Royal Enfield Meteor 350: A Modern Classic Cruiser for the Everyday Rider

By Himanshu Kumar

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Royal Enfield Meteor 350: A Modern Classic Cruiser for the Everyday Rider

When it comes to classic motorcycles with a strong heritage and unmatched road presence, Royal Enfield has always held a distinct place. With the launch of the Meteor 350, Royal Enfield has beautifully bridged the gap between nostalgia and modernity. Designed for long highway rides and urban cruising alike, the Meteor 350 offers a fresh take on the iconic cruiser experience. Let’s dive deep into what makes this motorcycle stand out in the 350cc segment.

A Legacy Reimagined

The Meteor 350 is the spiritual successor to the Thunderbird, a beloved model known for its comfortable ergonomics and relaxed riding style. While the Thunderbird appealed to many touring enthusiasts, the Meteor refines that experience with a brand-new platform, improved technology, and a contemporary design language—all while retaining the soul of a laid-back cruiser.

Launched in 2020, the Meteor 350 was the first bike based on Royal Enfield’s new J-Series platform, developed to deliver a smoother and more refined riding experience. This platform marks a big shift from the older UCE engine, improving everything from vibration levels to engine performance.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Meteor 350 is a 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine that produces 20.2 bhp at 6100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. While these numbers may not seem very aggressive, they are perfect for what the bike is meant to be: a cruiser.

The torque kicks in early, making city riding effortless and highway cruising smooth. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, which is tuned for relaxed highway speeds and comfortable city commutes. Thanks to the counterbalanced crankshaft in the new J-series engine, vibration levels are significantly reduced—something that plagued earlier RE models.

Ride Quality and Handling

One of the highlights of the Meteor 350 is its comfortable riding posture. With forward-set footpegs, wide handlebars, and a low seat height (765mm), the ergonomics are ideal for long hours on the saddle. The suspension setup consists of telescopic front forks (41mm) and twin rear shocks, tuned to absorb most road imperfections with ease.

Whether you’re navigating through tight city streets or cruising along highways, the Meteor feels stable and well-planted. The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, combined with CEAT tubeless tyres, offer good grip and confidence in various riding conditions.

Braking duties are handled by a 300mm front disc and 270mm rear disc, supported by dual-channel ABS, offering solid stopping power and safety.

Design and Aesthetics

Royal Enfield has paid great attention to design, offering the Meteor in three different variants: Fireball, Stellar, and Supernova. Each variant comes with its unique color schemes and styling touches. The Fireball is more minimalistic, while the Supernova features a premium windshield, chrome detailing, and two-tone paint options.

The fuel tank is teardrop-shaped with classic RE badging, and the bike’s overall silhouette is that of a traditional cruiser. From every angle, the Meteor 350 looks like a motorcycle that’s meant to be ridden for miles.

Tech Features

In terms of technology, the Meteor 350 doesn’t disappoint. It features a semi-digital instrument cluster with a digital display for trip, gear indicator, fuel gauge, and clock. The standout addition is the Tripper Navigation system, powered by Google Maps. It’s a small, separate color screen that pairs via Bluetooth to the Royal Enfield app and provides turn-by-turn navigation—something riders have long wished for in RE bikes.

Other features include USB charging port, LED tail lamp, and an optional windscreen depending on the variant.

Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance

The Meteor 350 offers a decent mileage of 35–40 km/l, depending on riding style and conditions. For a cruiser of this size and weight (around 191 kg), that’s a respectable figure. Maintenance is made easy with Royal Enfield’s expanding network of service centers and reasonably priced spare parts.

Pricing and Value

In India, the Meteor 350 is priced between ₹2.05 lakh to ₹2.30 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the variant. Given its features, design, and the premium feel it delivers, the bike offers great value for those looking for a relaxed, stylish cruiser without breaking the bank.

Final Verdict

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is not about high-revving speed or aggressive sportbike dynamics. It’s about enjoying the journey, soaking in the scenery, and cruising at your own pace. It brings modern engineering to a timeless format, making it perfect for both seasoned riders and newcomers alike.

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