretch out. The ergonomics look very similar as my Indian Scout as far as slightly forward controls.
Hi.For what i call Tootling or bimbling around back roads between small villages ect... Is the Super meteor any good..??? May go for the 350 classic.? Riding a scram 411 but get severe leg ache after only a few miles. But have to say the 411 is excellent for this type (style of riding). Many thanks.cheers .🍻
very nice looking bike ,, no problem with you reviewing that again ,,, i would take that bike over a 'classic ' as the classic will just be make believe nostalgia nonsense with old fashioned bits put on serving no real world purpose ,, you can always try my harley if you want to ride a cruiser ,, , again - that bike situated in that backdrop in that blue --- really smart , well done ....
Hi, thank you for this video. How does this bike compare to w800, street twin and sportster 883 in terms of handling (agility and corners especially), vibrations, torque and brakes? Thank you.
@@thebingleywheeler thanks for such a prompt reply! Which bike in your opinion can you lean more with while cornering and which one allows to make tighter cornering: w800 or RE SM 650? Thanks
Im 63 gave up riding after family came along and now buying one of these for gentle country riding. And yes I had lots of crazy bikes before, Gs750, ducati 900, Honda 500x4 and 550x plus many others. This seems to be my age and skill level now.
I'm in the same boat. Just purchased the Super Meteor. I have owned about 20 plus bikes over the years, everything from enduros to MV Agustas and everything in between. You can't beat the smooth and easy character, enough power, but not too much to get me into trouble. This will probably will be the last bike for a long while. This may the the perfect retired old geezer bike, lol
Interesting. Owned one of these, but only lasted a week! Too weedy, hard suspension and bits started falling off! Love the RE brand, but this is one over hyped bike. Best cruiser bike I’ve owned was a Honda Magna…. Cheers
It goes to show that beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder because I find this design very awkward. The styling is confused between modern and classic and there is an imbalance between the front an rear with the front having quite light and modern styling (upside down forks, plastic clocks, etc.) Whilst the rear is quite heavy looking and frankly a bit old fashioned and not in a good way with it's heavily valanced and very long mudguard and big chunky silencer. For me, this is the first time Royal Enfield have missed the mark in terms of styling and I think they have tried to create a bike that appeals to both potential Rebel/Vulcan buyers and to potential Speedmaster type buyers. Watching the speedo climb when you accelerated looks leisurely which is understandable with only 47hp in a bike that weighs as much as a Bonneville (I cannot understand how they managed to make a mid-sized bike so heavy). As a value for money proposition I agree it's hard to beat but if you take the price out of the equation I'm not convinced and as an aside the low seat height is slightly misleading because I sat on this and could not flat foot it with a 29" inside leg because it is quite wide in the waist and feels taller than my Bonneville when you're sat on it.
Guys it's a request. Don't fall for the customised booking it's a trap. Go for normal booking and cancel it if they delay it. I booked super meteor 650 customised option and they are asking me to wait for another 6 months..
More i look at that bike dave more i see CX500 custom 40 years on. Got to disagree with you, 2018 was the year the king of the retro's came out the one and only Z900RS ! So good am on my second one after some dead head in a car wrote my first one off.
Got to disagree with you there dave ,speaking as some one that owns some originals 1939 bmw ,1959 tr6 ,1978 ducati and a 1983 gpz550. The Z1> Z900rs time line is true to the performance spirt of the original 1972 bike with the bonus of up-to-date handling and brakes. Oh and the sound from the yoshimura race system ! 😀
I cannot really understand the completely uncritical enthusiasm for the entire RE brand. The SuperMeteor 650 looks really good, but the chassis is poorly tuned even for a cruiser, the brakes are mediocre at best and the engine is completely overwhelmed with the high weight even for an A2 bike. I find the very high metal content of the components positive. I don't like the Honda Rebel 500 but as a motorcycle in the same performance and price range it is light years superior to the RE.
Had a go on the Beeza The Rotax engine is not very retro being water cooled and the finish on it is very Hammerite looking. Retro to me means a minimum of burnished alloy casings
I really like the classic look of the Interceptor. The 650 cruiser looks to me a bit like a shiny beached whale. Horses for courses and all that. But it ain't a beaut IMO. I do still think that Japanese bikes offer good vfm compared to all of these imports from the sub-continent. And China for that matter and I've no desire to change. My next bike should have been a Street Triple (R probably) but I don't trust them for servicing and spares. I hope RE are good at that. The shop in Watford closed down - under something of a cloud.
