Admin Posted June 22, 2021 Posted June 22, 2021 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (Fireball trim) (Royal Enfield/) Ups The beginner cruiser market gains one more competitor Impressive, well-balanced handling Engine power may not be jaw-dropping, but its mild-mannered delivery and lack of vibration provides a very relaxed ride Well-cushioned seat provides all-day comfort Oozes timeless charm Three-year warranty Downs Brake dive is noticeable Brakes have mushy communication and poor performance Sloppily-wrapped wiring Verdict Timeless good looks, impressively neutral handling, and all-day riding comfort is enough to sell many on the Meteor 350, and the sub-$5K price makes it even harder to resist. 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (Fireball trim) (Jeff Allen/) Overview Small-displacement cruisers are wonderful bikes that appeal to newer riders because of characteristically low seat heights, approachable power, and cool cruiser aura. The 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is one such bike, and it has a distinct cruiser charm and pleasingly smooth single-cylinder engine to attract any rider or skill level. Its air/oil-cooled single brings the currently reigning liquid-cooled singles some competition. Updates for 2021 The Meteor 350 is a new model for 2021. Pricing and Variants The blacked-out base Meteor, known as the Fireball trim level, is available for $4,399 with the upper trims increasing by $100. Stellar trim, which has chrome details and includes a passenger backrest, has an MSRP of $4,499, and the Supernova (also chrome details and passenger backrest, but adds front windshield) is priced at $4,599. Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance This small-displacement cruiser is powered by a 349cc air/oil-cooled electronically-fuel-injected single-cylinder engine that produces very smooth, approachable power for easygoing cruising. And we mean easygoing as the Cycle World-measured peak horsepower is 17.4 and peak torque is 18.2 pound-feet, but don’t let that discredit the mild-mannered engine since getting up to freeway speeds is doable, but tops out around 75 mph. The engine is notably vibration free thanks to a balance shaft. Shifting presents some mild issues since the toe-heel shift lever was difficult for test rider Serena McKnight to wedge a toe under, but the heel shifter was a suitable alternative to clicking through the five-speed gearbox. The clutch lever is meaty, but the pull is easy, McKnight reports. 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (Fireball trim) (Jeff Allen/) Handling The Meteor’s handling is impressive. The 41mm telescopic fork and twin downtube chassis remains incredibly steady through turns and that boosts confidence. The suspension provides excellent small-bump compliance for tackling the rough roads, and the center of gravity of the measured 418 pounds is low and stable. A criticism that McKnight points out is the soft rear twin tube emulsion shocks wallow in wavy pavement troughs. Taking leisurely cruises down urban roads and scenic byways is the Meteor’s happy place, but it is also a comfortable ride on the freeway with its straight-line stability. Brakes Braking is done by ByBre, specifically, a two-piston floating caliper and single-piston floating caliper grip on the 300mm and 270mm discs (front and rear respectively). McKnight reported mushy brake feel, but overall stopping power is adequate. Standard-issue ABS is there to help in panic-braking scenarios. 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (Supernova trim) (Royal Enfield/) Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG Real-world miles per gallon is currently unrecorded. Fuel capacity is 4.0 gallons. Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility Who can say no to all-day comfort? McKnight wrote that due to its fanned out, well-cushioned seat, the Meteor is superbly comfortable for all-day riding. The low 29.7-inch seat height is complemented by a relaxed reach to the bars, and pegs are slightly forward for a laid-back riding position. 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (Fireball trim) (Jeff Allen/) Electronics While its main competitors have full LED lighting systems, the Royal Enfield features a halogen headlight, with an LED running light and LED taillight. Where the Meteor outshines its competitors lies with the standard Tripper Navigation unit which displays turn-by-turn directions on a color gauge beside the larger analog speedometer gauge. ABS is also standard with the braking package. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty gives the owner one less thing to worry about. Three years is a substantial time frame especially considering competition often has one or two years’ worth of coverage. Quality Sloppily wrapped wiring is a bit of an eyesore, but overall the timeless, classic motorcycle look is executed nicely. 