Royal Enfield Meteor 350 - Is it any good after 12 months of ownership?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 พ.ค. 2023
- It is a year since I first collected my Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Stellar Red from the dealership. In this video, I share my honest thoughts, both good and not-so-good about the bike.
1:45 In Summary - Should I buy one?
2:42 Does it have enough power?
5:10 Is the Open Air Filter Cover worth it?
8:54 Is the gear selector any good?
9:40 Are the rearview mirrors any good?
11:27 What is the factory-fitted saddle like?
13:30 Is the tripper sat nav any good?
16:03 How reliable has the Meteor 350 been for you?
18:56 What basic maintenance have you undertaken?
21:15 What other accessories have you fitted?
23:28 How comfortable do you find the Meteor 350?
24:13 What has not been so great about the bike?
29:50 Closing summary - are you happy with it still?
30:32 Enjoying the view and a little Jazz
#meteor350 #royalenfield #meteor350royalenfield #meteor350review - บันเทิง
I don't need any convincing that the Meteor is a good bike, Had mine just over a year and now coming up to 10,000 trouble free miles ,Thanks for the honest and fair review, it's nice to hear from someone who has no ties to the manufacturer or feels they owe the dealer a pat on the back because they were loaned the demo bike. I hope you continue to enjoy yours for many years
#metoo My beloved Fireball Yellow here in North Thailand just hit 11,000 miles... Pure joy every one of them.. Issues thus far..? None !!
*Crap Game* 🎉
😊
I got my Meteor for £2100 second hand..... so I'm even more pleased with it than you are 😊😎
This is my everyday bike. 70 km per day... 20 days a month... almost 12000 km... I just can't get enough of this machine. It's made for me and my kind..... I have a blue stellar.
Agree with your review. Thank you.
Thanks for the review on the
R E Meteor 350cc , after watching a lot of videos and reviews over quite a few months , ive now took the plunge and just ordered mine today 😀
Ive been used to riding a B M W K75c for many years its been a great bike and still is , but im wanting to downsize so this bike will do what i want .
I owned a Suzuki VL 1500 lc for 23 years and suddenly became single again , no need for a big bike any more as im now Billy no mates, so i downsized to a meteor fireball and I absolutely love it, i have de restricted it but don’t habitually ride at more than 70mph but it just feels much more flexible at 70 when you have instant response should you need it, 16 tooth front sprocket made a big improvement generally big hole air cover and a fuel x lite and its a great bike ,
Hi from Ohio! I like the non-expert, common sense point of view and honesty of your review. I too, am a non-expert so it spoke to me. I totally agree with the comment below about having no pressure or allegiance to RE or the dealer to fluff the review. I have one on order and I'm told that it should arrive in 1-6 weeks. Your review gave me the feeling that I've made a good choice. Thanks!
It must be catching I ordered a 350CC Meteor in Dark blue yesterday, it should be with me week or so , looking forward to getting it for Summer ride outs ,
Best wishes from England.
I have had my meteor 18 months and covered 4000 miles, only issues were fork seals (replaced under warranty) and the ecu light coming on in freezing weather, great bike and love riding it.
Just picked my Meteor up on Thursday and your video was spot on. Only 150 miles in from new but your views on the seat was very welcomed. Thank you for posting this video.
Must be one of the best conducted reviews I've ever watched, clear and exhaustive. Thanks. Peace brother.
Thank you for a very honest review of the Meteor. I've owned motocycles since 1967, mainly Japan model and four Harleys. Now I just what something to go for a spin once in a while, I found a 2022 Meteor Super Nova with the windsrceen and passenger backrest for $3495, but I'm going to try to talk him down to $3000.My closest dealer has a NEW 2024 Meteor Super Nove for $3995. So for just $500 more I can buy a new Meteor. However there are always the fees when you buy a new one like destination fee, dealer prep, and doc fees which really add up. So I am leaning more toward the used Meteor if I can buy it for $3000.
Thanks again. Ride safe and enjoy every journey.
This is what I thought. I ordered a secondhand one 23 reg with under 2000 miles , just run in nicely ready to go full service, with 2 years manufacturers warranty on it , so I saved the taxes etc O T R charges ,
So got the best of both worlds,
I think it's the way to go , Good Luck with your purchase.
Great over view and yup still using the original mirrors as a taller rider I find bar ends way too low.
Gone from a Kawasaki VN 900custom to the 350 classic (Red & Chrome )
Why?
As a 70year old with 50years of riding done the lot apart from speedway and road racing.
I missed bikes with soul and character.