Let's be honest this bike should've been 850 900cc not 650 Most riders prefer that extra grunt when needed.I rather buy old shadow 1100 costing 2k and twice the fun of this underpowered RE
The Meteor 650 styling is very attractive but it's 40 pounds heavier than the Interceptor 650 and has the same motor so it will be slower . The Interceptor has adequate power but this one would be needing a 750 upgraded motor even more. RE is asleep at the switch. And the large RE on the right side engine cover is ugly and doesn't fit with the rest of the bike - an after market piece will fix that.
personally i have to disagree with all that. having just tried one myself the power is fine, doesn't feel slower than int 650 at all and the looks are great but thats just personal taste
@nrich5127 the SM650 is 65 pounds heavier (535-470); the laws of physics can't be wished away, the Meteor 650 is around 12 lbs per hp without a rider and would be anemic with anyone over 65 pounds riding it. The 650 Continental GT and Interceptor are around 445 pounds with just an exhaust swap.
I find that that when it comes to the riding experience the laws of physics most certainly can be wished away…..and in any case that 65 pounds only applies if everybody is the same weight and only ever riding solo
@@nikoscosmos The Meteor weighs 241 Kg vs the Interceptors 202 Kg . That 86 pounds heavier with the same engine / HP. In the real world the Meteor will be significantly slower. That doesn't mean it won't be an enjoyable ride ... but it will be slower.
Personally dont like look of it chunky, pipes not nice prefer my honda 600 shadow had it 10yrs, different pipes nice sound, 4 gears total reliable bike and best looking mid range custom so far!
Waste.... same pullicha maavu in oothapam.... means same engine with different frame.... RE lost their brain there is not product innovation or change..... Completely waste of time.....
In my opinion these bikes are more related to the state of UK roads than having fun. RE plodders suit potholes, adverse cambers and slow moving congested traffic. I've wanted to like them but they provoke no excitement whatsoever. I get it for the hipsters and distinguished gentleman type of character...but for a rider who subscribes to freedom with an edge...there's little to offer. This particular machine exudes no design language and is unbelievably dull ....sorry lads... just my take on it...happy riding to everyone
It's amazing how fickle folk are nowadays when a series of vowels, consonants and frequencies provoke unconscious bias to a simple opinion...isn't freedom of speech liberating...
@@deltabluesdavidraye "Plodders" is referring to the low powered RE engine...48 years riding...as a biker I'd "assume" you would have known that...maybe not...not one to judge...
@ffs5532 yet here you are with your own contrary views….let us further understand the nuances of the English language….the reference to “plodders” taken in context is a clearly pejorative term positioned in the narrative in such a way as to infer a certain nature attributable to those who enjoy less powerful machines….I think people are a bit more savvy than your comments give them credit for 😂
Quick gripe, your filming, just after the brown cow, over the bridge, your looking left and right, this is truly irritating, soory to say. I prefer a good video, but please not always always heading up to thwaits brow and over St Ives, with a voice over. Sorry to gripe, but might make your videos better and you might keep your subscribers.
Nonsense .They have a 3 year guarantee for a very good reason .The reliability is just as good as any brand or better. Show us your brand with such a good guarantee . Where is it?
I would like to see more video of the bike going down the road, not from the seat but maybe from someone in a car riding along side or a camera set up on the side of the road. Great video otherwise
I’ve had a Harley Davidson 1200cc sportster and out of all the bikes I’ve owned it was the worst rides and handles like an old farmyard tracktor and I think the RE is everything you need from a cruiser
I have a 1200 sportster too, and I live on an island in Thailand with the roads full of potholes. It spanks my ass every time I ride it. Still have to ride it sometimes but I spend most of my days on Royal Enfield himalayan 411 scrambler because it's much more fitting for my situation and much more safer to drive as well as having a very comfy seat, so my ass is also well taken care of. but it's not a HD sportster 1200. It doesn't turn heads the same. Depends if you want to turn heads, or you want a comfortable drive. The super meteor will be fine for English roads. But for Thailand the rear suspension is not soft enough. I believe Royal Enfield Thailand will probably release a slightly different version for Thailand, just in the same way they release most models with knobbly tires instead of straight tires in Thailand. I reckon this new 650 model in Thailand will probably have ohlins dampers on the rear suspension or some pre-loading settings if not the Thailand customers won't be as interested. The bikes are also faster in Thailand because they aren't restricted with all of those silly legal restrictions you have in the UK and in the European Union as well
Yes the SM suspension is pretty firm
Handles superbly
@@AjarnSpencerand that's when I thought to myself "someday I'll retire to Thailand".. Where air-cooled bikes can roll.. Do they sell big four bikes like the cb1100 there?.. Ta😊
If Royal Enfield could just take this bike to the next level and offer a 4 cylinder engine with some real power and a tachometer for serious cross country touring it would be perfect. Make a 1200cc in-line 4 cylinder with separate tachometer. 100 horsepower or more. Optional model. Love the styling on this bike and the quality of it. Just need a option for evperienced riders that want a more powerful bike
I click on this video once in a while just because of its thumbnail. My goodness, that is one gorgeous-looking bike.
