Royal Enfield are doing a lot right of late. Other manufacturers should take note. We don't all want ugly transformer or insectoid esque plastic, hyper complicated, over electronic'ed, expensive, penis compensator missiles.
It is shocking how few manufacturers actually offer a decent range of motorbikes shaped like...motorbikes. It would have been so nice if the new Honda CB750 was shaped like a classic CB, alas they made it look like a pointy Chinese 125 instead.
Have just bought this bike. And found it surprisingly refind! The gears slip in positive every time and this 650 RE motor is something special! Silky smooth even while breaking in. Has everything you need from a cruiser with real everyday riding enjoyment with those rides you want for downtime to just explore and grab a coffee along the way and a perfect start to your day commuting to work. This is a bike that punches a little above its engine capacity once on board with how it feels. Punches above with build quality with its price tag. Highly recommend the RE Barend Mirrors. The vision is so much better and absolutely improves the look of the bike. Great work Royal Enfield! Nailed a quality cruiser at a price many can jump on and enjoy!
A good and honest video as usual. RE brakes improve considerably after being thoroughly bled until all the old fluid is out of the system. If as a non- cruiser enthusiast you like the Meteor, try the Interceptor and/or the Continental GT. I think you'll be even more pleasantly surprised.
To put the world into perspective. The Bonneville 120e was rated at 46hp, but even without all the modern materials it weighed 165kg dry. If bike manufacturers would make use of lighter materials these 40ish hp bikes would fly along. Nice review of a lovely looking bike ...if you like 50s nostalgia
Had an Interceptor 650 for three years and 10,000 miles, a great engine, I like the look of the Supermeteor, but waiting to see the 650 classic's arrival .
The bike is sort of restricted by an undersized exhaust manifold down to 46hp and 38lbs torque. For a few hundred bucks fit the upgraded sports manifold and exhaust for 65hp and 48lbs. No remap needed, stock computer adjusts to the sports upgrade.
As one of those older, more "discerning" riders, I am shopping for a motorcycle to ease me into my 7th decade. I saw one of these for the first time at my local RE dealer just the other day. (They are just now coming to the States) These look much better in the flesh and they sit very well. I have owned many bikes over the last five and a half decades and many have been of the cruiser style. You were not impressed with the front brake, but found the rear to be adequate. That is common on a cruiser as they are designed for riders who, in many cases, use the rear binders more than the front. I have learned to use both., except when negotiating parking lots or gravel roads. I am, now, trying to decide between this bike, a T100, a Duzzi V7 Special, or a W800.
I'm in the phase of my life regarding downsizing my motorcycle preferences. For me, less is more. I now have the SM650 as my primary bike. I have done a few minor mods, TEC slip ons, DNA filter and some Nology ignition wires. It definitely spunked up the motor and sounds like a proper cruiser. You just can't beat the price for what you get.
I hope to see you review the Continental GT as it's on my list to have as my first 'big bike'. Also would love to hear your honest opinion on the GT too!! Great video as always and the start b-roll is so smooth and crisp :))
I am not a fan of Royal Enfield’s motorcycles, but I think they got the looks of this bike correct. Problem for me once again is the horsepower, but RE seems to focus on the A2 license segment.
A good review thanks. But every time I watch a British Cruiser review I have to laugh when they mention how heavy the bike is. From a guy in the US like me who rides a 800+ pound bike a 400+ pound bike is a featherweight. But I’m getting up in age and the weight is starting to become an issue. Trying to decide if I need to downsize and these bikes may fit the bill especially price wise. They are much cheaper by a couple of thousand dollars compared to the UK. Thanks again.
@@Englishbikerdan I have an Indian Springfield it’s more nimble than the Yamaha Stratoliner was:) The Springfield is similar to a Harley road king. Hard Bags and windscreen and huge amounts of heat to my right leg:)
I actually thought the brakes were very good, especially the rear which is usually rubbish on most bikes. May the demo I rode had done more miles than yours. The only problem I had was trying to get used to having my feet forward. The engine is the best I have ever tried Very good review and agreed with most of your comments Defo gonna get an RE, but which one? Deposit on Himmy 450, with the well known wait n wait n wait...💤
Always enjoy watching yr videos. Even a bike that looks boring ends up a near purchase. How is the riding position compared with the interceptor pls? I always loved the engine.
