Royal Enfield has long been a name that sparks enthusiasm and nostalgia among motorcycle lovers. With a history that stretches back over a century, the brand has built its reputation by blending vintage charm with modern performance.
First introduced in 2020 and still making an impact in 2025, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 reflects this perfect balance. Let’s take a closer look at what sets the Meteor 350 apart in the mid-size cruiser market.
Design: Classic Heritage with a Modern Touch
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 takes inspiration from the Thunderbird while establishing its own unique style. It carries the essence of a classic cruiser with a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wide handlebars, and a relaxed riding posture. Yet, beneath its vintage appeal, modern enhancements ensure it stands strong in today’s era.
At the front, a circular headlamp remains a defining feature, now upgraded with LED daytime running lights— a first for Royal Enfield. This addition not only improves visibility but also blends effortlessly with the bike’s timeless design.
The instrument cluster seamlessly merges tradition with innovation. A large analog speedometer sits alongside a digital display, offering riders quick access to key information.
From the side, the Meteor 350 boasts a low-slung stance and fluid lines. The fuel tank, proudly displaying the Royal Enfield badge, flows smoothly into a comfortable single-piece seat. A chrome-finished exhaust adds a refined touch, enhancing the bike’s appeal without overpowering its classic aesthetics.
At the rear, a rounded fender maintains the vintage-inspired look, while LED taillights provide modern functionality without disrupting the overall design. The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels create a perfect blend between traditional spoke wheels and contemporary alloys.
A key highlight of the Meteor 350 is its meticulous craftsmanship. From well-designed switchgear to the finely detailed pinstriping on the fuel tank, every aspect has been thoughtfully refined. The result is a motorcycle that looks just as impressive whether parked at a stylish café or cruising on an open highway.
Engine and Performance: Smooth Power for Relaxed Cruising
At the core of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a modern 349cc, air-oil cooled, single-cylinder engine. This upgraded power unit marks a significant improvement over older Royal Enfield engines, addressing past concerns about refinement and reliability.
Producing 20.2 bhp at 6100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, the engine may not be the most powerful in its class, but it is perfectly tuned for the Meteor’s cruiser-oriented nature. The focus is on smooth power delivery and effortless riding rather than aggressive performance.
A key highlight of this new engine is its refinement. Unlike previous Royal Enfield models known for excessive vibrations, the Meteor 350 offers a noticeably smoother ride. A counterbalancer shaft and improved engine mounting work together to minimize vibrations, resulting in a more comfortable experience, especially on longer journeys.
The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox that provides seamless shifts and well-spaced ratios. The light clutch action ensures ease of use in city traffic, while on the highway, the Meteor comfortably cruises at 80-90 km/h, with enough reserve power for overtakes when needed.
Fuel efficiency is another strong aspect of the Meteor 350. With an estimated mileage of 35-40 km/l under mixed riding conditions, it remains an economical choice for both daily commutes and long-distance rides.
Ride and Handling: A Balance of Comfort and Stability
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is built on the brand’s modern J-platform, bringing notable advancements in ride quality and overall handling. The bike features a twin downtube spine frame, offering enhanced rigidity and stability for a confident riding experience.
Suspension duties are managed by 41mm telescopic forks at the front and twin-tube emulsion shock absorbers at the rear. This combination delivers a well-balanced ride, ensuring both comfort and control over various road surfaces.
The Meteor 350 effortlessly absorbs bumps and rough patches, making long-distance cruising smooth and enjoyable. At the same time, it remains composed while cornering, giving riders the confidence to handle turns with ease.
One of the standout aspects of the Meteor is its rider-friendly ergonomics. The wide, pulled-back handlebars and forward-set footpegs encourage a natural, upright riding position. Combined with a well-padded seat, this setup ensures extended rides remain comfortable without causing fatigue.
Braking is handled by a 300mm disc at the front and a 270mm disc at the rear, both supported by dual-channel ABS. The braking system offers reliable stopping power with a progressive feel, enhancing safety and control.
The Meteor also impresses with its low-speed handling. Despite its cruiser design, it is easy to maneuver in tight urban environments. With a low seat height of 765mm, it accommodates riders of different heights while maintaining a well-balanced and nimble feel, making it just as comfortable in city traffic as on the open road.
Technology and Features: Classic Style with Modern Functionality
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 may carry a retro-inspired design, but it is equipped with modern features that enhance convenience and safety. One of the standout additions is the Tripper navigation system, a first for Royal Enfield.
This Tripper system consists of a small, circular display positioned beside the main instrument cluster. It connects to the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth and provides turn-by-turn navigation. Developed in partnership with Google, this system is intuitive and highly useful for both city commutes and long rides, helping riders stay on track without distractions.
Additional Features: Convenience and Safety Enhancements
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 comes equipped with several modern features that improve both safety and usability:
- USB Charging Port: Positioned near the handlebar for easy access, ensuring riders can charge their devices on the go.
- Hazard Lights: A valuable safety feature, especially useful in low-visibility conditions.
- LED Daytime Running Lights: Enhancing visibility while adding a modern touch to the bike’s classic design.
- Dual-Channel ABS: Ensuring controlled and confident braking in all riding conditions.
- Engine Kill Switch: A practical safety feature, newly introduced in Royal Enfield motorcycles.
Additionally, the Meteor 350 supports Royal Enfield’s Make It Yours (MiY) program, allowing buyers to personalize their motorcycles with a variety of factory-fitted accessories and color options. This customization feature adds a unique appeal, enabling riders to create a bike that reflects their personal style.
Market Positioning and Competition: Standing Out in the Cruiser Segment
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 competes in a highly contested segment, taking on rivals like the Honda H’ness CB350 and Jawa Perak. However, Royal Enfield has strategically positioned the Meteor as a premium cruiser, appealing to riders who appreciate a blend of classic styling, modern engineering, and advanced features.
With its retro-inspired design, smooth performance, and contemporary technology, the Meteor holds a strong position in the market. The Tripper navigation system sets it apart, providing a unique advantage in a segment where design often takes priority over functionality.
Pricing is competitive, with the base model starting at approximately ₹1.75 lakh (ex-showroom) and the top variant priced around ₹1.90 lakh. This pricing structure makes the Meteor 350 accessible to a broad audience—from new riders drawn to classic motorcycles to experienced enthusiasts looking for a comfortable, feature-rich cruiser.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350: A New Star in the Cruiser Lineup
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 marks a major step forward for the brand, successfully merging classic heritage with modern engineering. It addresses past criticisms while maintaining the charm and character that make Royal Enfield motorcycles so beloved among riders.
With a refined engine, comfortable ride, and thoughtful features, the Meteor 350 is equally suited for urban commutes and long highway cruises. It delivers a unique combination of retro styling and modern reliability, setting it apart in the mid-size cruiser segment.
As Royal Enfield expands its global reach, the Meteor 350 stands as a testament to the brand’s ability to evolve while preserving its legacy. This motorcycle is not just about riding; it represents Royal Enfield’s commitment to innovation and timeless design.
For those who seek a balance of vintage appeal, modern features, and the signature Royal Enfield thump, the Meteor 350 offers an irresistible package. As it gains popularity on roads worldwide, it is well on its way to becoming a modern classic—winning the hearts of both long-time enthusiasts and first-time Royal Enfield riders.