Nice bike Dave. Thanks for taking me on another of your rides. Ride safe everyone. Cheers
You don't have to tell me that the Super Metor is a stonking bike coz at nearly 70, I bought one. And loving cruising on it, even in heavy traffic.
Good for you les great bike 😎👍🏻
Same generation, Brought my Super Meteor in March @Eddy'sMoto Tadcaster
I will be returning to biking after a 38 year break and I keep coming back to the Super meteor after 6 months of research I am 70 plus and I say good on you
Hello. What tire pressure do you use? 41 36 is super hard on me. Thanks!
I've seen this in the flesh it's a beauty. Great review, I own the hunter 350 and I agree you have to use both brakes, these Enfields are a proper chill out machine... Who knows what will come next with RE and the prices are perfect, let's face it, if the run forever in India they are bullet proof 😊😊 xx
Thank you Martine hope you’re enjoying your Hunter….super fun bike. Some people are speculating about a 650 version but I’m not too sure about that myself 🤔 xx
The Himalayan 450 LC, the Scram440, the Scrambler 650, the Classic 650, the Bullet 650, the Scram 450, the 750 Bobber
I think half the fun with the hunter is , you can fully master it and use it's full potential, and 100 mpg who can argue with that, and the add ones from India are so cheap 🤣👌 take care
Yep more fun on a smaller bike at 100% than a bigger one at 75%
I've just ordered a keeway k light from appleyards with a view to doing my bike test next year. The supermeteor is top of my shopping list. Thanks for the great videos.
Thank you Marcus and good luck with your test 😊👍🏻
Absolutely superb video, I agree with everything you say about the RE Super Meteor 650. If l was 20 years younger it would be my choice of fun! I will have to stick to my beautiful Classic 350 which blows me away!! 😅 Thanks Dave. 👍
Thank you Peter much appreciated…yes to be fair it’s quite a heavy bike
I'm nearly 70. I just bought the Super Metor in blue and am I loving it. You bet! Cruisers suite me and the arthritis in my lower back and knees. Becide I've been riding cruisers since my late 20's. Suites my riding lifestyle really. Safe riding sir 👍.
Great review, i've ordered a Celestial red and should be here in 14 days,can't wait.
That’s the one I want 😃
Another brilliant vid from my favourite wordsmith.
I read the other day a kit is available for this bike to convert it to a belt drive.
Thank you really appreciate that….belt drive conversion a cracking idea
Well, I’m six foot 2 inches tall, 34” inseam. -talk about a praying mantis! LOL, started riding in 1963 on a 1957 Harley Panhead that I rebuilt into a chopper, never looked back. 0ver the course of years I rode 29 chopped Harleys and half a dozen BSAs and Triumphs, parked my last Harley (2005 Road-king [not chopped for a change}) last year-I’m done now. What a great life though.Very nice re-review. Thanks.
Cheers Gary much appreciated
Keep seeing that bike parked up outside the shop looks nice keep fancying a test ride wasn't sure how much hassle I would be getting in regards to buying it from sales team. It's my local dealer just over the hill 👍🏻👍🏻 nice review thanks
+1 on moving the controls to the rear..
BTW I have ridden my ST1100 and my two ST1300/Pan Europeans in all 48 contiguous US states and half of the Provences of Canada and yes, it's a wonderful touring motorcycle. Reliable also. I've seen US Pan's with over 100,000 miles still going strong.
They go on forever if looked after 👍🏻
I agree about the mid controls. The upcoming Shotgun 650 has mid controls and will likely use the same chassis.
Cheers mate, looking foward to a test ride soon! Liked and subscribed.
Thank you for subscribing very much appreciated 😊👍🏻
Great looking bike!
Good review, 650 is the perfect size engine for all round riding especially in the UK with all the cameras, potholes and lunatics driving AND riding around, some days I'm more wary of bikes than cars 😅, beautiful bike, some people slate the CEAT tyres but I've found them a good functioning tyre, cheers Chris
I completely agree, the ceat tyres on my Hunter pose no problems at all 😀
Thank you and yes the Ceat tyres I find absolutely fine even in the wet 👍🏻
Great informative post......
