Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Review

This week I review the new Royal Enfield Meteor 350.
My thanks to A1 motorcycles for the loan of the Meteor 350.
56 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood Victoria Australia 3134
Ph: [phone]
www.a1motorcycles.com.au

[@MikesMachines]

If you want to support my channel please check out my motorcycle T-Shirt collection on Teespring. Yes there is a Royal Enfield inspired T-Shirt! teespring.com/en-GB/stores/mikes-machines

[@kevindarkstar]

Royal Enfield has been in continuous production for 120 years, about 50/50 firstly in England and then India, so yeah that's some heritage right there.

[@starscream1457]

Actually the english RE companu died a long time ago. Enfeild india was a differe t comoany which onky catered to indian market but after the main real british RE died out, the trademarks of name royal enfeild was bought by enfeild india. Current royal enfeild makes bikes with old british names to give homage to all those bikes made 60 yrs ago

[@markymarknj]

I think that this bike is for experienced riders too; it's not just a beginner's bike. I don't know if it's even good for a rank beginner; when I was a kid, folks started out on a 50cc-125cc machine; a 350 was considered an intermediate bike. I think it's more approriate for a beginner to start on something smaller, then work their way up. But yeah, I think that the Meteor can work for many guys, including older, experienced riders. Also, though it's not optimized for the freeway, the Meteor can do short stints on it. If you need to bypass a bad area or a traffic jam, the Meteor 350 can handle it, but you'll be in the slow lane all the way. This bike is happiest on city streets, back roads, country roads, and US highways. Here in the US, it's possible to avoid the Interstates (comparable to British motorways), since there's often an older US highway running parallel to it; that is to say that, here in the US, one can go where the Interstates go by riding parallel to them. Now, a little bit about me... I took delivery of my Fireball Yellow Meteor 350 on September 20th, and I LOVE IT! I'm an experienced rider; the Meteor is my 12th bike. I owned a Kawasaki ZRX1100 at one point, but I got rid of it after a year or so. It was smooth, powerful, and looked great, but I could never just enjoy the ride. Because it was so high performance, I always wanted to ride it fast, especially since, even at 80 mph, it felt like a thoroughbred race horse at a leisurely trot. What they say about a bike influencing your riding style is so true. OTOH, my Meteor encourages me to slow down, smell the roses, and enjoy the ride! Enjoy the ride I do... :) I'd been riding scooters since 2010. My last proper motorcycle was a 2000 Kawasaki W650. I sold my scooters almost two years ago but I got the itch to ride again, so I scratched it by getting the Meteor. BTW, there's a W650 identical to my old one available at a local dealer, and it's in pristine condition. Anyway, when I started looking at bikes, I came across the Meteor 350, and I fell in love! I had to have one, so I contacted the local dealer about getting one. I inquired about the availability of the Fireball Yellow, but they didn't have one. The dealer had some Supernovas, both brown and blue; they also had a couple of Stellars. That said, I wanted the Fireball Yellow and only the Fireball Yellow! The sales guy called RE North America, and asked when the might get a Fireball Yellow Meteor; they told him they didn't know. Lo and behold, an hour or so later, he calls me back to tell me that they got one in that day's delivery-YES! It took all of five seconds to whip out my CC to put a deposit on it, and I picked it up the following week. Why Fireball Yellow? Because I love it; it just looks badass! I love the color and the blacked out look. I also like the fact that there's no backrest to get the in the way; I'm an older guy (60 in Feb) with arthritic knees, so anything that gets in the way (especially something I won't use as I won't carry passengers on my bike) is a no-go. Plus, I got to save a few bucks in the bargain. I didn't relish paying for something that I'd remove soon as I got home. I haven't left my bike stock though. I ordered a blacked out fly screen from Hitchcock's, and I like it. It not only makes the bike look better; it not only protects the instrument cluster from bugs; it keeps some wind off you too. One will never mistake it for a full fairing, but it helps keep some wind off you below 55 mph. It'll allow you to make longer rides in your city or on the country roads, so it's good. Oh, and did I mention that the fly screen makes the bike look even better? It does! So, why did I choose the Meteor? One, it's freakin' GORGEOUS! It's a beautiful bike. Two, as an older guy, I wanted something lighter, easier to manage, and fun. I've had bigger, faster bikes, and I lived to tell about it. Who needs a big, fast bike when you're older? Three, I wanted something economical; I wanted something that was inexpensive to operate and maintain. It sips fuel, and the bike is simple enough for the owner to do most of the work. Four, even when I owned a motorcycle and my scooters, I noticed I wasn't going out on long rides; the vast majority of my rides were 1-2 hour jaunts on the local back roads, rides along the river, and with an occasional day trip thrown in. I didn't need something big, fancy, or fast to do that. Anyway, the Meteor ticked all the boxes, so I got one. It's among the smallest motorcycles I've ever owned, but it's among the best I ever owned.

