Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (2021-on) Review

Rides brilliantly brakes are enough for the machine, stops easily

I'd forgotten how much I love singles, once run in it Pops along

Only done 700miles had a fork seal leak fixed under warranty

Had first two services free from dealer

Clocks are great easy to see love petrol gauge, it's easy adjust on move and handlebar controls in right places, love the starter button

Being a single there is vibration but it's not intrusive. I personally ride quite modestly and simply rolling off the accelerator allows the engine to do most of the braking only using the brakes for bringing the bike to a stop.

As I've already mentioned the top end speed should be increased for safe overtaking but if anyone could get up to 70 on the b roads where I live and ride good luck to them.

My bike lives outside all year round with a waterproof bike cover on, and while I do treat the chassis with lanolin the only sign of corrosion has been on non standard ancillary parts that I've added.

The engine is so simple to work on I do my own servicing. A proper get your hands dirty bike.

Overall the meteor 350 is well spec'd for it price however I will change the tyres for a road bias dual pattern type to better suit the pothole and gravelly road found around the borders.

Comes with sat nav

All good.

Not as quick as I had hoped. Best cruising speed 50-60mph.

Some parts are a little flimsy, but understand that this has to be the case to achieve the low entry to market price tag. The biggest frustration is the mirror vibration which makes everything a blur at certain speeds/ RPM.

Would have liked a rev counter. Later models no longer feature the Tripper as it was deemed not very good. Could have replaced with a rev counter.

It is not fast. Ideal on single carriage roads, where the speed is usually between 40 and 65mph. It will run on dual carriage but not really its forte. Sufficient torque to bimble along with a pillion.

What British singles would have evolved into. It is smooth yet retains that classic thumper feel. Good lowdown pull within to boundaries of its modest power output.

Bike is garaged over winter, but no corrosion issues to report. Been totally reliable, finish as good, if not better than my Japanese bikes.

Around £300 per annum, as a low mileage bike. Valves do need doing every 6000 miles so I expect costs to be more for high mileage riders

Laid back seating position makes for a pleasant relaxed ride. Neat switchgear and great looks.

A good general runaround bike and mid distance cruiser,probably would ideally ride for 2hours between breaks

Not particularly powerful,but vibration free and smooth to ride

Seems to be well built, and good value

Should be easy to service ,when I eventually obtain a workshop manual

Good gear change operation,probably would be an improvement with better tyres

ABS as standard

Very little vibration from the single

Not sure how the bright work and paint will stand up to winter

No rev counter. Sat Nav standard, gear change eco mode

Ride quality is good the brakes okay

The engine is running well, it's just under power on a dual carriageway.

I have the bike seems it came out, and I had no issues at all.

The short service intervals increase my average servicing timing so it's average of 1.5 service a year which it's actually around the £200

Royal Enfield have a plastic paniner that looks quite cheap but plenty of aftermarket options for bags and pannier. And there a lots more equipment from few UK well known aftermarket online shops

Work like a treat & stops on a penny. Had a few close shaves on dual carriageway in the rain in September and not a problem at all.

This bike is not for fast laning and crazy overtaking. It loves 50-70 and yes I said 70. Mine has been run in steadily and carefully. It rides at 70 without the push others complain of. So that saying I have used the bike in a variety of conditions, weathers and roads. She suits them all. I hate the motorway and even dual carriage way, but I would take my bike on them. I just prefer to take the prettier back roads way. It's why I bought this bike.

since it is new I haven't had any faults. I didn't trickle charge the battery for 2 months when not ridden last winter, so I had a few issues in Feb with battery being flat. The engine management light would come on and now I know it's because the battery was flat! And really that isn't a build or quality issue, but my own fault. I now am better prepared with a battery trickler.

Fuel economy is amazing. On recent Road trip I got 320 out of a tank of fuel. I usually get 290 riding around lanes and locally. I always use the E5 and the bike rides smoother with it and mileage is a little bit more. My 300 mile service was £85 and I had a service in February when riding season (for me) restarted and it cost £124 with full oil change. I have my 3000 mile service soon and been quoted £185.Very economical bike

Everything I need is on the bike - 2 trip mileage counters, small tool kit for essential repairs, usb charger, & even the tripper navigation is good. Also it has very comfy seats. I am a girl with a good sized bottom and the bike is perfectly shaped and supportive. I have added bits to make it my own - a large screen, heated grips, fat wider foot pegs, slump guard & engine guard. All at reasonable price and easy to fit to the bike. The stock tyres when new felt a little weird to me, but they have held up well and are now perfectly worn in. They even held up in torrential rain and heavy wind.

OK when run in although I have replaced the brake pads with a softer aftermarket version to cure a brake squeal. The first 1000 miles was challenging, when the rock hard suspension threatened to spit me out of the seat at every pothole. Once run in the springs softened up and it runs like a dream. Comfy and easy going for 2 hour stints bimbling around country lanes

Great sound; good low down torque for getting away at the lights. Smooth power delivery. All OK up to about 60mph indicated but no point in asking for much more.

