Road test of Royal-EnfieldMeteor 350 2021 Essai de la Royal-Enfield 350 Meteor

<img alt="Royal-Enfield 350 Meteor on test" "="" class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-700px.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-700px.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 462px; width: 600px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>The Meteor is the new flagship model from the Royal-Enfield brand. The first of the name, dating from 1952, is back on the roads; and to do so has been updated, with a little retro/vintage twist inviting "easy cruising". It's the promise of an escapade through time: it takes us along a river in Russia, a Himalayan mountain range or across the fields of Tuscany in spring. But will it live up to its promise? That's what we set out to find out in the land of windmills and tulips: the Netherlands.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>Featuring an all-new double downtube chassis frame, this novelty takes advantage of the latest technologies implemented by this 120-year-old brand: low power consumption, easy handling, LED lights.... At just 40 meters tall, without mirrors, the Meteor has everything to please. The MP team was on hand for a sneak preview!</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img "="" alt="Testing the Royal-Enfield 350 Meteor" class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-fiche-1.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-fiche-1.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 422px; width: 600px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

and the first meeting didn't disappoint. The finish and care put into this bike make it a beautiful object, sparkling and shimmering through the 3 models available, depending on the options. First, the Fireball. This basic model is offered in yellow or red, without the touring bubble, sissy-bar and chrome exhaust system found on the Supernova. This is the most complete version, presented in azure blue or sparkling brown. The Stellar, in matte black, is the mid-range model, featuring the sissy-bar and chrome exhaust, but not the windscreen. These luminous colors make this bike an object that would be at home in a cigar bar, a place of prestige and elegance, in keeping with English class.

let's move beyond appearances and get to the heart of the matter: what does this Meteor hide beneath its charming exterior? Let's take a seat behind the handlebars. The Meteor reveals itself to be friendly, soft and curvaceous. This feeling is reinforced when you sit on it. This bike was designed for small and medium-sized riders, with a seat height of 765 mm. My 5'7" frame puts both feet flat on the ground, giving me instant confidence, making tiptoeing on tarmac or gravel a thing of the past. Beware, however, of the chrome exhaust, whose heat may not sit well with a biker's calf. Taller riders may be put off by the embossed logos on the Stellar or Supernova tank.

<img "="" alt="Royal-Enfield 350 Meteor test ride" class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-fiche-3.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-fiche-3.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 426px; width: 600px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>This bike doesn't intimidate, it reassures with the position you have on it: straight back and hands slightly apart, but also with its round, comforting curves. The buttons for the ignition and lights, the easily-adjustable, clear-view mirrors and the brake fluid reservoir are all round, with the Royal Enfield logo. With no protruding edges, everything is designed to charm. The line of the 15-liter fuel tank disappears into the comfortable seat, ending at the small sissy bar. Once underway, the single-cylinder expresses itself calmly, without causing vibrations when stationary. Since it's A2-compatible, this bike will enable motorcyclists new to 2-wheeling to take to the road with confidence while gaining experience.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>In the city, the bike handles divinely well: it's easy to slalom through narrow streets or between cars at traffic lights. The bike feels light, yet weighs in at a hefty 191kg (kerb weight), proving that the weight is well distributed. Even when maneuvering, the bike is easy to handle. The position is intuitive, the sound of the engine doesn't tire, and gears shift smoothly. The spacing of the levers is ideal for my girly hands: I grasp the levers naturally, without straining or questioning. The clutch lever is soft, which is a big plus for city use of the Meteor.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="Royal-Enfield 350 Meteor on test" "="" class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-fiche-5.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-fiche-5.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 434px; width: 600px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>A special feature is the foot-operated 2-spoke selector instead of the traditional clutch selector found on virtually all motorcycles on the market. The heel-toe clutch works quite simply: 1<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">rst</sup><span> </span> is shifted down with the tip of the foot, and the other gears are shifted up with the heel. To "downshift" the gears, you simply raise the selector normally with the tip of your foot. This particularity was a discovery for me, and may be for others too, compared to other bikes, especially those used in motorcycle schools. Disorientating at first glance, it's easy to get the hang of. It's smooth and forgiving, allowing the rider to shift through the 5 gears intuitively, taking advantage of the torque at low revs to get back into second gear at a stoplight in town. Cobbled or poorly maintained roads will no longer be a source of pain with the Meteor's soft suspension. They keep the rider comfortable, but it's clear that they're not designed to be ridden by friends. A 41 mm telescopic fork with 130 mm travel handles the front end, while twin-tube emulsion shock absorbers with 6-stage adjustable preload are fitted to the rear of the bike. Whether riding solo or in a duo, the shocks don't slam - their travel is sufficient, contributing to that feeling of ease and lightness.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>The Meteor 350's main speedometer mixes a digital and analog part. Speed is indicated on the outside of the analog part, in km/h or mph. Next comes the fuel gauge, easily identifiable and visible in a semicircle at the top of the digital display. The display also shows the speedometer, the time, the "eco" mode according to driving style, and the number of kilometers covered. The 349 cm3, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine proved to be extremely frugal during the test ride in town and country, with a short trip on the freeway. I could see that this bike didn't consume much fuel, compared to some of the much greedier machines in the same category. In fact, after a hundred kilometers or so, the gauge still hadn't budged - the riding style also contributed a great deal to this bird's appetite. In fact, the brand claims an average fuel consumption of 2.9L per 100 km.

