Choosing the right cruiser often feels like a battle between the heart and the brain. Do you go with the timeless, soul-stirring heritage of a classic brand, or do you embrace the high-tech, futuristic allure of a newcomer?
In my latest comparison, I put two of the most talked-about mid-range cruisers head-to-head: the 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and the 2026 Benda Dark Flag 500 Commander. Here is everything you need to know before you sign those papers.
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Pure Heritage
The Super Meteor 650 is the embodiment of a “proper” cruiser. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it perfects the classic formula with metal, chrome, and a relaxed attitude. [01:31]
Key Highlights:
- The Engine: A 648cc parallel-twin that delivers a low, dignified rumble. It’s not about high-speed screams; it’s about effortless low-down torque that lets you “ooze” forward. [01:52]
- Riding Experience: With feet-forward controls and a relaxed spine position, it offers that iconic cruiser silhouette. [02:20]
- Built Like a Tank: This bike is heavy—pushing it in a car park feels like guiding a “mini moon”—but that weight translates to a planted, premium feel on the road. [02:40]
- Simplicity is King: No riding modes or complex electronics here. Aside from a simple turn-by-turn navigation pod, it’s a charmingly analog experience. [02:48]
The Benda Dark Flag 500 Commander: The Tech Revolution
If the Royal Enfield is a well-tailored suit, the Benda Dark Flag 500 is a spaceship. Fresh for 2026, this bike is packed with features usually reserved for flagship luxury machines. [03:38]
Key Highlights:
- A V4 Heart: It features a high-revving 496cc V4 engine. To combat the typical V4 fuel thirst, it includes a clever idle shutdown feature that deactivates the rear two cylinders when stationary. [04:15]
- Flagship Tech: It’s loaded with gear: electronic rear air suspension (which lowers the bike when you stop—perfect for shorter riders), traction control, cruise control, and a belt drive for smooth, low-maintenance riding. [04:06]
- Neck-Snapping Style: The design is aggressive and futuristic. If you’re an introvert, beware—this bike is a rolling conversation starter that snaps necks everywhere it goes. [05:06]
Side-by-Side: Heritage vs. Innovation
| Feature | Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 | Benda Dark Flag 500 Commander |
| Engine | 648cc Parallel-Twin | 496cc V4 |
| Final Drive | Chain | Belt |
| Suspension | Traditional | Electronic Air Suspension |
| Vibe | Relaxed, “Wafty” | Sharp, Rev-happy |
| Tech level | Analog/Basic | High-Tech/Digital |
The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
The choice comes down to what you value in a ride.
Choose the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 if:
You want a bike that feels timeless. It’s for the rider who wants to trust that any “shop uncle” can fix it if something goes wrong and who enjoys the “comfort food” of a simple, honest motorcycle. [05:43]
Choose the Benda Dark Flag 500 if:
You want the “main character energy.” It’s for the rider who wants flagship features like cruise control and air suspension without breaking the bank on a luxury brand. It’s eager, modern, and constantly asks you to misbehave just a little. [06:01]
My Personal Pick
While the Benda’s tech is brilliant and exciting—like a fancy night out at Haidilao—I found myself leaning toward the Super Meteor 650. There is a “comfortable familiarity” in its important basics: an engine, two wheels, and a seat. It’s the motorcycle equivalent of mom’s traditional soup—simple, familiar, and exactly what the soul needs. [07:43]
Watch the full comparison here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9137xQPnxg
Special thanks to Royal Enfield and Benda of Singapore for making this comparison possible!