That certainly is a beautiful motorcycle. I’m not a Harley fan or even much of a cruiser fan, but that could change my mind.
Wow another video showing the speedometer of a 650 wow I am blown away watching that for 25 minutes
Great bike almost bought one until I tried a Guzzi v7 850
Love you to do a review (and list) of your fantastic routes, I presume the fantastic Yorkshire Dales).
That’s coming my friend very soon 😊
@@thebingleywheeler It's not too far from me here in York.
I am hanging out for the Classic 650 version, I reckon it will be a beauty, my much beloved Kawasaki Versys 650 , do everything bike 2018 ,has been great, time for
a new direction, and what Royal Enfield have been building of late , worth the investment, pity, can't get to Appleyards from down here in Australia. Cheers.
Great to hear from you in Oz John 👍🏻
Very good review, thanks! 🙂
Thank you sir 👍🏻
Amazing review❤
Thank you 😊👍🏻
What an amazing review 🙌
Just made me more proud for owing this bike . Amoung all other varents i must say that Astral Blue is a propper beauty.
Awesome video,new like and sub for you, have an amazing day. ✌️✌️
Lush green road with fine bike... 👌👌👌
The rear light is exactly the same as the 350 meteor, which is led 👌🏻
TEC bike parts do folding foot pegs that will fit in the mid range location, this way you have the ability to change positions as you ride giving you a break.
Another informative, entertaining and unbiased critique, Dave.
Like you, this class is not really my thing. It's style is typical of what I might have drawn, together with HD Electra Glides, and the like, on the back of my exercise books at school.(Much to the chagrin of my teachers.)😂
However, I do understand the appeal these bikes have, and as you say, if a bike speaks to the rider and a connection is made, then that is all that matters.
It is a good looking machine, no doubt, and this example does look rather resplendent in its Astral Blue finish.
Nice one Dave. Looking forward to your additional material regarding the ST.👍
Thank you Mark kind comments much appreciated as always ST1300 vid coming soon
@@thebingleywheeler 👍
Super beautiful - still think personally I'd go down the Interceptor route...
Like you I'm waiting to see the Classic 650 in the metal, will not be selling my Classic 350 though as it can't be beaten for it's calming ride. I think the new 650 will be based on rather than a copy of the 350 and called the Constellation.
Tbh I’ll probably keep my 350 too
Very good! I enjoyed that.....
Thank you! 👍🏻
Gonna have to test ride one. Not ridden a cruiser yet so will see. My other interest is a new classic.
2nd bike after my Himmy👍
Give it a go you do get used to it after a while 👍🏻
Lovely review and keep up the good work. Where were you riding at the end of the video it's absolutely gorgeous?!!😮👍🏿👌🏿
Thank you at the end I was riding between Baildon Moor and Hawksworth village
It subtle and not laden in chrome but I has some gorgeous lines. It reminds me of an old jag IRL.
Good analogy an old jag see what you mean
Still waiting on this over in the USA. I'd really like to test ride one.
Thought you’d have it over there by now
@@thebingleywheeler Last I heard it was October at the earliest
Just in time for winter then 😂
Show a review of long distance in the US (think 2500 miles one way) at 80+ mph(130kph) however I like the look and personality of the bike for what it's designed for, A country cruiser in the UK
I did not get on with the riding position, although to be fair, hard to judge on a test ride and never ridden a cruiser, so no surprise it feels alien. Looks divine though :)
Good Morning Dave thank you again for the 2nd review of this bike , i have to agree its a nice looking bike but i would have liked to have seen a rev counter with the tripper between them plus mid controls tbh , lets hope the 650 classic is as good if not better so take care & ride safe
Thank you Steve let’s see if the Classic 650 rocks up in November 😎👍🏻
No rev counter puts me off as well, especially when you hit the limiter, the interceptor that I have looks so much better.
Lovely video! Great to see the bike again, have you ridden the Kawasaki Vulcan S? Was what I was looking at for my first bike but then this beauty has come along and is tempting. Would be great to see a review on the Vulcan with a comparison to the Super Meteor :)
Yes the Vulcan s is an obvious competitor….no interest of yet from Kawasaki dealers alas
Just got rid of a cruiser so not my cup of tea.
But I agree all the Enfields are over engineered and not strained even when flat out.
I've put centre pegs on my super 650. Main reason so I can get on/off easy.
I was hoping for a bobber (shotgun 650). Not sure its a thing now.