I Found modern mode infested machines lack both.
DNA filter and cover?
Totally agree It works and improves throttle response noticeably.
Reason I bought the filter also?.
The cleaning/re oiling kit costs around £15 and it will do it twice despite claims its a one shot kit.
Replacing the original air filter is around £18 a pop
In the long term if cleaned and re oiled correctly its actually cheaper to have the DNA filter which will last for many services.
These are not performance bikes .
If you can change your mind set to a more relaxed way of enjoying motocycles these are fantastic bikes.
And if you want to know what old school was like these also fit the bill.
ive also done the lot apart from roadracing.. i did grasstrack for 4 seasons.. and i was a despatch rider for 10 years all over uk... im now at the point, im- re visiting the lanes i rode age 16 on my fizzy... stopping for cakes and tea at nice spots.. i am soo done with rushing i often find meself bimbling along at 30 mph... on the right B road its glorious in summer.. trouble is my missus now comes along EVERY time.. so these lil enfields are going to be a bit underpowered...im quite happy on my 24nhp 300 scooter even 2 up.. so i might go for the scram
I like your style, particularly about the power. Thank you for posting - it's helped me to make up my mind.
A bit late in the day to add a comment, but I've only just come across this review (mid June 2024). I'm really, really impressed Mr. Musician. You down-play your mechanical abilities but your presentation and topics you have delivered are quite significantly better than the average, especially for someone watching who may be considering getting a Meteor (I have owned one, but parted company with it when my local (local ? ... 20 miles distant !) ceased trading and no viable alternative in my area. I've had immense problems finding a satisfactory replacement (not yet been successful !). Part of the issue is that I have started to develop arthritis in my right hip, so bike ergonomics between saddle and footrest are an issue. Not yet a major problem, but as I'm in my mid 70s (age not mph 😂) the problem will only get worse with the passage of time. Since my youth I've had a disease to keep changing my transport (cost me a fortune !) and the Meteor was the first 'bike I have been forced to sell against my will ! Not only for the reason already mentioned, but the 'bike's character encouraged (without personal protest : - } ) a relaxed and potentially safer way of riding (I'd downsized to the Meteor from an 650 R/E Interceptor, which encouraged an urge to not sit in tandem with slower moving cars in my Hampshire country lane (fair weather) riding. From one of your other excellent videos (Saying good-bye to your Meteor) I have the same feelings as your good self about the Meteor's power when riding on dual carriageways in fast moving traffic (for me, only now and again, and usually to a dealership for 'bike service purposes etc). As the Meteor's top speed is by an elctronic restriction, the engine will cope with flat-out throttle useage at a whisker over 70 mph without protest, but I'm a firm believer in travelling having some power to spare, and, within reason maybe travelling just a tad faster than those around me so there is a slightly better chance a sleepy motorist on the way to/from work may notice my presence (not many motorists travel below 70 mph in the morning and evening rush, unless hindered by congestion) I'm even now at the stage where I'm considering returning to Meteor ownership ! Keep up your good work, far to early for you to arrive at a Coda ! (I went looking briefly, but didn't find what replaced your Meteor, that's how I came across this review).
I still have my Meteor 350. No current plans to replace it. It’s still all I need. You may want to consider getting another, you would be joining many returners to the new Meteor 350 and you’d pick up a bargain if you consider used.
Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for this, I respect your opinion as an owner rider and the way you treat your bike. I own a Classic Reborn and need a second bike for riding on a separate continent.I have been considering the Meteor or Hunter as the second bike. I need something cheap and reliable. The obsession with "power" on vlogs is off putting,(top speed probably only accounts for 1% of riding), take your time enjoy the journey 👍
Ah you rode through the village of Hartley Wintney - memories flood back of my youth.
Great review!
very good, honest review.
Cracking review, makes a change to get a honest, down to earth view point, thank you.
Good honest review 👏 the meteor is a great little bike
Excellent review. Just straight talk without any fluff or bias!
Very good, reasonable and balanced review. I enjoyed both, the ride and the thoughts of the rider.
very good and honest review - thanks
Excellent down to earth real world review. Have to admid though, I was just a teensy bit disappointed the you wern't playing a yukulele!!
Totally agree with this review, I have also fitted the Hitchcock's modified air filter intake and are running it with the standard filter and yes, it makes a difference without a doubt. 👍
Great video.
Everyone has their own opinions etc. we are all different in our size, also.
I bought my Fireball yellow, which I my favourite colour of all the Meteors.
It is a 72 plate, had 630 miles and was £600 off new price. It had Oxford heated grips, which I would of specified anyway, and had its first service, so another £300 saving I guess.