No problems in 10 months and 3000 miles since new.

Over 3000 miles it returns 101mpg average on E5 fuel - astonishing.

I had the tall touring screen fitted on delivery. Never really worked for me due to too much slipstream buffeting around my head. Removed tall screen at 2000 miles and fitted a flyscreen which is much more comfortable. Changed the weird heel/toe gear selector for a conventional arrangement after the first 300 miles. The tripper nav system has a mind of its own so I rarely use it.

Brakes are perfect for the sort of riding I do.. The ABS present on new bikes is very reassuring.

Very characterful engine. Reminds me of the BSA of my youth but without the oil leaks! Low down grunt belies the modest 20 bhp it produces.

Sorted out the very sloppy gear change with the £35 “eBay special” contesting of gear hub and connecting rod with rose joints. It’s transformed the way it works and is a worth the investment. The touring seat is a nice upgrade over the standard. With the addition of a touring screen and some panniers I’m now set for many nice days out in the saddle 🙂

Amazing mpg pottering about the highways and byways in Cornwall. NOTE: no motorways here! 60 mph is plenty.

Everything works as it should. I’ve used the Tripper a few times and it’s very useful .

Brakes are ok but you need to use engine braking a great deal. Ride quality is very good. Living in central Wales, there are a number of different styles of roads and it performs well. It gets around every corner with ease

I live in central Wales so the engine is just right for the roads that I use. I have been further afield but I avoid motorways as the engine does have its limits. Solid and completely reliable even over winter being left outside. Economy is excellent and i can confirmed a MPG of 95 to 110. Using the bike everyday for a number of different purposes for the last 12 months and it does not alter

Absolutely no problems at all. I use this bike everyday. Literally everyday all weathers and I’ve had no problems at all.

All services to 12k miles and which I have done over the last 12 months. 4 in total 2 big and 2 small. 95 to 110mpg that has been consistent over the last 12 months. Due to circumstances it’s left out without a cover and there has been absolutely no corrosion or any other issue bar slight colour change with plastic bits. It’s phenomenal

There is a good selection of equipment from Royal Enfield and other brands

5 out 5 for what it is at that price. Everything works fine for a retro cruiser with low power output. Brakes have been a tiny bit squeaky but hopefully will improve as they bed in. Handles really well for a bike of this design. Will out corner a Kawasaki W650 with ease.

I had written this bike off solely on power until I rode it. All the missing energy above 74 mph (the restrictor) is somehow squeezed lower down to produce a bike that seems more powerful than it is.

The only minor issue is rust discolouration on the inside of the end of the exhaust that happens very quickly. I wonder if this is a result of more methanol in fuel combusting into more water? As an E10 Euro 5 bike this should be accounted for by Royal Enfield. It can be easily painted over but doesn't look great.

The 'warranty ensuring' first service was carried out labour free by the dealer for £26 and that has been my only servicing outlay above the purchase price this year. As an air/oil cooled bike with just 2 valves I plan to service the bike myself keeping costs down.

Nothing you don't need. ABS and Tripper are the only technical things on this bike and thank God for it! Tyres seem ok in the dry. They definitely don't like wet drain covers but what tyre does?

Not the fastest of bike's but it has enough power to get you out of trouble. Most of the roads around here are 50mph and the meteor will reach 70 so no problems going to work on her.

Love the sound that she makes, love how economical she is.

The build quality of this bike is superb considering it's price range. As with all bikes you have to look after it and do basic maintenance like lubricant on the chain etc. But other than the basic services it is very easy to look after.

The £150 was it's first service, but a lot of people are buying this bike and doing the service and maintenance at home. I opted to go to the dealer, just to maintain the warranty.

The seating is incredibly comfortable for me at 5'6" easy to get my feet down when stopping at lights. Only real mod I have done is the gear link road, the original did the job but for £25 I fitted one with rose joints that seems more premium.

The Meteor is at its best on long country rides and is comfortable for a few hours at a time. Decent seat for pillion in upright position. It is a great all round bike but not for the speed lovers and/or regular motorway users.

I am very happy with the engine but wish it wasn’t restricted to 70mph.

Quality is very good for the price. The weak gear linkage for the rocker is best replaced with a more robust part available from eBay for £20. Some people do get a bit of rust. The engine light comes on for no reason but is easy to reset.

Fuel costs are incredibly low. Servicing is not expensive and much can be done easily oneself

My favourite feature is the rocker gear change. I love it. I recommend the touring seat and I love my Oxford heated grips.

Solo comfortable for 3-4 hours. Very relaxed ride.

At 20bhp, it is always going to be sift. Hiwever it delivers thise 20bhp is a very pleasing manner.

Early days but so far it has been faultless.

Very short service intervals 6 months/3000 miles.

Quality switchgear and instrumentation. Classic style, pleasing to the eye.

For the price, it is great.

Love chugging away !!

I am guessing £200 for annual running costs, as there's a simple 6 month check and then a main service every year.

