Hey there, fellow riders! Today, we're focusing on a heated showdown between two popular Royal Enfield models: the Interceptor 650 and the Super Meteor. If you've been itching to hit the open road and explore new horizons, you're in the right place. So, grab your helmet and let's find out which of these midsize beauties is crowned the ultimate touring machine!

TLDR - quick answer:

The Super Meteor emerges as the clear champion in the showdown between the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the Super Meteor for touring motorcycles. With its comfortable seating, superior suspension, ample luggage space, and touring-focused design, the Super Meteor proves itself as the ultimate tourer. However, it's essential to consider that this comparison focuses specifically on touring capabilities, and the Interceptor 650 remains a fantastic bike with its own unique performance and charm. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on your personal riding style and priorities. Read on for a detailed comparison between the two motorcycles.

The Engine: Power to Conquer.

Let's kick things off with the heart and soul of these machines—their engines. Both the Interceptor and the Super Meteor boast the same 650cc air-oil-cooled marvel, which packs a punch of power. You won't be left longing for more oomph, unless you are used to more, in which case, you might want to consider a different beast. But for the majority of riders, this engine is an absolute peach, offering more than enough power for touring adventures of epic proportions.

Reliability and Maintenance: Roadside Warriors.

Picture this: you're cruising through unfamiliar landscapes, miles away from the nearest service center. Fear not, dear riders, as both these Royal Enfield models have got your back. With a few additional tools and the ability to source suitable oil on your travels, you can perform a full service on the side of the road, thanks to their traditional lock nut tappets. These are designed for those 5,000 to 10,000-mile journeys, making the Super Meteor and other Royal Enfield motorcycles stand out from the mainstream crowd. Don't believe the naysayers; these engines can handle the test of time and distance!

Weight: Manhandling Made Easy.

The Interceptor 650 takes the win on the weighting balance.

Let's talk about the weight factor, because let's face it, there are moments when we need to give our bikes a little extra TLC. The Interceptor holds the advantage in weight, sporting a lower center of gravity that makes it a breeze to maneuver. However, the Super Meteor isn't far behind, as its weight distribution feels just as balanced. Sure, you will notice a tad more effort required when pushing off the Super Meteor, but once you're rolling, both bikes are equally delightful to handle. So, fear not as the weight won't hinder your overall experience.

Comfort: Long-Haul Bliss.

When it comes to long-distance riding, comfort is king. The Interceptor offers a reasonable out-of-the-box comfort level, with its front and rear suspension handling themselves quite well. It particularly shines when you need to manoeuvre through traffic. However, it does come with limitations over extended journeys, and the standard seating configuration might not be the ultimate choice for your posterior's happiness, not to mention your pillion. On the other hand, the Super Meteor takes comfort to another level. Equipped with a sculpted saddle and a more touring-focused design, this cruiser was made for covering vast distances with ease. If you're a rider who yearns to tackle long daily rides, especially with a partner, the Super Meteor's comfort is a cut above the Interceptor's.

Suspension: Handling the Bumps.

Here's the lowdown on suspension. The Super Meteor comes armed with upside-down front forks that handle everything you throw at them like a champ. They ensure a smooth, controlled ride, even on bumpy roads. Meanwhile, the Interceptor's rear suspension can feel a bit soggy and might need some adjustments to achieve stable springing. However, once you hit cruising speed, both bikes behave impeccably. That being said, the Super Meteor's suspension seems tailor-made for high-speed, long-distance travel, making it the clear winner in this department.

Luggage: Pack It Up, Pack It In

Whether it's the Meteor 350 or the 650 - they're both easy to equip with luggage.

Now, let's talk about an essential aspect of touring motorcycles: luggage capacity. When it comes to the Interceptor 650, we have to work with upswept pipes, which in theory, limit the space available for saddlebags. This can make it more challenging to find luggage options that fit seamlessly with the bike's design. On the other hand, the Super Meteor takes a different approach. With specific luggage mounting points and more space for larger luggage, it provides a practical solution for carrying your gear on those extended journeys.

However, we at Longride, have tailor-made luggage solutions for the Interceptor so you won't feel limited should you decide to make it your touring machine.
All you need is to start with are the best saddlebag holders available. More info on luggage options for the Interceptor here.

Conclusion: The Best Royal Enfield for Touring.

After exploring the various aspects of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the Super Meteor, it's time to reveal the winner. Both bikes have their strengths and are fun in their own right, but when it comes to touring capabilities, the Super Meteor takes the crown. With its comfortable seating, superior suspension, out-of-the-box luggage space, and touring-focused design, it shines as the more accomplished tourer. Let's add that potential passengers will be far more comfortable on the Meteor. The Interceptor upswept exhausts force the pillion foot rest to be mounted higher up, forcing the passenger into a squat-like position.

However, it's important to note that this comparison is based on touring capabilities rather than overall preference. The Interceptor 650 is a fantastic bike, and its performance and charm should not be overlooked. If you are more of a commuter, and need to navigate through traffic, the Interceptor will be the better choice. So the decicion between the two ultimately depends on your personal riding style, lifestyle and priorities.

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