I have seen maybe a hundred Meteor reviews. No one was bothered about the rev counter. We need to stop being obsessed with performance. Twenty other things are more important than going around the corner 0.2 seconds faster. The looks, the ride quality, the price, the build quality, fuel efficiency, customer service, cheap spare parts and maintenance are far more important. 70 mph is more than sufficient for majority of people out there. You don't need to burn ridiculous amount of fuel and put your knee down on public roads. Do that on a track. Higher performance bikes are toys. This is a real motorcycle which the average man or woman can use on a daily basis.
I am fine with 70 but I'm concerned this bike will be chugging at 55 up a hill on a 70mph road. That would just be a tad bit slow for me. It would be the same speed as my ybr125 and I just couldn't live with that on my commute. I love the look of this bike but performance is important to a point. I may test ride one because yep the performance does worry me, even though I'm not looking to break the speed limit these days. Agree on the rev counter though. It's a non issue for me.
Agreed! I've been on the hunt for my first bike for a little over a year now, and I've let all these american/UK reviews get in my head. I was set on a Kawasaki Vulcan S because it had bigger displacement and higher HP and max speed. Then a few weeks ago I realized I live in norway, where the max speedlimit is 75mph anyway, and in my county the max speedlimit is 50mph, so a higher preformance bike would be wasted on me. I'd hate to be riding around on so much untapped potential. Ended up ordering a Stellar Red Meteor 350 a few weeks ago
I was one of the first to get a Meteor in the UK. In the first month of sales, it was the 3rd highest selling (non-125) bike in the UK. In the 2nd month the 2nd best selling and since the best selling bike in the UK, according to MCN. It won MCN's best retro bike, for 2021. The gear change speeds you gave, were the recommended running in speeds. Did that and got around 120 mpg. Given the recent (non) fuel crisis on a 3 gallon tank, it was great. Now it's run in, I take it through the gears more enthusiastically! That said, you don't need a tacho, if you listen to the engine/exhaust and have mechanical empathy with the bike. There is a rev limiter for the mechanically inept. It's a bike for enjoying the ride, not taking stupid risks. It's great chatting to people 'who say they remember them, back in the 60's' and 'you've done a good job on that'.... I bought the Zontes X300 after your review, in fact it was the very bike you tested! Nice bike with electric everything, except the battery had to be replaced twice. It wouldn't have enough power to start it, if you left it for a week. Nice bike, but the Meteor is the one I prefer...
@@alanrobinson2229 Thanks Alan. I just want to ride with my mates - yeah, we're a bit older than the 100,000cc hyper bike riders. However, we'll probably get where we are going with a huge grin, have a nice breakfast and a pint on the way home. Isn't that what it's really all about?
I've been riding for 50 years. Bought this bike and had it shipped 1500 kms without a test ride. I ride it more than my R1100RT. I'm surprised you didn't emphasize the the joy of riding it. Great review otherwise.
Who needs a tachometer on a 350 single? Never heard such nonsense, triumph's street twin didn't have one either when that came out, these things are selling like hot cakes so Enfield appear to have got it pretty much Spot on....
That's exactly what I thought had several bikes in my time including a street twin. Some had rev counters and most didn't The sort of riding I do never used or needed a rev counter. You can hear the engine and change gear accordingly. Even when breaking in a brand new engine. I'm getting on in years and this bike suits my needs perfectly. So just ordered one. Can't wait.
When you said “Sorry but no one rides like that” I thought “you’ve not been out with me mate”. I’ve got one and love it and yes I regularly ride at 30 mph in 5th gear.
@@motorsforthemasses Liked your review, and my comment wasn’t serious criticism.For me though, a big feature of the Meteor is it’s ability to plod around the narrow lanes of my beautiful Yorkshire Dales at 30 to 40 mph and enjoy the journey. You have to get your head out of sports bike mode ( which seems to happen naturally when you get into your seventies) it’s a completely unintimidating pleasant motorcycle. I’ve done more miles on mine this summer than I’ve ridden in 20 years. Can’t keep off it. Keep up the good work.
The gear change speeds you quoted are the "running in" speeds for the first 500 kilometres. It is in the RE manual for the bike along with higher speed changes for the distance 501 to 2000 Kilometres. I like to think that RE know what they are stating in their manual.
Interesting review, making a few points other testers haven't. Re. the heel and toe shift and the low gearchange suggested speeds. I think you need to consider the original intentions for the bike. It was originally intended for the home market, to replace the best selling (in India) 350 Bullet based bikes, in particular the popular Thunderbird variant with cruiser styling and cast (and tubeless) wheels, which the Indians seem to cry out for. The decision to market it in the US and Europe was an afterthought (unlike the 650 twins). It's kind of ironic that in both these markets, the bike has been so well received (particularly so in the 'big engine' loving USA). The heel and toe shifter addresses Indian riders' complaints levelled at the Interceptor when ridden in sandals or 'flip-flops' (I kid you not), and the low recommended shifting points are aimed at those going for the fabled (in Indian motorcycling lore) RE thump from the exhaust, who have a habit of changing gear too low for the effect. The bike is set up to work in Indian urban traffic chaos, often with a sidesaddle mounted pillion, or undertaking the kind of long distance touring the Indians use 350cc bikes for. This was another reason it came with cast wheels and tubeless tyres in its basic form. Indians have been complaining about the twins not being offered with them, due to the prevalence of punctures out there… an onboard plug kit gets them back on the move without calling a 'puncture walla' to fix a tubed tyre. Interestingly, the new '350 Classic', now out in India, has authentic 'Bullet' styling, wire wheels, and looks gorgeous. If requests my local RE dealer has had are anything to go by, when it arrives here next year, it will sell like hot cakes on looks alone, though at present he's got more firm orders for Meteors than supplies are able to meet. He's been an RE dealer since long before they were handled by MotoGB (and like many, wishes RE would set up their own distribution based from the Bruntingthorpe centre as MotoGB are a dead loss). The new generation 'Eicher' REs (Himmies, 650 twins, and now Meteors… as well as the last of the Bullets being grabbed while still in showrooms), have moved RE bikes from being a minor niche brand in his shop, to the biggest seller, even outselling cheap Chinese scooters. I like the channel, and have subscribed. I'm interested to see other reviews. I'm an RE owner (Interceptor since 2019) and long term Harley owner (hot rodded S&S powered 1990 FLHS) among other marques over the last half century or so.
Got one but because have no where near your knowledge, cannot compare - all I can say it is the first bike I always come back home on with a fixed grin, lovely-jubbly lil mo'or!
Thanks for the honest review. It's now February, 2024 and I have one on order, to arrive soon. I've done a ton of research and find that most, like you, agree in the end that it's a decent bike. I'm not an expressway rider. I'll just be riding the US and State Routes. I think this will be the perfect bike for my needs.
As an ex CD175 owner myself (1977 met blue), I also consider a rev counter to be a luxury I do not need, after all I personally come fully equipped with a functional pair of ears for rev monitoring purposes. Mine was fitted with a heel and toe gear shifter so I am sure I'd feel right at home on the Meteor, although this bikes 5 speed box would have been very welcome on the little Honda. Incidentally, the wee twin cylinder Honda lump produces 17hp, only three less than the mighty RE 350 single, which is my only gripe with this bike. C'mon Royal Enfield, surely 25-28hp is achievable out of this lovely little engine...
