Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 - Verdict Of A Meteor 350 Owner - Should I Upgrade ? - My Decision
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 มี.ค. 2023
- So, nearly a week after my test ride on the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 I finally decided whether or not it was the bike for me.
In this video I discuss the Super Meteor's somewhat unusual foot ergonomics, tell you whether or not I will be buying one and give you the reasons for my final decision regarding Royal Enfield's latest and very tempting release.
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ER.
#royalenfield #supermeteor650 #supermeteor royalenfieldsupermeteor650 - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
In many ways the reason the RE Super Meteor does not make sense in your current situation mirrors my own. I live in rural Herefordshire where there are no motorways and few dual carriages. I purchased a RE Hunter 350 in January and I find it does everything I want, the Super Meteor would add nothing on the roads I ride. Also like you I have a gravel driveway, lugging another 60Kg around does not appeal. I really like your channel and of course Ruby is the star of the show 😊😊
Thank you Keith and Ruby says "Fanks Keiff !" ❤🐕
It does indeed sound as though you are in the exact same situation as I am Keith. The gravel is always a worry, nothing more embarrassing than damaging your prized possession at 0 mph 😱 If you can avoid fast roads, as we can, the 350s are just as much fun and really sip fuel ( I always hate filling up bikes for some reason - it's just annoying ! ).
Thanks Keith, good to hear that there are plenty of folks out there who can understand my decision 👍🏻
Glad you are liking my channel, great to have you onboard ! Enjoy your lovely bike, the Hunter is a peach, must try one !
ER & Ruby
People think I’m crazy for selling my 650 Interceptor to buy my Classic 350. I have my 2-up long distance bike and my solo small bike. The Super was not on my radar but I enjoyed your critique of it. None of the other reviews have mentioned the foot position. Well done!
Looks like an opening for TEC Bike Parts to make a wind deflector.
I did the same, sold my 650 and bought the Classic 350, the 350 does 90% of what I want from a bike. If they bring out a Classic 650 well we will see....
Hi Dan,
yes, with your Harley in the fleet, the Classic is a nice lightweight option for a quick enjoyable ride without too much hassle. And of course it looks and sounds better than the Interceptor ( well to my eyes anyway ! ), so why not ?
Thanks Dan, nice to know I am not the only one who thinks this way. Actually, judging by the comments A LOT of people feel the same way. The "Buy as much bike as you need and no more" thing seems to be quite widespread !
Cheers Dan & Valentino,
Garry & Ruby
@@davidgalt8107 I'm sure they won't miss an opportunity David 😂 They are probably knocking up some Super Meteor footboards in the shed as I write this !
For high speed touring you would definitely appreciate not having your feet fighting the wind, that's for sure. If TEC don't do it, somebody else will.!
Cheers David,
ER
@@morrisminor56 Spot on Christopher, glad it's not just me who thinks this way !
For me, a 650 Classic, as a twin, would probably have the same trouble convincing me.
A lot more expense, fuel consumption and weight for very little benefit.
Now a J Series 500cc Classic, that would be the sweet spot for me and almost definitely a "keeper" bike 🥰
Cheers Christopher 👍🏻
ER
Hi Garry, I share your motivations. Since I got my licence (1966) I have owned 36 motorbikes, of all types, from the 160 hp sports bike to the 350 kg Tourer, and now, at the "end of my career", I am satisfied with my Meteor, light and relaxed (and less "dangerous"). I am only sorry that R.E. has not (yet) thought of a Meteor 500, with the same engine layout and at least 10 hp more, it would be perfect for me. The extra horsepower, in my opinion, would be useful especially when overtaking and driving uphill.
Cheers Garry & Ruby from me and Arthur!
I too wish that RE would bring out 500cc versions of the Meteor and the other J bikes. They'd be PERFECT!
@@markymarknj We should make a petition to send to RE 😆
@@corradospagnuolo614 let's do it!
Tbh Corrado I think sooooooo many of us are yearning for a 500cc version of that lovely J Series engine and a new range of models to fit it in.
Both a Classic 500 and Meteor 500 would be wonderful. They would be more capable but still affordable. The 650s are all too expensive for me. Yes, I could afford to buy one but for me it's a lot of money for practically no real world benefit, in my case. I could easily justify trading up to a Meteor/Classic 500 though, just because they would be less expensive to buy, still have great fuel economy AND would enable me to hold my speed better up steep hills. So we need a range of 500s, I totally agree !
Cheers you two !
Garry & Ruby
@@markymarknj I think so many of us agree with you there Mark. Economical like a Classic 350 or Meteor 350 just with the ability to hold a speed up any hill would be marvellous !
Just do it RE !!!
i completely agree. i've got a 350 classic and it does everything i need it to do. i live in cologne which is where i ride it almost exclusively. i can happily ride north to dusseldorf or south to bonn - each journey 45 mins or so - without any bother. plus it's a really sweet bike to ride, beautifully built and a proper looker, and with the hitchcock's free-flow exhaust it sounds incredible. i was tempted by the super meteor, but nah. brilliant bike, not for me.
Thanks Richard ! Blimey, you are riding about in my old stomping ground. I was living in Kerpen and then Jülich for many years !
Where is your nearest RE dealer these days ? I bought a new Bullet 500 in 2004 from a Ural / RE dealer somewhere between Kerpen and Düren but they went bust not long after.
Cheers Richard, you are clearly a sensible chap and the Classic is a lovely hobby motorcycle !
ER
I sat on the Super Meteor at the recent London Motorcycle show and although lovely, I found it to be much wider and a lot heavier than the 350. I’m medium build and only ride for pleasure so it’s still the 350 for me.
Hi Phil,
I must admit, being in a similar position, I do prefer having a bike I feel in command of. I feel pretty confident of not dropping the 350s, particularly important when you are moving them about around the garage on gravel as I have to do. Although the 650 felt fine once on the move, there is no denying that it is quite heavy in comparison and getting it to move without the engine would be harder. I think I'd also struggle to pick it up if I ever dropped it. So yes, if like me, you find that the 350s cover your needs why pay more and heave about more if you don't have to ?
Thanks Phil 👍🏻
ER
Totally agree with you Gary.
Horses for course.
All the 350s are so capable and I think a 650 cruiser is a step backwards.
I think you already have the right bikes for you.
I own a Meteor. Recently test rode a Classic and a Hunter.
Loved the Hunter but felt the extra weight of the Classic.
Hi Tim,
thanks. I was worried that people would call me a killjoy. I know that some people would buy this bike even if they didn't actually need it. For some people it's just a nice thing, they want it and if they are in a position to afford it, then of course they should buy it, that's fine.
It's simply that in my circumstances a bike has to suit my needs and fulfil some sort of purpose, I don't have money to burn.
So ultimately I couldn't justify the expense of this bike when it doesn't really add anything to the fleet !
I think the Hunter is an absolutely cracking bike and much easier to manhandle than the Meteor and the Classic. If you are looking for something lighter feeling, more like a traditional 250, then I think the Hunter would be a great choice ! I also like how it sounds. Let me know what you end up deciding because I am a nosey so and so 😛
Cheers Tim,
ER & Ruby
As we say in France "Everyone sees Sun at their door"
For me it will be the 650 without hesitation. why? Because I often ride a duo and I am tall. I also find it more versatile and it allows with its additional power to make the highway comfortably. The feet forward position destabilizes at first then quickly becomes natural.
I fell in love with this 650 after trying it. It's a must have.
Have a nice day and ride safe👍✌️
Hi Bertrand,
that's great. If it suits your needs, you should definitely get one because I am sure that you will love it.
If my circumstances ever change I would still like to buy one for myself but I can't justify the expense at the moment because my other two bikes do everything I need.
Cheers Bertand,
ER
Thanks, makes a lot of sense. I have a Classic 350 and Meteor 350, both only 8 months old, thought about swapping them in for a Super in a moment of madness. Dealer offered me not much for mine and the Celestial I fancied would have cost me about 4k to deal..... cannot justify it now after watching your vid! 👍
Hi Sabian,
yes, pretty much the same situation I was facing and to be honest, I'd much rather have two bikes than to put all of my eggs into one basket.
I too would only be interested in the Celestial and like you, would have had to have traded in the Classic and Meteor and still have had 3-4k to pay on top !
Unless you really need the extra performance, it's hard to justify the added expense, weight and fuel consumption for something which is ultimately just a toy. I'd rather have two different toys than one, for less money. I can also probably run the two, for the price of the other one. All I would say is that as the SMs start to come onto the second hand market, it might be reasonable ( but decadent ) to fetch one IN ADDITION TO your regular bikes.
If I could pick up a low mileage, practically new, Super Meteor for 5k instead of 7k, I could be tempted, even if I don't really need it. Something a bit bigger and more powerful might be fun to have, at the right price. But I certainly can't justify the 7k asking price of a new one !
With the Meteor 350 and now the Himalayan 411, I really have the two bikes that I need. A third bike would be decadent and just for fun. It would also have to be priced accordingly !
I think you've made the right decision and if I've helped you to arrive at that decision in any way, then I am very glad to have been of service.
Thanks Sabian 👍🏻
Garry
Tec make fold up foot pegs they made for the Meteor 350.They bolt up in traditional foot peg position & used to rest legs & help blood flow from the forward controls.They fold up & are black & are barely noticeable on the Super Meteor & great on long trips when in top gear.
Thanks Rushines Rider,
yes, I'm sure there will be plenty of accessories as the bikes reach more customers.
If there is a problem, somebody will find a solution, I'm sure.
Cheers,
ER
This was technically speaking a brilliant video,reason being how you explain the way its more money for no tangible benefit . As you said on the Live! your a big believer in having the right bike thats "enough"....thats gold! you will do well on this video : )
Unless your riding up to the Alps or alike then why do you need that extra........more money for sauggeeeeessssss correct!
Thanks ER.
Yes, these days I am firmly in the camp of "buy the bike to suit your needs". There is always something shinier, better, more desirable just around the corner. I think it's best not to get on that merry-go-round personally. Just assess your needs and buy the best value bike which appeals to you in some way and meets those needs. Everything else is just burning money really. I have just as much fun on my 350s, possibly more, than I ever did on my more expensive bikes. It would be the same with a Honda Monkey. You'd have way more fun on one of those than most other bikes, yet they are cheap to buy !
Ruby is of course delighted that there will now be more money for sossidges 😂❤🐕
Cheers ER, hope you get to ride a Super Meteor soon. Keep an eye out for the foot ergos in general but particularly riding into a headwind at 70mph. Having your feet trying to lift off the foot pegs is not the greatest sensation !
Take care buddy, love from France !