A hunter 650 would be good.
Now triumph throw in a speed 400 and HD throw in x440... so much choice.
It's being tested and will likely be the next 650 to be launched by RE.
RE is launching a 750 Bobber by 2025
Very good video as usual.
We in the US haven't seen the Super yet but looking forward to it.
A 650 classic would be it for me. I have the 350 Classic and love the styling and in my opinion, the perfect conveyance for relaxed back roads touring.
I'm still hoping for a big single from RE but who knows!!
I had a 2020 Interceptor but sold it and I still have sellers remorse.😂😂
Can’t wait I just hope the colours are good 😊
I tested one last Saturday the 4th of Nov. here in San Diego and afterwards put a deposit on the Astral green. God willing should arrive late December or early January. I prefer forward controls on a cruiser instead of the wannabes of the Meteor 350 which I'm trading in. 😎
@artiecisneros4691 glad you enjoyed the bike and hope you get it in time for Christmas what a gift! 😊👍🏻
@@thebingleywheeler
Thank you.
As for the hard panniers, they have yet to be seen by anyone on this planet. RE quietly removed them from all the accessory catalogues. Along with the luggage rack.
@BW, its a nice looking bike, at least in the pics and vids I've seen. This bike hasn't reached the States and I wonder if it will have enough power for the long stretches of higher speed highways and interstates we have here. Would love to know how comfortable it is to cruise at 75-80mph. Also, does the touring model have cruise control?
Hi no cruise control I’m afraid bike very stable at highway speeds
Thanks for your review! How tall are you? I'm 6'2" and I'm afraid the bike will be too small?
I've owned many motorcycles since 1967, which include a lot of cruiser style motorcycles since I have a short inseam and have trouble reaching the ground. I've owned four Harleys (NEVER again) a 96 Ci, 103 CI and two 114 CI.
Years ago I owned Honda VLX (600cc) and I had a lot more fun with the smaller Honda than I ever had on a large bike. The only problem with the VLX was it only a four speed gear box and at highway speeds (60-65mph) the vibes were bad. The Super Meteor with it's six speed gear box should be a hoot to ride and not have the vibes of my old Honda.
They’re a great bike with a low seat 😊👍🏻
Put some bonneville down pipes on it ( more splayed out)and you've got yourself a winning looking bike 👍.
Peace out ✌️
This is the second of your ride/reviews of this bike I have watched. I have been looking for something to replace the dearly missed 2015 Triumph Speedmaster I stupidly sold some years ago. This bike seems like it would be quite similar. The wife though might kill me or divorce me if I brought one home without selling my current fun car.
I know that feeling my friend 👍🏻
I like the Super Meteor 650 overall, and have considered it as a replacement for my well worn Kawasaki Vulcan 750. My main problem with it is cosmetic. It just has too much black on it. The wheels and engine covers should be silver, the bars, turn signals, headlight housing, and a few other parts should be chrome. I just don't get the black on top of black on top of more black look of most modern bikes.
Yes, the black wheels bother me the most. I suppose you could get them painted or something.
Totally agree. Should be an option for polished engine cases, just too much black.
Couldn't disagree more ... I have blacked out everything on mine. Astral black w black led turn signals, Black Bar ends, painted black fender, and when it comes out verex exhausts ceramic...
Upcoming E U directive is to ban Chrome, as its a filthy process involving chemicals which are bad for the planet.
Shame, as I fully agree with you it's a much nicer look.