I had the CB175 which did have a rev counter and ironically around the same power as the Meteor but at around twice the revs. I would like to know what rpm it cruises at though just because for longevity I would tend to run at 3/4 max revs. Also if you know what revs max torque is you can often benefit from revving to the point that the next gear drops it back onto the max torque point.
@@seankearney6915 I wanted a CB200 but I was just 18, I needed a bike for work, my parents were guarantoring the loan and my mum was convinced that any bike which had more than four gears, one carb and came equipped with a rev counter would murder me, so retro-commuting I did go... 😂
At age 78 & soon to downsize from my 17 year old (Goldwing) happened across the Meteor when repalcing my Nolan helmets. I liked the seating and unlike most bikes in that size range my legs were bent in a much more comfortable position. I like the history of the RE & it may be a great choice for a funky bike in retirement! Very few in the USA & I like the looks. Your review was spot on & may have me looking for a yellow one!!
Brilliant video! You know your stuff! I do have a Royal Enfield Stellar Meteor 350cc..very new to me..got it only last Friday, had my first ride last night, going out on the lovely machine this evening! I was also very impressed with the handling, the power for me is perfect.. I sort of feel the bike looks after you as your cruising down the road..and that's just after one trip! Love the way you gave the details on the bike..made it entertaining and full of knowledge!! 🏍️
Here in the U.S. where bigger is better I hear they are selling very well.I’m a bigger guy having owned gold wings,a big twin Harley,Indian chief,and a vfr1100, and I purchased an int.650 some time ago.love the bike.something to be said about a light comfortable cruiser.pleasing to the eye.I picked up a meteor last month.great bike for cruising back roads but not for freeways.my gs850 can do those trips.getting older and after 40+ years of riding those 800 lb bikes don’t appeal to me like they used to.lighter is better.
What a strangely condescending review. If you don't like the bike say so, don't reluctantly and backhandedly compliment it just because other motorcycling journos have sung its praises. Even my missus, who has no interest in motorcycles, picked up on your negativity. For the record, I am not a Royal Enfield owner...
It's polite disdain I suppose. I didn't overly like it, but did not hate it and could not say that anything about the bike specifically that I really disliked intensely; and I appreciate where it would fit in to motorcycling.
@@motorsforthemasses Styling is subjective, I get that, if the bike doesn't float your boat that's fine, nobody is going to pillory you for it. However the review did come over (to me at least) as a bit of a hit piece on Royal Enfield, which is unfortunate. From a personal perspective the only slight gripe I have with the bike is the lack of power from that 350cc lump, which would make it difficult for chunky monkeys like me to maintain 70mph on a dual carriageway. I once owned a Honda CD175 twin that had the same issue, the engine of which developed only 3hp less than the Meteor, which doesn't feel like progress to me. Hopefully RE will take such criticism on board and eek out a wee bit more power from the engine in the future.
I don't need a Meteor, because i own a 2018 euro4 Classic 500 I simply adore at 25000km ; it vibrates, the engine retains as no other bike, i can upshift imediatly after taking off, it has off road capabilities, it is very comfortable, it has a fantastic sound even with the stock exhaust. A teluric bike for sensorial and primordial experiences. Not fast but,... I don't care. In highways I am not obcessed to overtaking lorries.. And when they are slowly approaching in the mirrors, I speed up a little to run away from them... till the next uphill..Well; who likes highways anyway in these kind of machines?
Had a look at them in the local RE showroom and was quite impressed, saw one at the local bike meet in a smokeyish blue colour and had chance to have a much closer look and fell in lust with the colour. Halogen and bulbs is a cost cutting no manufacturer should be going with these days though.
The recommended speeds are for run-in; I know, because I have a Meteor myself, and that's in the manual where they tell you how to break it in. I tried RE's recommended speeds, and they just didn't work; the moment you encounter any incline or headwind, the engine starts rattling and clattering; it lugs, big time. That's NOT GOOD for any engine! I then adopted the approach that my old Honda Helix' owner's manual recommended for run-in, since it didn't have a rev counter, either: no more than 2/3-3/4 throttle and 80% max speed. What I did was listen to how the engine sounded in 5th at 50-55 mph indicated; I then used that sound as my shift point in the lower gears. That's been working, and my Meteor seems happier with me. The thing about thumpers is that you'll know when it's ready to shift... :)
I liked it enough to order one after a road test, but I am a returning biker and it will probably never see a motorway and only short lengths of dual carriageway. It will probably never go out at night or in the wet. It may get traded up later, but its sub 500 bracket gets me back in motorcycle insurance and in the swing of it. It has around the same power, but more torque than my old CB175 which had a red line up around 10,000. Had the usual oil feed issues so the cam would self destruct. There was reason the CB200 had less power and a lower redline. This hasn't the power to harm itself at at my age it may well outlast me. I think its a good bike for those at either ends of the spectrum and its popular enough that it would probably get a fair trade in/second hand price in if you wanted to move up later.
Same here i hope to be a returning biker next year and looking for no fuss relaxed cruising so i can take in the countryside . Me and my best mate back in our youth had CB175s on which we toured , kinda , not too far from home you understand due mostly to numb parts here and there ! I have been looking long and hard at Interceptor 650s as that's more the type of bike i finished up on back then, but i'm also realising i need to use my head now i'm much older and ease back into it , so maybe the 350 is more my thang ! ..... keep it a few years and if i'm still alive go bigger : )
@@hybrid6692 I have sat on a few bikes and realised I could no longer ride leaned forward too much. The Z650 I did the course on was nice but if I was buying bigger I would have to look at the same engine in the Versys or the CBX500 just to sit upright. In the late 70s I even took the bars of the CB 175 and flipped over left to right so they were upside down a bit like poor mans clips ons. Not the best idea I ever had as the wires then entered on the top and the rain got in the bars and ran along inside which didn't help the throttle. I turned them back the following year. I would definitely line up a test ride just to check your happy with a single and a lazy one. For me it just felt right when I sat on it and even better when I rode it and that is a very personal thing which is why bikes are great they are as varied as people are.
@@seankearney6915 I completely agree , i'll be going for a wander around a few dealers especially Enfields just to get some perspective, i'll not book any test rides yet because i know what will happen and i simply can't get one this year , but come the spring : ) Interesting about the bars i to played around with them but ended up as original , later on my Yam XS500 twin i fitted genuine Laverda adjustable bars ,cost a fortune , ran it for awhile semi prone then , you guessed it back to original ! .... when your young it was "what mod can i do to my bike this week ?" Now i just want the package right at the start with just a few personal tweaks .
@@hybrid6692 The only thing I would say is there does seem to be a wait. Mine is likely to be Christmas and I put a deposit down a while back. Before I parted with £200 I actually asked the dealer if he would agree to returning it if it hadn't arrived by March so I could get something else to ride next year as I am not getting any younger and I was set on riding something next year and he said I could cancel at anytime as he could sell everyone he gets without any problem. Though if you are in the UK or Ireland getting a good dry day for a test ride now is awkward. I looked at these because the price wasn't that much different from anything I may have looked at secondhand and you got something new with 3 year warranty. Good luck and safe riding with which ever way you go.
Who bloody needs a rev counter on 20hp chug along cruiser.I think the days of large capacity motorcycles that do 30mpg are coming to an end,having to spend 40 quid to have a blast on a sunday with 2 fill ups soon takes the shine off a big bike.good review and channel though 😁👍
I think your 'obsessing' about the rev counter (and I get it!), means that you haven't quite 'got' the Royal Enfield experience yet... But it's not your fault, the motorcycling media have been so performance obsessed these past few decades, that a lot of us had forgotten what pure motorcycling is all about... (IMHO of course lol!).