El Otro & Ruby
Your reason for not getting one is my reason for considering this one. I love the 350s but I'm in the states and live off a major highway, so I need to go 60mph minimum to go anywhere. That's why I went with a Himalayan originally instead of any of the 350 models, and I think the Super Meteor would be a great second bike to go with my Himy. All the reviews so far seem to be universally positive, but I'm sure a lot of time and refinement went into this model.
Hi Jeremy,
yes, I totally get that ! The Himalayan was a great choice because it does have that little bit extra over the 350s and at a pinch can do multiple hours on the motorway at 70 mph if required. But although it will do it, mechanical sympathy would lead me to think that it might not be ideal for the life of the engine. So something a bit bigger, which is able to hold that speed without getting out of breath, would definitely be on my wish list in your situation.
Definitely consider the Super Meteor but try before you buy, if you can. The foot ergonomics will take some getting used to, may not be for everybody. Also bear in mind that you will probably need some footboards or something to make motorway speeds more comfortable for you. Admittedly I rode it on a windy day, which may have exacerbated the issue, but at 70 mph my feet really were being lifted off the footrests.
Good luck deciding Jeremy and thanks for you comment !
ER
Scared for Buddy... 😢. But that's life.
Why are you scared for Buddy ? I decided that I am NOT buying a Super Meteor.
I really don't think I could ever sell Buddy, unless he starts misbehaving !
So don't worry Jubei, Buddy is going nowhere !
Cheers,
ER
I agree. You made the right decision. Why buy a faster bike when you don`t need it.
Thanks Klaus,
I am surprised that just about everybody on here agrees with my decision.
I was expecting more people to be disappointed to be honest.
Obviously my viewers are a very sensible group of folks !
Cheers Klaus and thanks for taking the time to comment, it really helps me !
ER
I like your very sensible reasoning. I am riding a 5 year old NC750X and will happily be riding it for years to come as it completely fulfils my needs. I admit that if my nearest bikeshop was an Enfield dealer, or service agent, then I would be sorely tempted to trade the NC for a Classic 350 as it would be as capable of touring the backroads.
I often wonder if the riders who only do a few hundred miles a year are actually just struggling with an unsuitable bike (looking at you sports bike riders 🧐).
Thanks CC,
yes. I can't imagine spending 15k or more on a lovely bike because I know for a fact that it would not get used often enough to justify the expense and depreciation in the first few years ! If you ride every day, fine, it's better to have something you really enjoy. But as a weekend toy ? Makes no sense to me and I am happy to have found joy with smaller, cheaper motorcycles. I have seen the light ! 😇 And so have many of my viewers, apparently 👍🏻
Cheers CC 😛
ER
I love my Meteor 350 and won't be upgrading for all the reasons that you have already mentioned. I also have a Classic Bullet 500 so all my needs are covered. Ride safe and above all enjoy your ride.
Hi James,
that's a brilliant combo you have right there !
I would love a 500cc J Series engine powered new gen Classic 500. I think that would be my perfect "keeper" motorcycle.
I'm not sure that RE are planning a larger J Series engine but they really should. Some of us don't want to pay for the extra weight and fuel consumption of a twin, we want to stick with the singles ! Also more authentic for the classic styling, easier to package. RE should make a new Classic 500 because I missed out on the last one ( which I regret ).
Cheers James 👍🏻
ER
I totally agree with you , I have the 350 and love it as it does everything I want and at 90+ mpg . Fuel is so expensive it's just not needed( larger bike) 😁
Thanks Edward !
Yes, people should definitely try living with a smaller bike before spending twice the money on something bigger which in the real world brings little advantage. I know, in my younger days I would have probably tried to buy the flashiest bike I could barely afford but with age comes wisdom.
I am happy with my 350 and the Himalayan 411 is already more motorcycle than I need but they are just very competent off-road without adding a ton of expensive mods.
Cheers Edward 👍 I love my Meteor 350 !
ER
Just adding to your comment list! I recently found you and thoroughly enjoy your rides and reviews. This one is most excellent! Since getting my Meteor I've found myself riding and enjoying the back roads much more than when using my H-D Road King. For this summer's road trip I've worked out an inter-state free route and will be riding the Meteor.
Thanks Regor, that's very kind of you !
I totally agree. If you can avoid fast roads ( which are pretty boring at the best of times ) you can go anywhere on a 350. You just have to allow yourself more time, progress will be slower on the back roads of course. But isn't a biking holiday about the ride and not just getting somewhere ? I don't get these people who have two weeks off work and have to cross a continent and get back in that time. They probably spend all day every day on the blinking motorway. Not really my idea of an enjoyable ride or holiday !
I think we are enlightened Regor. Once you've seen the light, you can have all of the fun at a fraction of the expense and headache. I really can't see myself ever spending more than 6k on any bike ever again. What you gain is really not worth the extra cost because you will barely, if ever, use it.
I'm very envious of your Meteor summer road trip. I hope to do one myself someday but having Ruby to get back to means that it's not possible at the moment ( and I don't want to palm her off on somebody else or put her somewhere where she won't be happy either ). Have a great time. The Meteor will see you right, I've no doubt about it. I still adore my little yellow Buddy 🥰
Cheers Regor,
ER
Another factor with the Super Meteor foot position is that it is impossible to stand up. On the Meteor 350 it is possible, just, to standup on the footpegs (being careful not to change gear in the process) at slow speeds on rough roads. Not that many people need to do that but it is a handy thing to be able to do on Australian bush tracks.
Very true Colin.
I have done this off-roading on my Meteor ( getting up on the pegs is not great for dodgy knees but it can be done ) but it would certainly be more precarious on a Super Meteor with the pegs where they are.
A good point. Somewhat mitigated by decent suspension which would probably not bottom out so easily and would absorb most of the impact but it would definitely be better to be able to stand up when you see that big pothole up ahead a bit too late to avoid it !
Cheers Colin, a great comment and a valid point 👍🏻
ER
I was considering the Super Meteor as a replacement for my CBF1000 which seems to have become redundant as I bought a CB500x which I prefer for longer rides and I fancied a cruiser style bike. I was considering it until I went to the dealers today and sat on one. If I'm honest it was a nice bike and the finish is definitely a step up for Royal Enfield but I found it to be quite wide in the waist which is not brilliant for shorter legs and I thought it was incredibly heavy for a relatively low powered machine at least as heavy as my CBF1000 but with less than half the power. I also thought the seat (celestial) seemed very hard and I found it to be a bike that you sit on top of rather than a bike you sit in which, for me, is not something I want in a cruiser style bike. These are personal reasons to me but they mean that it is a no go for me.
i owned a cbf 1000 14 reg ,1 year old . it was one of my all time favourite bikes .
@@johnbellamy6449 I really like the CBF and it does shine when you have a long motorway haul to do but in every other respect the 500x is just nicer for me. it's lightweight, manoeuvrable, economical, comfortable and it's quite a lively bike that just feels more fun. I can't say I'm looking forward to getting rid of the CBF though but the wife says it now has to be one in one out lol
Hi Mike,
the CB500x is such a good all-rounder that I have considered getting one multiple times.
The Super Meteor is no longer a cheap bike and I think the ergos may put off a few people. It was fine for me, I enjoy my Meteor and the Super Meteor felt similar in many ways but it is a hefty and expensive lump of motorcycle. Unless it floats your boat you should look elsewhere, plenty of options at this price point after all.
Cheers Mike and thanks for your input 👍🏻
ER & Ruby
Sounds like you made a good decision for yourself. This is why I enjoy hearing from people from overseas. Where things are so different. Here in the states are commuting is very different. I enjoyed your video very much.
Thanks Wayne, very kind of you to say so !
Yes, if I lived on a busy ring road or next to a highway then I would probably be ok with owning a 650 and could justify it on safety grounds.
But where I ride, people are not tailgating me or hassling me. I'm usually more or less on my own and then I'm quite happy rolling around at 50 mph all day, which is where the 350s are at their happiest 🙂
Cheers Wayne,
ER
Well thought out and articulated decision. My local dealer has invited me to test ride one. I might take him up on it.
Thanks Noob,
yes, doesn’t suit my needs currently, so no reason to spend so much money.
Could be an alternative to your Kawa if you are looking for one though. The Himmy for the city and a Super Meteor for further afield could work for you. But I suspect the foot ergos will be a bit weird for you.
Definitely have a go on one and make a video about it. Super Meteor content is really hot right now, it will definitely be good for your channel, so just go for it !
Good luck Noob 👍
🥃🥃
ER
Finally ! I love the look of the Super Meteor but the extreme "feet-forward" position is no longer possible for my back and hips. The heavy weight too. 71 years old soon.....
Hi Guy,
yes, I was hoping that the Super Meteor would be like the Meteor, just with a bigger engine and better suspension. Unfortunately they have gone in a completely different direction with the ergonomics for this bike. I would like this bike so much more if it had the ergos of the Meteor 350, which feel cruiser-like but still very comfortable and easy to live with. The foot controls are exactly where you need them to be unlike on the Super Meteor.
I'm sure that I would get used to the Super Meteor ergos if I owned one but I far prefer how I sit on the Meteor 350, in every way !
Cheers Guy,
ER.
I agree with all you say, my Meteor does everything I need, I have no interest in riding on motorways, most of the roads near me are rural B roads so 60mph is plenty. I am sure you made the right decision.
Thanks James !
Yes, if you are fortunate enough to have the nice roads directly outside your doorstep, you really do have to ask yourself, how much bike do I actually need when riding on these roads ? The answer is seldom "something with 100 bhp and at least 750cc" 🤨
I think the 650s are a much better choice for people who have to ride half an hour or longer on major roads before they get to the nice roads for riding. I think that you'd quickly get fed up with flogging a 350 for half an hour before the fun starts. So it does really depend upon where you live and if you can avoid prolonged spells on faster roads easily. If you can, a 350 is really the sweet spot. No longer a small bike but still very economical and sufficient to go out and enjoy the ride on 👍🏻
Welcome to the club of the enlightened James 😛
Now watch me go out and buy a Hayabusa or something stupid and look like a right hypocrite 😂😂😂
Cheers James,
ER
Really interesting to hear a motorcyclist whom thinks it through in the way you have,
Thanks Jim,
you wouldn't believe how many versions of a decision I came up with before this one ! Honestly, my brain does my head in sometimes.
But usually, as in this case, the final decision is the right one and I can never have any regrets because I know darn well that I covered all of the angles 🙂
Plenty of people seem to be agreeing with my decision and thought process, so that's reassuring !
Cheers Jim, ride safe !
ER
All makes perfect sense to me. Nicely put together, El Otro.
