My 2007 Yamaha V-Star 1300 has no tachometer and a heel/toe shifter. It's great once you get use to it. Use your heel to upshift and use the balls of your feet to downshift.
"IT'S NOT A DIRT BIKE!" (That's what I was told.) Cruiser riders don't stand for bumps. If you want to stand rise on the balls of your feet on your floorboards between both sides of the shifter. That's what I do. NOTE: Floorboards ARE an option for the RE SM 650. I've been watching it pretty closely.
It's great value, RE is winning a lot of market here in Brazil. People is going nuts in anticipation over air cooled budget cruiser... Since the only japanese cruiser we have is the Vulcan 650 and the HD stopped to sell the 883 years ago... The little Meteor is selling like hot brigadeiros over here so I think RE is going to have a big demand on this bike worldwide
@@shllickywulfs8958 We all learn as we grow, I even find out the hard way sometimes, ...we just have to get him on a cb500x 😉🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 .... all bikes are awesome though👍🤙
Funnily enough, same thing was with Harley Davidson, but in the end he still disliked them. He understands why some ppl like HD but would never buy one I think yammie would not mind having a meteor 650 as a bob around city cruiser or sth
Love the heel shifter...I'm English. Have on my Meteor and your bump issue is alien to me. Great in hotter countries as footwear is lighter and you don't ruin your shoes 😁
i initially had the problem of accidental up shifts but soon realized that its quite easily avoided by just keeping my foot slightly further off the footpeg, which is also made easier coz of that RE build quality on the footpegs
@@Volgin. also people acting like RE bikes of today is comparable to RE of even one generation away. I got the classic 350 reborn and with its new engine and frame it is incomparably better than the old 350 or 500. Old RE had style and nostalgia but it was nostalgia with puddles of leaking oil and exploding parts. I assume with the meteor 650 it will be pretty much the same. People already really liked the engine of the interceptor but many had problems with the frame, people liked the meteor 350 but for being a proper cruiser it was way underpowered. So yeah, there has not really been something like this before from RE. Unlike HD, Honda etc etc you should really treat RE as a new company. Sure the badge is old and its building partly by reinventing its classics but yeah, that “reborn” thing is not just marketing.
Welcome to India yam... I would love it if you'll vlog through the Indian roads and experience some commuting in India within traffic (especially in the metro cities like Mumbai). Believe me you'll have crazy views on that video..
@@yammienoob Please drive RE from where you are to Ladakh and back. It would be fun to have you explore the two wheeler automobile scene in India. I'd be happy to connect you with a few folks in Pune and Delhi who are closely working with the industry.
I feel like RE has really hit a sweet spot with the 650 stuff. The quality at the lower price points makes them really accessible for beginners in the U.S. and by keeping it under 700cc they avoid a lot of the insurance up-charges. They're also not too bulky for street and international riders.
I've had the meteor 350 for 2 years now and I love it. I just wished it was bigger. Then I find out they are releasing this. Can't wait for this bike. I have to be honest I enjoy that heel shift
I remember how Yam used to trash the RE 350s for a long time. But this is quite a fun review to watch especially since you have started to find a new liking towards RE. Great video Yam 🍠!
Great video, I’ve been anticipating this bike for a while. I bought a Meteor 350 as my first bike and am looking to upgrade to something a little bigger. I gotta disagree on that heel shifter though, my 350 is equipped with it and I love it, also before my 350 I had a no-ped with a heel shifter as well and I really enjoy them. Keep up the great content!
Interesting review athough, I really cannot see what the big deal is about the heal/toe shifter. I have a Meteor 350 and have never had that type of shifter on the Hondas that I owned before. However, the learning curve was short in getting used to it and now, I really like this shifter!
When I went from my KZ440 to my KZ1000, I adapted really quickly, and actually prefer the heel/toe shifter. 'Sides, if the Super Meteor 650 is supposed to be a cruiser--and I don't doubt it is--then I think that a heel/toe shifter is almost mandatory.