@@motorsforthemasses Absolutely there is no need for a rev counter, however I agree with you. Get rid the ridiculous next to useless Sat Nav and stick a rev counter on it.
An excellent bike where the actual ownership experience exceeds the hype - and that's rare! I'm referring to the views of those who actually have one of course - I don't, but if finances and space would allow, I'd have one as a second bike in a heartbeat 👍😁
Every manufacturer has that low speed shift pattern suggestion. My Mazda truck manual tells me I should be in 5th gear at 45mph, but listening to the engine, I always hit 5th at 55.
The bike in this video is barely run in - they run much better after a few miles! The speeds given in the manual are for the initial running in period, where you are not meant to exceed 40 mph... Got one of these in August and have used it for a daily 60 mile commute on mixed minor roads, B roads and dual carriageways. The engine was a little tight until 500 miles then loosened up and became much more free revving. Now with 3,000 miles on the clock it tops out at 75 mph (rev limiter) in 5th and has no problems keeping up with motorway traffic. I usually ride in 4th from 20 - 40 mph and 5th at 40 mph+. Happiest cruising at 50 - 60 mph with power in reserve for faster roads. Returns 93-95 mpg on E10 or 95-100 mpg on premium E5. Gear changing by ear becomes second nature (and none of the bikes I learnt on had rev counters either!). The quality and finish is top notch, easily up there with any other manufacturer you care to compare it with. The seating position is very comfortable and I spend 12 hours a week in the saddle getting from A to B. Perfect bike for the job and for putting a smile on your face at weekends.
I would say that this video is a true reflection on the Meteor, however I agree with the other comments that it does not need a rev counter. Its a fantastic motorcycle for the money and i'm very please with it😀
A nice review of a bike I like very much. I've watched many reviews of the Meteor 350. What you have to remember is that the primary market for this is India and they have a very different set of requirements to the average UK ride r. Comfort and economy are paramount and lo gravity and simplicity are important too. What's the point of having a road rocket when roads are too poor to utilise much speed? By the way in another review I watched it was suggested that the heel and tor gear change was because in India riders often wear sandals or flip flops - a valid point I thought. My Guzzi Roamer 850 cruiser doesn't have a rev counter either and that was a 9 grand bike new so I think R.E. Can be forgiven for its omission. It doesn't really need one. As for changing up early, it's a good way to maximise fuel economy even if it isn't very exciting. I once ride 50 miles on a !fixture of open and town roads down to 20 mph on my old Honda CD250u without ever changing our of 5th gear.
I will ...I normally don't like the "Harley Davidson feet right forward" position but the meteor is no where near as extreme and a lot more comfortable, take care all ride safe 👍
Preload is not there too adjust your softyness, it makes no difference to the harshness or softness of the ride (unless adjusted completely out of range). Preload is to adjust the shock for differing weight, e.g. a heavier than normal rider, a pillion or luggage. It is there purely to make sure the shock is sitting in a reasonable part of its stroke for the weight it is carrying, around 25%-30% would be a typical target. So load up the bike with luggage and take a pillion and you might find you have used 65% of your suspension travel, not great for either the rider or pillion. You up the preload in this instance to get the shock back to a reasonable level in its stroke, back to that 25%-30% figure, so you have optimum compression travel. Fully loaded like this and you might even find you end up on max preload.
Also, starting in gear on the side stand isn't great but surely an experienced rider should know to automatically put it in neutral or pull the clutch in at least before starting it up
I only had a test ride, but I think you need to pull the clutch in to start it anyway. It probably works great in busy traffic so if you do stall you don't need to start finding neutral, just hold the clutch in and fire it up. It sort of makes sense in areas with bad roads as you don't want a bike that wont run just because a cheap side stand switch has failed, because of mud, water or clobbered by a big stone..
Glad you still have the Mash Force 400. I have one too. I do wonder where the other 3 are. A total of 5 were imported, as far as I know. Have you still got the OEM Timsum Knobbly tyres on? How do you find them at higher road speeds? And I have a Meteor 350. They are similar bikes to bikes to ride, but the Meteor is nicer at higher speeds, due to less vibration. The Mash does not like getting hot, in traffic jams for example, it does not seem to have enough engine cooling fins. I have got soaked in heavy rain riding both bikes in North Wales (during the past 6 weeks), and both ran went well and the tyres felt OK. If I had to choose (hopefully I can keep both for a while) I would probably choose the Meteor.
I don't know where the other 3 went. The fact there are only 5 in the UK is the main reason I will keep it. Yes, the nobblies still on it, 80mph, it feels like a 1940's bike, jolty, but still rides strong.
Gearing recommendations are just there to comply with their fuel consumption figures under a particular set of circumstances. They're not the only manufacturer to recommend short shifting.
My 350 is being delivered to me on the 12 January. The test bike was a peach and sealed the deal. I originally wanted a RE 650 but it just felt wrong for me
You do great honest reviews on the motorbikes you test, I’d like to hear your opinions on a Mutt 250, a Mastiff if you could get one or one of the other retro scramblers. Cheers, looking forward to the next review.
I've tested ridden one and quite liked it . Still not 100% sure on the looks. Being a bit of a traditionalist I think I would be inclined to wait for the new Bullet with the same engine 🤔
Oh for heaven's sake! Don't obsess about the precieved failings of the navigation aid. It's a bonus. Not essential to the point of buying one of these bikes. The REM has created more interest in the bike community than ANY 1000cc race rep. Its gonna be a global SMASH.
A rev counter on a bike like this is pointless. My rev counter on my GL1500 gave up the ghost a couple of years back and it isn't missed. Perhaps useful for knowing exactly what tick over speed is but that's about it.
Had mine same colour done 900 miles for the money great value after almost one year from new maybe time for more power other than that it is a good bike especially for country lanes and sunny days out 😊 cheap as chips to run 🥂
Is this bloke trying really hard to piss off people? I am sure he means well but.. good lord. I haven't seen a more lord style reviewer who is bent on digging through every crevice and cranny just to throw some shade on one of UKs best selling bike. I watched about half of the video and it was enough to know this review wasn't done with depth or breadth I had hoped.
Wonder if they will do a 500, that would get me thinking of buying one, well the Classic version anyway, You should test the Classic next and compare them.
Can you confirm that the Sat Nav does not work without mobile data signal? I mean, what if we have Google Maps downloaded for offline use (not sure if the Royal Enfield App allows that) -- does the Sat Nav not work in that case without the data signal?
Hi, sorry to be 9 months late but you mentioned another bike sounded like “Highersung 300” could you please reply with the correct spelling of that?. Thank you for this excellent and very honest review!
I've seen offers on these for £2995 new now (yes new). Im just doing DAS, and am after a comfortable bike that i can continue my learning on; maybe do some light touring. Im not bothered about speed at all. My first choice would be a MotoGuzzi V7, but maybe thats a bit much for a first bike. My only concern is that in the next 12 months i want to do the IAM course; they stipulate that the bike you use must be able to do the national speed limit; which this can do on a flat road just. Seems a real shame to rule it out on that basis
its a shame about the Tripper, phone signal and data roaming. Integrated Sat Nav seemed a good selling point as someone who gets lost on her 125 a lot, but will need to consider when i eventually get a full licence if there is a better first bike
Most phones come with GPS, unless still using nokia 3310, which was quite special by its rugged way. Since its connected via Bluetooth to phone, it will work just fine, signal or no signal once you have initially set the destination via app, subsequently using GPS. Besides as its navigating using phone, your navigation will work longer than via direct phone screen attached on hood of bike for simple reason, it doesnt need screen to be active, while its safely tucked away elsewhere, and hence last many times over. Also dont agree it will be a data guzzler as its providing simple turn by turn indications and dont need full detailed map to load or display, once map is set it using GPS location services from phone only. Once you use it you will find apprehensions are all unfounded.
