If we must elaborate as to what makes it worth buying, the very first factor is the new-generation UCE engine which powers this motorcycle. The Meteor 350 derives power from a 349cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with an OHC design. This engine makes 20.2 hp power at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The engine will allow for lower emissions and instant acceleration. Compared to the old 350cc engine, the all-new engine has a spread of an extra 1000 rpms and has been tweaked for crisp throttle response.
The engine also gets a balancer shaft to iron out all vibrations. It has been tuned to deliver a healthy dose of torque in the low and mid-range. One of the main niggles which Royal Enfield’s 350cc motorcycles have always been riddled with is vibrations. But Royal Enfield has managed to turn things around with the Meteor 350. Royal Enfield has spent a really long time testing all the new components. RE has also worked hard to keep the signature thump intact and much like every other Enfield, the spec sheet isn’t what the bike is all about.
The only Indian bike out there other than the Bajaj Avenger to offer a feet-forward riding stance, the Meteor 350 also gets new brakes and suspension which have been tuned to match the character of the bike. The bike’s ride height has been optimised to make it a comfortable motorcycle to ride in all kind of conditions for the majority of riders. The bike’s wheelbase measures 1400mm, the seat height stands at 765mm and ground clearance stands at 170mm. The 41mm front forks offer 130mm of travel and the twin rear springs are adjustable for pre-load in six steps. The Meteor 350 has optimum braking performance as well, assisted by dual-channel ABS. The front rotor is of 300mm while the rear measures 270mm. The bike’s rake angle is adjusted to make within-town and long rides a comfortable affair and in the saddle, it comes close to making the rider feel like he’s in command of a roadster.
For being a modern Royal Enfield which is also being exported to international markets, the Meteor 350 gets a Digi-analogue instrument cluster with 8 tell-tale lights and an analogue speedometer with kmph and mph markings. The digital screen will display readouts for a service reminder, a much-needed fuel-level bar, a clock, a gear indicator and an eco indicator among other things. Sitting alongside this dial will be another colour TFT screen to the right which RE calls a Tripper Navigation Display Unit. Pairing with the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth, it will display turn-by-turn navigation through signage in both day and night modes. This has been developed in association with Google Maps and being offered as a standard feature.
The Meteor 350 is a well-finished product and a proper retro cruiser with round halogen headlamps with an LED light guide, a 15-litre fuel tank, and an LED taillight. It rides on machine-finished alloy wheels measuring 19-inch front with 100/90 tyre and 17 inch rear wheel with 140/70 tyre. The new 350 motorcycle, based on the brand’s new ‘J’ architecture, receives a low seat along with high set handlebars and forward-set footpegs relating to an upright seating position and better rider comfort.
Besides all this, the Meteor 350 can also be personalised for being a part of Royal Enfield’s ‘Make it Yours’ program, where the bike can be customised online before one puts his or her money down. If you still aren’t sure and are looking to buy something like the Classic or the Bullet, these two bikes will also be upgraded to be powered by the new-gen UCE engine in 2021.
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