Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 versus Kawasaki Vulcan S
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Cruiser
Kawasaki Vulcan S
Cruiser
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2023 bis 2024~
Built von 2015 bis 2024~
RRP 7.890 €
RRP 8.595 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- good-natured driving behavior
- Sound
- balanced engine with character
- lots of chrome and metal
- Arrow Navigation Series
- Price/performance top
Pros:
- Comfort
- Stability
- Processing
Cons:
- moderate brake
- Windshield not adjustable
Cons:
- Short maintenance intervals
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.500 mm
Length : 2.260 mm Height : 1.155 mm
Seat : 740 mm
Weight : 241 kg
Length : 2.260 mm Height : 1.155 mm
Seat : 740 mm
Weight : 241 kg
Wheelbase: 1.575 mm
Length : 2.310 mm Height : 1.100 mm
Seat : 705 mm
Weight : 229 kg
Length : 2.310 mm Height : 1.100 mm
Seat : 705 mm
Weight : 229 kg
Engine
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
Displacement: 648 ccm
Hub: 68 mm
Hole: 78 mm
Cooling: Luft-/ölgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
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
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
Maximum speed: 176 km/h
Performance: 61 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 63 NM bei 6.600 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 311 km
Performance: 61 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 63 NM bei 6.600 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 311 km
Chassis
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
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
Frame type:
Perimeter (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 130 mm) Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 80 mm) Tyres at the front: 120/70 R18M/C 59H
Rear tyres: 160/60 R17M/C 69H
Perimeter (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 130 mm) Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 80 mm) Tyres at the front: 120/70 R18M/C 59H
Rear tyres: 160/60 R17M/C 69H
Brakes
Front brake
Single 320mm disc brake, two-piston floating caliper (∅ 320mm) Rear brake
Single 300mm disc brake, two-piston floating caliper (∅ 300mm)
Single 320mm disc brake, two-piston floating caliper (∅ 320mm) Rear brake
Single 300mm disc brake, two-piston floating caliper (∅ 300mm)
Front brake
Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 250 mm)
Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 250 mm)
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!
Conclusion - a cruiser
What remains? The Kawasaki Vulcan S is definitely not an athlete, but it is also not a heavy, immovable being. Alpine passes do not worry her, while caring for the driver with adequate comfort despite her rather simple suspension. In the evening after work riding on her in the setting sun, this is cheesy, but somehow beautiful.
The Kawa-typical maintenance intervals, which are kept quite short at 6,000 kilometres, are a small drop in the right.
But otherwise? It doesn't have to be more motorcycle, the purchase recommendation is available.
The test bike was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.
