More stories

  • in

    Honda CB350 Owner Test Rides The New Meteor 350 – First Impressions

    Image – Abhinav Bhatt
    Creator of some of the most viewed videos on Honda CB350, has shared his first impressions about the Meteor 350

    After posting a series of videos on Honda H’ness CB350, YouTuber Abhinav Bhatt has now got his hands on a brand new Royal Enfield Meteor 350. He will be reviewing the motorcycle in the coming days and compare it with CB350. The idea is to share key insights that will be helpful to users.
    Patiala to Delhi on Meteor 350
    The Meteor 350 used in this review is the top-spec Supernova variant in Blue colour. It belongs to one of Abhinav’s friend, who owns multiple Royal Enfield dealerships in Patiala, Punjab. The motorcycle has been given to Abhinav for around a week’s time, so that he can test it extensively just like he did with Honda CB350.
    Before starting the journey, the YouTuber provides his first impressions about the motorcycle. Meteor 350 has a low seat height, which would be useful in both city traffic as well as long distance touring. The motorcycle comes with barrel style grips and angled levers, both of which are quite comfortable. The overall comfort level is also enhanced with the sweptback handle bars.
    The instrument pod looks clutter free and information displayed is clearly visible. It displays a range of information such as odometer / tripmeter, low fuel indicator, low battery, gear indicator, ABS, and left & right turn indictors. However, it does not show fuel economy and available range, which can be accessed on Honda CB350.
    [embedded content]
    How to use Meteor 350’s ‘tripper’ navigation system is also shown in this review. One just needs to download the Royal Enfield App and follow on-screen instructions to connect their mobile phone with the tripper screen display unit. Once connected, users need to enter the details of their journey. The on-board navigation display comes handy when a user does not have a mobile holder.
    The motorcycle has been equipped with some accessories such as exhaust add-on and crash guard. There are several other official accessories offered with Meteor 350. This makes it easier to customize the ride, as per your specific tastes and preferences.
    Meteor 350 first ride
    According to Abhinav, Meteor 350 is almost completely devoid of vibrations. This is quite similar to that of Honda CB350. The seat has an ergonomic bucket design and the cushioning is also quite comfortable. The suspension is softer than CB350, something that is helpful when negotiating bumps on the road. The throttle response is pretty good and the engine delivers tractable power with good torque spread. Abhinav also seems impressed with the throaty exhaust note of Meteor 350.
    Abhinav will be posting more videos on Meteor 350 in the coming days. The info can be useful to folks who may be planning to buy a 350 cc cruiser motorcycle. More

  • in

    Royal Enfield Meteor vs Classic 350 Vibration Test – New vs Old Engine

    Credit – Nitin Autoroids
    Classic 350 is the most preferred cruiser motorcycle in the country and the primary volumes and revenue generator for Royal Enfield

    However, just like everything else, it is not completely perfect. One issue that has often been pointed out is the significant vibration that the motorcycle generates. This issue has acquired even more prominence in recent times, as rivals like Jawa and recently launched Honda CB350 seem to be doing relatively better in terms of vibration.
    Is Meteor 350 vibration free?
    To take on rivals and meet evolving customer expectations, Royal Enfield recently launched its Meteor 350 motorcycle. This is the first of the several next-gen products that the company will introduce in the coming years.
    While Meteor 350 comes with a long list of features, the basic thing that many people want to know is whether the vibration issue has been fixed. The answer to that is quite clear in this video uploaded on YouTube.
    While a vibration meter would have provided scientifically verifiable evidence, this test utilizes a more basic tool – a glass of water. However, this test methodology seems quite effective in comparing vibrations coming from two motorcycles. A plastic glass has been used in this test, which is more sensitive to vibrations as compared to other materials such as metal or glass.
    [embedded content]
    When kept on Meteor 350 rear seat (with the engine on), the glass of water creates just a few ripples on the surface. There is no movement of the glass or water drops bouncing off the surface. When the engine is revved up, the vibrations seem to be even lower. The test is then carried out on the front seat with similar results.
    Things change dramatically on Classic 350, as the glass of water kept on the rear seat starts to move as soon as the engine is started. When revved up, the glass takes just a few seconds to move and fall from the motorcycle. This clearly shows that Meteor 350 has significantly less vibration, as compared to Classic 350.
    Reasons for low vibrations on Meteor 350
    There are several factors that have helped reduce vibrations on Meteor 350. The motorcycle utilizes an entirely new J series platform and completely new engine with SOHC setup that generates smooth tractable power. The engine is also equipped with a counter balancer that minimizes vibrations.
    Another factor is the enhanced chassis setup, which is stiffer, more durable and stronger. High specification suspension and improved seat cushioning could also contribute to low vibration on Meteor 350.
    With close to zero vibrations, Meteor 350 will be a lot more enjoyable on long journeys. Royal Enfield will also update its other products including Classic and Bullet with the new engine and chassis. Features like integrated Bluetooth powered navigation system are also expected to be offered as standard with several next-gen Royal Enfield motorcycles. More

