The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a popular choice for riders who want a stylish, comfortable, and budget-friendly cruiser motorcycle. Launched as a replacement for the Thunderbird 350, this bike combines retro charm with modern features, making it ideal for city commutes and long highway rides. With prices starting at ₹2.08 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s one of the most affordable cruisers in India. In this article, we’ll explore the Meteor 350’s features, specs, performance, and why it’s a great pick for riders of all levels.
Why Choose the Royal Enfield Meteor 350?
The Meteor 350 stands out for its blend of classic design, smooth performance, and practical features. Built on Royal Enfield’s J-series platform, it offers a refined ride that’s perfect for both new riders and seasoned enthusiasts. Its low seat height and relaxed riding position make it easy to handle, while its iconic Royal Enfield styling adds a touch of elegance.
Timeless Design with Modern Touches
The Meteor 350 captures the essence of a classic cruiser with its round headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and chrome accents. Available in nine colors across four variants—Fireball, Stellar, Aurora, and Supernova—it appeals to a wide range of tastes. Modern elements like an LED headlamp (with a halogen option in lower variants) and a semi-digital instrument cluster give it a contemporary edge.
Smooth and Reliable Engine
Powering the Meteor 350 is a 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. Paired with a 5-speed gearbox, it delivers smooth power for easy cruising at speeds of 70-80 km/h. While it’s not built for high-speed thrills, the engine’s low-end torque makes it great for city riding and relaxed highway trips. The signature Royal Enfield “thump” adds character to every ride.
Impressive Fuel Efficiency
The Meteor 350 offers a mileage of around 35-41.88 km/l, as reported by users and experts. With a 15-liter fuel tank, you can expect a range of over 500 kilometers, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commutes and weekend getaways. This fuel efficiency is a big plus for budget-conscious riders.
Key Specifications of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Here’s a quick look at the Meteor 350’s main specs:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, BS6 |
| Power | 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 27 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual |
| Mileage | 35-41.88 km/l (user-reported) |
| Fuel Tank | 15 liters |
| Brakes | 300 mm front disc, 270 mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS |
| Suspension | Telescopic front forks, twin rear shocks |
| Weight | 191 kg |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹2.08 lakh – ₹2.33 lakh |
Standout Features of the Meteor 350
The Meteor 350 is packed with features that enhance comfort, safety, and convenience:
Comfortable Riding Experience
Designed for long rides, the Meteor 350 has a low seat height of 765 mm, making it accessible for shorter riders. Its upright riding position and padded split seat ensure comfort for both the rider and pillion. The twin rear shock absorbers handle bumps well, though some users note the rear suspension can feel stiff on rough roads.
Modern Technology
The bike features a semi-digital instrument cluster with a floating LCD screen that displays speed, fuel level, and trip data. The Tripper navigation system, standard on higher variants like Stellar, Aurora, and Supernova, connects to your smartphone via the Royal Enfield app and uses Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions. A USB charging port adds convenience for long rides.
Safety Features
Dual-channel ABS comes standard across all variants, ensuring safe braking on slippery surfaces. The 300 mm front disc and 270 mm rear disc provide reliable stopping power, giving riders confidence in varied conditions.
Who Is the Meteor 350 For?
This cruiser is perfect for:
- New Riders: Its easy handling and low seat height make it beginner-friendly.
- Daily Commuters: The fuel efficiency and smooth engine are ideal for city travel.
- Long-Distance Riders: Comfortable seating and a large fuel tank suit highway cruising.
- Retro Bike Fans: The classic design appeals to those who love Royal Enfield’s heritage.
How It Compares to Rivals
The Meteor 350 competes with bikes like the Honda H’ness CB350, Jawa 350, and Yezdi Roadster. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Price: Starting at ₹2.08 lakh, it’s more affordable than the Honda H’ness CB350 (₹2.39 lakh on-road, Delhi).
- Mileage: Its 35-41.88 km/l mileage beats the Yezdi Roadster’s 32 km/l.
- Comfort: The low seat and relaxed posture give it an edge over the sportier Jawa 350.
Why the Meteor 350 Is a Great Buy
The Meteor 350 offers a perfect mix of style, comfort, and value. Its refined engine, modern features like Tripper navigation, and Royal Enfield’s trusted brand make it a top choice in the 350cc cruiser segment. The bike’s build quality and wide service network ensure low maintenance hassles, though some users mention higher service costs compared to rivals.
Conclusion
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a fantastic option for riders seeking an affordable, stylish, and comfortable cruiser. With its retro design, smooth performance, and practical features, it caters to both new riders and seasoned enthusiasts. Priced between ₹2.08 lakh and ₹2.33 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s a value-for-money choice for city commutes and long rides. For the latest updates or to book a test ride, visit Royal Enfield’s official website or your nearest dealership.
FAQs
1. What is the price of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 in India?
The Meteor 350 is priced between ₹2.08 lakh and ₹2.33 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), depending on the variant.
2. What is the mileage of the Meteor 350?
It offers an average mileage of 35-41.88 km/l, based on user and expert reports.
3. Is the Meteor 350 good for beginners?
Yes, its low seat height, easy handling, and dual-channel ABS make it ideal for new riders.
4. What are the color options for the Meteor 350?
It’s available in nine colors across four variants: Fireball (Red, Yellow), Stellar (Red, Blue, Black), Aurora (Green, Blue), and Supernova (Blue, Brown).
5. Does the Meteor 350 have navigation?
Yes, the Tripper navigation system is available on the Stellar, Aurora, and Supernova variants.
6. How does the Meteor 350 compare to the Honda H’ness CB350?
The Meteor 350 is more affordable and offers better mileage, while the H’ness CB350 has a slightly more powerful engine (21.07 PS vs. 20.4 PS).