[@davidragnoli5162]

Iv test rode this bike, actually have one on order, it really is the most gentle handling bike. Great for a beginner. I'm a Brit so the Law doesn't allow a beginner to ride a bike of this size but honestly it is such a sweet motor to ride.

[@rickg.5171]

This bike is a gem, hate to see it referred to as entry level. I rode a 500 cc Triumph Trophy for years and the wheelbase and weight are nearly identical.

[@manjucs2331]

Your reviews are just excellent. Straight to the point, no exaggeration and precise.

[@ManAtWar_8895]

I have this one too, the Meteor Fireball Red. I watched any and every video of this model on KZbin for months before i bought it. I'm still watching even after i have it. ❤️

[@kyakaruvlogs2784]

Royal Enfield is on a roll. It has so much in store for the next 12-24 months. The following models are up for launch - Classic Roadster Shotgun Hunter Sherpa Scram Flying Flea and An Electric Motorcyle Also BSA will be launching its 650cc motorcycle by the end of the year.

[@classicrider5274]

Another super clear and well spoken review, thanks

[@mohitAV8]

I feel surprised when ppl call it a small learner bike, Then I realise they are comparing it with the big Harley's Harley's don't workout in India given the service availability and fuel efficiency . This is the Harley in India.. If you really liked this motorcycle then please wait for the 650cc version for the same design going to be released soon in the coming years 👍cheers

[@starscream1457]

Agreed, and why to waste moneyon a bike which is twice as heavy with twice cc and also 3 times more costlierthan even the US market price of harley if you get much better expereance in this royal enfield

[@victoriousrufus6747]

Because the licensing laws allow only 350cc n above on highways! Unlike in India, anything goes!

[@blackhillsdualsport]

The legend returns!! Glad to see the review videos coming back!

[@hirdy161]

Loads of couriers or others who use bikes for work will get these. The navigation system connected to your phone is a great idea for this.

[@starscream1457]

Yes, that happened already in india, its a nice bike to use daily while going to work... This bike is my dream bike meteor 350

[@graemehay5714]

Mike, another clear, concise and very well presented review. Thank you for this and for all of the information that you always include.

[@lalnunsangaralte2993]

Why don't more bikes use heel gears i wonder. I've always found them so useful for changing gears and keeping your shoes clean and creaseless.

[@snatr]

I think it's because we buy those expensive boots with the shifter protection on them 😁

[@MrAnders1976]

on highways in India on average cars are allowed to drive 100 km/h and motorcycles often limited to 80km/h. So In India due to wages, cost of fuel and limited top speed most bikes produced in India are between 100cc (8hp) to a Bajaj dominar 400 with a KTM licensed engine (water cooled 373cc short stroke single cylinder engine making around 39 HP) with 6 gears. I think the largest bike produced in India is the 650cc Enfield twins making 48bhp and are aircooled. This Meteor is in no way a small motorcycle ,, even with its single cylinder aircooled engine it weighs around 190kg with fuel.. And this engine though long stroked could make more power in the hands of a japaneese or Euopean manufacturer. But the bike is made for low maintnance, good fuel economy etc.. I am slightly dissapointed in the numbers when a 348cc Honda air cooled single with an even longer stroke to bore ratio makes 21bp and beats the enfield with its 30nM of torque,, The enfield has 27nM.

[@victoriousrufus6747]

Nobody wants Bajaj in Europe or UK or America! No one has ever heard of it and no heritage like RE!

[@StarTrader4]

Great video mate. Precise and clear👍

[@davemonday5381]

Well Mike I’m impressed I’m considering a meteor for my wife she had five bikes in the last years. To fast to tall or no electric start. Most reviews seam to to be a bit scared to say good things about the bike. Has if your not aloud to say good things about a Enfield. I think it looks great and what a good bike for the inexperienced and girls just because of the lightness and seat hight Great revue Mike. Very honest.

[@benbow1958]

Nice video and review, I live in the UK but recognised that roundabout and street. Love Warrendyte 😁

[@hilltopper600]

thanks for all your knowledge

[@samsungview2618]

Thank you for the straight up review. I just want a gentle, easy upright cruiser that looks good ... so yes, I am going to get one, probably the supernova brown, or maybe the stellar blue. Wish they had the green and white

[@GunCollector007]

Great video. Just got the same bike.

[@kramnam4716]

Nice review.

[@jontyg9112]

Great little bike!! And, it has proper mudguards.

[@starscream1457]

This little bike easily rolls on worlds most dangerous and hard adventure terrain in himalayas and ladakh

[@happyeverydayeverydayokay3407]

I like this bike!👌👌👌👌

[@mike70s]

Great review, very helpful

[@joecamel6835]

It's too much power for you Mike .