All the best to you and Rubita bonita 🙂👋🏼
Thanks Jeff,
yes, it took a while. I looked at it from all angles and changed my mind a couple of times. It would have been a great bike for the channel, no doubt, but I really need to buy the bikes that I want and need. At least until TH-cam ups my price per thousand by about ten times, then I might let TH-cam dictate my wheels 😂
Cheers SB, love from Spain ❤
El Otro y Rubia bonita 🐕
@@economicalrides going by TH-cam payments, I’ll have to start looking at Chinese scooters 😬
@@Saddlebags73 😂 Steady on !
Watching your videos is like watching The Lifestyles of The Rich and Famous compared to my day to day existence Jeff 😂😂😂
Still, I'm happy enough as long as I can keep Ruby in sossidges and me in bikes, it's all good 🤗
Stay safe and have fun !
Love from Spain,
El Otro y Rubita
@@economicalrides 🤣🤣🤣
You made some great points and I am in a similar condition.
I appreciate your "Be honest with yourself" comment.
Hi Dan,
thank you, that's great to hear 🙂
Maybe when I was younger I would have been more inclined to just go out and buy the newest, greatest thing, whether I needed it or not, but these days I really do consider every purchase very carefully. That's mainly because my house is full of crap already, so if I buy something, I will have to make a space for it 😂 Third world problem, I know !
But ( unfortunately for me ) that attitude has now extended to my car and bike buying decisions. I now have the smallest car that I can get away with and the smallest, most economical motorbikes.
As much as I like all Royal Enfields, a 100 mph 650 twin somehow still seems like excess to me, when I rarely exceed 55 mph.
My Meteor is absolutely adequate for my weekend rides on smaller roads. And now I have added a Himalayan for the mountain trails, which again, is the best bang for buck ADV/enduro style bike available ( well, along with the Scram ). Really enjoying the Himalayan so far. It's great being able to explore ALL mountain trails and feeling confident that you'll be able to get through ok, come what may !
Thanks for your comment Dan, you are clearly one of the enlightened 😇 I would probably have liked the Super Meteor a lot more if it had had the foot ergonomics of the Meteor and a heel/toe shifter, by the way. I find the setup they chose a bit extreme. Considering how popular the Meteor's ergos were, I'm surprised that RE didn't try something similar with this bike ! It would have made the step up from Meteor to Super Meteor a lot more intuitive too. As it is, the Super Meteor feels totally different !
Cheers Dan, have a great weekend 👍🏻
Garry
Excellent decision on your part. I, like you, love the smaller roads by far the best.
Thanks Ironcast,
yes, for long distances on faster roads, I have a car ( fortunately ). I don't really want to do those journeys on a motorcycle, so why do I need anything bigger/faster ?
Cheers 👍🏻
ER
Good decision! Good thinking!!!
Thanks Dave !
I do procrastinate but one positive is that I usually arrive at the right decision !
No regrets. I'm sure the Super Meteor will suit other folks' needs and they'll really enjoy their purchase. I will continue to enjoy my little 350s and save myself a heap of "sossidge money" ! 😂
Cheers Dave, thanks for dropping by !
ER
I love my 2021 Meteor 350 in stellar red. I have over 6000 miles on it the first year of owner ship. I love riding the Sonoma and Napa wine country. I'm going to add a box for the dog to ride in.. I agree with the Economical rides. I bought it for the price and MPG.. Works for me but can't wait for the SUper Meteor to get to the states...
Awww....I wish Ruby was small enough to fit in a dog box on the back. She'd love to come with me ! I did think about getting a sidecar but a) expensive and b) would kill the fun of riding for me. I really love the Meteor, so much bike for the money, it is a real bargain. By all accounts the Hunter 350 is a great value for money option too. Also sounds quite nice IMO.
Cheers Nowell and good luck with your fluffy pillion ! Send pics !
ER & Ruby ❤
Totally sensible reasoning, fella. Useful vid.
I already planned to try a Meteor 350 in the same session as a Super Meteor and your vid just helps me know that's a good idea.
I *will* be looking to do longer distances and I'm a slightly bigger bloke, I think, so I anticipate the 650 will suit me better, but I also may even keep my Speedmaster, which is a 1200 and less practical, so I'm coming from a different direction than you somewhat hehe.
Thanks though.
Also, always nice to keep up with Ruby and the sossidge situation. Glad that's going well.
Nice one The Disposalist,
yes, definitely try the Meteor because it is a brilliant bike for the money !
But I suspect that you will want something a bit stronger. Just try both and ask yourself what the bike will have to do in your use case. There is a BIG price difference between a Meteor and a Super Meteor so the Super Meteor really needs to make a strong case for itself !
Please let me know what you decide to buy 🙂
Cheers The Disposalist
ER
Thank you very much
You’re welcome Roy, thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it 👍
If you have any questions regarding the Super Meteor, feel free to ask me !
Cheers,
ER
Ooo tiny tootsies.. I never knew that - you are sharing a lot with us here.😂
I'll leave the Super Meteor at the dealers then, Garry. Very informative video.
Many thanks. Peter
They are not tiny Peter, they are petite !!!!
Actually, I think I would have been a great footballer with my quick little feet, unfortunately I was focused on academia and never had much time for sport as a youngster.
I can also kick a ball nicely with either foot, so I probably missed out on earning multiple millions, crashing numerous exotic cars and being caught multiple times in compromising positions by the tabloid press, just because I wanted to go to university. That worked out well for me !!!
I'm actually relieved that you are not buying a Super Meteor Peter. It would really be bad for your bank account because I know that if you bought one, a month later you'd be buying another one in a different colour. So that's 16k right there 😂😂😂 ( apologies ! )
Take care and give the Hunters a hug from me !
Love from Spain,
Garry & Ruby
@@economicalrides 😂😂
here we go , have already pressed the like before watching ;;;; ruby and zen will back me up ;;; lets GO ,,
Haha, nice one Simon !
Thank you for your kind donation by the way.
Take care and love to Zen,
Garry & Ruby
Wolfie is happy that you're saving money for sossidges! And I'm sure Ruby is too!
Good choice on the bike. No point in spending money just to do it. While I'm sure higher-speed runs would be better, if you're like me, I don't spend much time on freeways these days. You have two great bikes, and you can use the money you didn't spend on gear if needed - or wanted!
In all honesty, the only bike in the RE lineup that gets me excited, is the Royal Enfield Classic 350.
Enjoy your week - we're pouring down with rain as usual this year so no riding for us!
love and cheers,
Scott & Wolfie. 🐾🐾♥
Ride Safe 🙏🏼
Hi pals !
Yes, no regrets here, I am a cheap thrills kind of guy. I fear that there is now no turning back for me ! Even an Interceptor 650 is an expensive bike in my eyes these days and I really couldn't justify getting one 🤗
Whisper it, but so far the rain has stayed away here. Last February it rained practically every day and continued all through March and April. This year, so far, February and March have been pretty dry, sometimes sunny but unfortunately extremely windy. But I'll take wind over rain any day. Wind doesn't make my bikes dirty 😂
I hope you get some decent weather soon Scott 🤞
Cheers you two. Your sticker has been on its way to you for about 10 days or so, in case I forgot to let you know. I think it will take a while yet to get there though.
Love from Spain,
Garry & Ruby
@@economicalrides Looking forward to the sticker!
Wolfie is as mad as me - he's not a rain lover, so he's inside and that's not great for a two year old Cattle dog!
Rain rain and more rain here. It gets depressing after a while, so hoping it ends soon.
Have a nice week and always...
Ride Safe 🙏🏼
Scott & Wolfie
@@scottboettcher Sounds just like here last year. It rained almost non-stop from the end of February until the end of April. I bought the Classic mid February, so just managed to get the 300 mile service done before having to park it for more or less two months solid. I really struggled for videos last spring, so I am delighted to see that the weather has been significantly better this year. I was thinking that last year's weather was going to be the new norm !
Chin up you two, hopefully things will improve soon. Give Wolfie a nice kiss from Ruby 💋🐕 and take good care of yourselves pals !
Love from Spain,
Garry & Ruby
Well done you for taking what must have been a difficult decision!🙂
Thanks David,
wasn't that hard. I just looked at my bank balance and thought "Yoiks !" 😂
No, I could have made it work but I really didn't think the benefits were enough to make it worthwhile ( for me ! ).
Plus, I don't like spending money if it can be avoided, which definitely meant that the Super Meteor had its work cut out to convince me to buy one.
A nice bike for many and possibly one for me in the future. But not a bike that I need at the moment and certainly not so brilliant that I would want it at any price !
Cheers David,
ER
Thanks for the info! It's refreshing to see someone using logic in their approach to buying a motocycle. So many people advise us to buy motorcycles "with our heart, and not our brain." I truly don't NEED another motorcycle, since the Meteor 350 is fine for back roads, and my DR650 satisfies use on both dirt roads and also the occasional 80 mph blast on the highway. I will still look at the 650 when it comes out. I will put it up on the centerstand and see about the ergos. IF it fits, then I will test ride it. I will probably wait to see what other variants of the 650 become available. Maybe one with better foot placement. Who knows? RE is on a roll.
HI L Short and thank you.
I was expecting people to say exactly that, that buying a motorcycle is not purely about "need" but also about desire/aspiration.
I get that and if you can afford to think like that, knock yourself out and buy every latest and greatest new model that comes out every year !
Maybe it comes with age but I have reached a point in my life where I don't buy things just because I can, I always try to assess whether or not I actually need said thing.
It seems as though a 650 twin with the Classic styling will be coming, so that should have standard ergos and be adequate on faster roads.
If they make it look like an early Bonneville (ish) I think it will do well. The Interceptor and Continental are not retro enough for some folks. A Classic 650 twin would definitely appeal to many, although I would prefer a cheaper yet capable 500cc J Series engined Classic 500 personally.
Cheers and thanks for your comment LS 👍🏻
ER
Hi Garry, I also totally feel the same as you in the respect that the 650, although more glamorous, doesn’t add anything to my rural riding pleasure. Great review though, so thanks buddy. 👍
Thanks Phil,
glad you found it helpful and very kind of you to say so ! You are welcome ! Thank YOU for taking the time to watch and comment 👍🏻
Cheers Phil, enjoy your weekend !
Garry
Good video ER and food for thought 😉🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
🤫😝
I think you have made the right decision. You can travel any distance on back roads, much more enjoyable, better choice of places to eat (not Mcdonalds by every motorway services with crap coffie machines !). My last trip in France was two hours motorway or three and a half hours A & B roads (excellent maintained roads). When you are going for a NICE ride, for me it's a no brainer. Took in the view and discovered nice places (and no road rage). Did the trip on my Himalayan, next trip will be with the Meteor 350. Give your dog a treat for the appearances.
