The entry-level retro-modern motorcycle segment has always appealed to buyers in India. Earlier, this segment was dominated by the Royal Enfield Classic 350. Eventually, Jawa made a comeback in the market with the Jawa Classic and Jawa 42. Recently, even Honda introduced the H’ness CB350 to great response from potential buyers around the country. With an aim to regain dominance in the segment, Royal Enfield has introduced an all-new 350cc motorcycle in India – the Meteor 350. It is based on a new platform and is powered by a newly-developed 350cc thumper. After a significant amount of saddle time on the all-new Royal Enfield Meteor 350, we bring you a detailed ride review.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350- Styling & Features
Most of the 350cc motorcycles offered in our market have a modern-classic look; and the design language of the Meteor 350 is no different. At first glance, this motorcycle will definitely remind you of the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X. Upfront, it gets conventional round halogen headlamps with a circular LED DRL strip running around it and halogen side blinkers. The intensity of the headlamp is not that good, and it can get a bit straining for the rider’s eyes while riding at night time.
The top-spec trim of the motorcycle comes with a standard windshield, which is big enough to counter heavy wind blasts.
The suspension system comprises telescopic forks upfront and dual-springs at the rear. While the overall build is classic RE, the bikemaker has employed some cost-cutting measures by employing a plastic mudguard at the front and plastic panels at the side. However, this has been in order to price the Meteor 350 aggressively. At the side, the motorcycle’s most defining feature is an elongated chrome exhaust, which enhances the premium quotient of the bike. The rear fascia of the motorcycle looks unique, comprising a round tail light along with halogen side indicators. The main reason for Royal Enfield customers to buy such bikes is to go on long trips. Keeping that in mind, RE offers the all-new Meteor 350 with a very soft and cushiony split seat, along with a backrest. The rider seat is wide enough to comfortably accommodate varying sizes of riders, while the pillion seat could have been a bit wider and longer. The fuel tank design of the Meteor 350 looks similar to that of the Thunderbird 350X, while fuel capacity stands at 15-litres.
Moving towards the instrument cluster, the all-new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 gets a semi-digital unit. It features an analogue speedometer with a small digital display and gets a fuel gauge, service indicator, odometer, gear position indicator, and three trip meters. The instrument cluster also gets a turn-by-turn navigation system, which can be used via Royal Enfield’s smartphone application. The trip meters can be controlled through a dedicated button on the switchgear. Coming to the aforementioned switchgear, it comprises stylish-looking buttons for ignition and pass light/high beam. The new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 also gets a USB charging port as standard in order to allow a rider to charge his/her phone and tablets.