Super Meteor Nite Out

 Yesterday was opportunistic test ride, this evening I was invited by Rusydi Razali of RE Malaysia to have a go on the Super Meteor 650. As some of u may know, I moved 99% of stuff back to Sarawak. I was using my sunglasses yesterday. Now evening ride hmm if I use the same 3/4 helmet borrowed from the shop, I may need eye protection. Light bulb movement....get a safety glasses from hardware shop. Since I was there I got myself a pair of earplugs, nice pair too. 

 Met my buddy at Royql Enfield showroom. Pick up the helmet and key to the Super Meteor 650. We starterld riding in the usual KL jam ( not bad, some folks are still not back to work). But first impression of the bike was how easy it started. The unconventional starter button stopped me in my track, Atboy the iconic sales character my good fren came to point out the push to the left starter button. The bike purred to live. Snicked the gear in 1, initially I wasn't sure where the gear paddle was, my right foot haven't got used to forward pegs and shifter, not really very far out but the position is not  where my size 12 boots memorised it to be. So used to extra forward or something. Once settle on the gear we moved out. DD took me on to SPE and he did his usual magic on phone cam. 

 Back to the bike, this is as what I was expected after viewing so many YouTube review. This bike is a real up to date modern RE, new generation, reborn. The engine  is so punchy with torque quickly bring me up to speed around 70kph in gear 4, there is a gear indicator on the round clock. So many info on clock, service icon reminds the bike require nappy change, fuel in semi circle fashion, there is also a clock, speedo and Odometer of course. The there is the famous RE navigation gizmo on the right side. The display on the meter is so easy to read. 

Most of the RE bike come with center stand. I love those center stands, the make life a lot easier when cleaning the rear wheel, particularly on chain driven bikes. RE even provide the handle to lift the bike up on center stsnd, we thoughtful, perhaps a carry over from old British design, but nonetheless a helpful device and aesthetically the look good and fit the overall look. The clutch pull is very easy on my left hand, if u notice on the transmission case the pulley for the clutch is on the right instead of most commonly found on right side. That's mean cable is routed from left to right. One must make sure cable is proper routed to allow smooth clutch operation and prolong the life of cable. I tried making long sweeping turn on gear 6, it surely pulls. No problem, lower 1 gear spins up more propulsion when u need to. We went on to a very bumpy road under the elevated highway at 1 point, the front Showa USD fork (never seen fork with Showa brand etched on the fork top before, this is the first) soaked up the bumps well, the rear suspension travel was adequate enough for my 105kg.   If I must pick something to criticise on...it would be the signal lights, same goes for the Interceptor. RE can do better, not those plastic bullet signal lights, but then Harley also uses plastic signal lights lately. For me that is the first thing I would change if was mine. The demo bike I rode came we nice rider seat, comfortable enough, not sure if it cradle my bonny back side well on longer rides. The rear seat is another problem aesthetically, I would go see Has Cushion immediately after taken delivery if I were to buy it. However, that's just me. Some may just remove the rear seat and opt for a small luggage rack. 

By the way, Super Meteor also come in the form touring ready edition, with windshield and 1 piece front and rear seat and a padded sissy bar. Windshield comes with air window to allow cool air to keep rider cool while preventing wind stress on long rides. 

Overalll, I find that Super Meteor 650 is one of the best looking and most well equipped mid weight cruiser. It has the audacity to be well dressed, polite, poise, calm and well manned no matter if is riddnn in jam, windy roads, straight highway or bumpy back roads. If I got garage space and enough cash, I would put a booking deposit now. 

Sold out, you need to put a booking down to get next batch or next next batch, you may not get the color you want but do book. Color is very personal of course, as mentioned if I have the luxury,  I will book first accept several color option. Repaint later if required but you may grow fond of the color you get even though it may not be your first choice.