In the sacred temple of motorcycling, where petrol becomes prayer and highways transform into pilgrimages, something truly extraordinary has happened. Our beloved homegrown warrior, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, has undergone a metamorphosis most divine at the hands of the wizards at Deus Ex Machina. The result? A cross-cultural marvel that marries the reliable heartbeat of Indian engineering with the flamboyant soul of an American chopper. This is not merely a modification, my friends; this is nothing short of a mechanical rebirth.
The Pride of Indian Roads Takes a Foreign Avatar
Since 1901, Royal Enfield has been more than just a motorcycle manufacturer for us Indians. It has been the keeper of legacies, the creator of dreams, and the enabler of countless roadside chai conversations. When the thunderous Super Meteor 650 was unveiled to the world, it was as if the ancient gods of machinery had blessed our highways once again. With its commanding presence and the heart-stirring thump that has become synonymous with the brand, the Super Meteor quickly established itself as the rightful heir to Royal Enfield’s throne of adoration.
“Every Royal Enfield that leaves the Chennai factory carries with it the spirit of India,” says Vimal Sumbly, Business Head of APAC markets at Royal Enfield. “When our motorcycles travel across oceans, they become ambassadors of our engineering philosophy and cultural ethos.”
The Super Meteor 650, with its parallel-twin 648cc engine producing a respectable 47 bhp and 52.3 Nm of torque, has been the pride and joy of thousands of riders across the subcontinent. Its upright riding position, reminiscent of the majestic elephants that once carried our kings into battle, offers both comfort for long journeys and the dignity that comes with commanding a machine of such heritage.
Deus Ex Machina: The God from the Machine
Halfway across the world from our bustling gullies and majestic highways, there exists another temple of two-wheeled worship. Deus Ex Machina, founded in Australia but with roots now spread across the globe, has earned its reputation as miracle workers who transform ordinary motorcycles into extraordinary works of mechanical art.
Their philosophy, much like our own ancient concept of ‘Jugaad’ (innovative fix), revolves around seeing potential where others see limitations. However, where Jugaad often emphasizes pragmatic solutions with limited resources, Deus Ex Machina pushes the boundaries of artistic expression through their modifications.
When the news first reached our shores that Deus had laid their hands on our beloved Super Meteor, there was a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Would they understand the soul of the machine? Would they respect the legacy while creating something new? As it turns out, our concerns were as unnecessary as adding extra spice to already perfect biryani.
The Transformation: From Cruiser to Chopper
The transformation of the Super Meteor 650 began, as all great things do, with a vision. The artisans at Deus Ex Machina didn’t simply want to modify a motorcycle; they wanted to create a dialogue between two distinct motorcycling cultures.
“We approached this project with immense respect for what Royal Enfield has created,” explains Jeremy Tagand, the lead designer at Deus Ex Machina who spearheaded this project. “The Super Meteor already possesses a timeless quality. Our job was to reimagine it through the lens of American chopper culture while preserving its Indian heart.”
The first order of business was to elongate the frame, creating that distinctive stretched-out silhouette that defines the American chopper aesthetic. This required precision engineering and expert welding to ensure that the frame maintained its structural integrity despite the modifications. The original dual shock absorbers gave way to a hardtail-inspired setup, though the team was careful to incorporate subtle suspension elements to ensure the ride didn’t become as punishing as Mumbai traffic during monsoon season.
The fuel tank, that most sacred vessel on any motorcycle, underwent a transformative redesign. While retaining hints of the Super Meteor’s original curvilinear form, it was extended and narrowed, then adorned with hand-painted artwork that fuses traditional Indian patterns with classic American hot-rod flames. The result is nothing short of a petrol-holding masterpiece that would make even the most discerning uncles at a Sunday motorcycle meetup stop in their tracks.
When Indian Jugaad Meets American Customization
Perhaps the most dramatic change came in the form of the handlebars. The comfortable, sweeping bars of the original Super Meteor were replaced with towering ape hangers that reach skyward like the ancient temples of Khajuraho. This modification alone transformed the riding position from relaxed cruiser to the distinctive arms-raised posture associated with classic choppers.