there is no best because every individual scenario is different. on the island I live on this bike would be very nice if it were not for the terrible stiff rear suspension which really want to take a road that goes like waves on the ocean with 16 potholes every 500 m. . It depends What you're going to use it for, how you like to drive, your preferred sitting position, if you would like high revs high torque, or lower revs high torque, and it depends on the environment you have to use the bike in. For example in Thailand the roads are full of potholes gravel and mud very often, so most bikes, even street bikes, are sold from the agent directly with tractor tires meaning knobblies. I left Leeds when I was 19 and I've been in Thailand nearly 28 years, so I don't really know what it means to drive on a flat well tarmaced road without potholes, and in Thailand we also don't know anything about the restricting of power are speed on motorcycles that you have in great Britain and Europe. I mean that A5 A2 thing I don't know what that is. I also see most reviewer is staying below 70 mph because of the speed limit and the police detectors and the traffic laws in England. In Thailand we don't have that issue you can drive at 240 km/h if you want which I believe is probably 160 mph or some thing. You don't even have to wear a helmet if you don't want to or even have a license because it's just about three quid fine repeatedly forever every time you get caught driving without a helmet or a license. It's about the same for speeding as well. So if you don't have a license you can just pay the fine when you get caught once or twice a year which won't be more than five quid. I have a Harley Davidson 1200 sportster but I don't drive it very often on this island because it feels like somebody's spanking your ass with a large iron bar. And the super meteor is going to feel the same although I'm still going to buy one when they arrive in Thailand in August. But the bike I use most of my 6 bikes which I currently own, is my royal enfields Graham 411 with the large knobbly tires, because despite not being my favorite aesthetic, I am much more of a cruiser type guy R also prefer some thing like my Ducati scramblers (have 2), the functionality of the bike makes sense for the island I live on. If I have a rain storm comes and the road turns into hell on earth, I can still drive home safely on that. But the Ducati café racer I own, or the Harley Davidson sportster, would be much more dangerous to drive home on in the dark during a tropical rain storm with rivers breaking the road apart and dissolving into mud as you drive
There's no might or maybe for the Classic 650, they are testing it now in India as we speak. It'll be here by the end of this year, possibly first quarter next year.
Hope you’re right buddy 😎👍🏻
I have seen a utube clip of a company making mid mount pegs. Me only worry about buying one is how my cheesy back and syatica would play up with only having forward controls but this would help
Cheers Darryl I’ll try and track that down 👍🏻
Hi there. Where I am from I use the saying that I look like A MONKEY ON A MANGLE. I too am a tall large fellow so I think a choice of bike does have to suit you. I am VERY VAIN TOO. Great video again. THANKYOU.👍👍👍
Ha ha Monkey on a Mangle….we used to have an old mangle 😀
What are the gloves you're wearing there, they look really smart.
Rear tail and brake light is LED.
Cheap second hand grab off eBay had them years top quality brand is Westwood Fox
Feel it’s a bit down on horse power. Great looking bike though.
Great vlog. Not my type of bike but please give it twin clocks. The ones on it ruin its look. I have ridden the 350 and the interceptor and are just not for me as I long for interceptor type bike. Like a bonny but too expensive and cba dealers
Twin clocks defo better
❤
What's the name of the camera used to film this video ? it's awesome
GoPro Hero 10 with nd filter and manual settings
You wouldn't ever want to move those foot peg/ foot controls as they would not be in harmony with seat height. After a few miles your legs would be screaming to stretch out. The ergonomics look very similar as my Indian Scout as far as slightly forward controls.
Interstellar green is a proper British color scheme.
It's the best on the SM I agree
Hi.For what i call Tootling or bimbling around back roads between small villages ect...
Is the Super meteor any good..???
May go for the 350 classic.?
Riding a scram 411 but get severe leg ache after only a few miles.
But have to say the 411 is excellent for this type (style of riding).
Many thanks.cheers .🍻
Cheers James…..I found it a breeze for back lane cruising 😎👍🏻
Hi, I test rode the 350 hunter and found the rear suspension incredibly hard, is the ride better on the meteor 650?
About the same but you can adjust of course
very nice looking bike ,, no problem with you reviewing that again ,,, i would take that bike over a 'classic ' as the classic will just be make believe nostalgia nonsense with old fashioned bits put on serving no real world purpose ,, you can always try my harley if you want to ride a cruiser ,, , again - that bike situated in that backdrop in that blue --- really smart , well done ....
Yes Simon but make believe nostalgia makes me feel good 😊👍🏻
Hi, thank you for this video. How does this bike compare to w800, street twin and sportster 883 in terms of handling (agility and corners especially), vibrations, torque and brakes? Thank you.
I can only say that it has more character than the w800….I have not ridden the other two bikes you mentioned 👍🏻
@@thebingleywheeler thanks for such a prompt reply! Which bike in your opinion can you lean more with while cornering and which one allows to make tighter cornering: w800 or RE SM 650?
Thanks
Both the same really
Hello. What tire pressure do you use? 41 36 is super hard on me. Thanks!
I use 34 38
Well whatever next, The Bingley Wheeler won over by a cruiser 😂bit harsh on the Bandit 🤔😂great review bud maybe l should take one for a test ride 👍
Go for it mark see what you think….catch a glimpse in the shop windows as you ride 😁
@@thebingleywheeler 🤣
Im 63 gave up riding after family came along and now buying one of these for gentle country riding. And yes I had lots of crazy bikes before, Gs750, ducati 900, Honda 500x4 and 550x plus many others. This seems to be my age and skill level now.