In with the deal, I got a flyscreen.
I have since added sump plate, great for taking the road crap.
Crash bars, low seat cause am a short arse, and on tippy tip toes. Deluxe foot pegs, which I find great for getting on the bike.
Touring mirrors, as the original ones where just a blur, i did try adjusting and tightening etc.
I heard the cat, has flimsy paint, so have put ceramic spray and carnuba wax, after every run out.
The bike really loosened up, after 1200 miles, at 1400, I got oil n filter change done.
It’s only 20 bap, has the Rev limiter so will do 75 mph flat out, which in real terms, is 72mph.
Happiest out on A and B roads.
I have now bought a Honda Rebel, cause I can flat foot it.
I have kept the Meteor, as only issue, I have is tippy tip toes, and my health issue, abdominal pain etc.
I have just, fitted the the DNA plate and filter from TEC bike parts.
As you tubers, have said, won’t make bike faster, due to the Rev limiter. But it pulls so much better throughout all the gears, and will hit top speed much more easily.
This mode was done at 2200miles. I too, will not put de cat or silencer on. As you said it’s got the induction sound, so hopefully other drivers should maybe hear you coming…..lol
For a tad over 4K. It’s fantastic value. 3 year warranty etc. sit back and enjoy the countryside roads and scenery.
Oh I also put in a halfords 5k bulb, much brighter only £8.49.
Coast rider Scotland is worth a look. (You Tube) think Bruce got 8k miles on his army style classic.
Another TH-camr I think put 1k on his Meteor, now has a classic. Adventures of Gloria .
Phew that’s my rant over. Great bike for the money, but was offered he hoo in a trade in, so I thought shite, it’s a good bike. It did a 180 miles round trip, no problem. So I now have a choice of bikes.
Well I got medical retirement. So go out on my good days, better than watching tv all day.
Thanks for reading guys, and best wishes to all.😊
I see you ride my neck of the woods - great honest review of the Meteor. I will be test riding a Hunter 350 next week to sit next to the RD 400 so I can still ride when the RD is having an off day, week or month :-) I did rent an Interceptor in Fuertaventura last year and that's a fantastic bile but I also love single cylinder bikes, especially long stroke singles that have a great sound track to them.
I agree with your summary of the problems on the bike, I softened up the rear suspension and that made quite a difference. Great bike for the money but I cannot get over how slow it is bordering on dangerous when you attempt an overtake or try passing an artic on the motorway. I use mine every day and on the motorway as I live in Spain and it’s the most practical way to get around. So I am looking at something with a little more go to make my trips safer and more enjoyable. The Meteor is perfect for pottering about the countryside and enjoying the scenery.
HI mate seems to me you need to get yourself a test ride on a super meteor youll love it and you have the extra grunt for the motorways. Dave
Last year I've bought my first motorcycle, a 125ccm Brixton Cromwell, to see if I even like motorcycling. It is, love it, drove 7 and 9 hours on two days in a row now I wanna upgrade to something a bit stronger because holding up traffic on slight inclines on country roads and not being able to advance sucks.
I love the style of the Royal Enfields, such beautiful and well priced bikes, but I am worried that the 350ccm machines aren't that much stronger than my 125ccm´and I'd end up disappointed. Before this summer ends I'm hoping to get to take a test ride on a Meteor or Classic 350 at a dealer to see how it feels for me.
Hi, great an honest review, dim head light doesn’t really bother me, I just don’t go out in the dark. I look after my car box by leaving it in the shed 🤫 👍
Very good review considering you don't know a lot about bikes, and thank god you kept the music to a minimum.
Great practical review. Fell in love with my Fireball online in 21. Closet dealer was 1000 miles from here. Do my own maintenance of course. Have added numerous accessories. Been riding 50 years and this is my favourite. (So far) 😉 Cat can be removed and repainted with barbecue flat black paint. Suspension should soften over time. Cheers
Great review, I have the exact mate to your bike here in the States, and totally agree with everything your said. It has been comfortable, good handling, reliable, easy to work on and a very pleasing bike to own. The Meteor is in a strange niche, between a cruiser and a standard bike, and as long as you keep it in it's intended use - commuting, light touring, country lanes - it's fantastic. It's never going to be a Harley or sport bike, and that's just fine!
