The principle of liberation through motorcycling typically involves an ‘arms wide open’ scenario. Yes, you’re thinking right. Ape hangers of some sort, an unhindered flow of wind, a relaxed but steady thrum from a shiny exhaust (or two!) and a road that, seemingly, leads to infinity. While this is an undoubtedly ‘western’ concept, there probably isn’t a larger fan following for this sort of stimulus than right here in India. The Super Meteor 650, viewed in this context, is simply an indulgence of every imaginable kind.
Carrying the weight of a revered name from a bygone era isn’t easy - the Super Meteor name is representative of a celebrated chapter of Royal Enfield’s rich legacy - but the new Super Meteor 650 seems at ease. Its effortless visual elegance blends comfortably with an air of gravitas, making the Super Meteor 650 an instantly desirable expression of pure cruising.
Creating the Super Meteor 650 couldn’t possibly have been anything short of a Herculean task, though. The outright lack of anything like it - you know, a machine that balances extravagance with value - could itself have been a daunting premise; how exactly do you hit the sweet spot for a power-hungry audience that wants flamboyance without the element of unattainability? Building motorcycles since 1901 has its benefits, you could say.
That the Super Meteor 650 would have to benefit from Royal Enfield’s proven 648cc parallel-twin engine was simply natural selection. With its creamy spread of torque and an involving peppiness, the mill lent itself inherently to the cruiser format, although Royal Enfield went a step beyond a mere retrofit. The engine was insightfully tuned to suit the motorcycle’s cruising aspirations, the results of which, of course, have been unanimously appreciated. Structurally, the Super Meteor had to be a ground-up exercise, something Royal Enfield went about in an uncompromised way, in fact making a few breakthroughs in the process - the Super Meteor 650 is the first RE to feature an upside-down fork! Of course, it wasn’t going to be enough giving a motorcycle with a prestigious nameplate just an appropriate anatomy - the Super Meteor 650 had to feel special. One look, and you’ll be convinced Royal Enfield has done an absolutely stellar job with its flagship. From the finish of the textures, the quality of the materials used (especially the things you see from the rider’s perspective), the substantial controls and, of course, its impeccable paint finish, the Super Meteor 650 oozes premiumness from every angle you look at it. It’s a motorcycle that not only looks good, it makes you feel good too!
Most importantly, though, it’s how all of these individual approaches come together to offer a memorable, truly indulgent experience that makes the Super Meteor 650 stand out - yes, even though it is uncontested in its ‘segment.’ Out on the open road, the Super Meteor 650 simply belongs, and it takes you on the sort of ride you’ve dreamt of for years. Sure, some of you may not be as restrained with your throttle wrist, and even so, this motorcycle indulges, responding to your every command with a refreshing eagerness. It’s simple, it’s memorable and it’s pure. And that, by the sound of it, is what Royal Enfield might have set out to achieve with the Super Meteor 650 anyway.