That is SO true. Enfield missed the opportunity to debut a 750 and make strides (Himalayan got all the improvements), instead they took an off-the-shelf engine of 47 hp and put it in a bike that weighs 60-70 pounds more than the Conti GT/INT650; Suzuki already did this anemic cruiser with the S40 Boulevard 650 😢
"A bloody charming machine to ride." What a great summary.
Royal Enfield are doing a lot right of late. Other manufacturers should take note. We don't all want ugly transformer or insectoid esque plastic, hyper complicated, over electronic'ed, expensive, penis compensator missiles.
😂👍
Your take on the Shotgun?
It is shocking how few manufacturers actually offer a decent range of motorbikes shaped like...motorbikes. It would have been so nice if the new Honda CB750 was shaped like a classic CB, alas they made it look like a pointy Chinese 125 instead.
@@moonman8450I think it will be comfortable. But it’s an ugly duckling.
@@aruncv1373 maybe it’s the paintjob it’s definitely not helping
Have just bought this bike. And found it surprisingly refind! The gears slip in positive every time and this 650 RE motor is something special! Silky smooth even while breaking in. Has everything you need from a cruiser with real everyday riding enjoyment with those rides you want for downtime to just explore and grab a coffee along the way and a perfect start to your day commuting to work.
This is a bike that punches a little above its engine capacity once on board with how it feels. Punches above with build quality with its price tag. Highly recommend the RE Barend Mirrors. The vision is so much better and absolutely improves the look of the bike.
Great work Royal Enfield! Nailed a quality cruiser at a price many can jump on and enjoy!
Thank you for your comment, I genuinely appreciate it!! Definitely helped!
A good and honest video as usual. RE brakes improve considerably after being thoroughly bled until all the old fluid is out of the system. If as a non- cruiser enthusiast you like the Meteor, try the Interceptor and/or the Continental GT. I think you'll be even more pleasantly surprised.
Great review, enjoying the bike for what it is rather than what it isn't...
Would love to see a long term review of this. Most reviews are saying this is the best in REs current line up
Very comprehensive video, thank you for the info and the fun driving experience, I booked my Super Meteor 650 and looking forward to enjoy the ride ❤
Thanks for watching and for the comment. Ride safe!
A nice first ride. Would love to try one. I wasnt really convinced when riding the Shotgun.
Just took one for a test ride, fell in love
Me too, which colour though?
To put the world into perspective. The Bonneville 120e was rated at 46hp, but even without all the modern materials it weighed 165kg dry. If bike manufacturers would make use of lighter materials these 40ish hp bikes would fly along. Nice review of a lovely looking bike ...if you like 50s nostalgia
... yeah but people then complain about using plastic instead of metal!!!
Had an Interceptor 650 for three years and 10,000 miles, a great engine, I like the look of the Supermeteor, but waiting to see the 650 classic's arrival .
@melfzs Is a 650 classic upcoming and how would it look like?
@@hansvancauwenbergh similar to the Classic 350 and Bullet 350 , there are spy shots on RUclips.
Love the little navi lcd! ❤
i get 73 mpg around the town got 80mpg on a trip to Southampton
Thats good news for potential buyers, thanks
The bike is sort of restricted by an undersized exhaust manifold down to 46hp and 38lbs torque. For a few hundred bucks fit the upgraded sports manifold and exhaust for 65hp and 48lbs. No remap needed, stock computer adjusts to the sports upgrade.
You sure about that (65hp)?? Don’t think anyone is getting anything like that kind of power increase with the modifications you’re describing.
Doubtful it would make that big of a difference, but you could certainly release a few hp's.
As one of those older, more "discerning" riders, I am shopping for a motorcycle to ease me into my 7th decade. I saw one of these for the first time at my local RE dealer just the other day. (They are just now coming to the States) These look much better in the flesh and they sit very well. I have owned many bikes over the last five and a half decades and many have been of the cruiser style. You were not impressed with the front brake, but found the rear to be adequate. That is common on a cruiser as they are designed for riders who, in many cases, use the rear binders more than the front. I have learned to use both., except when negotiating parking lots or gravel roads. I am, now, trying to decide between this bike, a T100, a Duzzi V7 Special, or a W800.
I'm in the same boat. Looking to downsize from an 850# motorcycle. Don't need to pull the trailer anymore either.