“Adjusting to these handlebars is like learning to ride all over again,” chuckles Rajesh Mishra, a Royal Enfield enthusiast who was among the first Indians to test ride the modified machine. “But once you get used to it, there’s a strange sense of commanding the road that I’ve never experienced before. It’s like being a modern maharaja!”
The seat, once plush and accommodating for both rider and pillion, was replaced with a minimalist leather saddle that seems to float above the rear wheel. Crafted from premium leather and hand-stitched with patterns inspired by traditional Indian textiles, it manages to be both functional and a work of art in its own right.
The exhaust system underwent a complete overhaul, with the stock pipes giving way to elegant, elongated fishtail exhausts that curve gracefully alongside the machine. The team at Deus worked tirelessly to ensure that while the visual appeal was transformed, the distinctive Royal Enfield thump—that heartbeat so dear to our collective motorcycling consciousness—remained intact.
“The sound of a Royal Enfield is sacred,” explains Tagand. “You can change almost anything about the motorcycle, but if you lose that distinctive exhaust note, you’ve lost the soul of the machine.”
The Heart Remains Indian: The Untouched Engine
In a decision that would make our cricket-loving nation proud, the team at Deus Ex Machina chose to leave the 648cc parallel-twin engine largely untouched. Like a batsman who respects a perfectly delivered ball, they recognized the excellence of Royal Enfield’s engineering and saw no need to tamper with it.
The engine, manufactured with precision at Royal Enfield’s state-of-the-art facility in Chennai, continues to deliver its 47 bhp with the reliability and character that has made the 650 Twin platform such a global success. Minor modifications were made to the intake system, with custom air filters adding both visual flair and a subtle improvement in breathing efficiency.
“The engine is the heart of any motorcycle,” says Siddartha Lal, Royal Enfield’s visionary leader. “And this heart beats with an unmistakably Indian rhythm. We’re pleased to see that Deus recognized and respected that.”
The Wheels of Change: From Practical to Spectacular
The wheels and tires underwent a dramatic transformation that further pushed the motorcycle into chopper territory. The front wheel was replaced with a larger 21-inch spoked rim, wrapped in a slim tire that emphasizes the chopper’s raked-out appearance. At the rear, a wider 16-inch wheel provides the necessary stability while allowing for the mounting of a substantially wider tire that gives the machine that unmistakable chopper stance.
The braking system was carefully reconfigured to work with the new wheel setup, with the front disc brake repositioned and the rear maintained to ensure that stopping power remained adequate for the modified machine. Safety, after all, is as important as style—a philosophy as applicable on the chaotic streets of Delhi as on the open highways of California.
Electronics and Lighting: A Blend of Vintage and Modern
While the overall aesthetic of the modified Super Meteor leans heavily toward vintage Americana, the team at Deus was wise enough to maintain much of the motorcycle’s modern electronics. The original LCD instrument panel was relocated and incorporated into a custom dashboard that blends seamlessly with the new handlebar setup.
The lighting, however, underwent a more dramatic transformation. The distinctive round headlight of the Super Meteor was replaced with a smaller, more streamlined unit that sits lower and contributes to the chopper’s aggressive forward-leaning profile. LED strip lighting was subtly incorporated into the frame, creating a gentle glow at night that outlines the motorcycle’s new silhouette without venturing into the territory of excessive bling.
Paint and Finish: Where East Truly Meets West
The culmination of this Indo-American collaboration is perhaps most visible in the paint scheme chosen for the modified Super Meteor. The base color—a deep, rich blue that shifts and changes under different lighting conditions—was inspired by the waters of the Arabian Sea as they wash against the shores of Mumbai.
Overlaid on this foundation are intricate patterns that draw inspiration from both traditional Indian henna designs and classic American pinstriping. Gold leaf accents catch the light like the ornate decorations of a temple, while brushed metal elements provide a industrial contrast that speaks to the motorcycle’s mechanical nature.
“We wanted the paint to tell the story of this collaboration,” explains the head painter at Deus Ex Machina. “It needed to be respectful of both cultures while creating something entirely new. Like the motorcycle itself, the paint job is a conversation between traditions.”