I understand your comments regarding its sat nav device requiring Data usage, but remember google maps allows you to download the maps prior to a journey and use it "offline" and so one shouldn't run into trouble in poor mobile reception areas.
"Rev Counters" are either for people who don't recognize the sound of an engine reaching its max rpm or for people who are racers with rev limiters disabled. A "non issue". Do you need one ?
Good review, very detailed, one think nobody mention in their reviews is the handlebar!!!! The hight, rise and sweep! I am sure if they make a cafe style with clip on, it won’t be that popular. Sv 650 cafe, w800 Cafe, Handlebar is important , it should be part of a review !!!!!!!!!!!!
Different review which was interesting. Looked tiny with you riding it. Managed to sit on one recently and thrrefore not surprised you dwarfed it. The speeds for changing gear sounds like the running in period.
Nice review. Some good camera angles. But I'm wondering how tall you are. It seems you kinda don't want to... Let's say overshadow the bike there at the end 🤔
The black exhausts on bikes and scooters are a let down in looks and maintenance. Used to love polishing the chrome on my bikes. My xmax 250 had 20hp, which was adequate. However in 1976 i had honda cb360 which was 34bhp and one of best bikes i had. 30hp is lowest power i would go now. I am a mature rider but like to open the throttle sometimes and get the tugging feeling and noise
When you said it was too slow, is it too slow just pulling away from a standstill? I was thinking of getting one, but I don't want cars up my arse every time I leave the lights because the bike can't get up to speed ☹️
A mixed review. I couldnt finish watching due to the amount of time spent ridiculing the fact it has no rev counter (several of the Triumphs along with numerous other bikes dont have rev counters by the way). Same with ridiculing the Tripper unit which is the same as google maps (IE you need a phone signal)...... I would also argue its not a cruiser.........
hello, dear guys from MFM. You are doing wonderful videos. congrats for this . i saw many of your vlogs but never seen a video of a 50ccm motorcycle ( not scooter ,but really motorcylcle looking 50ccms. What could you say about a preview of a Mag Power Biggers 50ccm ?
Interested to know if you're reviewing the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 which has the same engine as you probably know. But, the classic looks better, IMO, and suits taller riders it seems.
Interesting review of the Meteor... What is the direct comparison with the Benelli 400 Imperiale? I'm thinking of buying one of them and selling my Mash 400 Scrambler. Many greetings from Germany Stephan
Meteor better and more smoother. There is also the smiles factor, when you ride a really good machine, you be auto smiling all the way and meteor beats everything hands down in this regard. You can only understand it once you do a test ride of both. Would highly recommend Meteor and a Test ride. The speeds recommended are for breakin period only, post breakin period gear change is by ear and feel, there wont be any second guess, its intuitive.
@@sandeepssangha thanks for the info, I'll have a look at both machines. Visually I like the Meteor a bit better, my favourite is the Supernova in brown.
Personally I’m waiting for the classic 350, also gives the basic design of the bike (engine, handling, brakes, gearbox blah blah) to have some long term year plus reports
Tryed one only thing RE..should have used himalayan monoshock twin shock like my 2012 bonneville was awfull ride...on bad roads which we have a lot in UK
I’m two years late to this video and everyone is entitled to there opinions but I was triggered when he talks about the suggested speed for gear changes, I’m pretty sure that’s a running in suggestion,
Your rant about the gear change speeds is a bit unfair. Those speeds are for the running-in period, not for normal operation. It says so right in the owner's manual.Oh, and apparently, it has the heel-toe shifter to accommodate folks in the home market who ride wearing flip-flops.
I would rather have seen a road version and a custom, one of each not three nearly the same customs, I am wondering why Royal Enfield did not try to build it around the Himalayan engine, I do like the direction RE are going.
I feel once run in, 70 is achievable but more 60-65 in wind, uphill etc. Depends what you want from the bike? If you want a plodder that is not a 125, ideal. Comfortable. Smooth enough, simple. If you want guaranteed 70 what ever the weather, something else.
@motorsforthemasses I have a vfr1200x for my touring etc, just fancy something smaller n light weight for Sumner back roads etc. Think I will need to sit on one. Cheers
Not really interested in factory recommendations or rev counters for that matter , there are enough road tests around of this bike now to know what kind of animal the enfield meteor is but thanks anyway.
I have seen maybe a hundred Meteor reviews. No one was bothered about the rev counter. We need to stop being obsessed with performance. Twenty other things are more important than going around the corner 0.2 seconds faster. The looks, the ride quality, the price, the build quality, fuel efficiency, customer service, cheap spare parts and maintenance are far more important. 70 mph is more than sufficient for majority of people out there. You don't need to burn ridiculous amount of fuel and put your knee down on public roads. Do that on a track. Higher performance bikes are toys. This is a real motorcycle which the average man or woman can use on a daily basis.
I am fine with 70 but I'm concerned this bike will be chugging at 55 up a hill on a 70mph road.
That would just be a tad bit slow for me. It would be the same speed as my ybr125 and I just couldn't live with that on my commute.
I love the look of this bike but performance is important to a point.
I may test ride one because yep the performance does worry me, even though I'm not looking to break the speed limit these days.
Agree on the rev counter though. It's a non issue for me.
Agreed! I've been on the hunt for my first bike for a little over a year now, and I've let all these american/UK reviews get in my head. I was set on a Kawasaki Vulcan S because it had bigger displacement and higher HP and max speed. Then a few weeks ago I realized I live in norway, where the max speedlimit is 75mph anyway, and in my county the max speedlimit is 50mph, so a higher preformance bike would be wasted on me. I'd hate to be riding around on so much untapped potential. Ended up ordering a Stellar Red Meteor 350 a few weeks ago
Exactly. For revs you can hear and feel what's going on. Long bores are never going to be revved very high, as that's not the point.
@letni9506 As an owner, I can assure you it handles hills perfectly fine. It doesn't struggle at all. The 350 single gives it more than enough poke.
I was one of the first to get a Meteor in the UK. In the first month of sales, it was the 3rd highest selling (non-125) bike in the UK. In the 2nd month the 2nd best selling and since the best selling bike in the UK, according to MCN. It won MCN's best retro bike, for 2021. The gear change speeds you gave, were the recommended running in speeds. Did that and got around 120 mpg. Given the recent (non) fuel crisis on a 3 gallon tank, it was great. Now it's run in, I take it through the gears more enthusiastically! That said, you don't need a tacho, if you listen to the engine/exhaust and have mechanical empathy with the bike. There is a rev limiter for the mechanically inept. It's a bike for enjoying the ride, not taking stupid risks. It's great chatting to people 'who say they remember them, back in the 60's' and 'you've done a good job on that'.... I bought the Zontes X300 after your review, in fact it was the very bike you tested! Nice bike with electric everything, except the battery had to be replaced twice. It wouldn't have enough power to start it, if you left it for a week. Nice bike, but the Meteor is the one I prefer...
Nice! Yes, the early Zontes battery turned out to be shite. The E5 ones have a bigger 10ah battery.