Like yourself, I've had the same complaints. The stock saddle was great, till I spent more than an hour on it, then the pain began. So am putting a RE touring saddle on next. The wind was bit much at speed with the upright riding position, so put a Dart Marlin windscreen on which helped immensely. The way it makes power could be better, so am going the add the DNA air filter combo, Hitchcock's decat pipe and Fuel X Lite soon, and maybe even the sport cam down the road. The lights are the real let down, my visibility was plainly compromised, not just in being able to see but being seen by other drivers.
The headlight bulb is an easy swap to an H4 LED replacement, which really helped. The indicators are another story, they take an 1156 bulb, but you either have to wire in load resistors or swap the flasher relay to an LED friendly one. I went the flasher relay route, which I had to make myself with some off the shelf parts from my local auto store, as there's no compatible part (yet). There's plenty of discussion on this at the RE forum, mostly in the Himalayan section, but it's the same process. For all LED bulb swaps, you want the reflector type and not the projector kind.
RE also makes a direct replacement LED indicator kit, which I would try if you're not comfortable wiring things up. I also recommend adding a tail tidy, not just for looks but because the rear indicators are sat very low, so raising them up puts them more in drivers line of sight.
On top of that, I also added auxiliary run/turn lights to the front and brake/turn lights to the back, plus made my indicators act as running lights with the Running Mate from TST Industries. This may all seem a bit much, but the bike is much more visible, and can definitely tell that drivers stay off of me in back and give me more space out front!
Just a cruising enjoying life. Enjoyed the video ✌️🌝
Glad you enjoyed it
Still i thing it's a good quality for price, I ordered my already and will have it saturday. Yay❤
Mileage, yeah my Steller blue will be one year old in July and I have 5500 miles on 😉👍🏻
Nice 👍
Headlight, just go for it, I'm on the 3rd version of the led bulb and I'm happy with it, just try it 😊
I'm from Southern of Thailand own Super nova mileage is 22,000km now with issue free we planned to travel to Northeast next month this trip gonna be around 3,000km. *Couple on a bike we ride alone. 😊
At the end of the day, it's all about how you intend to use it. I wouldn't thinkk of using it as aa daily commuter in my vastly over-populated country. Biut I will buy one when I'm going to live in rural Portugal..
I find the headlight fine , you may be right about the back light on the clocks but i put a piece of smoked mylar on it and it now fab if i did need to i could easily buy a brighter light cheaply enough but honestly i find it ok , which seems a common theme some like em and others don’t so perhaps a batch issue or something, maybe just try a different brand of bulb that uses the same numbers
You should seriously look at the endurance shocks for the rear, the stock are a bit harsh but the gas endurance shocks improve the quality of the ride by 20 - 30% oh yeah and they are around £80 the pair!
Where can you buy, please?
Thinking of changing my 2018 Classic 500 for one of these, so the review was most interesting to me, I do wish they did a 500 version, just that little bit more oommph would seal it.
If you need a bit more power, you could try the Super Meteor 650. But when all is said and done, all bikes have pros and cons. Your 500 is an awesome bike, you might regret selling it. Best of luck and enjoy biking whatever you decide to do.
Thanks , the 650 is great but more Bike than I need. Do you think the Meteor would pull an extra tooth on the gearbox sprocket ? I have done this on my Classic which gives me about 85mph before the rev limiter cuts in, I also did it on my 500 electra X before that, a worthwhile mode. @@betterthanisound
@@dozerblade I know some have done this, but in addition to the rev limiter, the Meteor 350 also has a speed limiter too (as does the Classic 350), when I hit an indicated 75mph, you can feel it kick in. So the gains of an extra tooth, though may have a limited effect on mid-range acceleration, will not have any impact on top speed. Hitchocks have proven this in a test environment.
th-cam.com/video/AlwQUCgtJhw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=HyKYvPBJ2KyYnMyV
It is my intention to get one of these next year. What I wish for is that somebody make a kick start available for it or for the company to make one. That is unlikely. Perhaps their gigantic Indian market will complain and the company will add them in a future production run. All motorcycles should have a kick starter. Over the years there have been times when I needed a new battery but put off buying one for months. The kick starter kept me going.
It's too much power for you.
It does 74 max on Mway. Which is OK as long as you compensate for it.
i live in the countryside with minimal street lights , the headlamp output is poor , i couldn't go above 30mph couldn't see well enough , i changed the 30w halogen bulb for 30w led bulb much better but not great .
A nice second bike, Gibbo
The Cat might be covered under warranty. BTW, the induction sound when you are rolling on the power IS very nice.
Thanks for the info
I heard a good explanation of torque versus horsepower once.
It's not 100% accurate but it'll do.
Imagine being on a push bike and you're riding it down a steep hill. You're moving quite quickly and pedalling fast.
