The Royal Enfield Meteor 350: A 150 km Love-Hate Relationship
Getting back into riding has been a slow burn for me. I already have a Jupiter, Santro, and Vento, so adding a motorcycle to the mix wasn’t exactly practical. But riding scooters wasn’t cutting it anymore—I missed that raw riding experience. After much back and forth (and the usual family persuasion), I pulled the trigger on the Meteor 350.
Here’s how my first 150 km with the Meteor went—what I love, what gets on my nerves, and what I’ve accepted as “Royal Enfield quirks.”
Why the Meteor?
The decision wasn’t instant. I tried a bunch of bikes before landing on the Meteor. Here’s how it played out:
- Jawa 42: Great looks and performance, but the dealer experience was awful. Walked away.
- Honda H’ness CB350: Smooth engine and good tech, but it felt a bit too refined. I wanted a bit more character.
- Yamaha FZ-X: Decent for the price, but it didn’t inspire confidence on longer rides.
- Classic 350: Loved the retro charm but didn’t like the upright riding posture for my back.
Enter the Meteor 350—a bike that hits the sweet spot between comfort and old-school charm. The new J-series engine felt refined without losing the RE soul. Plus, the cruiser ergonomics fit my riding style perfectly.
69 Reasons Why the Meteor 350 is Your Soulmate on Wheels
- It’s a cruiser, baby—sit back, relax, and ride in style.
- Laid-back riding position—feels like your couch, but with a handlebar.
- That exhaust note? It’s pure music for the soul.
- Built for long rides—your backside will thank you.
- Gorgeous LED headlamp—because you deserve to shine.
- Fuel-efficient engine—more miles, fewer bills.
- Smartphone connectivity—so Google Maps won’t ghost you mid-ride.
- Available in bold colors—show the world your personality without saying a word.
- Seat is so comfy—you’ll wish your office chair was this good.
- Torque-y engine—perfect for that “I’m gone!” vibe at traffic lights.
- Tubeless tyres—because flat tyres are so last decade.
- Feels lighter than it looks—it’s all about the balance, my friend.
- Dual-channel ABS—because stopping shouldn’t feel like a near-death experience.
- USB port on board—keep your phone charged while you roam free.
- Refined J-series engine—less vibration, more sensation.
- Priced just right—won’t leave a crater in your wallet.
- Modern cruiser vibes with retro charm—because why settle for just one?
- Perfect for beginners and pros alike—whether it’s your first bike or your tenth.
- That handlebar position? Just right—no awkward leaning.
- Pillion seat with backrest—comfort for your co-pilot too.
- Torque delivery so smooth, you’ll think it’s butter.
- Brakes with bite—stops faster than your ex’s apology texts.
- Meteor 350 is road-trip-ready—because who needs boring weekends?
- Fuel tank of 15 litres—more ride, less refuel.
- Every ride feels like a vacation—even when it’s just to the office.
- Retro-style mirrors—look back in style (or check if your hair’s still on point).
- Light clutch action—perfect for those city stop-and-go jams.
- Gets more stares than you do—sorry, but it’s true.
- Built for India’s bumpy roads—your spine will thank you.
- Digital-analog instrument cluster—because you deserve both nostalgia and tech.
- Meteor feels premium, without being snobbish about it.
- Handles curves like a pro—because life is all about those turns.
- Makes you look cooler instantly—no makeover needed.
- Comes with RE’s tripper navigation—because getting lost isn’t romantic anymore.
- Built for chai-stop adventures—park, sip, ride, repeat.
- Easy to service, so the mechanic won’t charge you in tears.
- Perfect excuse to skip the gym—”I’m working out my throttle hand.”
- People will ask, “Bhai, Meteor hai kya?” (Prepare to feel famous.)
- Cruises at 80-100 km/h without breaking a sweat.
- Built-in leg day—180 kg of pure motorcycle goodness.
- Feels like freedom on two wheels.
- You’ll start wearing more leather jackets, guaranteed.
- The wind in your hair? Priceless. (Helmet first, though!)
- Makes traffic feel less soul-crushing.
- Riding the Meteor = instant mood lift.
- Comes with a center stand—practical and old-school cool.
- Your dating profile just got a lot more interesting.
- Perfect bike for sunsets and slow roads.
- Engine’s so smooth, it practically purrs.
- Easy to customize—make it as unique as your love life.
- More reliable than your flaky friends.
- Own the road like you mean it.
- Seats are spacious enough for the occasional “illegal snack stop.”
- Keeps you off the couch and on the road.
