Source: Motorcycle Cruiser –
After months of speculation and many spy shots, Royal Enfield revealed its new Super Meteor 650 cruiser at the 2022 EICMA show. It will come in two variants; shown is the Super Meteor 650 Tourer with Grand Tourer Accessory kit. (Royal Enfield/)After an abundance of rumors and speculation, the event of the SG650 concept, and a recent bold teaser ad from the brand itself, Royal Enfield has at last pulled the wraps off its new Super Meteor 650, debuting the midsized cruiser at this year’s EICMA show in Italy.We now know the bike rolls with the familiar 650cc parallel-twin engine used in the INT and Continental models, though it’s mounted in an all-new steel chassis featuring dual exposed shocks out back. The Super Meteor’s profile is full-on cruiser, less muscular than that of the SG650 concept, and more in the vein of its smaller 349cc single-cylinder Meteor cousin with a 19-inch front wheel. But from what we can see, it brings a high-quality component list and presumably more premium finishes.The new bike will come in two variants: the Super Meteor 650 (right) and the Super Meteor 650 Tourer (left). The solo 650 model will be available in five colors when it arrives on US shores next summer. (Royal Enfield/)As with its preceding prototypes and concepts, the Super Meteor features the familiar 648cc parallel twin used in the well-regarded INT650 and Continental GT 650, which has recorded 47 hp and 38 lb.-ft. of torque on the Cycle World dyno. You can count on those numbers staying pretty constant on the Super Meteor, given that it’s a simple engine with two valves per cylinder operated by a single overhead camshaft. The Super Meteor is a fair bit heavier, at 531 pounds compared to the 445 pounds of the INT, so we’ll see how that translates to the real world.Related: 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 GalleryThe bike features an all-new chassis and upside-down fork, a first for Royal Enfield. (Royal Enfield/)Although it’s based on the bestselling 648cc twin platform, the Super Meteor 650 rides on an all-new chassis developed for comfort and cruising. As with the other 650 bikes, the chassis was created in conjunction with Harris Performance, who focused on developing a low center of gravity for the high-speed stability and easy maneuverability that most cruiser riders look for. It’s great to see a Showa upside-down fork, a first for Enfield, on the Super Meteor; the bike also gets another RE first with LED lighting.According to Royal Enfield, there will also be a “TBT navigation system” but whether or not that will be related to the Tripper unit we saw on the Meteor remains to be seen. The SM650 also gets the same LCD gauge as the Meteor (at least in these preproduction photos), though the new bike does get redesigned engine covers and what looks like better-quality finishes.The Super Meteor’s simple gauge with analog speedometer and small LCD dash looks like the same one found on the Meteor, but that may change on the production model. A nav unit will be included as well. (Royal Enfield/)Royal Enfield’s Siddhartha Lal, managing director of Eicher Motors Ltd., said, “We have always had a differentiated approach to building motorcycles and our new cruiser, the Super Meteor 650, is the next evolution of this approach. The engine is super refined and responsive and offers relaxed part-throttle experience at highway-plus speeds, the riding ergonomics are fine-tuned to offer a leisurely, yet in-control riding experience, and the overall premium fit and finish of parts and materials evoke visual and sensory delight.”Higher-quality elements on the Super Meteor also include LED lighting up front, another first for Royal Enfield. (Royal Enfield/)It’s early days, so some of the components and details may yet change by the time this new cruiser hits dealerships next year. We can confirm Enfield’s new cruiser will come in two trim levels. The base-model Super Meteor 650, featuring a low-profile two-piece seat design, is the solo tourer variant and will be available in five colorways: Astral Black, Astral Blue, Astral Green, Interstellar Grey, and Interstellar Green. The Super Meteor 650 Tourer, which adds a touring shield, saddlebags, and a backrest (though there may be other additions) will be available in two colorways: Celestial Red and Celestial Blue.No pricing has been announced as yet but Enfield has said the Super Meteor 650 will begin arriving in North America as early as summer 2023.The base-model Super Meteor 650 in Astral Black. (Royal Enfield/)As might be expected, Royal Enfield also announced a variety of accessories to support the new model, with some parts bundled as kits. So far there is the Solo Tourer Genuine Motorcycle Accessories Kit, which groups bar-end mirrors, deluxe footpegs, solo finisher, LED indicators, and machined wheels together. The Grand Tourer Accessories Kit offers the deluxe touring seat, touring windscreen, passenger backrest, deluxe footpegs, long-haul panniers, touring handlebar, and LED indicators.The standard Super Meteor 650 in Interstellar Green. (Royal Enfield/)2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Specs
MSRP:
NA
Engine:
Air/oil-cooled, pushrod parallel twin; 2 valves/cyl.
Displacement:
648cc
Bore x Stroke:
78.0 x 67.8mm
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/chain
Cycle World Measured Horsepower:
47 hp @ 7,250 rpm
Cycle World Measured Torque:
38 lb.-ft. @ 5,650 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic fuel injection
Clutch:
Wet, multiplate
Frame:
Tubular steel
Front Suspension:
43mm upside-down fork; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:
Dual shocks, preload adjustable; 3.9 in travel
Front Brake:
2-piston caliper, 320mm disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:
2-piston floating caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:
Cast; 19 x 3.5 in. / 16 x 5.5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:
100/90-19 / 150/80-16
Rake/Trail:
NA
Wheelbase:
59.0 in.
Seat Height:
29.1 in.
Fuel Capacity:
4.1 gal.
Claimed Curb Weight:
531 lb.
Contact:
royalenfield.com
