The Super Meteor is, in Enfield’s own words, one of their flagship models, featuring upside-down Showa suspension, an LED headlight and a Tripper navigation system as standard. The 648cc parallel twin is lifted from the Interceptor/Continental models, but with revised mapping to give a wider spread of torque with 80 per cent available at just 2500rpm. Bob Pickett delivers his verdict:
On the launch ride in Rajasthan (India’s largest and most sparsely inhabited province) testers gave special praise to the engine and suspension. But how well would it handle the East London/Essex borders?
Give me some spec
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Its tubular steel spine-type frame plays hosts to a 648cc parallel twin engine, pumping out a claimed 46bhp @ 7250rpm, with maximum torque of 2.3 Nm @ 5650rpm. Seat height is 740mm. A first for Enfield are the bike’s 43mm upside-down telescopic fork, while hauling up its 241kg (90 per cent fuel and oil) wet weight is a single 320mm disc, twin piston floating caliper up front, supported by a single 300mm disc, twin piston floating caliper rear.
What’s it like to ride?
The Super Meteor is a nice place to sit. Its bars curve gently back, its pegs sit a touch forward of centre. I disagree with the ‘ideal for even the shortest of riders’ comment from the world launch. Taller than its nearest rivals and broad, too, smaller riders try before you buy.
I do agree with the praise dished out on the engine. Lifted from the Interceptor/Continental models, remapped to supply a wider spread of torque with 80 per cent available from just 2500 revs. Power is smooth, instant, and linear. You can bimble in any gear, or if you want to push on (it’ll take it), drop a gear and rev harder.
The suspension also deserves praise. It’s soft but never bottomed out, soaking up everything thrown at it. Add to the neutral handling, corners are simplicity itself. Once you turn in its assured and solid; that extra weight (around 30kg) over the Interceptor has it hugging the road. That said, the extra mass impacts braking performance. The single 320mm front disc has to work a lot harder. It’ll stop, but the extra effort is noticeable. That said, Enfield has increased the rear disc to 300mm (from 240), adding significant extra stopping power.
That relaxed riding position and comfortable saddle mean racking up the miles is easy (two hours in the saddle, never fidgeted). This is the standard model. For ultra distances look at the Celestial with highway screen and different saddle.
The clocks are great (no rev counter but a selected gear counter, which is nice); mirrors give tons of feedback. A centre-stand is a nice bonus. One gripe is the short gear pedal. I missed it a couple of times, making a conscious effort to locate.
How much does it cost?
The Astral (single tone colours) is £6799; pay £200 more for the Interstellar (same bike, two-tone colours). The Celestial (touring version with screen and different seat) is £7200.
Boxout> Thanks to…A big thanks toEast London Kawasaki/Bacons Motorcycles for letting us take this Enfield for a spin. Find their new and used offerings at: https://www.baconsmotorcycles.co.uk/
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