Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S Compared in 9 Pics

Here’s how the 650cc cruisers look up close and next to each other

Royal Enfield has finally launched its most premium motorcycle yet, the Super Meteor 650. With that, here is how it rivals its closest competitor, the Kawasaki Vulcan S in detailed images.

In terms of appearance, the Super Meteor 650 employs a retro and big American style cruiser design language.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Vulcan S is sportier and a bit more futuristic with its styling.

Powering the Super Meteor is a 648cc twin-cylinder, air-/oil-cooled engine making 47PS and 52.3Nm. The Vulcan S gets a 649cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill producing 61PS and 62.4Nm.

The Kawasaki is clearly leading in this category thanks to its more sophisticated liquid-cooled heart. However, if a big yet affordable twin-cylinder cruiser is what you are looking for and are okay with it not being very fast, the Super Meteor 650 is still a great option.

A Showa USD fork is a first for Royal Enfield, making the Super Meter 650 a true premium cruiser, even compared to the Vulcan S’ telescopic unit. While the Enfield gets twin shocks at the rear, the Vulcan sports a monoshock. Both are preload adjustable.

The disc brakes on the Super Meteor 650, too, are bigger (320mm disc up front and 300mm unit at the rear) along with a bigger front wheel (19/B16) as compared to its rival. The Vulcan S gets 300mm disc up front and a 250mm unit at the rear and rolls on 18/17 setup.

While both cruisers come equipped with a semi-digital instrument console, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 flaunts a Tripper Pod. It features smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. Sadly, the Vulcan S misses out on these modern touches.

With a price tag of Rs 3,48,900, Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is the most expensive bike on the bikemaker’s portfolio and certainly not cheap. However, it is almost half of what the Kawasaki Vulcan S costs, at Rs 6,40,000. This really increases Super Meteor’s value for money, not to mention its fit and finish levels are more premium too. That said, if you’re looking for a performance-oriented Japanese cruiser, and are willing to spend more, then the Vulcan S is worth considering.