From trashing RE left right & centre to visiting india just to test ride brand new meteor 650… Well… papa yammi come long wayy🎉🎉🎉 Welcome to 🇮🇳 Have a pleasant stay mate
Yam went from dunking on RE to traveling to India to ride the newest release! Glad the RE hating days are over. I've done some RE content on my channel and look forward to testing one of these out as well.
@@sergentcolon1 I've done a review on my channel of the meteor 350 and have a continental GT 650 in my garage that we've done some mods to. They are fun bikes.
I love the RE 650 engine. I am very excited to see how it performs here im the states. Thanks to the INT650, this bike technically already has afternarket support from S&S. If someone wants to "hot rod" it, they can.
Cruise control!!!!!!! `nononono ... `BIG NONO. As you said this is a an honest cruiser bike. I, myself, and I don't think I am in the minority, we want less electronics and computers and better frame, engines, seats, bars, etc. instead ... Just 2 analogue clocks are enough to give all your information ... honest, simple motoring.
I don't have a problem with the heel shifter with my meteor 350 .... It's been 5 years since I've owned one .... Its genting used to in 4 to 3 days.... I'm looking forward to upgrading to 650 ... Thanks Yam ... Very detailed & informative video it is 👍🏻
I remember thinking that the road looked like a desert in the U.S., but you were on the wrong side of the road! Oh, OK India... Thanks for the review. It is definitely on my radar.
"So I'm 5'11", pretty average human male." BRUH Indians are taller than a lot of other asians, but even the average indian are 3 inches shorter than you are LMAO
Actually average Indians arent taller than lots of other asian folks, its more like a myth for us, Pretty much we re same and even shorter if we compare the average numbers with other asian countries.
@@chotu5175 Indians actually are. Average height for Indian males is 5'8". Philippines and Indonesia has 5'4", Indonesia ~5'5". Korea and Japan are ones that come close at ~5'7". The average american really just is taller than the average asian. 3 Inches is quite noticeable I'd say.
I think this is the prefect timing for RA to release this motorcycle. No competition at all. Price is amazing. I have a harley and to me this bike looks good. For beginner riders or for your city bike its perfect.
I love the fact super meteor has heel-toe shifter, a tiny component but a huge deal for a rider like me. I respect a rider like you seeking a different shifter as well.
I own the meteor 350, which also has the heel shifter. At first i couldn't stand on it, but now i got used to the shifter and cannot imagine myself living without it. After getting used to it I can say that standing on the pegs is not a big deal, plus it feels much nicer to push something down with my heel than to lift it up with my toes, feels more relaxed and natural. Also pushing the lever with my heel means that i can wear my favorite shoes on my motorcycle without permanently damaging their looks.
I was waiting for someone from the States to give their thoughts about this Super Meteor, I have been following the development of it since it was announced and shown in the EICMA, I'm really looking forward to see it stateside
In india we definitely need the heel shifter because we like to ride with our slippers or flip flops and without heel shifter it hurts like hell. Wearing shoes while riding in extreme heat is a no no atleast for me .
Really hope they don't add cruise control in the future- the allure is the simplicity, no reason to complicate it. More technology just means more things that can break which aren't easily fixed.
Yam, just do street riding in peak traffic in India and post your opinion video, as an International rider you will feel like you are in a whole new world. Cheers 🎉
@Tele_gramMe_OfficialYammie yo Yam, great video yesterday, riding in Jaisalmar. I would recommend you drive from Delhi onto Yamuna Express way. It will be positive for both worlds, you get to experience the peak traffic of Delhi as well as Express way of India. Cheers mate 🎉😊
Best 650 Meteor video so far. It shows some idea of the performance, thanks. I don't have an issue with the heal and toe shifter on my 350 Meteor, but then again, the foot controls are a little lower and a little further back on the smaller machine. Also, I rode Guzzis with heal/toe shifters for years. I'm hoping that R.E. comes out with more of a mid shifter option not quite so far forward. If they do, I'm trading in the 350. I love the 350, but it could use a few more ponies out there on the prairie.
