Axel spent three months learning to ride on public roads on the long term BikeReview Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. Here is his final wrap and review of the popular LAMS cruiser...
Royal Enfield is pushing boundaries in 2026, producing and selling more bikes than ever. And after spending three months living with the Super Meteor 650, I reckon it’s no wonder the brand reached over one million sales in the 2024 – 2025 financial year…
When you think of a LAMS bike, you might picture skinny tyres, a lawnmower engine and something you’ll sell the second you get your unrestricted licence. However, the Royal Enfield team has thrown those assumptions out the window. My first impressions genuinely surprised me the sleek bodywork, the leather seat, the wide tyres and the stunning Astral Black colour. I didn’t think it could get any better until I heard the rumble from the parallel twin engine. I was hooked.
Read more about the Super Meteor 650 here…
Royal Enfield clearly wanted to have a proper go at the middleweight cruiser market, and they’ve hit the nail on the head. Not only does the Super Meteor appeal to L-platers thanks to its LAMS-approved status, it also attracts the weekend cruiser who wants a comfortable, reliable bike to ride with friends. Covering both bases isn’t easy, but the Super Meteor 650 manages to do exactly that.
The 650 platform is something that Royal Enfield has managed to perfect over time. The 650cc parallel twin is used across other successful Royal Enfield bikes such as the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT, and those bikes have proved the platform is solid and well developed. Much like its twins, the platform has been an absolute success.
The Super Meteor 650 is marketed as a modern but tasteful cruiser not asking for attention, but demanding it. Looking good is one thing, but the partnership with Harris Performance for the development of the chassis helped build a frame around the engine so the two would work together seamlessly. This is important, as any design faults quickly come to light in a cruiser platform, where long days on the road can exaggerate even the smallest problems.
When I first swung my leg over, I couldn’t help but notice the lack of vibration. It’s genuinely impressive even at freeway speeds there was very little buzz through the bars or pegs. On the topic of freeways, unlike most LAMS bikes, the Super Meteor 650 is an absolute pleasure to ride at highway speed.
Roll-on power feels strong and predictable, which adds confidence when overtaking…
My main concern on a freeway is not having enough torque to quickly remove myself from situations whether it’s someone tailgating or sketchy driving ahead. Thanks to the 648cc air-/oil-cooled engine, there is plenty of torque available, even at higher speeds. Roll-on power feels strong and predictable, which adds confidence when overtaking.
I’ve talked a lot about the displacement because it’s a major part of what makes this bike so good, but there are also smaller details that make the engine such a pleasure to ride. The single overhead cam design and electronic fuel injection deliver smooth throttle response and easy cold starts. To achieve that deep, throaty sound, Royal Enfield opted for a 270-degree crank, giving the engine a more V-twin-like character while maintaining smooth power delivery.
This configuration produces a claimed 47bhp at 7250rpm and 52.3Nm of torque at 5650rpm. Those are impressive figures for a LAMS-approved bike. While outright top speed isn’t the goal, the power never feels restricted. It’s comfortable and composed when cruising, yet when you open it up, you’re rewarded with a satisfying surge and that signature rumble.
The six-speed constant-mesh gearbox isn’t flashy, but it does its job perfectly. Shifts are smooth, with no false neutrals, and it glides through the gears exactly what you want in a cruiser. I found the gear ratios very usable in all situations. They’re close enough that I could ride comfortably in traffic without stalling or riding the clutch, yet spaced well enough that I never felt the need to constantly reach for another gear when cruising at higher speeds.
The weight is spread so well across the bike, and the centre of gravity feels so balanced that it actually inspires stability…
The cable clutch is easily adjustable, making quick tweaks simple if needed. The clutch action itself is smooth, with a consistent bite point even after hours of riding. That consistency is important, especially in stop-start traffic, so you’re not caught out and stalling it at the lights. Now, the Super Meteor 650 there’s no hiding it is a heavy bike. Coming in at 243kg, you might be thinking, wow, that’s heavy, and you’d be right. However, in this situation, I wouldn’t say it’s a bad thing.
The weight is spread so well across the bike, and the centre of gravity feels so balanced that it actually inspires stability. At freeway speeds, that mass translates into confidence, and in the twisties it almost feels like the bike sticks to the road. The steering is very stable. When I was riding through the hills, I noticed it felt surprisingly light on initial input, yet once you picked a line, it held it like it was on rails.