  • in

    Meteor 350 Development Process Explained By Royal Enfield

    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 tested across India, Spain and the UK.
    The video describes what changes and improvements have been made on Meteor 350 over the older Thunderbird 350

    Biking enthusiasts, especially Royal Enfield fans had been waiting for Meteor 350 with bated breath and its launch earlier last week sent the automotive industry into a frenzy. The cruiser replaces the outgoing Thunderbird model from Royal Enfield’s portfolio and has generally received a positive response from across the industry.
    While everyone is singing praises for the new bike, it is important for readers to know what went into development of the mid-segment cruiser. A team of leading technicians and engineers explain in a video released by Royal Enfield on its official Youtube channel, the development process and special attributes of Meteor 350.
    Updates on Meteor 350
    Meteor 350 has rightly been described as a progression and evolution from the outgoing Thunderbird as the Royal Enfield team had the exact thing in mind while developing the Meteor 350. Essentially Meteor 350 is the next generation of Thunderbird 350 with a brand new engine, chassis and subtle updates to design. This fact can also be established when one rides the Meteor and Thunderbird back to back.
    The development team consists of technicians, engineers and designers from various countries, with the new bike jointly developed and tested in Spain, the United Kingdom and India. Take a look at the video below.
    [embedded content]
    The video features inputs from following people;– Mark Wells, Head, Product Strategy & Development– Simon Warburton, Head, Product Strategy & Development– Chittaranjan Gogoi, Industrial Design– Anuj Dua, Product Strategy– James Young, Engine Development– Takashi Yamamoto, Head, Electronic Management System– Martin Neczaj, Chassis Design– S Sivakumar, Head, Industrial Design– Matthew Cardenas, Product Manager, Tripper Navigation
    Improvements made
    Even though most of its components are brand new and designed from scratch, it still retains most of Royal Enfield’s signature elements such as its characteristic exhaust thump and its road presence. The new engine though slightly low on torque than the previous generation 350cc engine has a wider torque band of 1000 rpm which makes it provides the essential low-end and mid-range thrust thus providing a comfortable ride in city as well as highway conditions.
    What the extra 1000 rpm of peak torque also does is reduce vibrations on the bike considerably which makes it easier to cruise at slightly higher speeds. The rake angle incorporated is optimised both for city commute as well as long-distance cruising.
    For the first time, Royal Enfield is also providing mass customisation for its customers through the brand’s ‘Make It Yours’ program from where the owners can choose from thousands of components and accessories to make their Meteor look exclusive.
    Other Details
    Royal Meteor 350 is the first bike from the retro classic motorcycle brand to be based on an all-new J platform which is set to underpin future models as well. The company also incorporated a brand new 349cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, long-stroke engine which makes 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. It is available in three variants namely- Fireball, Stellar and Supernova and is offered at a starting price of Rs 1.75 lakh (ex-showroom). More

  • in

    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Launch Price Rs 1.75 Lakh – Rs 1.90 Lakh

    Royal Enfield Meteor 350
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a replacement to the Thunderbird 350

    After many months of spy shots and leaked images, feature reveals and much speculation along with walkaround videos uploaded on YouTube, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has been officially launched. The company claims that it is now the future of touring in India; all set to take the Indian markets by storm.
    RE Meteor 350 Features
    The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is presented in three trims of Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. Fireball is the entry level variant while the other two are positioned higher. Below are the prices of all 3 variants, starting from Rs 1.75 lakhs, going all the way to Rs 1.9 lakhs, ex-sh.
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Variants and Price
    The Meteor 350 is positioned on a new platform and depending on variants, receives colour options of Fireball Yellow, Fireball Red, Stellar Red Metallic, Stellar Blue Metallic, Supernova Brown and Supernova Blue along with an exclusive Stellar Black Matte.
    The new 350 motorcycle, based on the brand’s new ‘J’ architecture, receives a low seat along with high set handle bars and forward set foot pegs relating to an upright seating position and better rider comfort. Royal Enfield is also slated to offer accessories for the new Meteor 350 which will include a larger windscreen, better footpegs, engine guard, etc. Below is the official TVC of new Meteor 350.
    [embedded content]
    Royal Enfield 350 Meteor comes with turn-by-turn navigation, a first for any Royal Enfield bike. Its list of features include a halogen headlamp with LED DRLs, LED tail lamp, rounded rear view mirrors, a semi digital instrument console with an analogue speedometer and LCD display. The bike receives ‘Tripper Navigation’. This has been developed in association with Google Maps. This is being offered as a standard feature.
    Royal Enfield badging is seen on its tear drop shaped fuel tank while it also gets long exhaust ends and a swooping rear fender. The new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 sits on machine finished alloy wheels measuring 19 inch front with 100/90 tyre and 17 inch rear wheel with 140/70 tyre. It comes with 3 years warranty.
    RE Meteor 350 Engine
    Engine specifications include a 349cc, air cooled, single cylinder engine with an OHC design. This engine makes 20.2 hp power at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm, mated to a 6 speed gearbox. The engine will allow for lower emissions and instant acceleration while it will receive disc brakes measuring 300mm front and 270mm rear along with dual channel ABS as standard.
    The disc brakes are larger than that seen on the Thunderbird 350. The engine is positioned on a double cradle frame linked to a telescopic front fork and twin shock absorbers at the rear. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is positioned above the Classic 350 and Himalayan in the company lineup and rivals the likes of Honda CB350, Jawa 300 and Benelli Imperiale 400. More