Wow it an honor to have you here in India Papa yam!! I was so happy you could give your honest review of this bike. I’m so looking forward to test ride this myself (and own one soon) as a second Royal Enfield after my INT 650
@@cocaburra i really doubt it.. They already hv a huge fan following Not sure why theyd feel the need to pay a reviewer... They don't hv unlimited cash either They spend all of it in RnD... I can't remember the last time RE had an advertisement either
@@cocaburra May or may not be the case but RE does spend a lot on social media advertising. Yammienoob says so himself in the video. If you remember the 2019 Interceptor launch every famous RU-vidr was accommodated in W hotel in Goa with all expenses paid. Never the less his review was still pretty straightforward without any obvious bias.
You’re wrong about the heel-toe shifter. You just have to get used to it and adapt. Once folks get used to them, they never want to go back. I have both and I’d choose the heel-toe any day.
Great review, thanks for making it! Funny though.. The heel-toe shifter is one of my favourite features in my Meteor 350. I found it a bit weird at first but was used to it by the end of my very first ride. Now I find it adds to the relaxed cruiser feeling of the bike, and I actually miss it when I try bikes that don't have it. In terms of speed bumps, it's true you can't stand on the pegs of the 350 as easily as with other bikes as a result of the feet-forward position. I can lift my rear end for just long enough to clear a speed bump, but it's definitely more of a chore than with other bikes that don't have the sitting position. However I don't think I've ever had issues unintentionally shifting gears because of that. I'll have to pay attention when I finally get a chance to test ride the new 650 and see if it's more of a problem on it.
I'm not normally a visitor to this channel. I didn't count how many times you called this a "beginner bike," but that's what the Meteor 350 is more like, for learning the basics. Beginner bikes get tipped-over, and 530 pounds isn't light (for that matter, even 430 isn't, either). And repeatedly describing this classically-designed, nice-quality, R.E. product as being for beginners is kind of a mild insult toward everyone who worked on this at Royal Enfield and Harris Engineering. Some beginners may choose to buy this bike, but that doesn't make it what most would categorize as a "beginner bike," like something in the ~300 - 400cc range.
Depois de subscrever ao canal por 2 anos e ver este video seguido de um outro com yammie noob falando português sobre a mesma mota... é o sinal. Tenho que experimentar esta RE. Amo esse canal cada vez mais. Grande abraço
This meteor 650 seems like a boring euro retro cruiser which will probably be over priced. This bike screams "impotence" for a 650. But hey, I get it, there's a nerd in every class, but if you have a choice, why would you chose to be that nerd...🤣🤣🤣
so yammienoob we need to have the conversation about .... your wife's boyfriend ... there are next to NO beginner bike riders in america.... mostly just Harley riders and those that learn FAST on the dirt and track
Just learn to use the heal toe shifter, then you will love it. been riding them for years and that is all I want. I have never accidently shifted on one. Whish you young ? would just learn to use something the wright way in stead of gust getting rid of it. Other wise great video so far. Back to watching the rest. Do not need or want cruse control have it in my car and never use it, and do not even want it on a bike, and again get some time with a heal toe shifter learn how to use it and see all the advantages of it. 200 miles is nothing on a bike not even a good days ride, put 2000 miles plus on one then you know all about the bike. and then you will know how to use a heal toe shifter with out accidently shifting. I have been riding for over 55 years and many bikes, lately having two or three in the stable and try for a new one every year just love tiding different bikes, from 50cc to over 1000cc love them all. One thing I do wish is they would go back to having a kick start on these bikes, along with the electric, A great way to start the ride is kick starting the bike.
First experienced a heel shifter on my Moto Guzzi Ambassador in 1971, strange at first but grew to prefer it on cruisers. Of course it was no stranger then the three on the tank and foot clutch on the first motorcycle I ever rode, a '41 Indian Chief. 🙂
Looks like an interesting bike and it should sell well in the states at that price. I totally understand the heel shifter deal. I bought a new bike a few years back that had a heel shifter and I took it off before leaving the parking lot.