Tripper is somewhat unreliable, but I guess it will get fixed over time (hopefully).

Overhead cam with chain drive is a cheap-out. Pushrod engines last longer. They cut corners by not having a fuel shutoff.

The heel-toe shifter is total trash!! Total junk!!! Metal to metal in the shifter parts. The tripper navigation system is useless. They should have spent the money on a tachometer.

I have found the motorcycle perfect for my riding, cruise's at 55-60 mph, comfortable seat and riding position.handles well, light and easy to maneuver, no problems with the braking system.

Press the starter, settles down to a even tick over, fuel injection is spot on, picks up speed as you would expect a 350 thumper to do, a slight tingle through the bars and foot pegs at certain revs, generally very smooth and bags of character.

I part exchange a triumph scrambler for the Enfield, and in my opinion I would say the Enfield is better quality, regarding reliability I have covered 2000 miles, no problems and I don't expect any in the future.

The 350 meteor represent excellent value for money, returns 90-100 miles per gallon and is fitted with what other manufacturers regards as extras as standard.

The fireball yellow is a fantastic price, with, center stand, USP port, tripper navigation, and more equipment as standard. Bargain.

I was expecting a shake and rattle ride, but not at all. Smooth and steady in drive and braking. The brakes and gears are steady and perfect for around town or out on the road.

The only issue is the low power on hills. Though don't get me wrong this does add to the fun and you can experience the push of the bike to its limits. If I bought a faster bike I'd have fun, but felt unchallenged. It only gets a 4 because it could do with a little oomph if on a very steep hill.

Beautiful styling and lovely finish throughout the bike. My tank has a wonderful glitter in the sunshine. I get 350 miles out of a tank. Obviously, mine is new, but so far so good.

350 miles on a tank of petrol - great value along with lots of fun.

The tripper navigation is a great tool. I have used it on every ride and it works perfectly. The speedo is pretty has a great look and works exactly as needed with gear selection and fuel digital display. Some say the missing rev counter is a flaw, but the engine noise is beautiful and you can tell when change is required. Plus the dial shows ECO Gear when your engine is in perfect running flow and not when under power/high rev situation.There are no flashy gadgets or gimmicks and you wouldn't want them as this is an old skool style motorbike and everything is just as it ought. Though if you did the off-market and RE official accessories are great too, so you can pimp out your ride if you want.

Lazy torquey single

Short service intervals

Perfect for everything except motorways and fast dual carriage roads. Comfortable beyond 2 hours in the saddle, most so far.

Creamy smooth single with low down torque but at merely 20bhp it has little top end. Perfect if you ride accordingly.

The chrome on the forks not as good as it could be.

Service intervals very short at twice yearly. So although each service is not too dear, frequency pushes it up.

Standard navigation Tripper is good although I seldom use it. Power outlet will be useful to many. Comfortable seat

Great for gentle cruising with a relaxed and comfortable suspension. I’ve turned up the rear suspension two notches and it suits me fine. Brakes do the job comfortably and thus far I’ve not found them wanting.

Simply sublime and no vibration felt throughout the rev range. Not sure why MCN only gave it 3 stars - perhaps because of the lack of top end speed? But that simply is not what this bike is about.

Too early to say regarding reliability but the quality of the finish is top notch. The switchgear particularly feels refined and the engine is sublime.

For the price you can’t fault the equipment. Tripper navigation system works a treat with the addition of a USB port as standard.

The bike loves A & B roads, around 45-55 mph is it’s sweet spot!! it’s a great handling and very comfy bike, I can ride for hours with no fatigue. It will happily cruise at 65-70ish on dual carriageways but you are almost flat out. I’ve read and watched reviews stating the brakes aren’t great, I do disagree mine are very good with great feedback very confident inspiring and the back brake is excellent.

This is the star of the bike, very very smooth practically no vibrations at any speeds with that lovely single long stroke thump. The fuelling is excellent no snatchiness just smooth power delivery. The gear box is super smooth 1st and 2nd are short, 3rd and 4th are perfect for most riding and 5th is a overdrive gear. Not had any false neutrals but I did sometimes have a issue with the heel toe gear change, but as I’ve gotten used to it it’s not a issue anymore.

Build quality and finish is superb, easily on par with other main stream manufacturers. I’ve had no mechanical or corrosion issues at all. There was a small but deep scratch on the front fender when I collected the bike which is being replaced under warranty next week.

Cheap to run and get serviced, I’m getting over 100mpg with 500 miles on the clock will only get better as the bike runs in.

The clock is a beautiful retro/modern design with a gear and fuel gauge, the tripper unit is really easy to use just needs some more functionality added to the app, and there’s a USB port under the clutch lever everything you need. The bikes tool kit is a blast from the past, you can basically do every mechanical job on the bike just using the kit if you chose too. I was sceptical about the CEAT tyres but they very good, I rode over 40 miles in torrential rain for the initial service and not a single issue even with lots of standing water.