  • in

    RE Meteor 350 SuperNova Blue Top Variant – Detailed First Look

    RE Meteor 350 Supernova Blue
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 cruiser motorcycle replaces the Thunderbird 350 in company line-up

    The upcoming launch from Royal Enfield is the new Meteor 350. This cruiser bike has been spied on test on numerous occasions and images have also been leaked online telling us a lot of what is in store. Launch date was initially set for earlier this year but the COVID-19 pandemic threw a spanner in the works, delaying launch by a few months.
    With launch set for later today, 6th November, the motorcycles have arrived at dealer showrooms. Thanks to which, multiple first look and walkaround videos of the new Meteor 350 have hit the web. Here are few such videos from MRD Vlogs, DSD Cars and Shaik Raunaq Fardeen; which details the top of the line Supernova Meteor 350 as well as other variants of the RE M350.
    [embedded content]
    Variants and Colour Options
    The new Meteor 350 will be positioned on an all new ‘J’ platform. This will result in comparatively lower weight, higher level of agility and thanks to high set handle bars, will also offer the rider a more comfortable and upright seating position. The Meteor 350 will be offered in three variants of Fireball, Stellar, and Supernova. Each variant will be differently equipped with specific colour choices.
    The Fireball will be the most affordable variant. It will come in with two solid gloss colours of Fireball Red and Fireball Yellow and will receive sporty decals and all other parts finished in gloss black as it misses out on chrome accents seen on the other two variants. RE Meteor Fireball will sport ‘Royal Enfield and ‘Meteor 350’ stickers in place of 3D logos and will get a colour coded fuel tank with matching rim stickers.
    [embedded content]
    The Stellar variant gets colour options of Stellar red (metallic gloss), Stellar Black (matte) and Stellar Blue (metallic gloss). It receives body coloured panels, chrome accents on handle bars, fuel cover and exhaust while for added rider comfort it will sport a back rest.
    The Stellar variant receives a premium appeal with its chrome finished exhaust, fuel injector cover and handlebars while 3D badging will see be seen on fuel tank and side panels. Its features also include a windscreen and it will ride on machine finished alloy wheels.
    [embedded content]
    Colour options for the top of the line Supernova variant will be dual tone shades of Supernova Brown and Supernova Blue. It gets a more premium finish as compared to the other two variants with a revised seat cover, cushioned back rest, windscreen and chrome finished indicators.
    RE Meteor 350 – Engine Specs
    The RE Meteor 350 engine specifications were also leaked earlier. It is slated to be powered by a 350cc, single cylinder engine offering 20.2 hp power and 27 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed gearbox. It will be a long stroke engine delivering torque at lower rpms and a low thump exhaust sound. The engine will be capable of lower emissions and instant acceleration resulting in an easier riding experience both in city and on highways.
    The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 which will be positioned above the Classic 350 and Himalayan in the company lineup could be priced between Rs.1.60-1.80 lakhs. It will rival the likes of Honda CB350, Jawa 300 and Benelli Imperiale 400. More

  • in

    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Exhaust Sound At Idle, Full Revs – Thump No More?

