BMW R 1150 R versus Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1150 R

Naked
Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Cruiser

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2005 bis 2006
Built von 2023 bis 2024~
RRP
RRP 7.890 €
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Pros:
  • easy and manoeuvrable to drive despite size and weight
  • used relatively cheap
  • is also suitable as a tourer
  • wonderful boxer with sound
  • sufficient power, powerful torque
Pros:
  • good-natured driving behavior
  • Sound
  • balanced engine with character
  • lots of chrome and metal
  • Arrow Navigation Series
  • Price/performance top
Cons:
  • vulnerable ABS system
  • fiddly battery removal
Cons:
  • moderate brake
  • Windshield not adjustable

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length :
2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat :
800 mm
Weight :
238 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.500 mm
Length :
2.260 mm Height : 1.155 mm
Seat :
740 mm
Weight :
241 kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Parallel twin, 4-stroke engine, SOHC 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 648 ccm
Hub: 68 mm
Hole: 78 mm
Cooling: Luft-/ölgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 197 km/h
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
446 km
Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Performance: 47 HP at 7.250 U/Min
Torque: 52 NM bei 5.650 U/Min
Tank contents: 16 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
393 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel)
Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 17
Frame type:
Tubular steel frame (steel)
Front suspension:
43mm upside down fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Stereo shock absorbers (travel 101 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 100/90 - 19 M/C 57H
Rear tyres: 150/80 B16 M/C 71H

Brakes

Front brake
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake ( 276 mm)
Front brake
Single 320mm disc brake, two-piston floating caliper ( 320mm) Rear brake
Single 300mm disc brake, two-piston floating caliper ( 300mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The BMW R 1150 R is a grateful bike that offers riders a confident and safe riding experience even with high mileage. There are many used machines of this type, most fortunately in uncrafted original condition. But old machines are not really cheap either: 1150s are hardly available in good condition under 4,000 euros. To answer the opening question: Yes, it is still worth buying a 15-year-old motorcycle today. At least if it is a BMW R 1150 R.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price new (2003): 9,000€
  • Used (15 years old): 4,500€
  • Years built: 2000 - 2006
  • Colours: black, blue, silver

Conclusion - what sticks

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a real fun grenade. Even motorcyclists who are not really into cruisers (such as the author) will be pleasantly surprised at how relaxed you can cruise around with this motorcycle. It doesn't get much more relaxed than this.
 
We still find the price of the Super Meteor to be reasonable, even though Royal Enfield actually stands for even cheaper motorcycles. The competitors from Honda and Benelli are even more attractive in terms of price, but in our opinion the Royal Enfield has more to offer - above all charm, appearance and driving pleasure!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 7.890 €
  • Availability: since 05/2023
  • Colors: Black, Green, Red-White