Awesome review Yamm! Seems like a trip to remember?! Going to an ancient city plus getting to ride a newly launched bike. Hope you got to cross at least one thing on your bucket list? RE management just seems smart. I loved the Meteor 350 but didn't feel that it would do well on the highways in my state. I think a set of risers will improve the riding posture. I agree that I hope RE puts ride by wire with cruise control on future enhancements.
So happy to see you in India. Do some more long distance runs through hill sides , nature in general. Watch out for people jumping in front of coming sang opposite to you on the wrong side as a matter of habit. And ya we hate traffic signals 🙍♂️for some reason
I have the meteor 350 which has the heel shifter on it and I absolutely love it no problem whatsoever accidentally downshifting it but then I was used to Moto Guzzi that had that type of shit mechanism once I get used to you don’t wanna go back
I really hope the durability and quality is there because the other high priced bike makers need to be taught a lesson. It will take time for RE to prove themselves.
Nice first impression vid Yam, India is a fun and interesting place. I like that you gave a solid impression of the bike while keeping your usual smart-assery in check : ) and also the minimal dunking on the Vulcan 650, which I own and love. I do plan to get a RE Continental GT to go alongside my Vulcan and my Bonneville T100. Keep up the good work.
This looks to be a great bike which will sell worldwide great but not well in America. It has many competitors. One is the Kawasaki W800 which is now selling brand new for $2,350 off manufacturer's suggested retail ($6849). These kinds of bikes have a particular buyer who is an older one. Unless Royal Enfield can make them 'cool' in America again, I don't see them doing well.
Big fan of the RE's, hope the aftermarket booms for them. Since Harley isn't interested in making classic air cooled bikes anymore I'll probably be buying RE.
First thing I thought of was Sportster due to the way the rear finder looked but overall it's a nice looking bike, hopefully I find one to try out this summer and at 5'11" I think that 29" seat hight will feel nice, having a Electra Glide, Softail and KLR650 in my garage the Royal Enfield 650 would be a good fit being I just sold my 1200 sportster this last fall.
hey yammie, I am from india, and can honestly say that everyone collectively hates the heel shift. I don't know why they keep putting it. Ruins the whole mood while offroad.
Dude, for off roading , you're looking at the wrong bike. For city and highway riding, heel shifter is great for bikes like RE. If you're riding sportier bikes like KTM or R15, then yes, heel shifter is a definite no no.
I finally got rid of the heel-toe shifter and installed a toe only shifter from TEC bike parts USA, wonderful no more false shifting. Now if I could replace the Tripper for a TACH, it would be much more betterer.
Yammie in India, reviewing a relatively new RE twin? That’s a pleasant surprise. Be careful on Indian roads though, they do bite. Hope you have a good time in India. Safe travels (rides), Cheers!
With Himalayan 450 and 650, Shotgun 650, Classic 650, Scrambler 650, and COnstellation coming till 2024, you'll love Royal Enfield even more. Especially with HD having financial issues, and releasing 350cc for Indian market, RE is becoming the new HD.
What I really admire about RE is that it's using many locally produced parts (for example CEAT tyres) for even export models which generally would have been Pirelli or Michelin but yea truly standing for Make In India, Made by India slogan.
I have the CEAT tires on my Meteor 350, and they do a good job. I understand that RE changed to the CEAT tires because of taxes or tariffs. Regardless of why they use them, I like them. They do the job well on my Meteor 350. When it comes time to replace them, I just might stick with them. Unfortunately, I have to order them through my dealer, as CEAT doesn't have much distribution here in the US.