    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Exhaust Sound
    In a yet another leak of Royal Enfield Meteor 350, exhaust sound has been fully revealed

    Just when you thought that there could be no more leaks about the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, there comes yet another leak. This has been the story of Meteor 350 till now, a leaky affair – pun not intended. Except the price, everything else about this motorcycle has been already leaked.
    This at a time when a rival brand managed to launch a product in such a manner that almost no one had an idea what they were launching till the last minute.
    Yes, we are talking about the Honda CB350; whose launch to delivery start process was so sudden; that this was probably the reason behind Meteor 350 launch getting delayed to 5th November, instead of earlier planned launch in Sep 2020.
    Meteor 350 Exhaust Sound
    Anyways, coming back to Meteor 350 and its leaks. The latest leaked video gives a walkaround of the motorcycle. In addition, it also reveals the exhaust sound of the motorcycle – at idle as well as while revving to higher engine rpms. Take a look at the video by GreenFish TV.
    [embedded content]
    The Meteor 350 Supernova variant in the video is seen in dual tone finish of Brown and Black. The exhaust sound at idle has the iconic thump, for which the Royal Enfield motorcycles are known. But when the throttle is turned and revs are increased; it seems that the thump disappears and what you get is a motorcycle sound like most single cylinder motorcycles – and without the thump.
    Thump Missing At Higher Revs
    Royal Enfield motorcycle exhaust sound had the thump because of the push-rod engine setup along with longer stroke. Now with the new gen engines on board the Meteor 350; it is reported that the push-rod setup is no more. Instead, what is employed is most likely an SOHC setup and shorter strokes.

    What this does is reduces the vibrations and delivers a much smoother ride experience. It also delivers better performance and throttle response. But at the same time, has probably caused reduce in the thump effect at higher revs. Will this disappoint RE fans and buyers, only time will tell.
    New Gen Engine and Chassis
    The upcoming Meteor 350 and Classic 350 is based on the Chennai-based motorcycle brand’s new ‘J’ architecture. This means the overall mechanical packaging would be slightly different from the current model.
    From the spy images, it is evident that the 2020 Royal Enfield Meteor BS6 gets a redesigned headlamp unit, an updated semi-digital instrument cluster and a reworked handlebar design. Towards the rear, the fender and tail lamp have undergone changes as well. The split-seat configuration has been tweaked a bit to provide better ergonomics and pillion comfort.
    Owing to the mechanical changes required to cut down emissions, the engine casing is noticeably different from the current UCE unit. To improve efficiency, new FI system is employed. The engine misses the kicker as well. Overall, the changes are subtle to the eye, but well-rounded to provide a better riding experience. Price of Meteor 350 will be revealed at launch on 6th Nov. Exp price range is Rs 1.6-1.8 lakh, ex-sh. More

  • in

    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Blue Colour With RTO Registered Number Plate – Spied

    Credit – Neelesh Bajaj
    Meteor 350 is all set to be launched in India on 6th Nov at an expected price tag of Rs 1.7 lakhs, ex-sh

    The successor to Thunderbird range, Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will be launched on November 6. A retro cruiser, Meteor 350 is distinguishable with its round halogen headlamp, LED DRLs, raised handlebars and forward-set footpegs. It will be offered in three variants – Fireball, Stellar and Supernova.
    Meteor will be utilizing an entirely new ‘J’ platform and a 349 cc single cylinder, air cooled engine. Power and torque output are 20.5 hp and 27 Nm. Engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. A rival to the recently launched Honda H’ness CB350, Meteor 350 is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 1.60 lakh to Rs 1.80 lakh, ex-sh.
    Meteor 350 RTO Registration
    Ahead of the actual launch, now an image of the Meteor 350 has surfaced with an RTO registered number plate. When checked with the RTO website, the bike is registered with Delhi RTO. Owner name is mentioned as Eicher Motors. Registration date mentioned is 22 Sep 2020 and validity is up to 21st Sep 2035.
    This is actually around the same time when the bike was originally planned for launch. But then Honda CB350 came into the picture out of nowhere, and RE’s Meteor launch plans were derailed.
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 RTO registered.
    The above motorcycle is probably a media test ride unit. Ahead of launch this week, Royal Enfield has started media test rides across major cities of India. First ride reviews of Meteor 350 will be out on the same day of launch.
    Meteor 350 engine and chassis
    As revealed earlier, Meteor 350 will have an entirely new 349 cc, single cylinder, air cooled, FI engine. As compared to the earlier unit that had push-rod actuated valves, the new engine will have an SOHC (single overhead cam) setup. The new engine will deliver slightly more power and it will be smoother, as compared to the current BS6 350 cc engine that powers Royal Enfield motorcycles.
    The new engine is capable of delivering 20.2 bhp of max power at 6100 rpm and 27 Nm of max torque at 4000 rpm. That’s around 1 bhp more than the current engine. However, torque output has gone down by 1 Nm. The new engine will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    Among other key changes, Meteor 350 will be utilizing the entirely new J platform. This platform will also be used for several other next-gen products that Royal Enfield will launch in the future.
    It is expected that Meteor 350 will be competitively priced in the range of Rs 1.60 lakh to Rs 1.80 lakh, ex-sh. It will rival the likes of Honda CB350, Jawa 300 and Benelli Imperiale 400. More