The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has been making waves in the Australian motorcycle market as an affordable, practical, and stylish cruiser that combines modern tech with classic design. In this review, we take an in-depth look at what makes the Meteor 350 a standout choice for both novice and seasoned riders in Australia. From its smooth engine performance to its user-friendly features, this motorcycle offers a lot at a price point that won’t break the bank.
Overview
Royal Enfield’s Meteor 350 is an urban-oriented cruiser designed for city commuting, weekend road trips, and everything in between. Its 349cc engine, combined with a balanced design, offers a smooth ride that’s perfect for Aussie roads, whether you’re weaving through traffic or cruising along the coast.
In this review, we’ll break down what makes this bike tick and explore whether it’s worth your investment.
Key Features of the Meteor 350
1. Engine and Performance
The Meteor 350 is powered by a fuel-injected 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that churns out 20 horsepower and 27Nm of torque. While these numbers may not seem exciting on paper, they provide the Meteor 350 with solid real-world performance. It’s more than enough for zipping through city traffic or hitting the open road.
- Smooth Power Delivery: Thanks to the balancer shaft, the engine runs smoother than earlier Royal Enfield singles.
- Five-Speed Gearbox: Paired with a five-speed gearbox, the Meteor 350 offers easy city commuting with quick acceleration.
- Efficiency: Expect excellent fuel economy, making the Meteor 350 an ideal choice for cost-effective daily commuting.
2. Handling and Rideability
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Weighing in at 191kg, the Meteor 350 is agile and easy to handle, especially with its low 765mm seat height.
- Agile in Traffic: Thanks to its low centre of gravity, it’s easy to filter through traffic or maneuver in tight spaces.
- Comfortable Ride: The non-adjustable 41mm front fork and twin rear shocks provide a smooth ride, even on rough roads. The six-level preload adjustability on the rear shocks adds further versatility.
3. Technology and Navigation
One standout feature is the Tripper navigation system, which offers simple, turn-by-turn directions using a small, coloured display. This feature integrates with a smartphone app, helping you find your way around without distraction.
- USB Charging: There’s a USB outlet on the left-hand switch block, perfect for keeping your phone or GPS device charged while on the move.
- Clear Dash Display: The Meteor 350’s dash includes an analogue speedometer and a small LCD screen with a clock, fuel gauge, gear indicator, and trip meters.
Build Quality and Design
Royal Enfield has made significant improvements in both build quality and design with the Meteor 350. The new twin-downtube backbone chassis is engineered for stability and rideability. A significant upgrade over the old Thunderbird (Rumbler), the Meteor 350’s styling is more in line with modern cruisers, making it more appealing to Western markets.
- Styling: The new design is cleaner, with blacked-out components and more conventional handlebars.
- Comfort: The pillion seat is spacious and plush, offering comfort for passengers as well as additional storage for long trips.
- Exhaust Note: The throaty exhaust note adds to the bike’s overall character.
Pricing and Value for Money
In Australia, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 starts at $6,190 AUD (ride away price), making it one of the more affordable cruiser options in its class. With its smooth engine, modern features, and robust build quality, it offers incredible value for money.
Meteor 350 Price Breakdown (AUD)
Model | Price (Ride Away) |
Meteor 350 Fireball | $6,190 |
Meteor 350 Stellar | $6,690 |
Meteor 350 Supernova | $6,990 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable Price: Great value for money in the entry-level cruiser category.
- User-Friendly: Low seat height and easy handling make it perfect for city commuting.
- Smooth Engine Performance: A significant improvement over previous Royal Enfield singles.
- Practical Features: The Tripper navigation system and USB charging add a modern touch.
- Comfortable Ride: Designed for both the rider and pillion passenger.
Cons:
- Limited Power: While it’s adequate for city use and leisurely cruising, it may not be the best for aggressive riders or highway speed.
- No Tachometer: The absence of a tachometer may be a downside for some riders who prefer more detailed information about engine performance.
- Basic Suspension: While functional, the suspension setup is non-adjustable, which may not suit all riders looking for more customization.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is an excellent entry-level cruiser that caters to a variety of needs—whether it’s city commuting, weekend road trips, or just enjoying the ride. With a refined engine, user-friendly features, and a reasonable price tag, it strikes a great balance between performance and affordability.
If you’re looking for a cruiser that blends retro styling with modern technology without breaking the bank, the Meteor 350 is a solid choice in the Australian market.