The Reception: From Chennai to California
When the completed motorcycle was finally unveiled at a gala event attended by representatives from both Royal Enfield and Deus Ex Machina, the response was nothing short of euphoric. Motorcycle enthusiasts from both Indian and American riding communities found themselves drawn to different aspects of the machine, yet universally appreciative of the craftsmanship and vision behind it.
“It’s like seeing your childhood friend return from abroad with new clothes and new mannerisms, but still recognizable as the person you’ve always known,” mused Vikram Singh, president of the Royal Enfield Riders Club of Bangalore. “There’s both familiarity and exciting strangeness.”
American chopper enthusiasts, many of whom had previously been unfamiliar with Royal Enfield’s offerings, found themselves intrigued by the reliability and character of the 650 Twin engine. Several inquiries about stock Super Meteors were made following the unveiling, suggesting that this cross-cultural experiment may have opened new markets for our homegrown brand.
The Ride Experience: Dharma on Two Wheels
Those fortunate enough to test ride the modified Super Meteor report an experience that defies simple categorization. The familiar thump of the Royal Enfield engine provides a reassuring background to what is otherwise a transformed riding experience.
The stretched frame and revised geometry require a period of adjustment, particularly for those accustomed to the more upright posture of stock Royal Enfields. The ape hanger handlebars place the arms in an elevated position that initially feels strange but eventually contributes to a feeling of commanding presence on the road.
“It’s like the difference between wearing comfortable kurta pajamas and donning formal Western attire,” explains motorcycle journalist Ashok Verma. “The stock Super Meteor is comfortable and familiar, like those everyday clothes we love. This chopper version is more demanding of your attention and posture, but it makes you feel special, like you’re dressed for an important occasion.”
The hardtail-inspired rear end transmits more road feedback than the plush suspension of the original, making the rider intimately aware of the surface beneath the wheels. Yet, clever engineering ensures that the experience never crosses the line into discomfort, even on our notoriously challenging Indian roads.
The Legacy and Future: What This Collaboration Means
This collaboration between Royal Enfield and Deus Ex Machina represents more than just an interesting custom motorcycle. It stands as a testament to the increasingly global nature of motorcycling culture and India’s growing influence within that space.
For decades, the flow of inspiration in the custom motorcycle world was predominantly westward, with American and European designs influencing builders around the world. This project signals a shift toward a more balanced exchange, where Indian engineering and aesthetic sensibilities are recognized and celebrated on the global stage.
Royal Enfield, once considered a quaint manufacturer of retro machines, has firmly established itself as a global player capable of producing platforms that inspire the world’s most respected custom builders. The Super Meteor 650, in both its stock and modified forms, demonstrates that Indian motorcycles can command respect and admiration wherever they roam.
“This is just the beginning,” suggests Siddhartha Lal. “As Royal Enfield continues to evolve, we hope to see more collaborations that push the boundaries of what’s possible with our machines. The soul will always remain Indian, but the expressions can be wonderfully diverse.”
The Road Ahead
As this magnificent creation makes its way to various motorcycle shows around the world, it carries with it a story of cross-cultural appreciation and creative collaboration. For Indian motorcycle enthusiasts, it represents a proud moment—seeing our beloved Royal Enfield celebrated and transformed by respected international builders.
The modified Super Meteor stands as proof that boundaries between motorcycling traditions are more permeable than ever before. The distinctive thump of a Royal Enfield can harmonize with the stretched silhouette of an American chopper, creating something that honors both traditions while establishing its own unique identity.
In a world that sometimes seems determined to emphasize differences and divisions, this motorcycle reminds us that shared passion can bridge even the widest cultural gaps. Whether you’re an Indian rider navigating the bustling streets of Hyderabad or an American enthusiast cruising the highways of California, the joy of the open road on a machine with character transcends all boundaries.
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, reimagined by Deus Ex Machina, isn’t just a custom motorcycle—it’s a rolling ambassador of goodwill between riding cultures. And in that capacity, it performs even more impressively than it does on the road.