New Enfield’s on the right track: Dirt-inspired 650 twin tracker spied in testing on UK roads

A new street-tracking naked version of Royal Enfield’s 650 twin range looks almost ready to go into production.

These covert pictures were taken by an MCN reader, who spotted the machine – sporting unfamiliar lines, a lack of badging and running on a trade registration plate – on the on the M5 near Exeter.

Appearing to be powered by the same air-cooled 648cc parallel twin as the existing Interceptor and Continental GT – albeit with a new single-exit exhaust – the bike follows reports of two new 650 models being added to the range.

With bikes previously spotted in testing back in April, it’s thought that a laid-back cruiser and sportier straight-barred naked will appear – both inspired by the firm’s SG 650 concept revealed at the 2021 Eicma trade show.

The cruiser is expected to sit as a ‘big brother’ to the 350 Meteor and will likely be called the Super Meteor. The roadster, meanwhile, could well be called the Constellation – a name previously used by the firm – and this could be the model we’re looking at here.

Where the Super Meteor looks set to receive a low seat and raked-out cruiser frame, this new bike appears more upright, with a roadster-style chassis and even the existing Interceptor’s tank. Another feature also taken from this model is the twin analogue dash setup.

More significant than that though are the new non-adjustable inverted forks, twin seat, black wire wheels and flat tracker style ‘race plate’ side panels. The twin shocks are also different, losing their piggyback adjusters.

The stubby exhaust and new pipe routing could also indicate the measures RE are taking to meet emissions regs.

Indian-owned Royal Enfield now develop most of their models through their Technology Centre at Bruntingthorpe near Leicester, so seeing prototypes on UK roads is not uncommon. Last month another reader spotted an all-new, liquid-cooled adventure bike successor to the Himalayan 401 filling up at a garage in Lutterworth.

Although a ‘scrambler’ style 650 makes sense, a more US-influenced flat track look has traction with Enfield, too. The firm, from their heyday of the 50s and 60s, have a big US following, and are currently contesting the AMA Flattrack race series in partnership with Harris Performance.

---

Super Meteor to make an impact: New Enfield 650 twin models spied ready for production

First published on 14 April 2022 by Jordan Gibbons

More pictures have emerged of two new Royal Enfields being tested, with everything pointing towards a full unveil later this year. The first bike appears to be a 650cc version of the Meteor and if Enfield are still as keen on their classic names as they used to be, then the name Super Meteor is a likely contender.

Just like the Meteor the Super Meteor brings the classic laid-back cruiser style, this time with a bit more oomph inside the chassis. The 649cc twin looks unchanged from the current Interceptor and Continental GT models, so expect an A2 friendly 47bhp on tap.

The biggest changes compared to the current 650s, are the fitment of five-spoke alloy wheels – 19in front, 16in rear – and USD forks. Together with the forward controls, swept back bars and tall risers give the bike something of a classic ‘cruiser’ style. Adding to the look is a teardrop tank, full length rear mudguard and chromed parts throughout. It couldn’t have much more of a ’60s West Coast America vibe if they tried.

The other bike looks like a souped up version of the Super Meteor. Royal Enfield had one of those back in the day, too – the Constellation. It is surely no coincidence that the company re-applied for that trademark late last year.

Compared to the Super, the Constellation is a bit more sporty both in its style and its set up. It still has the USD forks and 19in front wheel but that’s paired with a 17in rear. The bars are less swept back, while they’re clamped in lower risers and the foot controls are also mid-mounted rather than forward mounted. The style too is a bit more ‘mean’ with blacked out parts, sculpted headlight nacelle shrouding the clocks and Tripper, while the rear fender is ‘bobbed’.

There’s no official word from Enfield, but we’d expect both to be unveiled later this year. As for the price, the Honda Rebel will be a clear rival, so we’d expect the new models to be around the £6200 mark.