Low-speed handling on a heavier bike can be intimidating, especially for beginners. With the Super Meteor being my first-ever bike, the weight definitely felt noticeable around car parks and traffic lights at first. However, because of how well that weight is distributed, the adjustment period was surprisingly short. Once moving, the weight fades away and the bike feels far more manageable than the numbers suggest.
Axel clocked up 1000km in no time on the BikeReview Super Meteor 650, so it was time for a first service.
A good cruiser needs good suspension, and that’s exactly what Royal Enfield has delivered. The Super Meteor 650 is equipped with 43mm upside-down telescopic forks — and while that might be a bit of a mouthful, all those words abbreviate to a super smooth ride.
There’s no point having an amazing braking system if your tyres can’t handle it…
At the rear, there’s a nice retro touch with 101 millimetres of twin-shock travel and adjustable preload. On longer rides, it is absolutely imperative to be able to adjust the rear suspension so the force from the road does not go into your back.
After spending some time on it and riding some pretty rough roads, I am happy to say I did not bottom out the suspension once. Even over the most jarring bumps and potholes, rarely did I get an impact that was noticeably uncomfortable. To have comfort, you also need good ergonomics. The relaxed, feet-forward style can be hard to get used to, but once you do, it’s hard to go back — no cramps, no problems.
When adventuring on the road, unexpected things can happen, and that’s why having the best braking systems can save you a lot of time and money. Royal Enfield has equipped the Super Meteor 650 with a 300mm brake disc on the rear and a 320mm brake disc on the front, both paired with floating dual-piston calipers and dual-channel ABS to ensure maximum safety.
I personally loved how the front and rear brakes felt. They were smooth and consistent throughout braking, and as the brakes heated up, they didn’t fade and the braking point stayed consistent. The most important thing on a bike, though, is its tyres. There’s no point having an amazing braking system if your tyres can’t handle it. The front tyre features a 100/90 road tyre and the rear a 150/80. This tyre profile helps with grip, but most importantly, it adds to the look — because who doesn’t like a nice wide tyre?
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 has a more classic feel to it; however, on the tech side, it’s quite the opposite. It has a hybrid dash, keeping some classic components such as a physical speedometer, but also featuring an LCD display which shows fuel level, gear position and kilometres travelled.
One of the cool things I loved was the Tripper pod. This is a small attachment that mounts onto the handlebar, which you connect your phone to, and it displays directions from your maps onto the pod. This is a smart piece of engineering for learners who aren’t actually allowed to use their phone for navigation.
Being on the more affordable side at a ride-away price of $11,990, you would think they had to shortcut some things, but no matter how hard I tried, I could not find anything. The finish and attention to detail is next level. Everything you want to be chrome is chrome, the paint is flawless, the wiring is braided, and they really managed to give the Super Meteor 650 a premium feel. Even down to the switches on the bike, they are responsive and feel great. The LED headlight and indicators also help elevate both safety and that premium bang-for-buck feeling.
Overall, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is more than just a great LAMS bike, it’s a great bike for both learners and fully licensed riders. It provides impressive quality, reliability and a genuinely enjoyable riding experience. I had an amazing time cruising around on it over the past three months, and I would highly recommend it to anyone learning or licensed who is looking for a cruiser. The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 really does hit every mark.
Read Jeff’s review of the Super Meteor 650 here… and Simon’s Super Meteor 650 ride in India at the world launch here…
Tech Talk, Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The Super Meteor 650 is centred around the award-winning 648cc twin platform that’s been rigorously tested and, since 2018, enjoyed worldwide acclaim within the multi-award-winning Interceptor INT 650 and Continental GT 650.
Royal Enfield unveiled the new Super Meteor 650 at ECIMA 2023. Check out the latest creation from the historic brand…
The Super Meteor 650 is powered by the same first modern Royal Enfield 650 twin engine that is seen in the Continental/Interceptor 650. Created in the 2018, the platform is a single overhead cam, 8 valve, air/oil-cooled, 648cc parallel twin, producing 47bhp and 52Nm. The engine has a strong low and mid-range performance, retaining the Royal Enfield character of accessible torque through the rev range.
