Despite its plain appearance, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 has a lot to offer. With a 648 cc parallel-twin engine, this motorcycle is easy to handle and has a relaxed riding position. However, this particular Super Meteor custom built by Roland Sands Design (RSD) is anything but ordinary. Commissioned by Royal Enfield, RSD’s creation is a lean and bold chopper with compact lines and unique features.
RSD is well-known for its custom bikes and parts, so they saw this project as an opportunity to test out some new Royal Enfield 650-specific parts. They didn’t simply add a few cosmetic changes, but went above and beyond to transform the bike. One of the challenges they faced was getting the fuel tank and the space underneath it just right. They started with a small Wassel tank and had to spend a significant amount of time and effort to fit the OEM fuel pump into it.
To achieve the desired look, the RSD team made extensive modifications. They removed everything from the steering neck down and fabricated a new single downtube that replaces the front motor mount. The design is minimalistic and elegant, while a new dimpled neck gusset adds a touch of class. The rear shock mounts were replaced with custom ones tailored to the chopper’s new silhouette, which are connected to a pair of Öhlins units. The front forks were borrowed from a Harley-Davidson Sportster, but underwent significant changes. RSD stripped them down, removed the brake and fender mounts, and coated them in a gold nitride finish.
The Super Meteor now rides on RSD’s ‘Morris’ wheels, with a 21″ wheel up front and a 16″ wheel at the rear. To accommodate the narrow forks, a custom front hub was machined. The bike only features a rear brake, so RSD decided to upgrade it with a Galfer rotor and a nickel Brembo radial mount caliper on a custom bracket. A custom fender hovers just above the rear wheel, allowing for optimal clearance.
In terms of the cockpit, RSD opted for tapered handlebars mounted on long risers, with a small headlight positioned at the front. The overall design is clean and minimalistic, with no switches, levers, or speedometer. The team added new grips, a single cable throttle, and a custom foot clutch and hand shifter arrangement.
While RSD’s fabrication team brought these ideas to life, their design team focused on creating custom parts for the Super Meteor. They developed ribbed engine and sprocket covers, points cover, ignition and battery covers, all featuring a vented design with gold mesh backing. Other details include an ignition relocation, RSD foot pegs, an RSD gas cap, custom twin exhaust headers, and an engine guard.
The striking black and gold livery of RSD’s Super Meteor is bold and audacious. Gold flames take center stage, outlined with subtle silver stripes. The mix of gloss and matte finishes, as well as the matching gold Cerakote finish on the wheels, adds to the overall appeal. The bike’s layout also emphasizes the beauty of Royal Enfield’s ‘650’ engine.
RSD’s Royal Enfield Super Meteor is a departure from the original bike’s laid-back vibe, but it showcases the versatility of the platform. It serves as a no-nonsense, bare-knuckle chopper that is equally suited for city riding and tackling winding roads. The custom build by RSD exemplifies their craftsmanship and attention to detail, making this Super Meteor a standout in the Royal Enfield lineup.