That's horsepower.
Now imagine turning that push bike around and pedalling back to the top of that same steep hill.
You're travelling slowly and putting a lot of weight into the pedals.
That's torque.
What is the name of the playout tune, please?
It is very familiar, although l have never played it, ( on double-bass).
I have played a lot of American Songbook quartet and trio jazz and, l am remembering having heard it, many years ago.
I really enjoyed hearing it !!
Its title is in description, it’s a TH-cam special.
I just discovered Royal Enfield and the Meteor 350. It’s a nice bike, but I’d like to know how you like it compared to the Super Meteor 650 as that is what made me aware of Royal Enfield.
The Super Meteor is another gorgeous bike. It’s not just a Meteor 350 with a bit more power, it is different in many ways. For me the 350 is ample power for my style of riding and at a saving of a lot of cash I’m not sure I’d justify the bigger Super Meteor. If I were to choose an RE 650, I’d be inclined to lean towards the Interceptor, some great bargains out there. But in truth, like many, I’m looking forward to seeing what the Classic 650 is like when launched. For now, I’m happy to be on two wheels, with a nice sounding engine and my bank balance in better shape for not spending too much money. The best bike is the one you have. All subjective of course.
OK the subject of the collector box under the stand is not the cat! It's nothing more than a big collecter box, the actual cat is under the pipe behind the heat shield
Good review. I'm just like you and fancy something different. I am Torn between the classic and the meteor though and do plan to try both. Have you tried the Classic and what where your thoughts on differences? Do like a heel and toe too :)
I love the Classic, if I had got a Classic I would enjoy it too I am sure. I have ridden it and enjoyed it, each has subtle advantages over the other.
@@betterthanisound Try them back to back for a really good run. My main decision points on going for the classic where 1. Looks although that new mid green (Meteor)a very sexy colour in flesh. 2. Pillion comfort as often on back locally, was much better for other half felt too far back on the meteor, roomier on classic. . 3. Front controls not for me prefer standard mid set pegs riding triangle. As for heel toe got one off flea bay for £30 fits straight on classic. ☺️
I have a supernova 350 mirrors are fine
I think that you have missed the point on the dna performance air filter over the stock paper, as time goes on paper clogs with debris ect which reduces flow, whereas the cotton fiber/oil treatment on the dna traps it in the fiber but keeps the air flow better than the paper type or so I read, so there is a better air flow into the engine and it maintains it longer 😊😊
I can see your theory, but if regularly serviced at 6 months/3,000 miles and with the the dna filter at £73 versus equivalent paper at £13 it is not worth it for me. If I were regularly commuting and if service intervals were over higher mileage, perhaps. But not for the Meteor.
@@betterthanisound The DNA filter is buy once for the lifetime of the bike so makes sense if you do more miles or keep the bike for the long haul. Tec sell the Filter for £60 and £90 if you get filter and cover.
On the headlight peak I personally don't think it suits the meteor style, it's great for the classic but the meteor is more a 70s cruiser type which is not in that 50s 60s classic style
Each to their own.
Just to be clear, you just changed the dna cover not the filter? I also find the petrol light comes on way too early and it doesn’t instill confidence looking at it knowing you might still have 200 km left in the tank. Nice review thanks.
Yep, just the cover. Those who have changed the filter reported no difference. I agree about the petrol gauge, it is a little underwhelming. I know I can get 300 miles out of a tank so generally aim to fill up when I have completed 250-280 miles.
In mentioning maintenance: "oil change, tire pressure..." - but what about valve adjustments? Checking valve clearances is very important, and Royal Enfield bikes require relatively-frequent checks/adjustments (though the screw+locknut design is simple). You treat your bike well, so I'd expect you to have had at least one valve check, possibly two. How did that go?
I only talk about the basic maintenance I undertake. It has a regular dealer service in line with manufacturer recommendations.
Had mine in yellow for 1200 miles and one year..now I have sold it firstly a great bike no doubt
But after this amount of time it was time to let it go..I found it just not powerful enough I got it from new
My first big bike..sat Nav much rather use my phone 100%..the new meteor has no sat nav now. Now looking at
The Vulcan 650…have said all that you can’t help just loving these bikes..🥂on a last note I did have missing gear etc false gears the clock sometimes did not match up with the gear your in bit random that.🙄
Yes, I do understand people wanting a bit more power. Glad you had fun with it, enjoy whatever you get next.
@@betterthanisound indeed be safe ❤️
I ended up removing and repainting my cat wit VHT paint, and the downpipe because of the corrosion. Problem solved.