I'm in the same boat. Just purchased the Super Meteor. I have owned about 20 plus bikes over the years, everything from enduros to MV Agustas and everything in between. You can't beat the smooth and easy character, enough power, but not too much to get me into trouble. This will probably will be the last bike for a long while. This may the the perfect retired old geezer bike, lol
Then I’m in great company 😎👍🏻
Interesting. Owned one of these, but only lasted a week! Too weedy, hard suspension and bits started falling off! Love the RE brand, but this is one over hyped bike. Best cruiser bike I’ve owned was a Honda Magna…. Cheers
Rogue bike?
Weight almost 250 kilos? This is like my Honda PC800!?
It goes to show that beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder because I find this design very awkward. The styling is confused between modern and classic and there is an imbalance between the front an rear with the front having quite light and modern styling (upside down forks, plastic clocks, etc.) Whilst the rear is quite heavy looking and frankly a bit old fashioned and not in a good way with it's heavily valanced and very long mudguard and big chunky silencer. For me, this is the first time Royal Enfield have missed the mark in terms of styling and I think they have tried to create a bike that appeals to both potential Rebel/Vulcan buyers and to potential Speedmaster type buyers. Watching the speedo climb when you accelerated looks leisurely which is understandable with only 47hp in a bike that weighs as much as a Bonneville (I cannot understand how they managed to make a mid-sized bike so heavy). As a value for money proposition I agree it's hard to beat but if you take the price out of the equation I'm not convinced and as an aside the low seat height is slightly misleading because I sat on this and could not flat foot it with a 29" inside leg because it is quite wide in the waist and feels taller than my Bonneville when you're sat on it.
Agree on the styling. I want to love it and think it does look good from some angles. But - front end styling doesn’t match the rest of the bike.
Nice bike ,but valve clearance check once a year is going make dealers a lot of money
Easy enough to do your own though 👍🏻
Royal Enfield are presently working on a 750 Bobber that will be on the roads by 2025
Guys it's a request. Don't fall for the customised booking it's a trap. Go for normal booking and cancel it if they delay it. I booked super meteor 650 customised option and they are asking me to wait for another 6 months..
I'll keep my thunderbird.
More i look at that bike dave more i see CX500 custom 40 years on. Got to disagree with you, 2018 was the year the king of the retro's came out the one and only Z900RS ! So good am on my second one after some dead head in a car wrote my first one off.
I like the Z900 RS but it’s not at all a true retro to my mind….super smooth in line 4 bike not really for me….and then there’s the price of course
Got to disagree with you there dave ,speaking as some one that owns some originals 1939 bmw ,1959 tr6 ,1978 ducati and a 1983 gpz550. The Z1> Z900rs time line is true to the performance spirt of the original 1972 bike with the bonus of up-to-date handling and brakes. Oh and the sound from the yoshimura race system ! 😀
I prefer the Kawasaki Vulcan s which is about the same price.
Mate, that’s a sexy bike ! But is the quality okay ? Comparable to Triumphs ? Harley and Indians are sooo unrefined!
Quality is excellent 👍
I cannot really understand the completely uncritical enthusiasm for the entire RE brand. The SuperMeteor 650 looks really good, but the chassis is poorly tuned even for a cruiser, the brakes are mediocre at best and the engine is completely overwhelmed with the high weight even for an A2 bike. I find the very high metal content of the components positive. I don't like the Honda Rebel 500 but as a motorcycle in the same performance and price range it is light years superior to the RE.
So you must have a Super Meteor then…..I’d be interested to know of your experience with the bike so please let me know….much appreciated 👍🏻
So glad triumph are getting into the cheap bike game. RE needs competition. Competition keeps the prices down and quality high.
Took a test ride and just didn’t wanna give it back. Can’t believe it’s an Enfield.
Enfield is the best
I know that feeling 😊
@@deltabluesdavidrayeoh yes, decided to get one..
i think for a pure retro look you cant go past the newish BSA 650...but if i could buy a bike it would be the RE you are riding here
Yes although there are mixed reviews about the bsa so far
Had a go on the Beeza
The Rotax engine is not very retro
being water cooled and the finish on it is very Hammerite looking.
Retro to me means a minimum of burnished alloy casings
I really like the classic look of the Interceptor. The 650 cruiser looks to me a bit like a shiny beached whale. Horses for courses and all that. But it ain't a beaut IMO. I do still think that Japanese bikes offer good vfm compared to all of these imports from the sub-continent. And China for that matter and I've no desire to change. My next bike should have been a Street Triple (R probably) but I don't trust them for servicing and spares. I hope RE are good at that. The shop in Watford closed down - under something of a cloud.
