The Royal Enfield Thunderbird arrangement had a good reputation in the market and was the second most popular bike in their lineup after the Classics. Royal Enfield stopped producing the Thunderbird a while ago. However, people were waiting to find the right replacement. Here comes Meteor 350, which is Royal Enfield’s attempt to revive the Thunderbird. Along with this, the Meteor 350 is also Royal Enfield’s effort in terms of technological advancement and packs some features we have never seen before. Furthermore, Royal Enfield says that Meteor is a brand new offering and nothing is being shared with the outgoing model.
What makes it the segment’s favourite? We will find out in this detailed research analysis of the much-awaited motorcycle, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350.
Pros – Refined Motor, Colours, Accessories, Instrument Cluster
Cons – Material Quality, Design
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Variants
The Meteor 350 is available in three variants each variant is different from the other in a few subtle aspects. The variants are:
- Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Fireball
- Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Stellar
- Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Supernova
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Design
Meteor 350 takes inspiration from Thunderbird, but Royal Enfield claims its design is completely new. The resemblance to the Thunderbird is strikingly alike due to their round headlights, tank shape, and overall figure. Other features like the U-shaped, 10-spoke machine-cut alloy wheels, LED DRL ring in the halogen headlamp, chrome inserts where appropriate, including the FI cover, black engine casing, windscreen, and backrest all further enhance its premium appearance. There are three models to choose from: Fireball, Stellar, and Supernova. The backrest only provides the last two models, while the windshield is only available for the higher models.
If you are a person who likes the colours of life, then Meteor will leave more impressions on you. Meteor has seven colour options, spread over several variants, with the top model receiving a two-tone paint job. Not only the colour but also the fit and finish are commendable too, not just according to Royal Enfield standards. However, the fenders and rearview mirrors are not made of steel and have some rough edges that we really can’t ignore. Meteor 350 is a fine ride from Royal Enfield, and its look and feel are definitely better than the previous models. However, a full LED lighting system would be better.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Features
The instrument panel and switchgear of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 are also new. The bipod features may remind you of the Thunderbird speedometer, but the Meteor setup is completely different. The larger pod of Meteor includes an analogue speedometer and a digital display that can show fuel level, time, gear, and 2 trip meters along with the basic telltale lights. The analogue speedometer also has MPH readings, in order to meet international sales standards. A lot of the action occurs on the second screen. The second module includes Royal Enfield’s new “Tripper” navigation system, which connects to the phone via Bluetooth. As a result of collaborating with Google, the system is highly sophisticated and extremely easy to use. The system displays a full list of symbols and even includes special symbols for flyovers and mixed traffic, making it easier to navigate.
On the switchgear front, it’s all-new and includes a USB port and emergency light switch. Headlamps and ignition switches are completely new designs. The new instrument panel and switchgear are very practical. The quality standard is also a big step forward.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Engine Performance
All the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 variants are equipped with the same all-new 349cc, single-cylinder 4 strokes, 5-speed gearbox, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine producing 20.2 BHP at 6100 RPM and 27 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM with a top speed of 115 km/hr (VBOX). The engine has improved a lot in terms of refinement. In city conditions, the linear engine has an excellent midrange punch. In addition, the updated gearbox is mated to a light clutch and offers slick shifts. As the rev-band is well spread, the Meteor’s motor feels suitable for touring as well, and the bike doesn’t feel stressed even at triple-digit speeds.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Mileage (or Fuel Efficiency)
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 offers decent fuel efficiency. One can extract 34-35 km/l under economic riding conditions in the city. On the highway, one can expect close to 35-36 km/l. The 15-litre fuel tank is capable of offering a total riding range of up to 400-550 kms on one full tank of petrol.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Handling (or Dynamics)
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 with its new chassis is 6 kg lighter in weight. Fortunately, both of these things contribute to the Meteor’s good handling and performance. Having wider profile tyres, the bike is able to tip into corners rapidly. In addition to having a longer wheelbase, the Meteor is also more stable in straight lines. At the front, the Meteor is equipped with conventional forks of 41 mm, and at the rear are twin shocks which are six-step adjustable. Despite the softer front suspension, the rear setup appears to be fairly stiff and could have been more supple for a softer ride.