That was a very nice review and recommendation👍
@@alanrobinson2229 Thanks Alan. I just want to ride with my mates - yeah, we're a bit older than the 100,000cc hyper bike riders. However, we'll probably get where we are going with a huge grin, have a nice breakfast and a pint on the way home. Isn't that what it's really all about?
I thought those sounded like run-in speeds. Thanks for the clarification.
I've been riding for 50 years. Bought this bike and had it shipped 1500 kms without a test ride. I ride it more than my R1100RT. I'm surprised you didn't emphasize the the joy of riding it. Great review otherwise.
Who needs a tachometer on a 350 single? Never heard such nonsense, triumph's street twin didn't have one either when that came out, these things are selling like hot cakes so Enfield appear to have got it pretty much Spot on....
Who needs a tachometer? Is there a need on motorbikes which doesn't exist on other vehicles?
That's exactly what I thought had several bikes in my time including a street twin.
Some had rev counters and most didn't
The sort of riding I do never used or needed a rev counter.
You can hear the engine and change gear accordingly.
Even when breaking in a brand new engine.
I'm getting on in years and this bike suits my needs perfectly.
So just ordered one.
Can't wait.
When you said “Sorry but no one rides like that” I thought “you’ve not been out with me mate”. I’ve got one and love it and yes I regularly ride at 30 mph in 5th gear.
Fair enough, although it wasn't so much of riding at 30 in 5th, more changing gear at 12, 18, 24 and 34 mph.
@@motorsforthemasses Liked your review, and my comment wasn’t serious criticism.For me though, a big feature of the Meteor is it’s ability to plod around the narrow lanes of my beautiful Yorkshire Dales at 30 to 40 mph and enjoy the journey. You have to get your head out of sports bike mode ( which seems to happen naturally when you get into your seventies) it’s a completely unintimidating pleasant motorcycle. I’ve done more miles on mine this summer than I’ve ridden in 20 years. Can’t keep off it. Keep up the good work.
@@motorsforthemasseswere they not the running in gear changes only? It wasn’t a recommendation for usual use
The gear change speeds you quoted are the "running in" speeds for the first 500 kilometres. It is in the RE manual for the bike along with higher speed changes for the distance 501 to 2000 Kilometres. I like to think that RE know what they are stating in their manual.
I really like the REs. Think they look great. They aren't made for speed, just cruising. And they sound great even with the standard cans on
Interesting review, making a few points other testers haven't. Re. the heel and toe shift and the low gearchange suggested speeds. I think you need to consider the original intentions for the bike. It was originally intended for the home market, to replace the best selling (in India) 350 Bullet based bikes, in particular the popular Thunderbird variant with cruiser styling and cast (and tubeless) wheels, which the Indians seem to cry out for. The decision to market it in the US and Europe was an afterthought (unlike the 650 twins). It's kind of ironic that in both these markets, the bike has been so well received (particularly so in the 'big engine' loving USA).
The heel and toe shifter addresses Indian riders' complaints levelled at the Interceptor when ridden in sandals or 'flip-flops' (I kid you not), and the low recommended shifting points are aimed at those going for the fabled (in Indian motorcycling lore) RE thump from the exhaust, who have a habit of changing gear too low for the effect. The bike is set up to work in Indian urban traffic chaos, often with a sidesaddle mounted pillion, or undertaking the kind of long distance touring the Indians use 350cc bikes for. This was another reason it came with cast wheels and tubeless tyres in its basic form. Indians have been complaining about the twins not being offered with them, due to the prevalence of punctures out there… an onboard plug kit gets them back on the move without calling a 'puncture walla' to fix a tubed tyre.
Interestingly, the new '350 Classic', now out in India, has authentic 'Bullet' styling, wire wheels, and looks gorgeous. If requests my local RE dealer has had are anything to go by, when it arrives here next year, it will sell like hot cakes on looks alone, though at present he's got more firm orders for Meteors than supplies are able to meet. He's been an RE dealer since long before they were handled by MotoGB (and like many, wishes RE would set up their own distribution based from the Bruntingthorpe centre as MotoGB are a dead loss). The new generation 'Eicher' REs (Himmies, 650 twins, and now Meteors… as well as the last of the Bullets being grabbed while still in showrooms), have moved RE bikes from being a minor niche brand in his shop, to the biggest seller, even outselling cheap Chinese scooters.
I like the channel, and have subscribed. I'm interested to see other reviews. I'm an RE owner (Interceptor since 2019) and long term Harley owner (hot rodded S&S powered 1990 FLHS) among other marques over the last half century or so.
Being an Indian myself, i just can't appreciate you enough on how much follow-up you've done on this topic to come up with such a convincing story 👍👍
The heel and toe is for riders who wear sandles or smart shoes.
Great!
At last a bike for me.
Got one but because have no where near your knowledge, cannot compare - all I can say it is the first bike I always come back home on with a fixed grin, lovely-jubbly lil mo'or!
Thanks for the honest review. It's now February, 2024 and I have one on order, to arrive soon. I've done a ton of research and find that most, like you, agree in the end that it's a decent bike. I'm not an expressway rider. I'll just be riding the US and State Routes. I think this will be the perfect bike for my needs.
hah been riding my 1978 CD175 A5 for 42 years never knew I needed a rev counter! Buying a meteor in the spring.
As an ex CD175 owner myself (1977 met blue), I also consider a rev counter to be a luxury I do not need, after all I personally come fully equipped with a functional pair of ears for rev monitoring purposes. Mine was fitted with a heel and toe gear shifter so I am sure I'd feel right at home on the Meteor, although this bikes 5 speed box would have been very welcome on the little Honda. Incidentally, the wee twin cylinder Honda lump produces 17hp, only three less than the mighty RE 350 single, which is my only gripe with this bike. C'mon Royal Enfield, surely 25-28hp is achievable out of this lovely little engine...
I had the CB175 which did have a rev counter and ironically around the same power as the Meteor but at around twice the revs. I would like to know what rpm it cruises at though just because for longevity I would tend to run at 3/4 max revs. Also if you know what revs max torque is you can often benefit from revving to the point that the next gear drops it back onto the max torque point.
@@seankearney6915 I wanted a CB200 but I was just 18, I needed a bike for work, my parents were guarantoring the loan and my mum was convinced that any bike which had more than four gears, one carb and came equipped with a rev counter would murder me, so retro-commuting I did go... 😂
@@seankearney6915 My suspicion is they will bore this out to a 500cc with that extra BHP.
At age 78 & soon to downsize from my 17 year old (Goldwing) happened across the Meteor when repalcing my Nolan helmets. I liked the seating and unlike most bikes in that size range my legs were bent in a much more comfortable position. I like the history of the RE & it may be a great choice for a funky bike in retirement! Very few in the USA & I like the looks. Your review was spot on & may have me looking for
a yellow one!!
Brilliant video! You know your stuff! I do have a Royal Enfield Stellar Meteor 350cc..very new to me..got it only last Friday, had my first ride last night, going out on the lovely machine this evening! I was also very impressed with the handling, the power for me is perfect..
I sort of feel the bike looks after you as your cruising down the road..and that's just after one trip!
Love the way you gave the details on the bike..made it entertaining and full of knowledge!! 🏍️
Here in the U.S. where bigger is better I hear they are selling very well.I’m a bigger guy having owned gold wings,a big twin Harley,Indian chief,and a vfr1100, and I purchased an int.650 some time ago.love the bike.something to be said about a light comfortable cruiser.pleasing to the eye.I picked up a meteor last month.great bike for cruising back roads but not for freeways.my gs850 can do those trips.getting older and after 40+ years of riding those 800 lb bikes don’t appeal to me like they used to.lighter is better.
