Jump to content

2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350


Admin
 Share

Recommended Posts

2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (Fireball trim)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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 ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 5 months later...
  • 5 months later...

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

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 10 months later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • Welcome to The Motorbike Forum.

    Sign in or register an account to join in.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy Guidelines We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Please Sign In or Sign Up