Hi Douglas,
thanks. I was expecting more people to be disappointed but most of the comments seem to be agreeing with my decision and the reasons for it !
I am really, really hoping to be able to do a long trip with Buddy this year. I just need to convince my Mum to take Ruby for a few days. I would love to go to Seville or Cordoba, both lovely cities, on my Meteor, using a route to more or less completely avoid the motorways. Just to prove to myself and others that it can be done and as you say, is actually more enjoyable to ride. Of course it takes you longer to get anywhere, so you need to plan your schedule and time off work accordingly.
Thanks Douglas, we seem to have a lot of sensible folks watching this channel !
Ruby says "Thanks Douglas !" ❤🐕
Cheers,
ER
I have an halcyon black and Himalayan is on my wish list … the granite black
@@christopherfernandez4982 The Meteor and Himalayan are very different bikes but both with the RE charm. I am lucky that I have both models in black.
@@TheBezaleel that’s awesome sir … safe riding some day I will get a granite black Himalayan… the reason I am now not buying is that I aam based in uae but the bikes are in india
@@christopherfernandez4982 Hi Christopher,
I was saving up to buy a Himalayan when the Meteor was announced and I bought that instead.
I think, when I finally get a bike for the trails ( which I am currently saving up for ), it will have to be a Himalayan. They are just very solid and very capable off-road, have a nice low seat height and are great value for money ! So we have similar tastes if you already own a Classic !
Cheers Christopher,
ER
Fair enough ER! Good decision, and wise if you ask me. Why upgrade if you don’t need to? I’ve seen most of your videos if not all, and regarding speed, you don’t need to have that power for more speed. There isn’t much traffic, no motor highways, no take overs needed. But as you say, you don’t know the what the future brings😊 Have fun with the 350’s and enjoy riding💖 Hugs for Ruby💖 🎉
Thanks Lilian,
exactly. That's how I see it. If my circumstances change, maybe I could justify a bigger bike but at the moment I am getting my thrills with my 350s and am saving money in the process 😛
Cheers !
Garry & Ruby
enjoyed part 2 Garry .I think your judgement was correct . when my meteor went to our local honda dealer 1 year old 550 miles ,completely unmarked,never seen rain ,1st service done at 310 miles ,Ionly got £2600 for it . A man of 85 years old has recently bought it for £3500 to cherish but not to ride so Iam happy for him . always nice to see lovely Ruby as well . see you both soon .
Hi John,
yes, I am always wary of having too much money tied up in one bike because I start feeling OBLIGED to ride it and I really don't need any more things in my life stressing me out !
With the 350s, I know they are paid for, they will lose some value in the first year or two but after that, probably no more. So if I can't ride for a month or whatever, it's not something to worry about. I really can't imagine spending 15k on a bike and then only using it a few times a year but plenty of people seem to be fine with that 🤷♂
Take care John, stay safe.
Love to all,
Garry & Ruby
@@economicalrides thanks Garry.
I have only sat on both Meteors and I much preferred the 350 and I do know its more than fast enough 👍 I think you made the best decision 😃👍
Thanks AR,
yep, no regrets.
Happy with the bikes I have and unless my circumstances change, I don't need anything bigger, stood in the garage, losing value or out on the road burning through fuel.
Surprisingly ( to me ) most people here seem to agree with my decision, which just goes to show how sensible the folks here all are !
Cheers James,
Garry
Totally agree with you
I am the one who doesn't cross 100 kmph on an empty road, even if I had a Hayabusa.
My Meteor 350 rides butter smooth and fulfills my expectations.
Super Meteor 650 is way cool, but like you said, this doesn't have anything that I need.
Good review by the way, Ride Safe 😊
Thanks Moncy,
yes, the 350s are adequate for many of us.
I understand though that some people need a bit more power and speed to feel safe, it does depend upon the type of roads you have to ride from where you live to where you want to ride. If you have to ride an hour on a motorway before you get to the nice roads, I can understand that doing that hour on the motorway every weekend on a 350 could get tiresome, you would soon wish for something which wasn't working quite so hard all of the time.
But since I live right amongst the mountains, I can jump onto the nice roads more or less straight away and for those roads the 350s are plenty fast and powerful enough !
Cheers Moncy,
ER
Thanks
Thank YOU William and it was my pleasure 🙂
Very kind of you to make this gesture, it means a lot to me that you would want to do such a thing voluntarily. Thank you so much !
Stay safe and well !
Greetings from Spain,
ER & Ruby
Well thats the way it is. but not only with you.
most of us are in the same boat.
Cheers 🍻
Thanks William,
yes, everybody here seems to agree with my decision !
What a sensible bunch we are !
We deserve a medal ! Here you go !
🥇
Cheers William,
ER & Ruby
@@economicalrides Thank's Sire 😀
Excellent ! what you buy is what you need...how many of us know what they reall need, or what they are asked to consume for ???⭐⭐
Exactly Loïc,
the next big shiny new thing is always just around the corner. No point getting obsessed with always having the latest thing. Just buy what you need and whatever appeals to you at the time. And do it as cheaply as possible !!! Well, that's my approach these days. In younger days I would probably have decided differently and taken out a massive loan to buy this bike !
Cheers buddy,
ER
Yep cool Mate!
Something for everyone out for a bike! I love your videos for the real world. Particularly when so many reviews focus on more power and big is good. Not real world. Not necessarily real needs.
I am hoping i will get to the Super Meteor 650 only because it seems it will be perfect for me. Yet i know i will get some re-buff from mates on its size and power. Don't care!
Seems like your heading in the right direction.
Hi C j, thanks for taking the time to watch and leave such a kind comment.
I don't really do bike reviews, I just tend to share my views on the bikes I have and the bikes I am genuinely thinking of buying. It's very hard to get a demo bike over here but as luck would have it my RE dealer decided to get a Super Meteor as a demo bike and since I was considering buying one, of course I had to have a go on it.
Don't feel bad about getting a bigger bike, I'm sure you have a need for it, even if only occasionally.
For instance, should I ever be in a position to do longer trips away on a motorcycle, I would of course also be looking at bigger bikes, no question. But at the moment, I only get to ride locally at the weekends and for the roads around here the 350s and Himalayan give me all of the thrills I need for a low cost.
It all depends upon what you intend to do with the bike. There are plenty of instances where a larger, more powerful bike makes more sense 🙂
Good luck with the Super Meteor. If you can live with the foot ergonomics I think it will be a lovely bike to own. Comfortable and very easy to ride, fun in the bends too !
Good luck deciding and thanks again for your kind words 👍🏻🤗
Cheers C j,
ER.
@@economicalrides thanks for your reply.
I have a love for the Himy. Love the look and all the things. Loving you enjoying it. I have considered, but would never see myself off road. But appreciate it being a very capable and lovely bike. It looks so perfect for you. Well done! I am really happy for you!
@@Cj-nu7nx Thanks C j, so far buying Norman was the best possible decision I could have made at that time. I know a lot of folks buy a Himmy and then only ride on the road ( a bit like those BMW GS owners 😂 ) and it is a lovely bike for road riding too. So I get that but I definitely would not have bought a Himalayan if I had no intention of exploring trails. I already had two bikes for the road, so the new bike had to serve a different purpose. So for me, the Himalayan is predominantly for riding off-road and I am noticing that this requires a different mindset. It's strange having a brand new bike and having to accept that you will be dropping it and it will be getting filthy 😛
Yesterday I dropped Norman for the second time in deep sand. It happens but I still struggle to accept it. I've spent my whole life NOT falling off bikes, but if you go down a trail not knowing how bad it is going to get, as I always do, then you have to expect to drop the bike occasionally. So that is something that I am really struggling with but I suspect after the twentieth drop I will relax and stop worrying about it 🤞
It's just a different mindset that these off-road lovers have. Ride expecting to fall off, if you don't fall off it was a particularly good day 😂
So I understand why you wouldn't fancy off-road riding and whether or not I stick at it myself will depend upon whether or not I can shed this road rider mentality I've built up over 37 years. If I can get used to crashing and stop worrying about it, then I will start to relax and enjoy the off-road stuff a lot more. I'll probably still hate deep sand though !
But yes, the Himalayan is a great all-round motorcycle and if I could only have one, it would be Norman, because Buddy shouldn't be asked to do the off-road thing ! Dropping him would definitely make me cry !
Cheers C j, let me know what you end up getting 👍🏻
Garry / ER
Hi Garry, from what I've seen of your home area, I'd agree that there's no need for the SM. I've not ridden one yet, so can't judge for myself.....yet! Just a thought about the footrest ergo's, George at TEC in the UK has come up with some folding pegs to be mounted further back, and I'm thinking your findings reflect his reasoning. Another good watch anyway, thanks. 👍
Hi Martin,
a couple of people have mentioned those Meteor pegs from TEC. Not sure if they'd work on the SM, I think you'd struggle to reach the foot controls with them but I'm sure that as I write George will be in his shed looking at what he can build to improve the SM 🙂
Cheers Martin 👍🏻
Garry
Yes, they're designed to get one's feet out of the wind-blast, on lengthy motorway stints, much like the 'highway pegs' out in front, favoured by the cruiser brigade. He's marketing them for the SM, but they'd be precious little use to you out where you are. Keep 'em coming anyway. 👌
👍😎👍Good decision. Many years ago I started with a Bonneville 650, loved the bike but nothing since has been bigger than a 500. I see no need for bigger bike either. Even in our Honda S2000 I enjoy the windy back roads and go nowhere near its potential. Have I 😉 yes but then you miss the scenery 😎 😎
That's too true Bob.
I know that if I had a faster, more powerful bike, then I would not be able to help myself and would ride it in a "sporty" manner.
That is a) stressful ( and I want to ride to relieve stress ) and b) means that I am not enjoying the scenery.
So having slower bikes in recent years has done an excellent job of slowing me down and I must say that I now enjoy motorcycling way more as a result.
When I had fast bikes it was just stressful - a little bit of fun - but mostly stress !
Cheers Bob 👍🏻
ER
I have a 350 Meteor which I was beginning to think was a bad choice because of the heel and toe gear change. I found it too easy to rest my heel on the back of the pedal resulting in a missed next upward change because the pedal had not moved enough to index on the next gear. Sometimes I changed gear when i didn't mean to. Also the gear linkage was very crude being no more than a bit of bent 5 mm rod with a split pin in each end and no effective adjustment. All this was solved with the conversion from Tech bike parts which, with a few modifications necessary due to a lack of thought on the part of the manufacturers/designers, has transformed the bike. I now have an easily adjustable gear pedal with toe only up and down changes. Also my right foot can now rest in its' natural position without fear of missed or unintentional gear changes. Add to that adjustable levers and a sump guard from Hitchcocks and I'm well pleased and can neither feel the need to change nor can I justify it.