<img alt="Royal-Enfield 350 Meteor on test" "="" class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-fiche-6.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-fiche-6.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 389px; width: 600px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>The Meteor 350 is equipped with a second digital meter: Royal Enfield's new "Tripper" navigation system. This easy-to-use navigation device shows turn after turn which direction to take. All you have to do is download the "Tripper" app onto your smartphone (in English for the moment), activate Bluetooth to link it to the bike before starting it up (the helmet in the top right-hand corner of the app turns green), then enter your destination address and let yourself be guided. Instructions are displayed on the speedometer one after the other according to our progress: a red arrow for a right or left turn, indicating the distance remaining before turning, a right arrow when you need to go straight ahead, etc. As a turn approaches, the arrow turns black, allowing you to know exactly where to turn without asking too many questions, especially in town. The instruction on the left is the immediate direction to follow, while the smaller symbol on the right is the instruction for the next turn.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="Royal-Enfield 350 Meteor on test" "="" class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-GPS.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-GPS.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 381px; width: 600px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>It's also possible to connect the phone to your headset communication system to also benefit from dictated instructions that enhance navigation assistance. There's no need to add an unsightly phone holder to your motorcycle, as the phone fits neatly into a pocket. Smaller than the speedometer, the speedometer is well positioned, providing a quick glance at the instructions in red and black on a white background. Bright in tunnels, it can be read both day and night. Utilizing the reliability of the Google Maps platform, navigation data is constantly up to date. When the application is not running, this digital counter shows the time.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>The bike's braking is assured by 2 x 300 mm brake discs with double-piston floating calipers at the front and 270 mm single-piston calipers at the rear, knowing how to be soft at the start then more biting when approaching stopping zones. The Meteor is also equipped with Dual Channel ABS.

<img "="" alt="Royal-Enfield 350 Meteor test ride" class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-fiche-4.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-fiche-4.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 387px; width: 600px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>On fast roads, the bike reaches 120 km/h without too much difficulty and remains stable. We<span> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span>even pass 5<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">th</sup><span> </span>but this speed only serves to reduce fuel consumption. In fact, it's quite hollow, contrasting with the much punchier other gears. The touring bubble with metal armor, reminiscent of 70s motorcycles, provides good wind protection and can be replaced by a tinted bubble, available as an option. A misunderstanding when swapping bikes at a red light prevented me from being able to compare it with the Stellar, the model without the protective bubble; which, I suppose, must inevitably put more strain on the arms at high speeds (it's all relative ;-). Several accessories are available to complement the Meteor 350, such as luggage, different saddles and engine guards. The Netherlands is famous for its tulips, mills and other (special) culinary specialties, but not for its hills. I do wonder, however, about the engine's behavior and strength, depending on the load. If the Meteor were to have to climb a climb<span> </span><a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 174, 184); text-decoration: none; font-weight: 700;"></a>like that of the Alpes d'Huez or any other Alpine pass, not sure the mono would be quite valiant...</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>Duo level, the passenger seat is narrow but comfortable and flat. You don't slide towards the driver, so you don't get in his way. The position of the legs may become a little uncomfortable as the miles go by, as the feet are too far back in relation to the knees, which feel numb. The sissy-bar available on Stellar and Supernova models cradles the lower loins and prevents slipping backwards, but is a little too hard over time and quickly becomes rather uncomfortable. The grips are located too far under the thighs, and unless you're a size 34 (and even then), they're of little use. We'd therefore recommend this bike more for solo riders or small duo rides. It remains to be seen whether smaller people will be more comfortable on the legs.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="Royal-Enfield 350 Meteor on test" "="" class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-duo.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Royal-Enfield-350-Meteor-Celine-duo.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 478px; width: 600px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>The Meteor 350 is a beautiful motorcycle, compatible with A2 licenses, meeting Euro 5 standards, and allowing city driving thanks to the Crit'Air1 sticker (required by some European capitals) targeting nostalgic motorcyclists of the "Chips" years, experienced or not.Chips" motorcycles, experienced or otherwise, to take to the streets on an affordable bike (from €4,090 for the Fireball model to €4,390 for the Supernova). It'll be the perfect substitute for some of the higher-priced scooters or 125s on the streets, giving a nice British classy look.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; text-align: right;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">by<span> </span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Céline V.</strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box;">Photo credits:<span> </span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Céline V.<span> </span></strong>and<span> </span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Royal-Enfield</strong></u></em></span></p>