2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 First Ride Review

Royal Enfield’s new Meteor 350 makes a big impact on the small-displacement cruiser market with timeless charm and predictable power and handling.

A meteor is headed straight for the US in the form of a small-displacement cruiser. In celebration of 120 years in motorcycling, Royal Enfield has revealed its new 2021 Meteor 350. This bike captures the pure essence of cruising with timeless charm, all while providing universally approachable power, laid-back ergonomics, and admirable handling.

The Meteor’s air-/oil-cooled single sits in a twin downtube spine frame under a classically bulbous tank. The negative space between these components is alluring, even artistic. The electronically fuel-injected 349cc engine has a gentle, endearing thrum. Power delivery is gradual and steady, persuading the rider to relax and enjoy its leisurely pace in classic cruising fashion. On our in-house dyno this little single puts 17.4 peak hp and 18.2 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheel, but this power does not cause the bike to stammer or stutter on the roadway, whether traveling at a noted max speed of 70–75 mph on the freeway (stick to the slow lane) or navigating urban streets. A balance shaft does a great job in eliminating vibration in all conditions.

Engaging the five-speed gearbox is illuminating; the meaty clutch lever has an easy pull, but its engagement point is not exactly pinpoint-precise. And the location of the shift lever in relation to the chunky footpeg means my size 10 foot takes some wedging in there. Luckily there’s a heel shifter that’s a great alternative for getting through the gears.

A relaxed reach to the handlebars and casual foot-forward peg position make the ride superbly comfortable for all-day riding, especially with the Meteor’s wide, cushy, supportive seat. A good thing, too, considering this model has touring-focused trim.

On long highway straights and sinuous side roads, suspension and handling proved its worth with a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride. The rigid chassis and 41mm fork provides good straight-line stability, and the bike maintains its intended line in turns even when uneven manhole covers and choppy road surfaces do their best to upset the bike. Wavy pavement makes the twin tube emulsion shocks wallow in troughs, but that’s a small price to pay for soft settings that usually soak up road imperfections well.

Braking with the front two-piston caliper/300mm disc combo does introduce some dive, and feel at the lever is mushy, but the bike’s measured 418-pound weight is carried low, and with the help of the rear single-piston caliper and 270mm disc, stopping performance is adequate.

A simple gauge displays bare essentials on the analog speedometer and small LCD dash within, though the latter is difficult to see in direct sunlight. But, wait, there’s a smaller second gauge too. Royal Enfield dubs this little setup the Tripper navigation system, the first such in the RE family. Tripper is powered by Google Maps and the Royal Enfield app, connecting to a rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth to meet navigational needs. It’s a great, if standard, 21st century feature that’s actually not too common on beginner bikes. And if your phone’s in need of a charge, there’s also a USB charging port, another convenient bit of tech provided on this cruiser.

Under closer inspection, a touch of unrefined fit and finish can be seen. The base trim is handsome enough, with blacked-out details and pinstriping on the rims lending the Meteor a custom-bike aura, but sloppily wrapped wires mar an otherwise handsome vehicle.

Nicely shaped, inexpensive motorcycles shouldn’t be picked over too closely, lest you tarnish their charm. The Meteor 350 nails the classic cruiser vibe with its design, looks, and relaxed ergonomics, offering an easygoing ride with predictable power and handling. It’s a welcome air-cooled entry in the small-displacement cruiser market. Especially considering its starting price of $4,399, Royal Enfield most certainly has a contender against its liquid-cooled competition.

Read our first ride review here: https://www.cycleworld.com/story/moto...

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