Hi David,
those are all common and sensible Meteor 350 mods.
I am not much of a modder these days, too many years messing about with mods on other bikes, I've grown tired of it, I just want to ride ! The heel/toe shifter on the Meteor 350 is shonky and I have decided to replace it whenever it finally wears out. For now I can cope with it, not having any issues so far, except when off-road and standing up on the pegs, I have been known to change up a gear accidentally. Otherwise all good so far !
The Meteor is such a great bike and particularly for the financially more prudent amongst us, it is going to prove very hard to beat. I still expect to have my Meteor when I am 85, as long as it doesn't start misbehaving too badly !
For now, with my personal circumstances as they are, I don't need the Super Meteor and will not buy one just for the sake of having something "bigger and better". I might buy one if my needs change, of course. But no need at the moment and it's not a cheap bike either !
Cheers David 👍🏻
ER
Fair do's ER, I think that was going to be your conclusion anyway. Also good to hear a definite conclusion from a review. As for me, Cornwall is so far from anywhere in the UK, a bike with motorway capability is necessary. Well, that's all from a sleepless and cough-ridden C.C 🤧
Thanks CMD,
yes, choice of bike must be dependent upon where you are and what kind of roads you will often have to ride. I am fortunate that the nice roads are right outside my front door, so diddy little bikes cut it for me at the moment, no large distances need covering 🙂
Get well soon young man !
ER & Ruby.
...and if you did do motorway speeds more often, the wind on your feet would make the extra speed uncomfortable. Looks stunning tho!
Hi Isla,
thanks for watching and commenting !
Yes, if you were planning on doing a lot of motorway work with the Super Meteor, footboards would probably be a "must have" accessory.
Admittedly I rode the bike on a very windy day, the problem might be less pronounced on a calmer day, but a couple of Indian reviews also mentioned the issue from 70 mph onwards, so it's probably a valid criticism ! Valid or not, I made it and I'm sticking with it 😂
Take care, stay safe 👍🏻
ER
Sound reasoning. 👍 (Nebenbei gesagt, brauchst du ein Frauchen für Ruby. 😇)
LOL
Ich würde gerne längere Touren machen aber ich weiß nicht ob ich das SOOOOO gerne täte 😂
Ne, ich habe beschlossen der Frauenwelt einen Gefallen zu tun und Single zu bleiben.
Ich bin einfach nur nett, ich weiß. Ich kann nicht anders ! 😇
Cheers weltsauerstoff 👍🏻
ER
Still considering getting one
If it fulfils a need you have Robert, no reason not to !
Try one if you can, the foot ergonomics are a little bit on the extreme cruiser side.
I'd still LIKE one but if I am being honest I do not NEED one. And since money is tight, I can't waste it on things I don't really need.
If money were no object then I'd probably have one in the garage already ! It would also be a great single bike, if I decided to simplify things and just have one bike for everything.
Cheers Robert and good luck deciding,
ER
Hi Garry and Ruby.
A very fitting second part to your review of the Super meteor 650 and absolutely the right decision for you at this time. As motorcyclists, we are all tempted by the latest `toy on the shelf` but it isn`t always the best thing to buy it, depending on your needs and, of course, finances. I am in the lucky position, for the first time in my long motorcycling life, that I am 100% satisfied with my two bikes and have no desire to change either of them. It`s a great feeling and I can just get on with riding.
Willow is busy sleeping but sends her love to Ruby.❤🐶
Cheers Garry 🥃
Hi Dave and Willow !
Yes, I made the right decision and have already moved on. Until I have a need for it, I won't be getting a Super Meteor.
It's funny that you should mention having the exact two bikes you need in your life.
I am on the verge of being it that very same position myself, so stay tuned 😛
It will be nice to have everything I need and nothing more, at least for a while, so I am looking forward to having that !
Much love to Willow from the two of us ( Ruby is also currently sleeping - on MY bed - I mean, she's only got three beds of her own - that's clearly not enough ! 😂 ).
Take care you two, all the best !
Garry & Ruby
@@economicalrides Hi again Garry,
Yes, you definitely made the right decision for you, at this moment in time. I have read many of the comments here and the vast majority agree but I was surprised that some, seemed to miss the point by saying they preferred the 650. For them, the 650 is the best choice but for you, it`s not.
Anyway, I am now intrigued with your comment on being on the verge of having the `perfect two` bikes and can`t wait to find out more.
Now, onto the important stuff......Ruby has obviously decided that your bed is far better than her 3, so the obvious solution is that you build yourself a kennel and leave her in peace on your bed 😏
Enjoy the coming weekend and pray for good weather.
Willow sends her love to Ruby 🐶❤
Best wishes
Dave and Willow
@@davericketts9101 Hi Dave and Willow !
Well I think out of all of the comments I only had two, possibly three, who said they would have gone for the 650.
I was surprised that more people didn't feel that way, the overwhelming majority seemed to agree with me 😇
It really didn't take long for Ruby to feel at home here after she'd found me, I have to give her that Dave 😂 Still, she's entitled, she does look after the house for me when I am out doing nonsense on motorbikes !
Weather looking ok here for the weekend, dry but partially cloudy, moderate winds. Unfortunately I think I will be editing videos all weekend, I keep putting it off and now time is running out. I might sneak out for an hour on Sunday, without a camera, just for myself, we'll see.
I hope you are expecting decent riding weather there too this weekend Dave. How's it looking ? Do you have plans ?
Cheers you two and cuddles for little Willow ❤
Garry & Ruby
Excellent video and reasoning 😊 I have my own concerns about the foot controls too 😊 although I haven’t ridden it yet I am struggling to see where it might sit, what need it fulfills😊 interesting, lots to think about😊 Ruby is right, better to have sausages 😊😂😂
Foot controls are really not a problem. Just a matter of habit.
Thanks TAYM,
yes, the foot ergos are quite extreme compared to RE's previous models. Not unusual in cruisers though, plenty of Japanese models have similar setups. Just not what an RE customer will be used to. I'm sure people will quickly get used to them and then you would just need footboards if you were doing a lot of motorway miles.
Also, looks wise. I was expecting it to look better in the metal because the pictures I had seen had left me somewhat cold. To be honest, in the metal, my feeling about it didn't change. It didn't appeal to me in the same way that Fireball Yellow Meteor appealed to me the first time I saw it. Buddy is still better looking IMO, which did surprise me somewhat !
Cheers TAYM, much better to have more money for sossidges, I agree !
ER & Ruby
@@BPA67 interesting 🤔
@@economicalrides 😁😂😂😂
Kind of an opposite but similar issue. Couple of years ago I got a used Spyder and it didn't take long to find it wasn't right. Riding brings enough issues without having to contend with the thing you're riding. There have only been a few bikes that compel me to ride them and the 350 Meteor is one. You made (maybe temporarily) the right choice.
Thanks Mark. Ruby says that's a lovely doggy you have as your avatar ❤🐕
Yes, now that I've sorted out the Meteor's rear suspension ( after TWO years of ownership 😂 ) I'm even happier with it. It just feels like my perfect, economical but enjoyable, hobby motorcycle.
The depreciation of having a Super Meteor in the garage not being used would have given me nightmares too 😂
I think I would have regretted it, had I spent nearly 9K on a top of the range Super Meteor. There was just no need for it and that is a lot of money to lose from your bank account !
Thanks Mark, nice to hear your opinion. I think the take up of the Super Meteor by Meteor owners has been A LOT LESS than many of us were anticipating ! For me the Super Meteor just didn't add enough to justify the high price.
Cheers Mark,
Garry
@@economicalrides Tell Ruby thanks. Steveo is still making people/dogs smile almost 5 years after his passing.
@@markdraper3469 Awww, we‘re so sorry to hear that Steveo has already crossed the rainbow bridge Mark 🌈 😢
Ruby is pretty sure that he would have loved her special TH-cam sossidges ! ❤️🐕
Sorry for your loss Mark, been there myself.
They will always live on in our hearts, memories and occasionally avatars 🥰👍
Cheers Mark, cheers Steveo !
Garry & Ruby ❤️🐕
ER,
I'm in a similar situation as you: while I like the Super Meteor 650, my circumstances won't allow getting one for now. One, I need to get some dental work done, and that'll cost me over $4K, US; I'd need more than that above the trade-in value of my 350 to purchase the Super Meteor 650. Two, all my costs have gone up, so I have less $$ to spare for everything, including rides; paying less for fuel means more rides. Also, motorcycle insurance in the US is priced by engine size; more cc=higher premium. Three, I don't do much, if any, touring. While I had fun doing long distance rides in the past, I'm not sure that I want to do them now at my age; if I'm taking a long trip, I almost prefer the car, as I don't have to concern myself with what the weather will do over a days long trip across multiple states. Four, most of the roads I ride don't require anything more than the Meteor 350. Five, with the Meteor 350, I'm encouraged to find and use secondary roads, which are more fun to ride vs. the freeways, or what you call motorways. Finally, if I have the added power, I will be tempted to USE it! That is, I'll want to go fast, which will get me in trouble. Giving me a high performance vehicle, either two or four wheel, is like giving a drunk the keys to the liquor store! I just can't help myself... :)
Now, when I take long trips, I have a pet sitter look after my cats. Pet sitters also care for dogs; they feed them, play with them, and walk them. Do you have any pet sitting services in Spain? Here in the US, they're everywhere. I have multiple pet sitting services in my area where I live. If you can find a pet sitting service, perhaps you could take longer trips, ER.
Hi Mark, exactly how I see it ! I have two 350s for the fun stuff and if I need to cover miles quickly, I'll jump in the car ( which hardly gets used anyway ! ).
We do have pet sitters here, I probably could find someone if I really tried, but I don't really want to leave Ruby with strangers.
My mum ( Ruby's granny ) has taken her for the odd night when I needed to be away. She has her own dog and Ruby and Polly are best friends. Also my mum spoils Ruby like crazy, so I know that Ruby is always happy with my mum. I might ask her to take Ruby for a few days later in the year because I really want to do a long trip on Buddy with his little panniers 🥰
We'll see. I think my mum could be talked into it 🤞
Take care Mark, hope you are getting some decent riding weather now !
Cheers,
ER
@@economicalrides the weather is warming up, so I need to service my bike and get it ready... :)
I'm glad you have your mom to look after Ruby, if needed. Since Polly and Ruby are besties; since your mom seems to enjoy her; I'm sure it wouldn't take much to persuade her to look after Ruby for a few days. I think she'd enjoy Polly and Ruby frolicking together.
