Royal Enfield Meteor 350: The Ultimate Cruiser with Great Speed

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a lifestyle choice. Designed for riders who seek comfort, class, and performance in one package, the Meteor 350 blends timeless cruiser aesthetics with modern-day engineering. Since its debut in 2020, this bike has become a favorite among long-distance riders and city commuters alike.

In this in-depth blog, we’ll explore everything about the Royal Enfield Meteor 350—from its specifications and features to its riding experience, pricing, and how it stacks up against its rivals. This human-style, SEO-friendly article is crafted to provide a complete understanding for both first-time buyers and seasoned enthusiasts.

1. Introduction: The Spirit of the Meteor

When Royal Enfield introduced the Meteor 350, it was seen as a spiritual successor to the iconic Thunderbird. Built on a brand-new J-platform, the Meteor aimed to set new benchmarks in the 350cc segment. What made it stand out was its balance of retro charm and modern technology.

The name “Meteor” itself draws inspiration from a past Royal Enfield model from the 1950s. However, this new version is far more than just a nostalgic rebirth—it’s a global product aimed at capturing hearts across continents.

The Meteor 350 has quickly gained traction among young riders, office-goers, and seasoned bikers looking for a dependable cruiser. Its versatility allows it to function both as a daily commuter and a long-distance tourer.

2. Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Meteor 350 lies a 349cc air-oil cooled, single-cylinder engine.

Key Specs:

  • Engine: 349cc, air-oil cooled
  • Power: 20.2 bhp @ 6100 rpm
  • Torque: 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm
  • Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh

This engine delivers smooth, linear power, making it perfect for relaxed cruising. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a light clutch, ideal for city traffic and highway stretches.

The J-series engine is designed to reduce vibrations significantly, something Royal Enfield fans have long desired. At highway speeds of 80-90 km/h, the Meteor 350 feels composed, stable, and vibration-free.

Additionally, the throttle response is precise, making overtaking maneuvers easier. The torquey nature of the engine ensures that even uphill climbs and pillion rides feel effortless.

3. Chassis, Suspension & Brakes

The Meteor 350 is built on a twin-downtube spine frame that offers better stability and handling than its predecessors.

Hardware Highlights:

  • Front Suspension: 41 mm telescopic forks
  • Rear Suspension: Twin-tube emulsion shock absorbers with 6-step preload adjustment
  • Front Brake: 300 mm disc with twin-piston caliper
  • Rear Brake: 270 mm disc with single-piston caliper
  • ABS: Dual-channel

The suspension setup is tuned for comfort, absorbing potholes and uneven roads effectively. Whether you’re gliding through city streets or hitting the highways, the Meteor delivers a plush ride.

The disc brakes on both ends, along with dual-channel ABS, ensure confidence-inspiring braking performance. It handles twisty roads with surprising agility for a cruiser.

4. Design & Styling: Retro Charm Meets Modern Touches

The Meteor 350 showcases classic cruiser styling, but with fresh, modern elements. The rounded fuel tank, wide handlebar, teardrop-shaped turn indicators, and chrome exhaust give it a premium appeal.

Design Features:

  • LED DRLs integrated into the round headlamp
  • Teardrop-shaped fuel tank with attractive badging
  • Machined alloy wheels
  • Unique color schemes (Fireball, Stellar, Supernova)
  • Comfortable split-seat setup

The Supernova variant even gets a windscreen and backrest for pillion comfort, making it the most touring-friendly option in the lineup.

Whether parked outside a café or cruising on the highway, the Meteor grabs attention with its timeless aesthetic appeal.

5. Instrument Cluster and Technology

The Meteor 350 features a semi-digital instrument cluster that blends tradition with technology. A highlight is the Tripper Navigation pod, powered by Google Maps.

Features Include:

  • Analogue speedometer
  • LCD display for fuel, trip meter, and odometer
  • Tripper Navigation (Bluetooth-enabled turn-by-turn navigation)
  • USB charging port

While it may not be loaded with advanced electronics, the Meteor 350 offers essential features that enhance daily usability and touring convenience.