Thanks to the chassis, the Meteor 350 is surprisingly good at low-speed manoeuvres, and U-turns are hassle-free. Despite the fact that the bike’s weight has decreased, at 191 kilograms it is still a hefty lad and you can feel it when moving it at low speeds. At 170 mm, the ground clearance is reasonable but might be a problem on big potholes.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Comfort (or Ergonomics)
Even though the Meteor 350 is an entirely new product, the ergonomics are almost identical to the Thunderbird. The Meteor sports a foot-forward riding position and an upright stance. The bike’s footpegs extend towards the front, giving it a relaxed posture. The handlebar is on the flatter side. Still, the resulting posture is very comfortable, and the split seat offers plenty of room as well. The backrest definitely makes a difference in ensuring comfortable seating for the pillion. Furthermore, the mirrors, which have retained their same field of view, are decent by Royal Enfield standards. Its seat height is 765 mm, making it appropriate for all riders.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Safety (or Brakes)
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 brakes have also been improved. Even the braking system has seen several upgrades to the Meteor, including a bigger 300 mm disc up front and a bigger 270 mm disc in the rear. Dual-channel ABS assures safety on this bike, as well as faster stopping. In an emergency, though, the rider needs to pull the lever very hard because the brake lever feels soft.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Tyres
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 gets a 100/90/19 front tyre and a 140/70/17 rear tyre. Tyre size remains the same across all the variants. During turns, the tyres provide good grip thanks to their wider profile. The tyres undoubtedly inspire more confidence and braking power.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Service
Royal Enfield is a well-established motorcycle brand that has stood the test of time and proved resilient in all its endeavours. They offer a wide range of authorized service centres and showrooms across the country where people can buy their motorcycles and get them promptly serviced, at an affordable cost. The average service interval for the Meteor 350 is anywhere between 1000 to 5000 km, this particular motorcycle should cost you somewhere between Rs. 1000/- to Rs. 3000/- for its service.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Price
Following is the price of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (On-Road, Mumbai) –
- Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Fireball – Rs. 2,25,516/-
- Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Stellar – Rs. 2,32,294/-
- Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Supernova – Rs. 2,43,591/-
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Resale Value
Royal Enfield is a brand that promises motorcycles that are easy to maintain, robust, and have a good build quality. The Meteor 350 should have a moderately adequate resale value depending on the wear and tear, and overall maintenance.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Colours
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Fireball:
- Fireball Red
- Fireball Yellow
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Stellar:
- Stellar Red
- Stellar Blue
- Stellar Black
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Supernova:
- Supernova Blue
- Supernova Brown
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Specs
- Engine: 349cc, Single-Cylinder, FI
- Power: 20.2 BHP @ 6100 RPM
- Torque: 27 Nm @ 4000 RPM
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Top Speed: 115 km/hr (VBOX)
- Fuel Consumption: 37 km/l
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Suspension: 41 mm Telescopic forks (Front), 6 Step Adjustable Twin Shock Absorbers (Rear)
- Tyres: 100/90/19 (Front), 140/70/17 (Rear)
- Brakes: 300 mm Disc (Front), 270 mm Disc (Rear)
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Dimensions
- Length x Width x Height (mm): 2140 mm X 845 mm X 1310 mm
- Wheelbase: 1400 mm
- Seat Height: 765 mm
- Ground Clearance: 170 mm
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15-litres
- Kerb weight: 191 kgs
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Rating
We give the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 a rating of 3/5.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 vs Honda H’ness CB 350
The Honda H’ness CB 350 is chrome-laden while the Meteor eschews traditional chrome for a bold, all-black look. It comes with an all-around LED light, chrome levers, and chrome mirrors. The H’ness looks more compact, while the Meteor is bulkier, but it has a shorter wheelbase. It features an LCD placed at the corner that can be difficult to read, and the navigation system is driven by Bluetooth. The Meteor has a more readable instrument cluster. Comparatively, the H’ness feels more like a streetfighter. In contrast, the Royal Enfield Meteor has more cruiser-like ergonomics. H’ness is more engaging to ride, while Meteor offers a more relaxed cruising experience. Enthusiasts will really appreciate the way the H’ness handles and tips into corners. The Meteor is quite heavy to move around in traffic, and it is not keen on being tipped into corners, as it is designed for cruising and does so without incident. In addition, H’ness offers more feedback and performed better than Meteor when braking.
The Honda H’ness CB 350 costs Rs. 2,35,491/- (DLX Pro variant) while the Royal Enfield Meteor costs Rs. 2,43,591/- (Supernova variant); (both prices, on-road Mumbai). The price difference is negligible, and both bikes offer good value for money. Royal Enfield has stepped up their game with the Meteor and so has Honda. The Meteor is the best bike to go on long trips with a pillion, as it has a better in-built navigation system and doesn’t compromise on pillion comfort. If you mostly ride within or around the city, the H’ness is a better choice.
Final Verdict
The Meteor 350 isn’t the cheapest 350cc bike in the market at Rs. 2,43,591 (on-road Mumbai, Supernova variant). In almost every aspect, the Meteor is a much better product than the bike it replaces, the Thunderbird 350. Performance, features, rideability, all are much better and the price is somewhat justified due to the greater level of premium feel and functionality. In addition, if you are looking for a head-turner motorcycle, we recommend taking advantage of the “Make It Yours” initiative by Royal Enfield to customize your own Meteor!
We hope this article has been helpful to you in addressing all your queries regarding the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and aiding you in making your big purchase. Thank you for reading and ride safely.