Also shared with the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, is the six speed gearbox, especially developed for Royal Enfield. The gearbox is augmented by it’s ‘slip/assist’ clutch, that facilitates easy riding in traffic with a light feel, and prevents wheel-hop when downshifting gears – this was actually a first for Royal Enfield back in 2018.
Created at the UK Technology Centre in conjunction with Harris Performance, the frame and swingarm are entirely new and meet the design brief of a motorcycle with a low centre of gravity for high-speed stability and easy manoeuvrability. Fabricated in steel with optimised forgings, investment castings, pressings and extrusions, the chassis incorporates a new cylinder-head mount for additional stiffness.
Fabricated in steel with optimised forgings, investment castings, pressings and extrusions, the chassis incorporates a new cylinder-head mount for additional stiffness.
Royal Enfield’s first USD forks, with 120mm of travel, premium rear shocks with 5-step preload and 101mm travel, complement the new frame, ensuring the Super Meteor is both stable and rewarding to ride on the open road, yet does not suffer from heavy or wallowing steering through the curves.
The Super Meteor 650 has the dimensions of a cruiser, with a low stance and a narrow-waisted seat, which allows a comfortable stand over. The riding position is one of the key differentiators of any cruiser and the Super Meteor nails this with its feet-forward foot controls and raised wide handlebars. A large tank gives extended range and wide tubeless tyres on 16in rear and 19in front alloy rims are said to provide dependability and peace of mind at highway speeds.
The instrument cluster combines the classic feel of an analogue speedometer with the functionality of an LCD display for essentials such as revs, gear indicator, fuel gauge, clock and trip meter. Adjustable clutch and brake levers offer a smooth operation along, while ergonomically designed barrel profile grips integrate the Royal Enfield logo.
The Super Meteor’s paint finish is excellent while its distinctive tank badges, inspired by historic Royal Enfield designs, are faceted in chrome and accented with two colours of tinted infill
There is Royal Enfield’s celebrated TBT (Turn-By-Turn) navigation pod, known as the Royal Enfield Tripper. A first on any Indian-made motorcycle when introduced on the Meteor 350, this highly-focused tool, developed in collaboration with Google, links to the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth.
A discreet USB socket is located beneath the left side panel. Further attention-grabbing features on include a LED headlamp, a first for Royal Enfield, which is carefully designed to deliver old-school charm but provide all the benefits of LED technology.
Finally, the Super Meteor’s paint finish is excellent while its distinctive tank badges, inspired by historic Royal Enfield designs, are faceted in chrome and accented with two colours of tinted infill that results in a gorgeous, jewel-like finish.
2026 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Specifications
Price: From $11,990 ride away (as tested).
Warranty: 3 year factory warranty & 3 year roadside assistance
Colours: Interstellar Green, Interstellar Grey, Celestial Red, Astral Green, Astral Black (ours), Astral Blue, Celestial Blue
Claimed power: 35kW [47hp]@7250rpm
Claimed torque: 52Nm [38ft-lbs]@5650rpm
Weight: 241kg wet
Fuel capacity: 15.7L
Fuel Consumption Claimed: N/A
Fuel Consumption (measured): N/A
Engine: SOHC air and oil-cooled 648cc parallel twin four-stroke, eight-valve, 78mm x 67.8mm bore x stroke, 9.5:1 compression, 270º firing order crankshaft, Bosch EMS/EFI
Gearbox: Six-speed constant mesh Clutch: Wet multi-plate slipper clutch, cable actuation
Chassis: Steel tubular spine frame
Rake: N/A Trail: N/A
Suspension: 43mm Upside Down Telescopic Fork, Twin Shocks, 101mm travel, preload adjustable.
Brakes: 320mm disc, twin piston floating caliper (f), ABS, two-piston, 300mm rotor, twin piston floating caliper (r) Tyres: 100/90 – 19 M/C 57H (f) 150/80 B16 M/C 71H (r)
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1500mm
Seat height: 740mm
Ground clearance: 135mm
Overall width: 890mm
Overall Length: 2260mm
Overall height: 740mm
Instruments & electronics: Dual clocks, tacho, speedo, dual trip, warning lights/fuel.
Electronics: Bosch Two-Channel ABS, Bosch EMS.
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