Royal Enfield has introduced the new Meteor 350. An entirely new motorcycle … new chassis and new engine.
The 349cc SOHC single is air and oil cooled. It puts out a claimed 20.2 horsepower and 20 foot/pounds of torque. It is fuel injected with a five-speed transmission.
Tubeless tires are mounted on 19″ front and 17″ rear wheels. Single disc brakes are found at both ends, and the fork and twin rear shocks are non-adjustable, except for rear spring preload.
A steel frame holds everything together with a 15 liter fuel tank on top. Instrumentation includes a small LED navigation screen on the right that is fed data from your smartphone, which can be kept charged by the available USB port.
This looks like a simple, fun motorcycle that should be priced attractively. Perhaps, this is exactly what many new riders and commuters need in these trying times.
All of the details regarding the new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 can be found in this PDF, and the informative videos below. We understand from RE that the Meteor 350 will be available in U.S. dealers next spring, but we have not heard anything on the pricing.
India has produced some good engineers and doctors for this country. I should know, my dad is one of them (marine engineer). But after visiting the country on and off for the better part of 50 years, I don’t think they will ever be able to produce first-world goods. I feel it has something to do with their deep rooted ethos. JMHO
I would like add to my earlier comment about Honda 250/350’s, and those who denigrate British or neo-British bikes like the Enfield. I have a 1988 XR600 Honda that is a great bike, which was perfect for a 10k mile tour round New Zealand. These are known as ‘stump pullers’, but after a long ride of the XR, followed by the same route on my 500 Matchless single, it felt top heavy and gutless. Easy to criticize British bikes without the advantage of actually riding one.
I’ve been coast to coast on a Vespa 250 GTS 4 times. It has approx. 20hp. So I’m sure the RE would do fine…..I like it! Now I need to ride it.
That’s hard core IMO…holy cow
Dude. You are like Cannon Ball Baker on a Vespa. Respect.
I can tell you right now, you ain’t gonna be happy with 20 hp at the bikes weight. I have a bike that weighs less and makes 20 hp and it is a dog, no question.
Pretty to look at but useless in the land of America where speeds are higher and tailgating is normal behavior on the road.
Sorry, those 250 and 350 Hondas were the most boring ‘utility vehicles’ ever built. If the Enfields handle and pull anything like my 1960 350 Matchless, sign me up
Would I choose this over the India bound Honda CB350? I may just do that. Especially if Honda doesn’t offer us that bike and Royal Enfield gives us this gem.
I don’t NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED a ton of horsepower to have a good time. I don’t NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED to ride like a ‘tard on public roads. I don’t give an airborne intercourse what the benchracers here and in the real world feel about what I ride. I am down to one bike now and am actively looking for at least one, maybe two more. One of them is going to be a scooter because I like scooters. It may be the Piaggio Mp3, the new Kymco AK550 or, if they bring it here, the new Royal Alloy TG300.
The other bike could be this Royal Enfield Meteor or the much lusted after Honda CB350.
I need reliability and affordability in every way, i.e., initial, insurance and maintenance costs are what I am speaking of. This new Meteor may well have hydraulic lifters like the current generation of 500 Bullets have had for approximately 7 or so years now. That would be great.The bike has a good size gas tank, tubeless wheels, ABS and to my eyes, it looks pretty darn nice. RE is working hard to become a global player and that includes in the USA. I already have a Harley. A real Harley. Not some oriental knockoff. I want something else, not necessarily more but something that offers more of the same.
Fun.
This bike could be just that. I have a local dealer so I am fortunate in that respect but as some have said here motorcycling is a dying past time (it’s not a real sport). The only way to stop that is to get new people to ride. An affordable bike that is FUN would do just that but given the stupid attitude here of the ifonly and less weight and more horsepower crowds, they would just shame people into believing their choice in bikes was pure crap.
They aught to know as they are flies. Time for them to get all butthurted. Dirck. If you get one of these, please test it and let me know how it is. Is it fun? Does it make you want to ride to the beach and back. Is it economical? Is it affordable? Does it make the owner/rider forget about more power, et al and just want to ride more for the enjoyment of the ride. Including commuting to and from work through the week and weekend rides to nowhere in particular but that’s because the joy of riding is the real destination.
Some of you kids crack me up! 😉
Now, now K.T.F . There are exactly 2 kinds of motorcycles in this world, thumpers and the rest. As a long time operator of things two wheeled, my oldest and fondest memories are always of a return home, usually in the night, on my thumper, with the quiet of the dark to assist in the sensuality of mechanical fidelity, one thump by one after another. Any thumper is better than none, and all the other motorcycles are for another world of speed, image, complexity just for the hell of it, and a whole bunch of assorted other stuff.
Well and good for them, however sad, that quick-me-two lads and laddies will never know the calm of a cold night on an enduring thumper.
Excellent thoughts from the heart and soul of a motorcycling enthusiast, RVB! Well done, indeed! 🙂
Hell. I wonder if I don’t need to just pick up a 650 Savage. I like the belt drive. I don’t like the gyno pegs…but I may have to deal with it.
Ther used to be a company that made some pretty nice Tracker, Clubman and Cafe kits for those Savages LS something ZI think Wonder if they are still in business
now that I think about it it was Ryca or something like that
The engine sounds just like my 17hp Snapper riding mower.
EFI, ABS, & Bluetooth. I’m impressed! The top video is a great commercial for motorcycling, too. Not everyone needs or wants to be boy racer. Hope they bring it to the US.
The new Honda 350 just blows this bike away in the looks category.
Also, I hope it doesn’t seep oil from everywhere like my Himalayan does.
