Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is launched with a brand new engine and advanced electronics. Can it rule the crosier bike segment? Let us find out.
Royal Enfield is back with a launch in the 350 cc segment. The Chennai-based bike manufacturer has launched Meteor 350 to replace Thunderbird 350X. Let us find out how RE Meteor 350 looks and feels in detail.
Read on.
Design and styling
Meteor 350 looks too close to its predecessor Thunderbird. It is equipped with a RE typical circular front headlamp that offers halogen lighting. The headlight is also wrapped around an LED DRL. A small RE logo is present inside the headlamp that gives the bike a premium touch. The fuel tank is designed with an eyedrop effect with a RE logo that also makes the tank appear a bit longer.
Rear-end and is styled with a circular tail lamp that is an all-LED unit.
Meteor is launched in three versions including Stellar, Fireball, and Supernova. The Superova version offers a a few cosmetic upgrades in comparison to lower trims. It also offers a dual-tone paint, machine-finished alloy , premium seats, and chrome indicators. It will also come with a front windscreen as standard on the Supernova model.
Advanced instrument panel
Royal Enfield Meteor's main console is installed on the left including an analogue speedometer. It is also equipped with a tiny inbuilt digital display for information including ODO, gear indicator, trip meter, and more.
On the right hand side, there is a small colour screen that displays turn by turn navigation and time. You can also pair it through a dedicated smartphone application via Bluetooth.
Read More: Honda H’ness CB350 launched; can it replace RE?
Engine
Meteor is powered by a brand-new 349 cc single-cylinder engine that churns out 20.2 bhp of power and 27 Nm of torque. It offers a 5-speed transmission. RE has developed a new motor boasting a SOHC two-valve head. It will replace the legacy pushrod-valve system. The engine is still an air-cooled unit, however, it is now equipped with an additional internal oil circuit within the cylinder head for added cooling.
The new engine offers smoother power delivery and advanced refinement levels. RE has managed to control the NVH levels to reduce vibration on the handlebar or the footpegs. Royal Enfield claims that the new 349 cc motor has the same built standards as the larger 650 Twins.
Ride and handling
Meteor feels light and nimble for a bike that weighs 191 kg. Its heavy duty telescopic, 41 mm forks at the front are tuned to keep the bike planted in multiple riding conditions. The suspension is built robustly and complements adequately its 170 mm ground clearance. Hence, it is perfect for your mountain rides.
RE Meteor will come with a combination of 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel. The front wheel gets a a 300 mm disc and the rear one is rquipped with a 270 mm disc. For added safety, it is powered with a dual-channel ABS as a standard fitment.
Price
RE Meteor 350 prices will start at ₹1.75 lakh (ex-showroom). The strategic pricing by Royal Enfield undercuts the price of its main rival Honda H'ness CB 350 by a large margin.
Verdict
The Meteor 350 is RE's big leap in the retro cruising segment. With the Meteor 350, Royal Enfield has proved that it is capable of delivering a quality product in the affordable segment.