What a strangely condescending review. If you don't like the bike say so, don't reluctantly and backhandedly compliment it just because other motorcycling journos have sung its praises. Even my missus, who has no interest in motorcycles, picked up on your negativity. For the record, I am not a Royal Enfield owner...
It's polite disdain I suppose. I didn't overly like it, but did not hate it and could not say that anything about the bike specifically that I really disliked intensely; and I appreciate where it would fit in to motorcycling.
@@motorsforthemasses Styling is subjective, I get that, if the bike doesn't float your boat that's fine, nobody is going to pillory you for it. However the review did come over (to me at least) as a bit of a hit piece on Royal Enfield, which is unfortunate. From a personal perspective the only slight gripe I have with the bike is the lack of power from that 350cc lump, which would make it difficult for chunky monkeys like me to maintain 70mph on a dual carriageway. I once owned a Honda CD175 twin that had the same issue, the engine of which developed only 3hp less than the Meteor, which doesn't feel like progress to me. Hopefully RE will take such criticism on board and eek out a wee bit more power from the engine in the future.
I don't need a Meteor, because i own a 2018 euro4 Classic 500 I simply adore at 25000km ; it vibrates, the engine retains as no other bike, i can upshift imediatly after taking off, it has off road capabilities, it is very comfortable, it has a fantastic sound even with the stock exhaust. A teluric bike for sensorial and primordial experiences. Not fast but,... I don't care. In highways I am not obcessed to overtaking lorries.. And when they are slowly approaching in the mirrors, I speed up a little to run away from them... till the next uphill..Well; who likes highways anyway in these kind of machines?
Apologies if its been said already but I think service intervals in the UK are 6000 miles (10,000Km)
Had a look at them in the local RE showroom and was quite impressed, saw one at the local bike meet in a smokeyish blue colour and had chance to have a much closer look and fell in lust with the colour. Halogen and bulbs is a cost cutting no manufacturer should be going with these days though.
The 650cc Meteor will be called Super Meteor and will be displayed at the EICMA show in Italy at the end of November.
The Meteor name has been used from the 1953 Royal Enfield 700 Twin
The recommended speeds are for run-in; I know, because I have a Meteor myself, and that's in the manual where they tell you how to break it in. I tried RE's recommended speeds, and they just didn't work; the moment you encounter any incline or headwind, the engine starts rattling and clattering; it lugs, big time. That's NOT GOOD for any engine!
I then adopted the approach that my old Honda Helix' owner's manual recommended for run-in, since it didn't have a rev counter, either: no more than 2/3-3/4 throttle and 80% max speed. What I did was listen to how the engine sounded in 5th at 50-55 mph indicated; I then used that sound as my shift point in the lower gears. That's been working, and my Meteor seems happier with me. The thing about thumpers is that you'll know when it's ready to shift... :)
I liked it enough to order one after a road test, but I am a returning biker and it will probably never see a motorway and only short lengths of dual carriageway. It will probably never go out at night or in the wet. It may get traded up later, but its sub 500 bracket gets me back in motorcycle insurance and in the swing of it. It has around the same power, but more torque than my old CB175 which had a red line up around 10,000. Had the usual oil feed issues so the cam would self destruct. There was reason the CB200 had less power and a lower redline. This hasn't the power to harm itself at at my age it may well outlast me. I think its a good bike for those at either ends of the spectrum and its popular enough that it would probably get a fair trade in/second hand price in if you wanted to move up later.
Same here i hope to be a returning biker next year and looking for no fuss relaxed cruising so i can take in
the countryside . Me and my best mate back in our youth had CB175s on which we toured , kinda , not too far
from home you understand due mostly to numb parts here and there !
I have been looking long and hard at Interceptor 650s as that's more the type of bike i finished up on back then,
but i'm also realising i need to use my head now i'm much older and ease back into it , so maybe the 350 is more
my thang ! ..... keep it a few years and if i'm still alive go bigger : )
@@hybrid6692 I have sat on a few bikes and realised I could no longer ride leaned forward too much. The Z650 I did the course on was nice but if I was buying bigger I would have to look at the same engine in the Versys or the CBX500 just to sit upright. In the late 70s I even took the bars of the CB 175 and flipped over left to right so they were upside down a bit like poor mans clips ons. Not the best idea I ever had as the wires then entered on the top and the rain got in the bars and ran along inside which didn't help the throttle. I turned them back the following year. I would definitely line up a test ride just to check your happy with a single and a lazy one. For me it just felt right when I sat on it and even better when I rode it and that is a very personal thing which is why bikes are great they are as varied as people are.
@@seankearney6915 I completely agree , i'll be going for a wander around a few dealers especially Enfields
just to get some perspective, i'll not book any test rides yet because i know what will happen and i simply
can't get one this year , but come the spring : ) Interesting about the bars i to played around with them
but ended up as original , later on my Yam XS500 twin i fitted genuine Laverda adjustable bars ,cost a fortune , ran it for awhile semi prone then , you guessed it back to original ! .... when your young it was
"what mod can i do to my bike this week ?" Now i just want the package right at the start with just a few
personal tweaks .
@@hybrid6692 The only thing I would say is there does seem to be a wait. Mine is likely to be Christmas and I put a deposit down a while back. Before I parted with £200 I actually asked the dealer if he would agree to returning it if it hadn't arrived by March so I could get something else to ride next year as I am not getting any younger and I was set on riding something next year and he said I could cancel at anytime as he could sell everyone he gets without any problem. Though if you are in the UK or Ireland getting a good dry day for a test ride now is awkward. I looked at these because the price wasn't that much different from anything I may have looked at secondhand and you got something new with 3 year warranty. Good luck and safe riding with which ever way you go.
@@seankearney6915 Many thanks Sean, hope yours arrives on time take care on the roads.
Who bloody needs a rev counter on 20hp chug along cruiser.I think the days of large capacity motorcycles that do 30mpg are coming to an end,having to spend 40 quid to have a blast on a sunday with 2 fill ups soon takes the shine off a big bike.good review and channel though 😁👍
I find the Bullet more appealing but its a nice alternative if you prefer this style of thumper. Good review, thanks👍
I think your 'obsessing' about the rev counter (and I get it!), means that you haven't quite 'got' the Royal Enfield experience yet...
But it's not your fault, the motorcycling media have been so performance obsessed these past few decades, that a lot of us had forgotten what pure motorcycling is all about... (IMHO of course lol!).
Not sure I was 'obsessing'; just found it odd that there wasn't one on a 2021 bike.
@@motorsforthemasses Absolutely there is no need for a rev counter, however I agree with you. Get rid the ridiculous next to useless Sat Nav and stick a rev counter on it.
The "tripper" is powered by Google maps ,you can download maps in advance and not rely on a mobile network but use your phones GPS
An excellent bike where the actual ownership experience exceeds the hype - and that's rare! I'm referring to the views of those who actually have one of course - I don't, but if finances and space would allow, I'd have one as a second bike in a heartbeat 👍😁
Great idea opening up a coffee stop . I think I prefer the classic 350 version.
I have one brilliant bike fantastic value for money build quality is excellent you don’t need a Rev counter it’s not that sort of bike
Every manufacturer has that low speed shift pattern suggestion. My Mazda truck manual tells me I should be in 5th gear at 45mph, but listening to the engine, I always hit 5th at 55.