I found a good pet sitter who I trust totally. My one cat, who normally runs from strangers, went up to her; he never does that! That's how I knew she was the one; my shy cat went right up to her when she came to meet my cats. She's also active with the two local feline rescue organizations.
@@markymarknj Good stuff Mark ! Better get that bike ready then 👍🏻
Yes, I'll buy my mum something if she agrees to take Ruby. I'm sure we can work something out !
Cheers Mark,
ER
It's always a difficult when you see something you like and your heart just says 'do it' versus in reality what do you get out of it that you cant get out of your current bike. The same problem I have every time i think of a new GS against my 9 year old model. My GS does exactly what the new one does but will cost me thousands of your fine English pounds just to have a newer one. Hmmm, maybe a nearly new on then!
Steady on there ! New BMW GS ? Are you sure you're on the right channel here ? 😂
Honestly, I admire your minerals. Having that much money parked in the garage would give me sleepless nights. But at least you actually use yours properly and not just for riding to the cafe half a mile down the road 😂
I really can't see myself ever spending over 7k on any bike. I only get to ride once a week and I want to have multiple bikes, so none of my bikes will get a lot of use as things stand.
So I'm firmly in the multiple, inexpensive bikes camp at the moment. If I could ever do lovely motorcycling holidays like you two, then of course I would need a specialist bike for that job, just probably not a GS, something a bit cheaper 😛
Cheers you two, hasta luego
ER & Ruby
@@economicalrides it's all personal choice and I enjoy meeting people with different perspectives on motorbikes and what they do with them. That's why we are all special 😎
You could bang a sidecar on and take Ruby touring with you.
I’m looking at the Super Meteor 650 as my first road bike. I’ve been watching and reading loads of reviews (it’s been a struggle finding them in English though as the majority of videos are understandably from blokes in India).
A few people have expressed concerns about being able to plant both feet on the deck. However I did see a young English lass who is 5’4” and found it just fine. The majority of reviewers have singled out the rear suspension as being quite firm. I reckon my fat arse would probably square that away after a few months.
Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
Cheers from Sydney Australia 🤘
Hi Sean,
thanks for watching and it's great to hear from you !
Seat height shouldn't be an issue for you ( unless you are really short ). The Super Meteor is not very tall. It's quite a heavy bike but with the weight nice and low and a good amount of foot on the ground, it always feels manageable, not intimidating. Once moving under power, you don't notice the weight at all.
Because of the low rear stance, most cruisers with twin shocks tend to have a harsh ride. You don't have the room for a longer spring when the rear is that low, so the shorter spring they fit has to be stiffer, to prevent excessive bottoming out. I would say that the Super Meteor was no way as harsh as the Meteor 350. I would say the Super Meteor feels like most twin shock cruisers out there. No better and no worse. There is a reason why Japanese cruisers often go with a centrally mounted mono shock setup. That way you have more spring length, can fit a softer spring and have more travel. It does look a bit odd though, not classic at all.
I think the Super Meteor should suit you and it sounds like you've done plenty of research.
Do make sure that you get on with the foot ergonomics. I found it all a bit awkward with my small feet but doubtless given more time I would have been able to get used to them.
Anyway, good luck and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. It's always nice to get to know who is watching the nonsense that I put out 😂
Cheers mate 👍🏻
ER / Garry
Wise decision. I on the other hand did buy SM, for the exact reasons you didn’t buy one
Great stuff. I am still tempted and will take another test ride if I get the chance. I'll probably not be able to get beyond the fact that I don't actually NEED a bigger bike though.
These days I seem to be very much in the camp of "buy the smallest, most efficient bike you can get away with" and I'm struggling to break out of that mode, to be honest.
Enjoy your SuperMeteor Allen 🙂
You hit the point why I still consider to sell my Sportster!
My job situation has changed and I have nearly no purpose to justify the ownership - yes it is paid and I really love my Sporty, but it makes no sense in owning a bike like this for strolling in the city….
There is no really situation where I could justify something bigger as my 125cc Scooter which is even enough for traveling longer distances with a bit of patience…
Now that’s my dilemma
Hi Sexy 😛
absolutely !
Unless you have money to burn, you do have to ask yourself "what do I actually NEED from a motorcycle. Given that I will always want one in my life, what kind of bike do I actually need to cover most of what I like to do on a bike ?". That's where I am right now and even though I liked the Interceptor when it came out and thought that it would be ideal for me in many ways, it was still too expensive and too heavy when there are decent cheaper, lighter alternatives.
For me, unless I use it for commuting every day, a bike is a luxury, a weekend toy. I really don't see a need to spend any more on my toys than absolutely necessary ! Depreciation and fuel costs also play a role. No point in having your dream bike if you are too scared to put miles on it ( depreciation ! ) or if buying it leaves you too poor to be able to buy the fuel for it !
Good luck mulling it over SSDS. 🤔
Cheers buddy,
ER & Ruby
Always this 650 is in mind. But meteor 350 doing everything @ half cost. Remaining money go to stocks.
Hi there and thanks for commenting !
Yes, it's hard to justify the added expense and fuel consumption if you don't need a bike with more power than the 350s.
I would buy one if I had money to burn or if my circumstances changed and I ended up spending almost all of my riding time on fast roads. But fast roads are boring to me anyway, so I would always try to avoid them ! So if I did that, the Meteor 350 would have me covered anyway.
Thanks again. Enjoy your Meteor, it's a lovely motorcycle and mine always makes me smile.
Cheers,
ER.
Double the cylinders and almost double the CCs. It’s a obvious decision. This bike will do highway speeds easily. In fact I wish they would do a bigger bore one too
Yes, if you actually need that, it makes sense.
Fortunately for my bank balance I currently DO NOT need that 😛
Good luck with yours if you get one Colt. It is a nice bike and a very decent all-rounder if you don't want multiple bikes 👍🏻
Cheers,
ER
That’s fine. As nice as it is let’s be honest there are plenty of bikes out there to tempt us and nowadays most bikes are actually really good. Enjoy what you have.
Exactly my thoughts Jon. The next nice big shiny thing to lust after is always just around the corner. I jumped off that merry-go-round some years ago.
Motorcycling is my hobby and I try not to spend more money than absolutely necessary on my hobbies.
If my needs should ever change, no doubt I will see things differently and reassess my two-wheeled options !
Cheers Jon, thanks for leaving a comment ! 👍🏻
ER.
Hallo Garry, weise Entscheidung. 👍
Die Sitzposition mit den Vorverlegten Fußrasten gehen extrem auf die Lendenwirbel, es gibt nicht allzu viele die mit solch einem Motorrad auf große Tour gehen.
Mein erstes Motorrad war eine Honda VT600 Shadow, da war das mit den Fußrasten auch so und nach 4 Jahren hatte ich permanent Rückenschmerzen im Lendenwirbelbereich.
Gruß Stephan
Hi Stephan,
Danke für die Info. Neben der Ergonomie ( mit der ich mich mit der Zeit evtl. angefreundet hätte ) war der Preis auch ein sehr großer Faktor. Eine Maschine verlieren DANN 5000 EUR draufzahlen nur um eine schöne neue Maschine zu haben die kein Problem für mich löst war irgendwie nicht vertretbar. Ob 6500 oder 8000 EUR ist für mich auch ein großer Unterschied. Bei 6500 EUR kann das Motorrad einfach eine spontane Kaufentscheidung sein, wenn man es toll findet. Aber bei fast 8000 EUR muss das für mich mehr als nur Spaß sein ! Das passte um Längen nicht zu dem was ich aktuell brauche, also war die Entscheidung am Ende nicht so schwer. Oh, und der Preis. Hatte ich den Preis erwähnt ? 😂😂😂
Cheers Stephan 👍🏻
Garry
Hi Garry, ich habe mit der Meteor auch richtig Miese gemacht und die BMW hat mit 12 Jahren auch noch 4800 EUR gekostet. Aber was tut man nicht alles um schmerzfrei zu fahren.😂
Schon war mein Problem gelöst...
@@stephanl.4857 Ja. Im Vergleich zu dem was ich sonst hier höre, war die Bewertung der Classic die ich vom Händler bekam gar nicht so übel. Am Anfang dachte ich dass es eine Frechheit war aber zuhause nachgerechnet war der Verlust echt überschaubar. Aber noch ist die Classic hier weil ich kein Super Meteor brauche 🤗
Cheers Stephan,
Garry
Install a kent cam and hunter throttlebody RLT00187 in the 350 is all you need.
Hi,
to be honest, I am in the fortunate position that I really don't need any more performance from my Meteor. I am able to avoid riding fast roads almost entirely, so am happy to leave it stock.
But yes, there are options out there to get more power for those who need it.
For me, the price hike from Meteor to Super Meteor was just too big to be able to justify, given that I don't really NEED any of the advantages the Super Meteor brings. And of course it has its downsides too.
Thanks for watching. Enjoy your Meteor ! Still loving mine, three years in !
ER.
In Switzerland, the 650 costs 50% more than the 350: almost 10k€! For that money I can also get a Moto Guzzi V7, made in Italy! The distributor has too high margin. And personally I find the 350 more comfortable, looks better built with nicer choice of plastic materials.
Hi again Mikael.
It's the same here though. The Meteor can be had for 5k and the CHEAPEST Super Meteor is nearly 8K. It's just an expensive bike, particularly if you go for the top of the range one, which is nearly 9K I believe. At that price there are a lot of other bikes to choose from. I do wonder whether RE might eventually have to drop the price of the Super Meteor to sell more of them. I think the price is putting a lot of potential customers off. I think most people expected it to cost about the same as the Interceptor but it came out significantly more expensive. I'd be interested to know if it is selling less units than RE expected. I think that might be the case !
I would definitely buy the V7 over the Super Meteor if the prices were the same. The Guzzi is just something a little bit more unusual.
The price difference to the Meteor 350 is hard to justify in my opinion. The Meteor 350 is not half the bike the Super Meteor is but it's almost half the price ! From day one the Super Meteor seemed overpriced to me and it wasn't so much better than my 350 that I could justify spending that much money on one.
Cheers Mikael
Hello, great review!
Do you think a 6.3 foot person will fit on this bike?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Gherase,
well, as a 5'8" person I'm not sure that I'm really qualified to comment 😂 but I think it could well be ok for you.
I would definitely recommend a test ride if you can get one. Just sitting on the bike in the shop may not be enough for you to be able to decide.
But you can move about on the bike a fair bit, so it's possible that you can find a position on the seat where you feel comfortable.
Good luck and thank you for watching and commenting 👍🏻🙂
ER
How about a classic 650 in future ???
