Key highlights
- Royal Enfield Classic 650 launched at Rs 3.37lakh
- Competes with the Super Meteor 650
- Read dimensions, features, price, and specs comparison
Royal Enfield recently introduced its latest 650cc motorcycle, the Classic 650, in India. It shares its platform with the Super Meteor 650, which also happens to be its sibling rival. Read our detailed comparison of both bikes below.
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Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs Super Meteor – design and features differences
While both motorcycles are suspended on a similar platform, there are critical differences between both in terms of design and suspension.
Classic 650
The Classic 650 carries over the iconic design of the Classic 350 moniker, which makes it look very attractive. The design has to be the top selling point for the Classic 650, as it gets equipped with retro highlights like the round headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, single seat, and chrome casing for the engine and exhausts.
Feature-wise, the Classic 650 gets LED headlight and taillight, while the speedometer is the same as the Classic 350. Its analogue speedometer, with a small digital MID and a tripper navigation pod, gives a slight modern vibe while retaining the retro aspect of design.
Super Meteor 650
The Super Meteor, on the other hand, is a cruiser carry forward from the Meteor 350. It has a laid-back design with twin seats, front-set footpegs, and a more relaxed riding posture, unlike the Classic 650, which has an upright and neutral position. Additionally, the blacked-out treatment of the engine components and alloy wheels make it look modern and more upbeat, according to the new-gen buyers.
The features list of the Super Meteor 650 is identical to the Classic but with a touch of modernity. It has a single-pod semi-digital console with a tripper navigation pod. However, the overall look of the Super Meteor is funkier and more modern.
Engine, specs, and hardware differences
Classic 650
While both models use the same tried and tested 648cc, parallel-twin engine, the state of tune on the Classic 650 is for a relaxed riding experience. The Classic 650 is made for a laid-back countryside riding experience, as its gearing is a bit different than the Super Meteor 650.
In terms of hardware, Royal Enfield has tried to keep the Classic 650 as true as it can get to its brand name. Therefore, it gets chunky telescopic forks at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear as suspension.
Additionally, it gets dual-disc brakes with dual-channel ABS as standard, which is also the case with the Super Meteor 650. However, it is available with only tube-type spoke wheels, which makes it inconvenient for everyday use.
Meanwhile, the kerb weight of the Classic 650 stands at 243 kg, while the Super Meteor 650 is 241 kg. This makes the Classic 650 as the heaviest Royal Enfield motorcycle in production.
Super Meteor 650
As opposed to the Classic 650, the engine tune on the Super Meteor 650 is for highway riding. Its differently tuned gearing helps in quick overtakes on the highway, while the low-end torque keeps the rider engaged at the low speeds.
Hardware-wise, the Super Meteor 650 is superior. It is equipped with alloy wheels that make it more practical for different types of use. Additionally, its front suspension is a more capable 43mm USD fork unit.
Additionally, the front tyre size on both bikes is 19 inches, while the rear tyre size is smaller on the Super Meteor 650. As opposed to the 18-inch rear tyre of the Classic 650, the Super Meteor 650 gets a 16-inch wheel.
The rest of the motorcycle is identical to the Classic 650, more or less.
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Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs Super Meteor 650 – Price difference
In terms of pricing, the Classic 650 is positioned below the Super Meteor 650.
The Classic 650 range starts from Rs 3.37 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 3.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
Meanwhile, the Super Meteor 650 starts from Rs 3.63 lakh (ex-showroom), and goes up to Rs 3.94 lakh (ex-showroom).
Our verdict
The Classic 650 caters to buyers who look for a relaxed, everyday retro bike that offers outstanding looks and punch. Meanwhile, the Super Meteor 650 is a more relaxed cruiser bike that is marginally more modern than the Classic 650. Out of the two, it depends what your use is, before you choose one of these. For everyday use and a more riding feel, we recommend the Classic 650 over the Super Meteor 650.