The Bluetooth connectivity allows riders to pair their smartphones and receive navigation prompts without distractions.

6. Riding Comfort & Ergonomics

One of the strongest points of the Meteor 350 is its comfort. The low-slung seat, forward-set footpegs, and wide handlebars offer a relaxed riding triangle that’s perfect for long journeys.

The seat height of 765 mm makes it accessible to shorter riders, and the upright posture reduces fatigue over long distances. The pillion seat is also well-padded, and the addition of a backrest (in higher variants) is a thoughtful touch.

The ergonomics are cruiser-optimized—ideal for hours of smooth sailing without physical strain. Tall or short, most riders find their sweet spot quickly on the Meteor.

7. Fuel Efficiency and Mileage

Despite being a cruiser, the Meteor 350 delivers impressive mileage.

Mileage Figures:

  • City: ~35 km/l
  • Highway: ~40 km/l
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 15 liters

With a full tank, you can expect a range of around 500-550 km, making it suitable for weekend getaways and daily commutes alike.

Real-world users have often reported even better mileage when maintaining moderate speeds and ensuring regular servicing.

8. Available Variants and Colours

Here’s a breakdown of the available variants:

  • Fireball: Base variant with essential features, available in bold single-tone colors
  • Stellar: Adds chrome elements and a backrest for pillion comfort
  • Supernova: Top-tier trim with windscreen, dual-tone paint, and premium finishes

Each variant offers multiple color schemes tailored for individual personalities.

Color options include:

  • Stellar Blue, Stellar Red, Stellar Black
  • Fireball Yellow, Fireball Red
  • Supernova Brown, Supernova Blue

9. Price and On-Road Cost

The Meteor 350 is competitively priced in the mid-range cruiser segment.

Ex-showroom Prices (Delhi):

  • Fireball: ₹2.05 lakh
  • Stellar: ₹2.15 lakh
  • Supernova: ₹2.25 lakh

On-Road Price (approx): ₹2.35 lakh to ₹2.65 lakh depending on city and variant.

The pricing puts it in sweet spot territory for riders upgrading from commuter bikes or considering it as their first long-term cruiser.

10. After-Sales Service and Ownership Experience

Royal Enfield has made great strides in improving its service network and quality. With over 1,000 service centers across India and a robust supply chain, maintaining the Meteor 350 is easy.

Service intervals are reasonable, and spare parts are affordable compared to many competitors. Royal Enfield also offers service packages and extended warranties.

The ownership experience is further elevated by strong community backing. Meteor 350 owners often participate in group rides, RE-sponsored events, and road trips—forming a bond that goes beyond just the machine.

11. How It Compares to Rivals

Let’s look at how the Meteor 350 compares to its closest rivals:

  • Honda H’ness CB350
    • Engine: 348cc
    • Power: 21 hp
    • Strengths: Honda reliability, refinement
  • Jawa 42
    • Engine: 293cc
    • Power: 27 hp
    • Strengths: Lightweight, punchy performance
  • Benelli Imperiale 400
    • Engine: 374cc
    • Power: 21 hp
    • Strengths: Classic styling, strong build, limited service reach

Meteor stands out for its comfort, styling, and balance between old-school charm and modern features.

12. Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Smooth and refined engine
  • Comfortable for long rides
  • Good fuel efficiency
  • Tripper Navigation
  • Premium build quality
  • Multiple variants for different riders
  • Wide service network

Cons:

  • Limited high-speed performance
  • Slightly heavier than rivals
  • No ride modes or traction control
  • Minimal tech features compared to newer entrants

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Royal Enfield Meteor 350?

If you’re looking for a versatile cruiser that offers the charm of retro motorcycling with the benefits of modern engineering, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is hard to beat. It’s comfortable, reliable, and stylish—making it a great option for daily commuting and weekend rides alike.

Whether you’re a beginner upgrading from a smaller bike or a veteran rider wanting a relaxed cruiser experience, the Meteor 350 fits the bill perfectly. With competitive pricing, solid after-sales support, and a strong brand legacy, it’s one of the best 350cc motorcycles available in India today.

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