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      Honda CB350 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Meteor – Vibration Test

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      Vibration Test By Nitin Autoroids
      Which is the motorcycle that offers the lowest vibrations?

      Vibrations from a motorcycle may not matter much for short, occasional rides, but it can have a dramatic impact during long distance touring. It can give you that shaky feeling and make you fatigued as well. If we consider a span of several years, motorcycle vibrations may also result in lower back pain issues. These risk factors make it imperative that we choose a ride that has the least vibration.
      Vibration test – Honda H’Ness CB350 Vs. Meteor 350 Vs. Classic 350
      The most popular cruiser motorcycle in the country is Royal Enfield Classic 350, which is known for its rugged quality and reliable performance. As may be recalled, Royal Enfield motorcycles are also used by the Indian Army in some of the most challenging terrains in the world. Royal Enfield motorcycles are no doubt good, but one common complaint is the significant amount of vibration they generate.
      The company seems to have acknowledged these issues and is in the process of making improvements in its next-gen products. The first of these is Meteor 350 that has significantly less vibration, as compared to Classic 350. We have already seen this in an earlier video.
      But how does Meteor 350 fare against its primary rival, Honda H’Ness CB350? Answer to that question has now been revealed in this new video by Nitin Autoroids, that compares vibration of Honda CB350 vs. Meteor 350 vs. Classic 350.
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      In this test too, a glass of water (plastic glass) has been used to test vibration. On Honda CB350, the water filled glass remains still on the fuel tank as well as on the rear seat. Results are the same at higher rpm.
      On Meteor 350, the glass remains still when the engine is idling. However, when the rpm is increased, the glass of water starts to move. On Classic 350, the glass experiences significant vibrations. It moves and falls off the rear seat at high rpm. As compared to Classic 350, Honda CB350 and Meteor were able to sustain the glass for much longer duration.
      Vibration test conclusion
      According to the YouTuber, Honda CB350 has the least vibration among the three bikes. At number two is Meteor 350, which had increased vibrations at higher rev speeds. Classic 350 is obviously the last in this test result.
      Disclaimer – It is important to note that although this test methodology seems reliable, it is not a replacement for measuring vibration using specialized tools. The results may vary if proper vibration measurement tools are used. That way, it will also tell us exactly how much vibration is coming from each of these motorcycles. More

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      Royal Enfield Order Backlog Breaches 125k – Meteor 350 Bookings Cross 8k

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      Image – The Bikers Diary
      Supply chain issues on the vendors’ side have led to rise in number of bookings pending at Royal Enfield

      Royal Enfield has set the ball rolling for introduction of its next-gen models with the launch of Meteor 350 earlier this month. Despite several challenges faced in the form of other OEMs venturing into mid-segment motorcycles, Royal Enfield’s ship has remained steady as the brand holds a commanding position in this space in India.
      However, it is the challenges from within rather than outside which has forced the Chennai-based bikemaker to stay on its toes. During its course of development, the latest offering from Royal Enfield, the Meteor 350, faced several delays primarily due to supply chain issues.
      Current Status of pending bookings
      As of last Thursday, the company’s backlog rose to 1.25 lakhs, over three times in comparison to 40,000 bookings on hold in August 2020. This comes at a time when the manufacturer has seen a recovery in demand. It is evident that the company has been facing supply chain constraints for the past few months which has led to delays in the launch timeline of its several upcoming bikes.
      This backlog has also resulted in an extensive waiting period which is not good news for consumers as well as the company. In an interaction with a website, Royal Enfield CEO, Vinod Dasari claimed that it is not a generic supply chain problem.
      He added that the firm has been facing certain supply issues at its vendors’ end for specific models, without going into details. Dasari further adds that the company has removed some bottlenecks with minor capital expenditure here and there, and is now looking to increase the capacity by about 5 percent this year.
      Possible Way Forward For RE
      According to Siddhartha Lal, MD at Eicher Motors, the parent company of Royal Enfield, the manufacturer has a higher capacity addition target but faces other bottlenecks. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the bikemaker sold 60,000 motorcycles in a month on an average. This number rose to 70,000 bookings in October. Lal admits that the company could achieve 100,000 bookings a month in a few years without huge capital and a new plant.
      Eicher Motors’ net profit declined by 40.13 percent YoY to Rs 343 crore for the quarter ended in September while its total revenue stood at Rs 2,134 crore, a 3 percent total degrowth. In the last few years, demand for Royal Enfield bikes has come from Tier 2 as well as Tier 3 and now it wants to emerge victorious in metros as they resume businesses in full flow from the nationwide lockdown. MoM sales volume rose to 11% to 66,891 units in October.
      Royal Enfield has already received over 8,000 bookings for its latest Meteor 350. This bike directly locks horns with Honda’s latest inclusion, H’Ness CB350. The company also recently claimed that it is planning to launch 28 new bikes in the next seven years, i.e., one new bike every quarter. New Meteor 350 is offered in three variants- Fireball, Stellar and SuperNova at a starting price of Rs 1.75 lakh (ex-showroom).
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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 vs Honda CB350 – Speed Comparison Test

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      Image – Abhinav Bhatt
      Is the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 faster than the Honda CB350?

      In the 350 cc segment, there are several options to choose from. Apart from the obvious Classic 350, there’s Honda H’Ness CB350 and recently launched Meteor 350. The latter two is where things may get a bit difficult to decide, since both motorcycles offer superior performance and come with a long list of features.
      To help users make informed choices, YouTuber Abhinav Bhatt has uploaded a new video that details the real world performance difference between Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Honda CB350.
      Meteor 350 vs. Honda CB350 acceleration, speed test
      For this comparative analysis, Abhinav chose to ride the Meteor 350 and asked his colleague to ride the CB350. The primary idea was to test the performance of these motorcycles in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th gear. The test was conducted on an open highway with limited traffic.
      In second gear, both bikers started accelerating from a speed of 20 kmph. It took Honda CB350 just a few seconds to race ahead of Meteor. The latter hit the speed limiter at 70-75 kmph, whereas CB350 achieved 80 kmph in second gear.
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      In the next round, both motorcycles started at 30 kmph in third gear. For some distance, both bikes were neck and neck at a speed of around 80 kmph. CB350 eventually raced ahead of Meteor that maxed out at around 100 kmph in third gear. CB350 did 110 kmph in third gear.
      In fourth gear, both motorcycles started at 40 kmph. Now was the turn for Meteor to show its strength, as it raced ahead of CB350 almost effortlessly. However, the lead lasted for only a short distance, as CB350 eventually overtook Meteor. Apparently, CB350 has a higher top speed in 4th gear, which allowed it to overtake Meteor.
      In fifth gear, Meteor 350 emerged as a clear winner. Not only did it accelerate faster than CB350, it was also able to maintain a significant lead. After driving for quite a long distance, it was felt that CB350 couldn’t possibly catch up with Meteor in 5th gear.
      Ride experience summary
      According to Abhinav, he liked Meteor’s performance, especially in 4th and 5th gear. The level of acceleration and top speed would be very useful during long distance journeys. Honda CB350 trailed behind Meteor in 5th gear, which is probably due to its tall gear setup.
      As is evident from this video, specs may only be able to provide a basic idea about a motorcycle’s capabilities. Numbers do not necessarily determine how well a motorcycle will perform in the real world. This is especially true when we are comparing two products. When unsure, the best way to find out the better one that suits your needs is to take them out for a test ride. More

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

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      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.
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      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

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

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      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

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      Meteor 350 Development Process Explained By Royal Enfield

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      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

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

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      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