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (Stellar trim) (Royal Enfield/) 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Claimed Specifications MSRP: $4,399–$4,599 Engine: 349cc, SOHC, air/oil-cooled single Bore x Stroke: 72.0 x 85.8 mm Transmission/Final Drive: 5-speed/chain Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection Clutch: Wet, multiplate Engine Management/Ignition: N/A Frame: Twin downtube spine Front Suspension: 41mm telescopic fork; 5.1 in. travel Rear Suspension: Twin tube emulsion shocks, preload adjustable; 3.5 in. travel Front Brake: 2-piston floating caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS Rear Brake: 1-piston floating caliper, 270mm disc w/ ABS Wheels, Front/Rear: Alloy Tires, Front/Rear: 100/90-19 / 140/70-17 Rake/Trail: N/A Wheelbase: 55.1 in. Ground Clearance: 6.7 in. Seat Height: 30.1 in. Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gal. Wet Weight: 421 lb. Contact: royalenfield.com Cycle World Tested Specifications Seat Height: 29.7 in. Wet Weight: 418 lb. Rear-Wheel Horsepower: 17.4 hp @ 6,090 rpm Rear-Wheel Torque: 18.2 lb.-ft. @ 2,860 rpm View the full article Quote
Ian Frog Posted June 22, 2021 Posted June 22, 2021 Looking forward to seeing the pics adjusted as this might be a very good bike to introduce someone ! I have someone in mind lol. Cheers Ian Quote
Trooper74 Posted June 22, 2021 Posted June 22, 2021 Just click on “View the full article” at the bottom and all is well .. 17 bhp ? Its the Himalayan engine with 60 cc removed ,,, why have they lost 7bhp ? Quote
Bender Posted June 22, 2021 Posted June 22, 2021 16 minutes ago, Ian Frog said: Looking forward to seeing the pics adjusted as this might be a very good bike to introduce someone ! I have someone in mind lol. Cheers Ian Did Quote
MikeHorton Posted June 24, 2021 Posted June 24, 2021 I saw a group of about 20 of these the other week at caffeine and machine in Warwickshire in every spec they do. They looked really good quality. Hopefully they will be if a similar quality to the 650s rather than the Himalayan. I know they seem low on power but as a little back road cruiser I'm sure these will be lots of fun. The tripper sat nav is a nice touch too. Quote
johnakay Posted November 25, 2021 Posted November 25, 2021 Make Model Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Max Power 20.2hp / 15 kW @ 6100 rpm Max Torque 27 Nm / 19.9 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Clutch Wet, multiplate Transmission 5 Speed https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Royal_Enfield/royal_enfield_meteor_350_21.html . Quote
Trooper74 Posted November 26, 2021 Posted November 26, 2021 I’ve got a demonstrator booked for next week ..... I currently ride a Himalayan ... I’ll post after the ride around the Peaks .. Quote
Thomas F Posted May 20, 2022 Posted May 20, 2022 Meteor 350 2021 ,Has anyone had or having problems with paint corrosion / metal work flaking on catalytic converter my bike is 10 months old 2860 miles on the clock, on been out when salt on the roads . Been out in few down pours in Scotland the beginning of May bike out at nights for the week always garaged at home . Dealers and RE have kicked it in to touch as not covered by warranty. Looks like I will have sort it myself . So all you guys keep a watchful eye on your cats ( note side stand is the worst affected . Tom 1 Quote
MikeHorton Posted May 20, 2022 Posted May 20, 2022 1 hour ago, Thomas F said: Meteor 350 2021 ,Has anyone had or having problems with paint corrosion / metal work flaking on catalytic converter my bike is 10 months old 2860 miles on the clock, on been out when salt on the roads . Been out in few down pours in Scotland the beginning of May bike out at nights for the week always garaged at home . Dealers and RE have kicked it in to touch as not covered by warranty. Looks like I will have sort it myself . So all you guys keep a watchful eye on your cats ( note side stand is the worst affected . Tom Tom I had issues with my RE Himalayan pannier rails when I had it, 14 months in and they were rusting, I kept on top of cleaning and maintaining the bike and regularly used Acf50 on it. They said the same, I reminded them of consumer law and the fact stuff should be built and fit for purpose, they swiftly got them powder coated. Problem is with RE they are hard to get in touch with I got in touch with the UK importer MotoGB but RE were not really interested and India never replied. Great bikes on the whole but customer service a bit shite. Cooperb are a good dealer who sorts things but a bit far for me. I'm sure as long as you can show the bike has been well maintained you will be able to convince the dealer to sort it. Quote
Paul Hawkshaw Posted March 21, 2023 Posted March 21, 2023 I bought my Meteor in Oct 21. After 450 dry miles the catalytic converter was very rusty. I derusted and resprayed it (using heat resistant paint). Now in March20 23 Redoing the process again. I Only ride when weather is dry, current mileage 4500. Quote
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