Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Overview

Royal Enfield is one of India's most famous motorcycle brands, and it is known for its retro-style cruiser bikes. Some of its best-selling models include the Classic 350, Bullet 350, and Thunderbird 350x. In 2020, Royal Enfield launched an all-new cruiser motorcycle called the Meteor 350 as a successor to the aging Thunderbird series. The Meteor 350 brought modern features and technology to the table while retaining the classic cruiser charm. This comprehensive guide will deeply dive into the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 specifications, features, variants, mileage, and owner reviews.

Variants and Pricing:
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is available in 4 variants - Fireball, Stellar, Aurora, and Supernova. Meteor 350 prices are between Rs. 2,00,000 and Rs. 2,30,000 (ex-showroom). The Fireball is the entry-level variant, while the Supernova is the fully loaded trim at the top. Some key differences between the variants are:

● Fireball: Spoke wheels, basic instrumentation

● Stellar: Alloy wheels, semi-digital console

● Aurora: Spoke wheels, chrome engine

● Supernova: Alloy wheels, LED headlamp

Engine and Performance:
At the heart of the Meteor 350 sits a new 349cc, air-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder engine equipped with fuel injection. It produces a maximum power output of 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is paired with a 5-speed constant mesh transmission. Royal Enfield has tuned the engine to deliver strong low and mid-range torque right from the word go for effortless cruising. Our tests found the engine highly refined and vibration-free, even at high RPMs. It is capable of cruising at 100+ kmph without any drama. The engine also returns an impressive fuel efficiency figure of around 35 kmpl, which is best-in-class. Royal Enfield Meteor 350 mileage is great for the price it is offered for.

Features and Ergonomics:
In terms of features, the Royal Enfield bike gets an all-digital instrument cluster with readouts for speed, rpm, fuel level, odometer, trip meter, clock, and more. The top-spec Supernova variant gets smartphone connectivity via the Royal Enfield app. The safety net includes dual-channel ABS as standard. The ergonomics have been designed for long-distance touring comfort with a wide and well-padded seat, raised handlebars, and footpegs for a relaxed, upright stance. The low seat height of 765mm also makes it very accessible. Storage is ample, with a large under-seat storage and a useful front glove box.

Ride and Handling:
The Meteor 350 rides on 17-inch wheels (19-inch at the rear) wrapped in tubeless tyres. Telescopic forks are up front, and twin shocks are at the rear, with adjustable preload handle suspension duties. The new double cradle chassis feels stable at high speeds and comfortably handles corners. The braking performance from the disc brakes is strong as well. The tires offer good grip but are biased towards cruising comfort rather than sporty handling. The overall ride quality is quite plush, which isolates most bumps and undulations very well.

Conclusion:

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has been a runaway success for the brand and is the most affordable way to own a genuine cruiser from the renowned manufacturer. It strikes a perfect balance between being a practical everyday motorcycle with its frugal engine and long-distance comfort and an appealing lifestyle product thanks to its classic retro styling. With its impressive real-world performance and reliability backed by Royal Enfield's nationwide service network, the Meteor 350 is an excellent choice for those looking to own a no-nonsense cruiser at an affordable price.