Looks are rather subjective but I agree with you about the Honda looking better. This one looks a little too Suzuki Savage for my tastes.
Although that little navigation screen seems like kind of a cool feature.
Yamaha just called. They want their Virago 250 back.
And Harley wants their style back from the Starleys. Talk about “derivative:…Nah. It’s more a genuine ripoff by Yamaha, et al. 🙂 Yup. A fine example of if your history won’t sell then steal another’s because it does.
Game. Set. Match. 😉
I like it. I really like the Honda 350 too. The market needs more light weight, cool looking, commuter bikes. I have owned a plethora of bikes. (and I hope you know the meaning of the word plethora). 😉
Right now I have a GSX-S1000F, and an DL-650, and I’ve had everything in between. I still wish I owned my Ninja EX-500, and my Honda CB-350. Just fantastic lightweight MCs.
“Cool looking.” I think that’s the operative phrase. Give us cool stuff, not origami-looking intimidators (even if only 300cc). If something has that authentic flare, it doesn’t matter how fast it goes. I don’t think the Royal Enfield is even remotely cool…have to go with Reginald Van Blunt on the looks.
Better than a $5,000 Honda Rebel 500? Hmmm. The Meteor does look a wee bit better.
Here’s what I get… This, and all RE’s other bikes are aimed at their primary market – India and similar/related markets. Where motorcycles (and scooters) are primary transport for most of their customers. Designed to work best on the road infrastructure and traffic associated with those markets. And they’re designed to provide service and economy. A good dab of basic motorcycle style/styling based on British styling and tradition.
Grow their primary markets as their economies build and provide more spending.
it’s a nice traditional design, maybe not the Honda CB350, but likely much lower price also.
US market? I don’t believe RE is holding their breath.
Now we understand the new Honda 350 a bit better. These look like good bikes to ride around on and go places and, use. The Indian could pass for a Harley 350 if Harley was thinking different.
Glad to see it, would personally rather see the ergonomics/style more standard than cruiser but understand the low seat height marketing. Would be interesting what the sales difference would be if two versions were offered, this along with flat seat/mid pegs.
I too am glad to see what RE is doing. The Himalyan, the Interceptor and now the Meteor are bound to bring new riders into the sport. Bravo!
Two words.
Dealer Network.
Kinda looks like a hunchback uncle with a goiter wearing a new pair of roller skates. I would much rather buy the Honda CB350.
Please bring the Honda to America.
Twenty horsepower? Sigh. I don’t get Royal Enfield. I like the looks of classic bikes as much as the next guy, but I’ll pass on the classic performance, thanksverymuch.
Because everyone needs to rip around town at 100 mph
Ed freakin’ Zachary and perfectly so, todd!
The problem with 20hp is that you top out at about 75-80mph under ideal conditions. Elevation, wind, uphill, passenger, and you struggle to keep up with traffic in the slow lane. It probably is enough in India, but in the U.S.A., 25hp is closer to the practical minimum.
The looks aren’t bad, but don’t tug at my heartstrings, either. Forward controls and low seat heights may work for some people. Hopefully they will find happy buyers.
My 20 hp bike tops out at 73 mph and 9500 rpm. Not really good for fwy travel or as mentioned, two up, uphill or into a stiff breeze. This new offering from Enfield is seriously underpowered. I’m no speed junkie, but you’ll quickly agree after riding it that 20 hp in this day and age is ridiculous. The old Honda 350 from the sixties makes more HP and can do two up.
I’m glad to see RE bringing cheap, attractive, and hopefully reliable bikes to the world at a time when the industry needs new riders. The high tech, high performance, high dollar route is great for riders like me, but presents a barrier to entry for young people.
Hipster bike or ”poseur” bike. Nothing more to say.
Let’s talk about real bike. Like a new VFR some day ? 1000cc or +
Any ZRX in the next century mister Kawasaki ???
GPZ 900R ooooooohhhh i’m dreaming
You don’t understand what’s going on in the world, do you. The motorcycle industry in the united states is going TO DIE if young people are not attracted to our sport. We need a lot more bikes like this that are inexpensive and reliable. That what this whole article is about.
That’s why I think the dirt bike I dustry should design some street bikes. Use established dirt bike plastic for radiator shrouds and any areas that can sustain damage. Make the bike the right shape to accept aftermarket dirt bike gas tanks too. Don’t like your tank capacity? Swap on a different sized tank in a few minutes time fairly cheap.
The dirt bike industry knows how to make light weigh, robust, chassis. Using dirt bike plastic makes it really cheap to change and/or have multiple looks for you bike as well. An extra set of different color plastics and a new sticker kit is a couple of hundred bucks. Your red rooster becomes your black bomber in ten minutes.
I just think that the street bike industry is such a dinosaur that refuses to evolve. If the dirt bike industry acted the same way, dirt bikes wouldn’t look much different from the Enfield above.
Honda delivered an excellent VFR recently and nobody bought them. You can find them new in showrooms for thou$ands off retail. Kawasaki makes the also excellent z900rs. Kawasaki also makes the VFR you claim to want, the Ninja 1000. If you didn’t buy any of these, you’re not sincere.
Well said! If everyone that didn’t buy the bike they clamored for when it arrived didn’t post some nonsensical jabber there wouldn’t be many posts.The U.S. market by far is the most difficult to build for because everybody wants one but its crickets when they have to put their money where their mouth is.
Fair enough. I suppose that I’m guilty as charged. Already have more bikes, both running and projects, than I have time, money, and energy to ride and maintain. Even so, it’s still fun to see what bikes are out there, and share my opinions about them.