😊😊
I would be tempted ! Although I'd prefer a Classic as a larger single to be honest. A 500 single or a 650 single Classic ( to match up to the Gold Star ) would be extremely tempting !
You are on my wavelength there Nuclear ! 👍🏻🙂
A 650 twin Classic would probably have the same problem as this bike. Too much bike for me and too expensive to boot. A larger single, at a lower price point, would be extremely tempting. A bit more in reserve than the 350s but still reasonably priced would be perfect !
Cheers Nuclear !
ER
Agreed. My 350 Meteor is so close to ideal, going to the 650 means I would gain motorway capability but lose comfort, increase fuel consumption and struggle to get it along tight winding roads. I'd sooner have an Interceptor.
Actually Buddy plus Interceptor wouldn't be the worst combination 🤔
No, stop it ER, stop it now !!!!
Thanks Andrew ! 😂👍🏻
ER
I get what your saying but not understanding the struggling to get it along tight winding roads? It wont matter the number of CC you have or the bike you have for that matter, a road will dictate what speed you need to take a bend at whether its tight or open. I find the tightest bends on a country road are the best, usually select a gear, 3rd or 4th and stay in it and enjoy the ride. Let the engine braking do the work. :)
@@Caledonia3104 I thought it handled really well to be honest. I suppose there are situations where the extra weight (compared to the 350) could get you into trouble but obviously you would adapt your riding style and speed to this bike fairly quickly.
But the extra weight is a pain at home or any time you have to heave it about without power and the fuel consumption is way more than the Meteor 350. Like I say in the video, it depends what you need. For myself and many others the 350s get the job done in an easier and more efficient way.
But since you are asking about two up riding, clearly you should be looking at the Super Meteor. Try to get a ride on one and take the pillion with you if possible. I would recommend the Celestial for two up riding as I mentioned in my other reply.
Let me know how you get on 👍
Cheers,
ER
@@Caledonia3104 It's the cruiser style, not the engine size. The Super Meteor has an American style feet-forward riding position which may be fine for highways but hopeless on the twisties.
@@andrewoh1663 ahh OK I get you. Hmm I'm a bit put off now. Considered that bike as a second bike. Thought this style of bike would suit my better half getting on and off as she has hip issues..
As you pointed out it's not for you at this time, very sensible , lot's would buy on a whim, and possibly regret it later.There may be another option later, and at a time more suited to you. Cheers from over the Med, DINO, and Crew.
Hi DINO and crew ! 😛
Yes, exactly. It's always a bad idea to force a change through when you are not totally convinced by it. If the Super Meteor had totally blown me away, then I would have probably put the practicalities to one side but as it was, it was nice, but didn't leave me feeling like I want to have one right now. So on that basis, it had to come back to practicalities and logical reasoning.
Thanks Dino, love to all !
Garry & Ruby
I think Himalayan owners might have issues with the Himalayan 450 & 650 if they make it. Mwaaarr power isn't always best.
Hi Adam,
I am really intending to have both but I think you might well be right !
The current Himalayan is a well proven utilitarian beast, just maybe lacking for some on the touring front ( not ME by the way - plan your route avoiding motorways and it's more than adequate !! ).
The 450 Himalayan may solve the touring deficiencies but the rumours are that it will be more road focused, so more like a KTM 390 or a budget TransAlp.
So the touring capability MAY come at the expense of off-road capability, which is why it would be really interesting to have both and to see how they compare and which I ultimately prefer to keep for my trail riding. I am really, really interested in the 450 LC "Himalayan" and I hope to be able to have both at the same time, as I have the Classic and Meteor now.
That is my intention, we just have to wait and see if it all falls into place !
Cheers Adam, I really must do a live show sometime and then you, SB and ER (the first) can come along.
I still need to get used to being in front of the camera first though, I am going to have to work my way up to it !
Cheers Adam, take care and have fun !
ER & Ruby
Good decision, ER! 😊
Thanks Zoyd.
It was a decision not made in haste and I have no regrets. I would have regretted buying the Super Meteor if I had just bought it on impulse. It is a lot of money for something I simply do not need at the moment !
Cheers my friend and thanks for watching and commenting !
ER
@@economicalrides For my riding habits I don't need a bigger bike than the Classic. Comuting during the week, rides on the B-roads at the weekend mostly. For vacations I just take my time and enjoy the countyside.
@@zoydpatterson1817 Good man Zoyd, that's the spirit ! 👍🏻 Totally agree. Plus, I still have a car for the unpleasant stuff !
Interesting to hear your thoughts, similar situation, love to explore rural villages and sights, some faster roads to get to new places, although my main bike is an MT03 so can easily sit at 70+, did want something lower and less of a screamer, so have a test ride coming up on a Rebel 500 - not a classic, has a unique look though. All very subjective, tried the SM (No tester yet, they sell too quickly) to sit on, short legs - could flat foot it, but pegs are too far out for me. Ruby could get many sausages with the money you saved 🌭
I own one of the first Rebel 500;s in Australia (chassis 000013). These are very much a fashion bike, they do their best work parked out front of a cafe. Yes they are a Honda, they do everything with Japanese efficiency but they are completely soul less. Some of the major dislikes I have which you may not notice on a quick test ride are,
Tyres,
the Dunlop D404s are way too much tyre for the bike, the bike is not heavy enough to get the tyres warm this leads to some fairly skittish handling if you ever head into some twisty roads on a cool day. You have a narrow section of warm rubber in the center, as soon as you lean you are onto cold hard rubber, makes life interesting. If you live in a warm climate may not be an issue for you.
LCD dash,
Looks nice but impossible to read in bright sunlight
LED headlamp,
super bright where it shines but has very poor spread. Fine in the city but not so good on dark country roads, I have nearly hit a cow that was at the road edge but I didn't see until the last second as the high beam is a pencil beam lights the road directly in front with no spread, it wasn't until the low beam leds lit the animal about 10 M in front of me that I knew it was there.
Buzzy engine,
Honda deliberately make this engine uneven to give it 'character', they messed with the valve timing on one cylinder. It gives the exhaust a slightly off beat pleasant sound but makes the engine buzzy and unpleasant at high rpm, which is where you will be on country roads as they are geared fairly low.
If these things aren't an issue for you, go for it and enjoy, I still prefer my noisy Classic 350 Enfield as it's much more engaging and fun to ride, just a tad slow on highway rides. The Enfield has far better suspension as well.
@@raygale4198 Cheers will see what I can figure out on the test ride, also toying with the 1100 version, although will bin my savings... I have watched a tester who had the new version for 3 weeks, he also had the previous one, he suggested they had sorted out the issues, even threw in a night ride to show how much better the headlight was, we will see I guess :)
@@raygale4198 Thanks Ray, that's great feedback and will hopefully help Shardlake to decide. As you say, you can't beat real world, day to day impressions. Much more reliable than a brief test ride. Sometimes it takes a while longer for the issues to become apparent.
Thanks Ray, ride safe and enjoy !
ER
@@shardlake Enjoy your test ride, you lucky dog you 🙂 I will be interested to hear what you end up buying !
Cheers Shardlake,
ER
I think like Ray, my main concern with the Honda would be a lack of character, no doubt that it will be reliable and get the job done.
I do like my bikes to have character, something to put a smile on my face as I set off down the road. I'm not sure the Honda would do that for me although the 1100 might ! 👹
Good luck testing and deciding Shardlake !
ER & Ruby ( more sossidges !!! )
I know what he is saying about finding the brake pedal if you don't have your heel only on the foot peg as I demoed an Indian Chief Vintage once and expected to be able to touch the brake pedal by just lifting the front of my foot off the floor board which did not happen. I was almost about to return to the dealer when it came to me that all I needed to do to touch the brake pedal was to just rest my heel only on the floorboard. I do have size 12 feet which may have helped too. Its something dealers perhaps need to make people aware of if they have never ridden a cruiser before.
Thanks Peter !
Yes, it is a bit odd learning to just rest your heel on the foot peg with your toes just hovering around the rear brake pedal and clutch lever. I'm not sure if footboards would help or worsen the problem but at least they would stop the wind trying to lift your feet off the pegs at higher speeds !
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, really appreciate it 👍🏻
Cheers Peter,
ER
@@economicalrides No doubt RE will sell them as an optional accessory if there is demand. Getting your heel on a floorboard could be quicker when taking off than finding the foot peg to rest it on.
@@petercreagh8797 Well after half an hour of riding the Super Meteor I was still groping about with my feet, looking for the footrest every time I took off, so yes ! 😛
Cheers Peter 👍🏻
ER
@@economicalrides Had a sit on one yesterday at one of the New Zealand dealer launches and checked to see if I could reach the foot peg and brake and I had no problem being tall. It could possibly be an issue if whenever I put my foot on the peg I also depressed the brake pedal. I will let you know how I get on if I can get a demo or hire but will wait about 6 months when the demand for test rides has gone down.
@@petercreagh8797 HI Peter,
thanks for the update. I think it is unlikely to be a problem because most of your weight is on the heel of your foot. If you look at the angle heel to toe, it is quite steep, so there should be little or no weight on the ball of your foot if you rest it on the brake pedal.
I need to revisit this bike, I've just been too busy to get over there. I hadn't ridden a bike that wasn't mine for many, many years, so was a bit preoccupied by simply not damaging the bike when I did this first ride 😛 I can't recall exactly where I placed my feet even. I think I had the ball of my right foot hovering over the brake pedal because I too was afraid of dragging the brake if I rested my foot on the pedal. But I imagine that it is designed for you to be able to rest your foot on it, otherwise it would be quite an uncomfortable setup !
I really need to ride the Super Meteor again and next time focus on my foot position and I if those vibrations at speed are still there.
Either way, it certainly isn't the bike for me. Too expensive considering it adds nothing to my fleet that my Meteor 350 isn't already doing. I may have felt differently if I had instantly clicked with the bike, but unfortunately I didn't. It's a nice bike but it didn't shout "buy me !" for me. 👍🏻
It certainly has fairly unique ergonomics, so definitely a bike people should ride before buying. It really should have kept the heel/toe shifter too IMO.
Good luck with the test ride, whenever that may be !
Cheers Peter,
Garry
Isn't the gear shifter style different as well? I love the 2-way heel shifter thing on my regular Meteor... doesn't look like the SM has it from what I see on your review. I was thinking of upgrading but the feet forward ergonomics just doesn't do it for me.
Hi Emily,
yes, I do mention that in the first video, the test ride, when I am riding through the city.
Unfortunately RE decided to remove the heel/toe shifter for export markets ( standard fitment still in India ! ) which I think is a real shame. Particularly with these foot ergonomics, the heel/toe shifter makes a lot of sense.
