To all the new RE owners, are you really happy with the output of these stock LED headlamps? Or am I the only one who finds it poor in terms of visibility? Please let me know your honest opinion. Thank you. (Pic taken from the internet)
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The Dream:
"Don't buy it if you ride mostly in the city."
I must've read that sentence a hundred times.
"The rear suspension is too stiff."
"It's way too heavy."
"Buy an Interceptor instead."
"Get a used Harley."
After weeks of YouTube reviews, Reddit threads and comparison videos, I still ended up booking the Super Meteor.
Not because it was the logical choice.
Because every time I saw it, it made me feel something.
I've always loved cruisers.
Not for speed.
Not for corner carving.
Just for that feeling of pointing the front wheel towards the horizon...
...with nothing but the wind on my face.
I watched what must've been hundreds—probably thousands—of YouTube videos.
Compared it with everything.
Interceptor. Bear.
Shotgun.
Harley.
I even came very close to buying a used Harley.
But I couldn't justify the maintenance costs.
So I bought what felt rightfully mine.
The Super Meteor 650.
The first surprise came on delivery day.
I'd watched hundreds of videos...
Yet nothing prepared me for how massive this motorcycle actually is.
It doesn't look big.
It feels big.
Majestic is probably the only word I'd use.
The Reality Check:
Unfortunately, the honeymoon didn't last long.
Within the first two days, my brand-new motorcycle started throwing white smoke.
That was heartbreaking.
After a few arguments with Royal Enfield, they agreed to replace the engine under warranty.
To their credit, the replacement has been flawless ever since.
I wanted to mention this first because I don't want this review to sound biased.
Living With It:
Let's talk about the motorcycle everyone keeps arguing about.
People say it's heavy.
They're right.
People say the rear suspension is stiff.
Also right.
People say it isn't meant for city traffic.
Couldn't agree more.
In bumper-to-bumper traffic, this bike constantly reminds you that it's a 240+ kg cruiser.
You'll notice it while parking.
You'll notice it during U-turns.
You'll notice it during sudden braking.
But once it's moving...
The weight almost disappears.
It's surprisingly manageable.
Where It Comes Alive:
The moment you leave the city behind...
Everything suddenly makes sense.
This motorcycle belongs on highways.
At 120–130 km/h, it feels like it has finally found its purpose.
The stability is unreal.
Not once have I questioned the chassis.
Not once have I thought,
"Maybe I should slow down because the bike feels nervous."
It simply sits there...
...and owns the highway.
The lack of vibrations genuinely surprised me.
Cruising at those speeds feels effortless.
The bike gets to 120+ quickly enough too, although I haven't really pushed it because the replacement engine is still relatively new.
Things I Didn't Expect:
The handling.
For a motorcycle this big, it's remarkably easy to ride.
The rear brake deserves far more appreciation than it gets.
It's progressive.
Confidence inspiring.
Exactly what you'd want on a motorcycle built for covering miles.
The fit and finish also deserve praise.
Everything feels premium.
And I actually love what Royal Enfield didn't do.
No unnecessary electronics.
No overload of features.
Just enough.
That's what a cruiser should be.
The 650 twin also feels like it was born for this motorcycle.
Royal Enfield now has seven motorcycles sharing this engine.
But on the Super Meteor...
...it finally feels like it's exactly where it belongs.
The relaxed nature.
The torque.
The smoothness.
Everything complements the personality of a cruiser.
The Flaws:
Let's talk about the suspension.
Because everyone does.
The USD front forks are genuinely comfortable.
The rear suspension...
Not so much.
They're complete opposes.
In the city, you'll complain.
On broken roads, you'll definitely notice it.
But once you're back on the highway...
That stiffness suddenly starts making sense.
It's one of the reasons the bike feels so planted at higher speeds.
Heat?
Honestly...
You're literally sitting on top of a 650 cc engine.
I don't think it's fair to expect zero heat.
Besides, with the forward-set foot pegs, it never really bothered me while riding.
Once you're moving...
Heat becomes almost insignificant.
Mileage has been hovering around 22–23 km/l.
Could it be better?
Sure.
Do I care?
Not really.
Would I Buy It Again?
Absolutely.
Not because it's perfect.
Because I knew every flaw before I bought it.
I didn't ignore them.
I accepted them.
I'm not trying to justify my decision.
Or convince anyone to buy this motorcycle.
I'm simply someone who researched every negative before signing the cheque...
...and still chose to enjoy riding this beast.
Because motorcycles aren't bought with spreadsheets.
They're bought with emotion.
If you're looking for the perfect city bike...
Skip it.
If you love lightweight motorcycles...
Skip it.
But if you've always wanted a budget premium cruiser...
If you love the feeling of commanding a big motorcycle...
If the wind on your face means more to you than outright speed...
The Super Meteor 650 is one hell of a place to begin.
And after 1,000 km...
I still turn around and look at it with a smile on my face.
Every.
Single.
Time.
And sometimes...
That's all that matters.
P.S. I realised after crossing 1,000 km that I barely have any good photos of the bike. Turns out I was too busy riding it to stop and take pictures. Guess that's a good problem to have.
Purchased this bike after a dream wait, only to end up looking like a mosquito van :/ experienced hell lot of white smoke just on the second day of riding the bike, because I didn't ride the bike much on first day.