A simple, unpretentious small-displacement cruiser, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 utilizes the same “J-platform” SOHC air/oil-cooled two-valve 349cc single as the Classic and Hunter 350, but with a more relaxed rider ergonomic triangle for comfort while putting around town. Its performance figures may not be the most inspiring (peak power figures of 17.9 hp and 18.2 lb.-ft. of torque are not staggering by any means), but 90 percent of the engine’s torque is delivered at just 1,800 rpm, making the Meteor 350 an easy bike to ride from stoplight to stoplight, with plenty of grunt to get off the line and have a little fun. This bike is designed to take you where you need to go comfortably and simply, with its Google-based Tripper Navigation system in the dash (a definite bonus for an under-$5K motorcycle) leading the way.
The Meteor’s twin-downtube steel spine frame offers stability and a confidence-inspiring ride at city and moderate highway speeds. A 41mm fork and twin tube emulsion shocks with soft settings soak up urban pavement imperfections well for excellent comfort, albeit at the expense of handling if you decide to push a little harder in turns, but you’re never enticed to go there with the Meteor anyway. A ByBre two-piston caliper and 300mm disc handle front end braking while a ByBre one-piston caliper and 270mm disc are used out back, with ABS at both ends; performance is adequate but not much more. You won’t be stopping at the gas station much, as a 4.0-gallon fuel tank and 60 mpg fuel efficiency mean many miles before a fill-up is needed.
The 2024 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is available in 10 paint styles. The Fireball Blue, Fireball Matte Green, Fireball Yellow, and Fireball Red retail for $4,699; the Stellar Red, Stellar Blue, and Stellar Black list for $4,799, and the Supernova Red, Supernova Blue, and Supernova Brown list for $4,899.
