Riding a motorcycle two-up, with a partner, is a unique bonding experience. The feeling of adventure, the freedom of the open road, and the shared moments between you and your pillion make motorcycle touring special. However, finding the perfect bike to share this experience can be a challenge, especially when on a budget. While premium motorcycles offer all the luxury and high-tech features you can dream of, most are out of reach for the average rider. But don’t worry—there are still great budget-friendly options out there. Enter the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, a motorcycle that delivers comfort, style, and performance without breaking the bank.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Table of Contents
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 vs. Competitors
Although the Super Meteor 650 is a standout in its price category, there are a few competitors worth considering:
Model |
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 |
Moto Morini Calibro 700 Bagger |
Honda Shadow Aero ABS |
|---|---|---|---|
Price |
$7,499 |
$6,799 |
$8,249 |
Engine |
270-degree parallel twin, air-cooled |
270-degree parallel twin, liquid-cooled |
52-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled |
Displacement |
648 cc |
693 cc |
745 cc |
Power |
47 HP |
69 HP |
45 HP |
Torque |
38.6 lb-ft |
50.1 lb-ft |
48 lb-ft |
Final Drive |
Chain |
Gates carbon belt drive |
Shaft |
Curb Weight |
531.3 lbs |
443 lbs |
549 lbs |
Why the Right Motorcycle Matters for Couples
When riding two-up, the importance of choosing the right motorcycle is paramount. You need a bike that offers adequate power, comfort, and stability for both the rider and pillion. For the rider, a smooth, manageable engine and good ergonomics are essential. For the passenger, a pillion seat with a comfortable backrest, ample padding, and proper suspension are crucial for a pleasant ride.
While top-tier motorcycles often provide all the bells and whistles, they come at a steep price. On the other hand, budget options may lack certain features but still provide the basic essentials for a fun and enjoyable ride. Among budget-friendly motorcycles, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 stands out as one of the best options for couples seeking a quality, affordable ride.
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: A Budget-Friendly Cruiser
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a standout motorcycle in its price range. Priced at $7,499, it offers the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and value. The Super Meteor 650 is part of Royal Enfield’s 650 cc platform, joining the INT 650 and Continental GT 650. Unlike its siblings, the Super Meteor is a cruiser, and it ticks all the boxes for long-distance touring with a pillion.
Price: $7,499
Type: Cruiser
Engine: 648 cc parallel twin, air-cooled, 270-degree firing order
Power: 47 HP @ 7,250 RPM
Torque: 38.6 LB-FT @ 5,650 RPM
Key Features of the Super Meteor 650
1. Styling and Design
The Super Meteor 650 embraces the retro cruiser look with a modern twist. The bike features plenty of chrome, an air-cooled engine with cooling fins, and a long, low profile that gives it the authentic cruiser aesthetic. Royal Enfield has paid special attention to the fit and finish, ensuring that the bike exudes quality and craftsmanship.
2. Comfort for Two-Up Riding
One of the standout features of the Super Meteor 650 is the comfort it offers to both the rider and pillion. For those who want even more comfort, Royal Enfield offers two paint options—Celestial Red and Celestial Blue—which include upgraded features such as:
- A touring seat with extra padding for both the rider and pillion
- A pillion backrest (sissy bar)
- A bolt-on windscreen for better wind protection
These upgrades come with an additional $500 cost, but they make the bike even more suited for long-distance cruising with a partner.
3. Engine and Performance
The Super Meteor 650 is powered by a 648 cc parallel twin engine that strikes a balance between power and efficiency. With 47 horsepower and 38.6 lb-ft of torque, the engine offers plenty of grunt for highway cruising and city riding. The engine’s 270-degree firing order ensures a smooth power delivery with excellent torque spread across the rev range.
4. Handling and Suspension
The Super Meteor 650 uses an inverted front fork for improved ride quality and handling, and a twin-shock rear suspension with adjustable preload. This setup ensures comfort for both rider and pillion, especially on longer rides. The bike’s 531-pound curb weight and 29.1-inch seat height also make it manageable for most riders.
5. Safety and Features
The Super Meteor 650 is equipped with dual-channel ABS, ensuring maximum safety while braking. The brakes consist of 320 mm discs at the front and 300 mm discs at the rear, paired with two-piston floating calipers. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of higher-end bikes, the Super Meteor focuses on essential features, including the Tripper navigation system that syncs with your phone via Bluetooth.
Super Meteor 650 Engine Specifications
- Engine Type: 270-degree parallel twin, air-cooled
- Displacement: 648 cc
- Bore x Stroke: 78 x 67.8 mm
- Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
- Power: 47 HP @ 7,250 RPM
- Torque: 38.6 lb-ft @ 5,650 RPM
- Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection
- Transmission: 6-speed, chain final drive
Chassis and Suspension: A Simple Yet Effective Setup
The chassis of the Super Meteor 650 is a steel tubular spine frame, which is robust and reliable. The front suspension consists of 43 mm inverted forks with 4.7 inches of travel, while the rear suspension features twin piggyback shocks with adjustable preload and 4.0 inches of travel. This combination ensures the bike remains stable, even with the added weight of a pillion.
- Front Suspension: 43 mm inverted forks, 4.7-inch travel
- Rear Suspension: Twin piggyback shocks, adjustable preload, 4.0-inch travel
- Brakes: 320 mm front disc, 300 mm rear disc
- ABS: Dual-channel, standard
- Wheelbase: 59 inches
- Seat Height: 29.1 inches
- Curb Weight: 531.3 lbs (wet)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 good for two-up riding?
Ans. Yes, it is an excellent choice for two-up riding due to its comfortable pillion seat, touring features (like the backrest and extra padding), and smooth engine performance.
2. Does the Super Meteor 650 have ABS?
Ans. Yes, it comes with dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety while braking.
3. Can I customize the Super Meteor 650?
Ans. Yes, you can choose from different paint options and upgrade to the Celestial Red or Celestial Blue variants, which include a touring seat and backrest.
4. How does the Super Meteor 650 compare to the competition?
Ans. The Super Meteor 650 offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and value at a competitive price. While competitors like the Honda Rebel 500 or Kawasaki Vulcan S may be cheaper, they don’t provide the same level of comfort for a pillion.
Conclusion
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is the best budget motorcycle for couples who enjoy riding together. It offers the right combination of comfort, style, and performance at an affordable price. Whether you’re going on short weekend trips or long-distance adventures, this bike will not disappoint. Its ability to cater to both the rider and the pillion while providing excellent value for money makes it the top choice in its class.
For more information, visit the official Royal Enfield website.
By choosing the Super Meteor 650, couples can embark on unforgettable journeys, knowing they have a reliable and comfortable bike to share those experiences together.
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