2024 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

When Royal Enfield decided to expand upon its 650 twin lineup after first employing the new platform in its INT 650 and Continental GT 650, the 124-year-old manufacturer naturally decided to move in the cruiser direction. The new Super Meteor 650 pays homage to the brand’s original cruisers such as the 1952 Meteor and 1956 Super Meteor, sporting a silhouette that is traditional cruiser to a T, with a 16-inch rear wheel and 19-inch front. Slotting nicely into the middleweight cruiser class, the Royal Enfield may be a class-best $6,999 MSRP, but that’s the only thing “cheap” about this bike; fit and finish of this Royal Enfield is reminiscent of Triumph’s lauded detailing. The sparkle paint is deep, rich, and without blemishes. At the controls, the switch cubes are surrounded by plated aluminum and the levers are adjustable, with no plastic parts anywhere.

The 648cc SOHC air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine is basically identical to the other 650s in RE’s lineup, with the exception that the airbox and exhaust on the Super Meteor are different due to styling needs. The loping power from the 270-degree crank is more than adequate, providing plenty of usable torque down low. Suspension settings in the nonadjustable Showa fork and spring-preload-adjustable dual rear shocks are firm to provide ample control with heavier riders aboard, providing sure-footed handling, especially when paired with its 59.1-inch wheelbase and relaxed steering geometry. Braking from the ByBre twin-piston caliper/320mm disc combo up front and twin-piston caliper/300mm disc out back is adequate, although it requires a high effort and combined use of both brakes for really hard stopping power with the two-channel ABS. All in all, though, at $6,999 the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 offers quality craftsmanship, a versatile engine, comfortable ergonomics, and a three-year unlimited-mile warranty with roadside assistance that make it a must-consider in the middleweight cruiser category.

The 2024 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is available in three trim levels: Astral Black, Astral Blue, or Astral Green for $6,999, Interstellar Green or Interstellar Grey for $7,299, and Celestial Red or Celestial Blue for $7,499.