- No more awkward Uber rides to the corner store.
- Wanna escape? This is your getaway vehicle.
- Your morning commute just became epic.
- Prevents midweek meltdowns—riding > ranting.
- The pillion backrest is also a hug in disguise.
- People will stop and ask, “How much bhp?” (They won’t understand, but still.)
- Works well in rain, shine, or whatever weather Bangladesh throws at you.
- Makes gas stations your new social club.
- No more borrowing your friend’s Activa.
- The kickstand is your new BFF—so satisfying.
- Turns every weekend into an adventure.
- Helps you avoid small talk—“Sorry, I have to ride!”
- The Meteor gives you “main character energy.”
- It’s a vibe, not just a bike.
- Because you deserve it—simple as that.
What I Love About the Meteor 350
The Meteor shines in many areas—here are the things that made me fall for it:
1. Laid-back Riding Position
The feet-forward riding posture is one of the biggest plus points for me. It feels natural, especially on long rides, with no strain on my back. The wide handlebar adds to the cruiser vibe.
2. Smooth, Refined Engine
The new J-series engine is a revelation. It’s smooth, with no harsh vibrations, and the power delivery is predictable—perfect for someone getting back into riding after a while.
3. Tripper Navigation
I love the Tripper pod for turn-by-turn navigation. It’s not flashy, but it does the job without distractions. A small but very thoughtful addition.
4. Great City and Highway Performance
The Meteor cruises comfortably at 80-90 km/h on the highway. In the city, it’s agile enough to handle traffic without feeling too heavy.
5. Seat Comfort
The split seat setup is fantastic. The cushioning is just right, and the pillion seat has enough room to keep passengers happy.
The Annoying Bits
Not everything about the Meteor is sunshine and rainbows. Here are the things that annoy me:
1. Quality Control Issues
Some of the plastic parts feel cheap, especially around the switchgear and side panels. For the price, I expected better.
2. Heavy Clutch
The clutch is on the heavier side, which can get tiring in city traffic. A lighter clutch would’ve made the bike easier to handle for daily commutes.
3. Average Brakes
The ByBre brakes are adequate, but they lack bite. At this price point, I was hoping for better stopping power.
4. Stock Tyres Aren’t the Best
The CEAT tyres work okay in dry conditions, but they don’t inspire confidence on wet or slippery roads. I’ll probably switch to Michelin or Pirelli soon.
Ride Experience: The First 1500 km
After a 300 km weekend ride to a hill station and daily commutes, here’s how the Meteor has performed so far:
- Handles Well for a Cruiser
At 191 kg, the bike isn’t light, but it carries the weight well. The low center of gravity makes it surprisingly easy to maneuver in the city. - Cruises Effortlessly on the Highway
The Meteor is built for cruising. At 90 km/h, it’s in its sweet spot. Push it beyond 110 km/h, and you’ll feel a bit of vibration, but nothing that spoils the ride. - Fuel Efficiency
I’m getting around 35-37 km/l, which isn’t bad for a 350cc cruiser. With a 15-litre fuel tank, it offers a decent range for weekend trips. - Wobble During Hard Braking
One thing I noticed—there’s a slight wobble under heavy braking. It’s manageable but something to keep in mind. - Service Experience Was a Mixed Bag
The first service went smoothly, but the dealer pushed unnecessary accessories. I declined most of them, but it’s something new buyers should watch out for.
The Good, the Bad, and the Royal Enfield Experience
If you’ve owned a Royal Enfield before, you know what I mean when I say it’s not just a bike—it’s an experience. The Meteor 350 has plenty of positives, but it also comes with the typical RE quirks.
What’s Good:
- Fantastic cruiser design with comfortable ergonomics
- Smooth, reliable engine
- Tripper navigation is a handy feature
What Could Be Better:
- Plastic parts could use an upgrade
- Heavier clutch makes city riding tiring
- Brakes lack bite
What Won’t Change:
- Service quality varies depending on the dealer
- Accessories are overpriced
- Government taxes are sky-high— 60,000 of the 4.15 lakh I paid was just taxes
Verdict: Is the Meteor 350 Worth It?
If you’re looking for a comfortable cruiser that’s easy to live with, the Meteor 350 is a solid choice. It’s not the fastest bike or the most premium, but it has character—the kind that grows on you.
The Meteor is perfect for those who enjoy laid-back rides and don’t mind a few quirks along the way. Just know what you’re getting into—it’s a Royal Enfield, and that comes with its own set of charms and challenges.
Are you riding a Meteor 350 or considering one? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