You're such a great actor 😁 Thanks for bringing these enjoyable reviews and for your dedicated work on the subject. Cheers!
The bike in this video is barely run in - they run much better after a few miles! The speeds given in the manual are for the initial running in period, where you are not meant to exceed 40 mph...
Got one of these in August and have used it for a daily 60 mile commute on mixed minor roads, B roads and dual carriageways. The engine was a little tight until 500 miles then loosened up and became much more free revving. Now with 3,000 miles on the clock it tops out at 75 mph (rev limiter) in 5th and has no problems keeping up with motorway traffic. I usually ride in 4th from 20 - 40 mph and 5th at 40 mph+. Happiest cruising at 50 - 60 mph with power in reserve for faster roads. Returns 93-95 mpg on E10 or 95-100 mpg on premium E5. Gear changing by ear becomes second nature (and none of the bikes I learnt on had rev counters either!).
The quality and finish is top notch, easily up there with any other manufacturer you care to compare it with. The seating position is very comfortable and I spend 12 hours a week in the saddle getting from A to B. Perfect bike for the job and for putting a smile on your face at weekends.
I think the heal shifter is geared towards the parts of the worlds where they don’t mind riding in flip flops apparently, hence where they are made .
I would say that this video is a true reflection on the Meteor, however I agree with the other comments that it does not need a rev counter. Its a fantastic motorcycle for the money and i'm very please with it😀
you don't have to use the heal/toe gear change this can be adjusted to just toe . No problem
A nice review of a bike I like very much. I've watched many reviews of the Meteor 350. What you have to remember is that the primary market for this is India and they have a very different set of requirements to the average UK ride r. Comfort and economy are paramount and lo gravity and simplicity are important too. What's the point of having a road rocket when roads are too poor to utilise much speed? By the way in another review I watched it was suggested that the heel and tor gear change was because in India riders often wear sandals or flip flops - a valid point I thought. My Guzzi Roamer 850 cruiser doesn't have a rev counter either and that was a 9 grand bike new so I think R.E. Can be forgiven for its omission. It doesn't really need one. As for changing up early, it's a good way to maximise fuel economy even if it isn't very exciting. I once ride 50 miles on a !fixture of open and town roads down to 20 mph on my old Honda CD250u without ever changing our of 5th gear.
Got one ..only doe 30mles so far but luv it ...don't need a rev counter ..feel the engine🤔👍😊😊
Yep, love mine too up around 1,800 miles now and it just gets better! Enjoy!
I will ...I normally don't like the "Harley Davidson feet right forward" position but the meteor is no where near as extreme and a lot more comfortable, take care all ride safe 👍
Preload is not there too adjust your softyness, it makes no difference to the harshness or softness of the ride (unless adjusted completely out of range). Preload is to adjust the shock for differing weight, e.g. a heavier than normal rider, a pillion or luggage. It is there purely to make sure the shock is sitting in a reasonable part of its stroke for the weight it is carrying, around 25%-30% would be a typical target. So load up the bike with luggage and take a pillion and you might find you have used 65% of your suspension travel, not great for either the rider or pillion. You up the preload in this instance to get the shock back to a reasonable level in its stroke, back to that 25%-30% figure, so you have optimum compression travel. Fully loaded like this and you might even find you end up on max preload.
Also, starting in gear on the side stand isn't great but surely an experienced rider should know to automatically put it in neutral or pull the clutch in at least before starting it up
I only had a test ride, but I think you need to pull the clutch in to start it anyway. It probably works great in busy traffic so if you do stall you don't need to start finding neutral, just hold the clutch in and fire it up. It sort of makes sense in areas with bad roads as you don't want a bike that wont run just because a cheap side stand switch has failed, because of mud, water or clobbered by a big stone..
Glad you still have the Mash Force 400. I have one too. I do wonder where the other 3 are. A total of 5 were imported, as far as I know.
Have you still got the OEM Timsum Knobbly tyres on? How do you find them at higher road speeds?
And I have a Meteor 350.
They are similar bikes to bikes to ride, but the Meteor is nicer at higher speeds, due to less vibration.
The Mash does not like getting hot, in traffic jams for example, it does not seem to have enough engine cooling fins.
I have got soaked in heavy rain riding both bikes in North Wales (during the past 6 weeks), and both ran went well and the tyres felt OK.
If I had to choose (hopefully I can keep both for a while) I would probably choose the Meteor.
I don't know where the other 3 went. The fact there are only 5 in the UK is the main reason I will keep it. Yes, the nobblies still on it, 80mph, it feels like a 1940's bike, jolty, but still rides strong.
You come over as primarily a car driver, indeed one that likes drag racing away from lights, in either case it is obviously not a motorcycle for you.
Awesome Royal Enfield
Gearing recommendations are just there to comply with their fuel consumption figures under a particular set of circumstances. They're not the only manufacturer to recommend short shifting.
My 350 is being delivered to me on the 12 January. The test bike was a peach and sealed the deal. I originally wanted a RE 650 but it just felt wrong for me
You do great honest reviews on the motorbikes you test, I’d like to hear your opinions on a Mutt 250, a Mastiff if you could get one or one of the other retro scramblers. Cheers, looking forward to the next review.
I've tested ridden one and quite liked it . Still not 100% sure on the looks. Being a bit of a traditionalist I think I would be inclined to wait for the new Bullet with the same engine 🤔
Or the new Interceptor/ Hunter 350 which is supposed to be announced next month.
Oh for heaven's sake! Don't obsess about the precieved failings of the navigation aid. It's a bonus. Not essential to the point of buying one of these bikes. The REM has created more interest in the bike community than ANY 1000cc race rep. Its gonna be a global SMASH.
No need for a rev counter on a single, listen to the engine and the tingle in your teeth!
You forgot to mention the usb charging point under left grip. Driving this bike felt more natural love the heel shift.
Who needs a rev counter on a bike of this kind? And you can use the Tripper (official name of the inbuilt Nav) without having your phone connected.
Who needs a rev counter when one can count the telegraph poles.
Who needs a sat nav when one can use a tank bag with a map pocket. ; )
A rev counter on a bike like this is pointless. My rev counter on my GL1500 gave up the ghost a couple of years back and it isn't missed. Perhaps useful for knowing exactly what tick over speed is but that's about it.
Had mine same colour done 900 miles for the money great value after almost one year from new maybe time for more power other than that it is a good bike especially for country lanes and sunny days out 😊 cheap as chips to run 🥂
Back and forth to work and casual weekend riding is exactly what I bought it for. I could get a faster bike and go the same speed for twice the gas….
Is this bloke trying really hard to piss off people? I am sure he means well but.. good lord.
I haven't seen a more lord style reviewer who is bent on digging through every crevice and cranny just to throw some shade on one of UKs best selling bike. I watched about half of the video and it was enough to know this review wasn't done with depth or breadth I had hoped.
agree seems to have a downer on the bike before he started it.
Wonder if they will do a 500, that would get me thinking of buying one, well the Classic version anyway, You should test the Classic next and compare them.
Yeah a 500 would have me very interested otherwise its prob an interceptor...
There's rumours that a 650 meteor is coming out.
There is a 650 meteor coming next year, based on the Intercepter engine
Can you confirm that the Sat Nav does not work without mobile data signal? I mean, what if we have Google Maps downloaded for offline use (not sure if the Royal Enfield App allows that) -- does the Sat Nav not work in that case without the data signal?
Hi, sorry to be 9 months late but you mentioned another bike sounded like “Highersung 300” could you please reply with the correct spelling of that?. Thank you for this excellent and very honest review!
