[whippers]

For some reason I immediately thought of the Ducati Indiana when I saw it. Not a good sign.

[him a layin]

i can't help but think that RE is spreading themselves awfully thin with all of these new models coming out.

[whippers]

i can't help but think that RE is spreading themselves awfully thin with all of these new models coming out.

Not so sure about that. The have the RE twins, the 350 single with the J chassis which I understand is also the chassis for the Super Meteor.

So two engines and two chassis plus the Himalayan.  All variations on a theme so a cheap way to make a bunch of models

[Hoiho]

Genuine, boring cruiser design. Seen ten times already elsewhere, and almost looks like a Triumph Speedmaster copy. Nothing distinct.

Too bad, I was hoping for a cool retro scrambler.

So very similar to the Speedmaster

[whippers]

Kawasaki eliminator

[20MarkIII]

The Super Meteor is a larger bike than the Interceptor. Wheelbase is 4 in.(102mm) longer and overall length is 5.55 inches(141mm) longer. 60 lbs. heavier. More 'planted' on the road to help with gusty wind resistance. RE has made strides in securing more Dealerships in the US. Still need more. My interest in the bike is all about long distance comfort. Time will tell.

[JessHerbst]

The Super Meteor is a larger bike than the Interceptor. Wheelbase is 4 in.(102mm) longer and overall length is 5.55 inches(141mm) longer. 60 lbs. heavier. More 'planted' on the road to help with gusty wind resistance. RE has made strides in securing more Dealerships in the US. Still need more. My interest in the bike is all about long distance comfort. Time will tell.

Cruiser style is not for me. However I am pleased to see the effort Royal Enfield put into this new variant.
 The switchcraft alone points in a very positive direction for the brand. I’m sure there will be many other little upgrades to be found upon closer inspection.
 If you watch the Royal Enfield release video(YouTube, find Royal Enfields official channel) you can hear them speak to the aluminum machined switches.
 I can’t wait to see what other variants they produce and feel like Royal Enfield is really stepping up their game.

[Streetliight]

Cruiser style is not for me. However I am pleased to see the effort Royal Enfield put into this new variant.
 The switchcraft alone points in a very positive direction for the brand. I’m sure there will be many other little upgrades to be found upon closer inspection.
 If you watch the Royal Enfield release video(YouTube, find Royal Enfields official channel) you can hear them speak to the aluminum machined switches.
 I can’t wait to see what other variants they produce and feel like Royal Enfield is really stepping up their game.

I agree with you on the style preference, but I do think that having a highway-capable cruiser like this is a good move for RE in the US market especially. I'm a 6'1" male, so the GT650 fits me great and I can flat foot it. However, my wife who wants to learn how to ride is only 5'2", and the Meteor 350 (which she adores visually) just isn't enough grunt for canyon roads here in Utah at 5-10k feet of elevation. A Meteor 650 will allow her to ride more confidently at slow speeds, and have enough power for US roads.

Unrelated to that, I kind of want a cruiser for longer rides. Something like a Yamaha Bolt maybe, idk. I don't think I'd buy a second 650-equipped RE, seems a bit boring. I love my GT650.

[Warwick]

If RE keep it affordable like the other 650s it should sell. They shouldn't go upmarket. Must remain value for money! it looks great with the single seat and does look RE. There was also a 650 scrambler at the show that is not getting much media attention.

[Warwick]

As Harley dropped their proper retro bike (the sportster) from their line-up, the SM650 may make a mark in the US. Cant believe that during a period when mid size retro bikes are all the go, HD drop a real retro!

[AzCal Retred]

Hh @ #18: Was that a cast extra from "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert"? 

[JessHerbst]

…There was also a 650 scrambler at the show that is not getting much media attention.

Yes, but it is a one-off custom done out of house.

[MikeAlpha]

Unrelated to that, I kind of want a cruiser for longer rides. Something like a Yamaha Bolt maybe, idk. I don't think I'd buy a second 650-equipped RE, seems a bit boring. I love my GT650.

If you don't necessarily need cruiser design, you might have a look at the Guzzi V7. Lots of character, the engine is perfect for laidback cruising at low rpm, while it still has enough power for overtaking without any hassle. Very stable chassis with still comfortable suspension and seat for longer rides. And a seat height of just 30.5" might fit your wife as well  .
One of the best bikes I ever owned. It gets similar positive comments than my Interceptor.

[whippers]

If you don't necessarily need cruiser design, you might have a look at the Guzzi V7. Lots of character, the engine is perfect for laidback cruising at low rpm, while it still has enough power for overtaking without any hassle. Very stable chassis with still comfortable suspension and seat for longer rides. And a seat height of just 30.5" might fit your wife as well  .
One of the best bikes I ever owned. It gets similar positive comments than my Interceptor.

How does it compare to the Interceptor?

[GlennF]

Generally speaking the V7 Guzzi's are better bikes overall compared to an Interceptor, but you would expect that as they sit in a substantially higher price bracket.  When reading reviews be aware the V7 Guzzi no longer uses the 750 motor, the new model V7s are based around a variant of the Guzzi 850 with a fair bit more power .