Among the dozens of all-new and updated models recently unveiled at this year’s EICMA (aka Milan Motorcycle Show), one of the most hotly anticipated was Royal Enfield’s middleweight cruiser. Coming hot on the heels of the Meteor and Classic 350, not to mention the consistently strong performance of the Interceptor/Continental GT650 in recent years, the Super Meteor is the logical follow-up to the Royal Enfield onslaught.
With classic cruiser lines such as a sculpted fuel tank, a sloping line from tank to seat, and a stretched-out wheelbase (100mm longer than the Interceptor), the Super Meteor combines the visual aesthetic of the entry-level Meteor with the hearty engine of the Interceptor. The latter is still the 649cc oil- and air-cooled parallel-twin rated at 47hp and 53Nm, and with a six-speed transmission and a slipper clutch.
ByBre continues to provide the ABS-equipped braking system with a single 320mm disc in front and a 300mm at the back. And great news for anyone who has ridden the Interceptor and hated the flaccid suspension (including yours truly), the front is a 43mm Showa inverted fork with 120mm of travel, while the back uses a preload-adjustable, twin-piston system with 101mm. Even better, the alloy wheels are tubeless and wear CEAT rubber.
The 15.7L tank promises some decent range, too. Royal Enfield has also joined the modern age with LED lighting and a digital/analog gauge pod. Additional lovely details include a blacked-out crankcase, saving you that aftermarket mod, along with just enough chrome to stand out without going overboard.
The pillion seat takes away some style points, but it’s removable and will be useful in the real world. The whole bike with 90% fuel load is said to weigh a hefty 241kg, but a low 741mm seat height should make it manageable for most riders.
The Super Meteor is slated for availability in the US by summer 2023, so we can’t be too far behind. Prices have yet to be announced.
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