Hyosung
I've seen offers on these for £2995 new now (yes new).
Im just doing DAS, and am after a comfortable bike that i can continue my learning on; maybe do some light touring. Im not bothered about speed at all. My first choice would be a MotoGuzzi V7, but maybe thats a bit much for a first bike.
My only concern is that in the next 12 months i want to do the IAM course; they stipulate that the bike you use must be able to do the national speed limit; which this can do on a flat road just. Seems a real shame to rule it out on that basis
its a shame about the Tripper, phone signal and data roaming. Integrated Sat Nav seemed a good selling point as someone who gets lost on her 125 a lot, but will need to consider when i eventually get a full licence if there is a better first bike
Most phones come with GPS, unless still using nokia 3310, which was quite special by its rugged way. Since its connected via Bluetooth to phone, it will work just fine, signal or no signal once you have initially set the destination via app, subsequently using GPS. Besides as its navigating using phone, your navigation will work longer than via direct phone screen attached on hood of bike for simple reason, it doesnt need screen to be active, while its safely tucked away elsewhere, and hence last many times over. Also dont agree it will be a data guzzler as its providing simple turn by turn indications and dont need full detailed map to load or display, once map is set it using GPS location services from phone only. Once you use it you will find apprehensions are all unfounded.
I understand your comments regarding its sat nav device requiring Data usage, but remember google maps allows you to download the maps prior to a journey and use it "offline" and so one shouldn't run into trouble in poor mobile reception areas.
Good to note, thank you.
"Rev Counters" are either for people who don't recognize the sound of an engine reaching its max rpm or for people who are racers with rev limiters disabled. A "non issue". Do you need one ?
Good review, very detailed, one think nobody mention in their reviews is the handlebar!!!! The hight, rise and sweep! I am sure if they make a cafe style with clip on, it won’t be that popular. Sv 650 cafe, w800 Cafe, Handlebar is important , it should be part of a review !!!!!!!!!!!!
Different review which was interesting. Looked tiny with you riding it. Managed to sit on one recently and thrrefore not surprised you dwarfed it. The speeds for changing gear sounds like the running in period.
Why the obsession about a rev counter virtually every cruiser i ever owned had no rev counter
Nice review. Some good camera angles. But I'm wondering how tall you are. It seems you kinda don't want to... Let's say overshadow the bike there at the end 🤔
Sir, was is your experience with the engine management light?
Why would you want a rev. counter, on a bike that's not exactly going to break any speed records?
The black exhausts on bikes and scooters are a let down in looks and maintenance. Used to love polishing the chrome on my bikes. My xmax 250 had 20hp, which was adequate. However in 1976 i had honda cb360 which was 34bhp and one of best bikes i had. 30hp is lowest power i would go now. I am a mature rider but like to open the throttle sometimes and get the tugging feeling and noise
I want to buy Meteor for fun riding with my wife. Is it a good choice?
I was looking at this! My next bike
Nice Thank you so much for the review. going to Njoy it alot bro 😃
And now there available for just £2990 😮 what’s not to like?
When you said it was too slow, is it too slow just pulling away from a standstill? I was thinking of getting one, but I don't want cars up my arse every time I leave the lights because the bike can't get up to speed ☹️
It depends what you are used to. For me it was slow to accelerate but as a plodding cruiser it was ok.
A mixed review. I couldnt finish watching due to the amount of time spent ridiculing the fact it has no rev counter (several of the Triumphs along with numerous other bikes dont have rev counters by the way). Same with ridiculing the Tripper unit which is the same as google maps (IE you need a phone signal)...... I would also argue its not a cruiser.........
That speedometer is km/h. Hence not 18mph but 18kph.
hello, dear guys from MFM. You are doing wonderful videos. congrats for this . i saw many of your vlogs but never seen a video of a 50ccm motorcycle ( not scooter ,but really motorcylcle looking 50ccms. What could you say about a preview of a Mag Power Biggers 50ccm ?
Interested to know if you're reviewing the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 which has the same engine as you probably know. But, the classic looks better, IMO, and suits taller riders it seems.
In india meteor did very well but I am waiting for a classic 500 with new engine and new stuff.
I'd like one but at 6'2" I'd be uncomfortable (and look a bit stupid) on that low seat. Pity.
Interesting review of the Meteor...
What is the direct comparison with the Benelli 400 Imperiale?
I'm thinking of buying one of them and selling my Mash 400 Scrambler.
Many greetings from Germany
Stephan
Benelli is heavier but runs very similarly. Meteor is more nimble though.
Many thanks for the quick reply
Meteor better and more smoother. There is also the smiles factor, when you ride a really good machine, you be auto smiling all the way and meteor beats everything hands down in this regard. You can only understand it once you do a test ride of both. Would highly recommend Meteor and a Test ride. The speeds recommended are for breakin period only, post breakin period gear change is by ear and feel, there wont be any second guess, its intuitive.
@@sandeepssangha thanks for the info, I'll have a look at both machines. Visually I like the Meteor a bit better, my favourite is the Supernova in brown.
Plus the royal enfield has a three year warranty and roadside assistance!
The seat was a waste of money, it's hardly a tall bike to start with and such a small difference is virtually unnoticeable
Personally I’m waiting for the classic 350, also gives the basic design of the bike (engine, handling, brakes, gearbox blah blah) to have some long term year plus reports
Tryed one only thing RE..should have used himalayan monoshock twin shock like my 2012 bonneville was awfull ride...on bad roads which we have a lot in UK
Point to be noted about map when u r lost u r lost.. gps is typically like friends and familys when u r in trouble they wont come😂
I’m two years late to this video and everyone is entitled to there opinions but I was triggered when he talks about the suggested speed for gear changes, I’m pretty sure that’s a running in suggestion,
Does it have a rev counter????????
Great video. Do you have a video on benelli trk 502x?
I was always told change gear when your brain shakes. 😊
🤣🤣🤣
What's a rev counter?
67 mpg.
Nuff said.
Can't beat that for the price.
I never need rev counter
Your rant about the gear change speeds is a bit unfair. Those speeds are for the running-in period, not for normal operation. It says so right in the owner's manual.Oh, and apparently, it has the heel-toe shifter to accommodate folks in the home market who ride wearing flip-flops.
Number One .... Bullet ...its not just a bike ...
Made like a gun
I would rather have seen a road version and a custom, one of each not three nearly the same customs, I am wondering why Royal Enfield did not try to build it around the Himalayan engine, I do like the direction RE are going.
I was wondering the opposite, i.e. if there will be a new Himalayan engine with a counter balancer. As far as I know the current one doesn't have one.
What are these bikes like for a person 6 ft 2 n 17 stone
I feel once run in, 70 is achievable but more 60-65 in wind, uphill etc. Depends what you want from the bike? If you want a plodder that is not a 125, ideal. Comfortable. Smooth enough, simple. If you want guaranteed 70 what ever the weather, something else.
@motorsforthemasses I have a vfr1200x for my touring etc, just fancy something smaller n light weight for Sumner back roads etc. Think I will need to sit on one. Cheers
Wish could have this rather than a 125 but oh well...super bike! Its actually only 5bhp more than my 125 ha.
71 plate bought in May ?
Yes, ordered it in Feb, paid for it in May before price went up, collected it 1st Sep
Not really interested in factory recommendations or rev counters for that matter , there are enough road tests around of this bike now to know what kind of animal the enfield meteor is but thanks anyway.