I really enjoy the heel/toe shifter on my Meteor and should I ever buy a Super Meteor it would be one of the very first mods that I would make to it !
I think I could get used to the foot ergonomics over time, I really do, but a heel/toe shifter with that foot position would have made things a lot easier for me IMO.
Thanks Emily 👍🏻
ER
My ideal bike would be my Meteor 350, but it can cruise at 80MPH without difficulty
Absolutely Chad. A little bit more headroom on a Meteor would be great. Like a Meteor 500 perhaps ?
A 500 wouldn't be much heavier and would feel largely the same, just with the ability to hold any speed up a steep hill or against a headwind. A 500cc Classic or Meteor would be just about perfect !
RE, get on it !!!
Cheers Chad 👍🏻
ER
Is as I would have guessed 🙂. Just wondering......, which of the two Meteors would you have traded ? I hear RE is coming out with a Himalayan 650 ... 🤔 Cheers Leo sends ❤ to Ruby !
Hi Lance,
I would have traded in the Classic because it has more value and also, well......................... because it's not Buddy 😛
To be honest Lance, unless my circumstances change, I can't see myself ever getting a 650. That twin motor is heavy and drinks a fair bit more fuel than the 350s.
So unless I start needing to cover big distances quickly, I can't justify the added expense of the 650s.
The 450 liquid cooled "Himalayan" might still be an option for me though, depends upon the pricing really. That could be decent off-road but also decent as a light tourer. So I could probably justify getting one of those if the price was right !
Take care, love to Leo
ER & Ruby
@@economicalrides As before-mentioned, we kind of think the same. Would be nice to see you find a used Himalayan. The money saved could go towards fitting a sidecar on Buddy for Rubygirl ! 😂
@@lancerbiker5263 Well I did test ride a used Himalayan and did think about buying it but.........well, just be patient !
Cheers Lance and Leo 👍🏻
Garry & Ruby
@@economicalrides Lol, I will ! 😅 I'll keep my guesses to myself as well. 🤐
would the bike be good for a pillion rider , both for comfort for the pillion and is the bike severely compromised power wise 2 up ?
Hi,
obviously this was just a test ride, so I’ve no idea.
The RE 650s usually deal well with a pillion though, so if your pillion is comfortable on the seat, it should be fine.
The Celestial version even has a backrest, which is also handy for tying bags to, when touring solo.
Cheers,
ER
i thought you may not [ great hindsight magical power mode ; ] as it is not suitable for off road use which you are dabbling with ,as over 240 kilo i agree,, with zen and ruby as back up .;
Yes, more sossidge money is definitely the right choice. Zen and Ruby always give shrewd financial advice 😂
Cheers you two !
Did you ever send me pictures of Zen Simon ? I'm slowly losing track of all of Ruby's dog friends, sorry !
ER
Understand your thoughts - but I would add that the extra weight caused me several maneuvering problems, the ride is not as comfortable as the Meteor 350, the front suspension not as smooth at the legal speed limits, the MPG goes from 105 on my Meteor 350 to 65 ish and the insurance would treble. I loved the bike though - but like you I will not buy one either.
Hi Edward,
yes, in the test ride video I did mention that the ride is firmer at low speeds but you do notice the suspension really doing its job as speed increases. I still think my Meteor is firmer at low speeds, just about, but the Classic is much more comfortable at low speed. I think the suspension upgrade here on the Super Meteor only becomes apparent once you are out on the open road. In the city it did feel very stiff.
I found the low speed handling to be very easy, personally. Maybe I was expecting it to be a lot worse and was just pleasantly surprised when it wasn't 😏 I think I could cope with it though.
The fuel economy would definitely be a BIG downside with fuel prices as they are.
On my test ride the fuel gauge went from showing four bars to one bar within 80 km and I wasn't riding the bike particularly hard at all ! I dread to think how often I would be filling the tank up if that is the fuel economy we can expect. Either the fuel gauge is wildly inaccurate ( probable ! ) or this bike drinks WAY more fuel than I am used to with the 350s. Struggling to see it hitting 65 mpg based on my brief experience with it so far !
Thanks Edward . The Meteor 350 is such a great bike for the money. If you are being sensible with the finances, it really is going to be tough to replace it with anything better.
Cheers,
ER
@@economicalrides Hi- we concur ! How did you find the engine off maneuvering in restricted spaces ?
@@edwardotto1528 Hi Edward. Have you not seen my video before this one, the actual test ride ? There I did exactly that before setting off, just to see how I would cope with it at home.
It was actually easier than I expected given the weight. I was even able to reverse up a slight incline from a standstill with it. I think I would have been able to cope with it. It really helps that the low seat means that you have your whole foot on the ground on each side. As long as the surface gives good traction, you can paddle the bike about with your feet fairly easily, much more easily than the weight figures would suggest. I would have been able to cope with it here at home, even on my gravel I think it would have been ok.
Cheers Edward 👍🏻
ER
@@economicalrides Sorry - must have missed that bit.
Wisdom.
Thanks Steven.
I appreciate that for a lot of people, buying a motorcycle is purely about emotion and the desire to have that nice shiny new thing. That's fine, I wouldn't criticise anybody for doing that if they can afford to do so.
But I am realistic about my financial situation and I really have to be able to justify any big purchases that I make. I always think long and hard before buying anything expensive. In this case I came to the conclusion that for my use case, the Super Meteor adds nothing which the Meteor doesn't have, except power I'll never use, more weight and expense.
For somebody who has to ride on fast roads a lot of the time, the Super Meteor would be the better choice, but fortunately that's not me and I can save money by sticking with the Meteor ( which I still love after three years of riding it btw. ! ).
Cheers Steven. Thanks for watching and commenting !
Garry
No too heavy.
Power is not proportion to weight.
It doesn't really feel underpowered to ride but it is a heavy bike to move about the garage.
I don't know how they do it but Royal Enfield does have a knack for building heavy engines with relatively low power outputs 🤷♂
But for this bike, the 650 twin works well enough. I actually find it more underpowered in the Interceptor and Continental, it suits the Super Meteor quite well.
Cheers.
ER
It's your 20 inch inseam that worries me. My brother has a size 12.5 inch shoe size, and HE says "Well, you don't build a castle on sand..."
30 inch inseam but I get your point.
The only reason I don't topple over is that my feet are freakishly broad. This is something I discovered to my cost, the first time I went skiing and tried to hire ski boots.
They gave me the broadest boots they had in my size but they still hurt like hell and made my feet turn blue.
After a two hour lesson of agony on the nursery slopes I returned to the hire shop to ask for wider boots for the next day. They said they didn't have any wider boots for hire but they did have extra wide small sizes for sale. So I tried a pair on, they were comfortable and after only two hours of ski lessons I already had to commit to spending 450 EUR on my own pair of current season Atomic ski boots !
Fortunately I got the hang of skiing and did go a few times after that, so very nearly got my money's worth. Haven't made it to the slopes for the past five years but I hope to put some more miles on those dang expensive boots next winter !!!
Cheers Eric ! I liked the "you don't build a castle on sand" comment 😂
Take care,
ER & Ruby
judging by your intro something is seriously wrong with your camera.....im guessing its not intentional cuz it looks horrible. Other that that awesome review.
Thanks Christopher 👍🏻
So really the reason is you just dont want to spend the $......you should be honest and say that instead of a bunch of excuses that dont hold water.......except for your reason for not going on long rides(ruby)......thats the only thing you said that actually makes sense.
I think everything made sense 🙂
I explained my reasons. I will no longer buy a bike unless it solves an actual problem that I currently have.
This bike adds nothing that I need to my garage, so for that reason I can't justify it.
I also pointed out that should my circumstances change then I could see myself reconsidering getting one.
I thought that was clear, most people seem to have understood that and agree with my reasoning.
Don't worry Christopher, we don't have to agree on this. If you would buy one even if you didn't actually need it the good on you, go for it !
Cheers,
ER
my goodness there are a ton of reasons even you should buy one....for one you could actually drive a real bike instead of a glorified scooter(350) that can only handle the weight of a rider and nothing else........i dont care how technically advanced they get a 350 is still under powered by the time u add a passenger or a bit of gear and jump on a highway........then try to pass a slow vehicle or if theres any wind at all. a 350 is only good in town and never going above 55 mph with only one person.
But that's my point. The 350 is fine for my use case Christopher. Always solo and no need to ride fast roads !
dude you are not sacrificing a bike you are upgrading......its a no brainer a 650 is always better then a 350......better to have the power and not need it then not have it all ......plus a 650 will last wayyyyy longer since its not working as hard as a 350.
I don't agree. I've had big bikes before. Just more expense, more weight, worse fuel economy.
If you don't actually need it, and I don't, it's pointless having it IMO.
You clearly feel differently which is fine !
Of course it would be easy for you to say not to buy the meteor 650 because you have several big bikes. And you already have a meteor 350. But for me, between the meteor 350 ang meteor 650...i'd go for the meteor 650, because i want to have a more powerful cruiser and a low sit cruiser too. 650 is difinetly better than the 350, although 350 is more fuel efficient.
Hi Joto,
yes of course.
Everybody's needs are different.
It's a great motorcycle and I'm sure that I could get used to the foot ergonomics if I owned one.
I would prefer it with Meteor 350 ergonomics though, very much so !
I can avoid fast roads, so a 350 is just about enough for me.
If you need more power then I'm sure you'll be more than happy with a Super Meteor.
Just make sure that you get on with the foot ergonomics because they are totally different to those of the Meteor 350.
Cheers,
ER.
Hi Garry, I also totally feel the same as you in the respect that the 650, although more glamorous, doesn’t add anything to my rural riding pleasure. Great review though, so thanks buddy. 👍
Thanks again Phil.
I think a lot of it depends upon how you view things. In my younger days, I would have probably tried to buy the latest, nicest, bestest new motorcycle which appealed to my tastes, whether I actually needed all of that awesomeness or not ( or indeed could really afford it ! ). I think a lot of people manage to go through their entire lives doing that, so good luck to them, of course they are free to do so.
In my case, I would say that about 20 years ago I was over "conspicuous consumption", I decided that I would only buy something if I genuinely needed it. So I started buying smaller cars and now smaller bikes and just trying to minimise the monthly outgoings in general. Once you start thinking like that, it's really hard to justify buying a bike because it takes your fancy, if it is more than you would ever realistically need. You are paying for performance and other things which you will hardly ever use. And you are paying, whether you use it or not, every single day.
So unfortunately I'm broken now 😂 I will never get to experience owning a Honda Gold Wing or a Thruxton 1200. But that's ok, because I am still able to enjoy the essence of motorcycling with the little bikes that I have. That's all I want and indeed need.
Cheers Phil,
Garry