@@vivekanandan5093 I'm happy with them on my Meteor 350. I don't know if they make good, high performance sport tires like Bridgestone, Michelin, Dunlop, or Continental, but my Meteor 350 doesn't need high performance rubber like that; it's not a high performance bike. Anyway, I'm happy with the CEAT Zoom Plus tires on my bike... :)
@@markymarknj even I'm satisfied. Sadly Continental bike tyres in India are on of the worst you can get 🤣 0 grip on wet roads .... Honda CB 150R and CB250R used to come with continental tyres... Almost all users had same complaint of worst grip on wet and gravel conditions
@@vivekanandan5093 I had Conti Road Attacks on my old Kawasaki ZRX1100, a high performance naked bike. That was years ago though. The tires I had gripped well on both wet and dry surfaces. They broke loose ever so gently if you took a turn too fast; they didn't dump you all at once. The Meteor 350 doesn't need name brand tires, as it's not a high performance bike. I haven't tested the CEAT Zoom Plus tires on wet surfaces. I like them so far, and I'm inclined to continue using them after I wear out the original set.
Off topic... I'm a occasional viewer and just curious... but where did yammie learned portuguese? Saw him on a cameo in a Brazilian video about the 650. As Portuguese I gotta say he's got a pretty decent brazilian portuguese accent.
No way this tank can go for 200 miles. The most I got out of it was 250 kilometres, which spent me a little bit over 11 litres of premium gas. Obviously, it means the tank still got 2 or 3 litres of gas, but the gauge was signalling low on gas and I really wouldn't want to dry it completely. Anyway, those figures I got on a cruising mode, going on the 6th gear, around 130 kph while the "eco" icon was on. Now, when I went faster than this, going about 150 kph I emptied those same 11 litres of premium gas in 180 kilometres. Count it yourself to imperial units, but 200 miles on a tank sound pretty unrealistic to me, and I've ridden this bike for like 3 or 4 thousands kilometres, both in the city and on the highway. Besides that really great bike, loved it and gonna buy myself one next year hopefully. Another downside for me was that it seems that as it's a new model, they didn't get all the small parts to fit perfectly. The battery and tools compartment wouldn't open smoothly and required a bit of a force applied to it which you don't really want to do on a brand new bike. The escapes weren't symmetrical on the one I used, the right one was a bit more to the side than the left one. Also, the USB charger is not on the handles as it is in the Classic 350, for example, which doesn't let you charge the phone while on the road, subsequently killing the whole purpose of the USB charger. If I got somewhere I can just plug my phone somewhere beside underneath my bike's seat. But I hope they perfect those things in the next few years, I just felt that my experience with the Classic 350 was way smoother in those small details, which is logical, given that they've literally been making this bike for over a century now.
I never imagined myself on a RE until I had some sort of epiphany last July and bought an INT650. Must say, I never looked back! Most fun ever. This one will sell big time for sure.
It's a good bike, but I have to challenge you on this. There are so many other competitors - Honda's Rebel 1100 is almost the same weight with almost twice the displacement, Kawasaki Vulcan is far more refined, Honda now also have new CL500 series coming...the biggest issue is the price...for the US market it will be about $7,500~8k...2022 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty: $8,999 (only $1500 difference for far better bike), and Yamaha's Bolt R-Spec is $8,500..only $1k apart at the most. Would you seriously buy RE Meteor over Bolt for about $1k difference?
RUB Rich Urban Bikers Translated as Doctors, Lawyers, StockBrokers, Dentists, City Managers etc.,...... Who want "the look"[outlaw] but not the attention ["Police"]
Royal Enfield are a breath of fresh air really, their bikes look great , although the Super Meteor could do with a bit more power, 60 Hp would be nice. I just wish Royal Enfield would remove the digital screen on the super meteor and their other bikes as it looks out of place and their speedometers look too modern for the style of bike, they should look at the Triumph T100 for example, gorgeous clocks on that and they look proper, no modern retro nonsense. In fact, the modern retro speedo and the digital screen are the 2 things that would prevent me buying the super meteor or any other RE with similar design speedo etc, they just look too out of place, while it's nice to see an analogue speedo they need to make it look proper retro.
Bro, great review and I really appreciate your thoughts on the RESM650. I noted that other than silliness at the end, there was less clowning around here. Thank you for that! You’ve got so much to offer, it’s good to see knowledge and insight take center stage.
Considering RE's Milwaukee location, HD's plans to enter the Indian market, the timing of the Sportster's demise and Super Meteor's intro, gotta ask how much HD has invested in RE....