Let's be honest this bike should've been 850 900cc not 650
Most riders prefer that extra grunt when needed.I rather buy old shadow 1100 costing 2k and twice the fun of this underpowered RE
Maybe it should have….maybe it will be
Make it bigger than 650 so you kill your European market .Great idea not.Going over 47 h.p. is a big not as well.
You have not ridden it or a interceptor now have you? Sooooo
@rubo1964 it’s “should have” or “should’ve” (contraction) but never “should of” 😂
The 750 Bobber is coming by 2025
The Meteor 650 styling is very attractive but it's 40 pounds heavier than the Interceptor 650 and has the same motor so it will be slower . The Interceptor has adequate power but this one would be needing a 750 upgraded motor even more. RE is asleep at the switch. And the large RE on the right side engine cover is ugly and doesn't fit with the rest of the bike - an after market piece will fix that.
personally i have to disagree with all that. having just tried one myself the power is fine, doesn't feel slower than int 650 at all and the looks are great but thats just personal taste
@nrich5127 the SM650 is 65 pounds heavier (535-470); the laws of physics can't be wished away, the Meteor 650 is around 12 lbs per hp without a rider and would be anemic with anyone over 65 pounds riding it.
The 650 Continental GT and Interceptor are around 445 pounds with just an exhaust swap.
I find that that when it comes to the riding experience the laws of physics most certainly can be wished away…..and in any case that 65 pounds only applies if everybody is the same weight and only ever riding solo
You need to actually ride bikes rather than pouring over spec sheets and filling in spreadsheets.
@@nikoscosmos The Meteor weighs 241 Kg vs the Interceptors 202 Kg . That 86 pounds heavier with the same engine / HP. In the real world the Meteor will be significantly slower. That doesn't mean it won't be an enjoyable ride ... but it will be slower.
Personally dont like look of it chunky, pipes not nice prefer my honda 600 shadow had it 10yrs, different pipes nice sound, 4 gears total reliable bike and best looking mid range custom so far!
Each to their own….
Preying Mantis on ecstasy, way to paint a picture 🤣
😂🦗
I’m 5’9” and only have 1” shorter legs than you at 6’2” 😂
How does it define an era. Kawasaki Vulcan is way better in every way and has been out for years. Similar shape And same price bracket too.
I think you mean third decade!
2017/18 second decade yes?
Yuk…S F mark 2…….
Waste.... same pullicha maavu in oothapam.... means same engine with different frame.... RE lost their brain there is not product innovation or change..... Completely waste of time.....
In my opinion these bikes are more related to the state of UK roads than having fun. RE plodders suit potholes, adverse cambers and slow moving congested traffic. I've wanted to like them but they provoke no excitement whatsoever. I get it for the hipsters and distinguished gentleman type of character...but for a rider who subscribes to freedom with an edge...there's little to offer. This particular machine exudes no design language and is unbelievably dull ....sorry lads... just my take on it...happy riding to everyone
All a matter of opinion…. I used to like the edgy excitement of over powered machines….now I’ve grown up I realise how superficial it all was 👍🏻
Plodders? Lol another aggressive rider who is just a flash in the pan .
It's amazing how fickle folk are nowadays when a series of vowels, consonants and frequencies provoke unconscious bias to a simple opinion...isn't freedom of speech liberating...
@@deltabluesdavidraye
"Plodders" is referring to the low powered RE engine...48 years riding...as a biker I'd "assume" you would have known that...maybe not...not one to judge...
@ffs5532 yet here you are with your own contrary views….let us further understand the nuances of the English language….the reference to “plodders” taken in context is a clearly pejorative term positioned in the narrative in such a way as to infer a certain nature attributable to those who enjoy less powerful machines….I think people are a bit more savvy than your comments give them credit for 😂
Quick gripe, your filming, just after the brown cow, over the bridge, your looking left and right, this is truly irritating, soory to say. I prefer a good video, but please not always always heading up to thwaits brow and over St Ives, with a voice over. Sorry to gripe, but might make your videos better and you might keep your subscribers.
Unreliable pos brand, best avoided...
Nonsense .They have a 3 year guarantee for a very good reason .The reliability is just as good as any brand or better. Show us your brand with such a good guarantee . Where is it?
@jabbalechat7910 So where is your evidence?
@@deltabluesdavidraye BMW , Suzuki ...
I would like to see more video of the bike going down the road, not from the seat but maybe from someone in a car riding along side or a camera set up on the side of the road. Great video otherwise