[@mike70s]

@@joecamel6835your probably right,a man can only dream 😉

[@Kemrer]

Thank you

[@snatr]

Nice review! Although the bike looks tiny with you standing next to it 😋

[@jps8941]

Another awesome review I like all your videos they are very informative. I want the stellar so bad it hurts I've already pre-built it on the Indian website. I was hoping when I got to my country that it would be under 7000 because it's only 4000 Canadian in India. If it's the same price in Australia that is in Canada the bike won't sell ,too much competition at that price range.

[@megalumpproductions5362]

In Canada eh? I just ordered the Supernova Brown - gotta love a windscreen for those higher speed rides - Out the door price in BC for me is $8,700. Where are you and how does that compare? The dealer won't dicker much at all, as they expect these things to be flying out the doors as soon as they get them in. 8 now on order just from this dealer.

[@jps8941]

@@megalumpproductions5362 actually there's no real dealerships in Ontario and they're not going to sell at that price way too much money for a single-cylinder and I bet you I pay the same or more I wanted the stellar it'll probably be close to same price that's too bad

[@megalumpproductions5362]

@@jps8941 I hear what you are saying, but you won't find much in this cc range that is cheaper. The 300 Honda Rebel single is similarly priced and totally odd looking, unless you really like the modern cruiser stying that Honda seems to be applying to many of their bikes. A 125 would be less money, but not much bike there to keep one happy for very long. This one can do highway speeds if needed, has modern touches like ABS and the mini nav system, far more fit and finish than previous RE bikes, cast wheels, therefore tubeless tires. A real blessing if you should get an easily fixable puncture on the road. I hesitated at the price too, but what the hell, I can't take it with me and at my age (early 70's), this bike is a good 300 pounds less than my long time owned Honda ST1100, which is the main reason I am going for it. Just to keep the hand in riding a bike further into my dotage.

[@jps8941]

@@megalumpproductions5362 early seventies and still riding dude you rock I was looking at the bike for my second bike I have a Moto Guzzi V7iii carbon dark. I was just thinking of the whole brand it would be hard to sell lots of them in this side of the world so much competition like the Royal Enfield adventure bike under Seven Grand being for that market it's easier to sell them. I'm in my fifties I hope I can ride as long as you are

[@megalumpproductions5362]

@@jps8941 Ha! Ha! I guess you haven't heard. Being in one's seventies now is the new fifties I test rode a new 2019 Guzzi like yours, start price was $9,000, so out the door probably around $11,000. More than I wanted to spend and the 2021 is going to be an 850 with other nice upgrades included, but selling for around $12,000 before the extra charges. I do like shaft drive though for the cleanliness and relatively low maintenance. Had that for the last 26 years on the ST1100. All the adventure styled bikes turn me right off, with many of them requiring 40 inch inseams to reach the bloody ground! Have you considered the RE 650 Interceptor or Continental GT? One of those out the door here is not a lot more than the 350, at $10,031, as I was quoted. Good luck on your quest, but that Guzzi was a pretty nice ride, once I got used to the dry, cable operated clutch.

[@kyotosal]

Hello Mike. Is the heel position to go up in the gears and the toe position to go down? Thank you and again for another good review......Sal : )

[@MikesMachines]

Yes that's right.

[@romanallmeder5210]

Dear Mike, I own the same bike and wanted to ask you how you got the tripper display to permanently show a black background (also in clock mode). Maybe another firmware..?! Best, Roman

[@fasthracing]

Reminds me of my 1980 Kawasaki Z250 LTD single.

[@PranjitSaikiaGaming]

👌🙂

[@richardw1043]

The problem is the second-hand market is filled with such good value options that ARE highway inspiring and touring capable. I mean, can it even cruise at 110km/hr like my Himalayan? (which is 4 horses more powerful) On the other hand, this meteor is the best looking bike I've ever seen, the street cred would be enormous and the comfort would be unparalleled in its class. Hmmm That means I just need to wait for the 650cc model with the same style.

[@us9348]

review a honda cb350

[@hawedehre]

say please.

[@elephantsmemory3142]

Lending you loan is not a verb I've had it up to here with our language being effed up by Americanisms

[@the13thdukeofwybourne77]

Yea, they''ll be saying fender instead of mudguard next!

[@deonbrunette9767]

Nice to see Indian products doing well since I no longer buy anything from communist China. Great review thanks.

[@nergispaul9022]

What Chinese made bike do you imagine people cross-shopping against this RE?

[@jonathonedwards9534]

@@nergispaul9022 Benelli Imperiale 400?

[@knightatdawndonbynight8432]

@@jonathonedwards9534 Yes Benelli along with Volvo got sold out to a Chinese company and it is a shame no western corporate came forward to salvage the two from falling into Chinese hands. I try my level best to avoid buying from China.

[@ekimandersom4478]

@@nergispaul9022 Mash

[@lucassousa9734]

I'm waiting for this Indian product since RE annouced that It would be released in Brazil. At least, regarding to the design, the bike is Very good