I'm in the phase of my life regarding downsizing my motorcycle preferences. For me, less is more. I now have the SM650 as my primary bike. I have done a few minor mods, TEC slip ons, DNA filter and some Nology ignition wires. It definitely spunked up the motor and sounds like a proper cruiser. You just can't beat the price for what you get.
Brilliant video and well produced.
great avian observations!
I hope to see you review the Continental GT as it's on my list to have as my first 'big bike'. Also would love to hear your honest opinion on the GT too!! Great video as always and the start b-roll is so smooth and crisp :))
Noted! And thanks for the comment, wasn't sure people enjoy the b-roll still! :)
They are right side up forks, and you crack me up with your giggle 😂
They are USD forks, if you're not giggling on a bike then something's wrong! Thanks!
12:33 "Big ol teardrop tank with the Royal Enfield emblem, makes it sound quite nice". Huh?
There's a pause, and then I rev it and say "I think it sounds quite nice". I felt that was rather obvious but perhaps not.
@@Englishbikerdan Slipped a few frames while editing. We've all done that.
Great review!
Thanks!
He's English, he's a biker, but can you guess his name...?
Lovely machine.
Dave?
So close....."Rodney"...@@Englishbikerdan
Like the Bullet 350 but wish they would make 500 single. A lot of owners appear to get bored with RE twins, a lack of character?
Fortunately I have one Thunderbird 500 cruiser.. And keeping it.. Sad they have stopped production of long stroke pushrod seen engines
although heavy for 46 bhp ,, it does seem a well sorted bike ;;
I am not a fan of Royal Enfield’s motorcycles, but I think they got the looks of this bike correct. Problem for me once again is the horsepower, but RE seems to focus on the A2 license segment.
I would say, ride one and see how it makes you feel. It feels way more than 40ish bhp.
A good review thanks. But every time I watch a British Cruiser review I have to laugh when they mention how heavy the bike is. From a guy in the US like me who rides a 800+ pound bike a 400+ pound bike is a featherweight. But I’m getting up in age and the weight is starting to become an issue. Trying to decide if I need to downsize and these bikes may fit the bill especially price wise. They are much cheaper by a couple of thousand dollars compared to the UK. Thanks again.
The heaviest bike I've ridden was the R18 Transcontinental. 940lbs. U turns were tricky on that thing!
@@Englishbikerdan I have an Indian Springfield it’s more nimble than the Yamaha Stratoliner was:) The Springfield is similar to a Harley road king. Hard Bags and windscreen and huge amounts of heat to my right leg:)
How are the lights that headlights for riding at night low beam and highbeam
I actually thought the brakes were very good, especially the rear which is usually rubbish on most bikes. May the demo I rode had done more miles than yours.
The only problem I had was trying to get used to having my feet forward.
The engine is the best I have ever tried
Very good review and agreed with most of your comments
Defo gonna get an RE, but which one?
Deposit on Himmy 450, with the well known wait n wait n wait...💤
Like it ❤
How tall is Dan?
5 foot 8ish. So I wouldn't say tall haha!
Damn, the same bike is literallt half the price in its country of origin i.e India
when triumph and harley decided to have a baby:
Trarley or Hiumph?
200bhp per ton 🤔 should be plenty for all normal riding in my opinion,
Always enjoy watching yr videos. Even a bike that looks boring ends up a near purchase. How is the riding position compared with the interceptor pls? I always loved the engine.
Thanks! I've not ridden the Interceptor so I can't comment unfortunately.
@@Englishbikerdan ah OK, I mean is it much upright? Or for someone with back issues a no go?. Sorry to keep going on about it 😔
Mr Magpie??? Are you in Aus
No but you lot are basically just Brits with funny accents and a tan. :D
Looks good but HD sportster is the best.
Look at the price difference though!
Offset speedo would irk me!
That is SO true. Enfield missed the opportunity to debut a 750 and make strides (Himalayan got all the improvements), instead they took an off-the-shelf engine of 47 hp and put it in a bike that weighs 60-70 pounds more than the Conti GT/INT650; Suzuki already did this anemic cruiser with the S40 Boulevard 650 😢
Boost it up to 750cc and call it good.
That could be fun!
How do they manage to get such low power from their engines. I don’t understand. Their 350s are literally 125s and this is slower than a 400
Because they are designed that way. Power figures don't matter when you ride it.
The liquid cooled version will be dope when it comes out