Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Review. City, Town, Countryside - The Ideal Motorcycle For The Real World
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- Mr Darcy & The Ol' Man, together again, review the Royal Enfield Meteor 350. Another gem from India.
Filmed in stunning countryside, this review captures the essence of this motorbike; what it excels at, and what you might not choose it for. The Meteor 350 makes for a first class, real world bike. By that, we mean that for every day riding, commuting, exploring, bumbling around; it is just perfect. It's not a motorcycle for people who want to ride very fast or travel vast distances touring on the motorways or freeways, we all know that, but it makes complete sense for everything else.
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We look at the aesthetics, design, engine power and torque, 2 up riding, handling and everything in between. This review, as ever, isn't filled full of specs, you can go to Royal Enfield's website for that, but you can get a very good impression of what this bike is all about:
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In a word, "Professional". Your vids get better and better fellas - striking a great balance between informal and detailed (not an easy thing to do). The pace is great on this one too. The audio quality - especially of the bikes is superb 👌. The the BBC (which were forced to pay for) could learn a thing or two 🤔. I used Car Vertical after buying my last car. Bought from a dealer I didn't have too much to worry about, but their detailed report was reassuring during the two week return policy of the dealer. Definitely recommended.
I'm fortunate enough to own a modern Classic 350 and a Meteor 350. I've just ridden from Dieppe to the Algarve and back on the Meteor loaded up with soft luggage and had a wail of a time, but it would not I feel have been the same on my Classic 350. There's lots of rubbish circulated that you can't tour on a Meteor, I bought the Meteor with touring in mind and have no complaints 👍.
Awesome 😊
I just went motorcycle camping with my son on my Meteor. No issues what-so-ever!
@@mattlorenzi5606that sounds like a great experience! were you both motorcycle camping?
@@ChancellorBeeHaw yup, both on the one bike!
@hqmpest1579 could you expand on why it would have been different on your Classic?
Nice to see you guys together.
Great review guys and love the beautiful scenery
Thanks for this video!
I have come to the realization I cant watch bike-reviews unless they speak British-English
Muchas gracias 👌🏼
Hello Darcy and Ol'man i liked your review of RE Meteor 350.According to me RE HNTR350 looks more beautiful motorcycle followed by RE Scram 421,RE Himalayan,RE Meteor 350🎉
Love seeing the two of you doing a review together. Wish my old man was into bikes like I am, would be fun to ride together
This bike will be available in Bangladesh from July this year. I have been saving money for the last 3 years to buy this beauty. I can't wait.
I like it so much. But not sure if I would be able to buy it. I think it will be like 5 lakh or more
Good luck to you both! Hope you achieve your dream
I love the meteor. A great little bike. The heel shifter takes some time to get used to though. Congrats to Darcy becoming a full time UA-camr. Looking forward to more videos. 👍
Luddites of the world unite! Phones & motobikes? Why? Thanks for the review, ride on!
I'm with the Old man regarding phones and off centre Speedo! Mind you, I'm 66 and still use my phone to talk to people😂. Classic 350 for me, but my friend has the Meteor 350 so they look great when we're out together.
Forgot to say how good it is when you two review a bike together. Looking forward to Darcy's reviews. Thank you gentlemen 😊
That’s what I said to the guy in the shop, the classic’s for old geezers an as I’m only 76 I’ll wait till I’m old enough 🤭🤭
Itchy boots has already got the new Himalayan given for trail by RE, bike looks amazing, check it out.
This bike is perfect for the back roads here in Texas. The city streets of Dallas are ideal for this bike as well !!!
Im in flower mound texas, very close to dallas and all the other populated cities. Im thinking of buying this for the city and daily commutes to college, ive already wanted to but this video has convinced me. I am aware about the highway/interstate not being the best for this bike, but Im a new rider so Ill work my way up
Over 6500 miles now on my '21 Fireball Yellow Meteor. Most comfortable stock bike I have ever owned. Once run in and using high quality full synthetic oil the engine is smooth and quiet. Like you I think the Classic reborn is a prettier bike. BTW I checked the valve lash at 6300 miles. Hasn't changed at all since setting them at 300 miles.
It's been a month I've bought Meteor as my very first bike, not riding it before, just based on reviews (yours was one of them). Even that I have unrestricted license I've decided to start with something small and not much fast. Oh man how I love it! 1000km so far and enjoying every minute :)
That’s great! It’s a lovely motorcycle! 👍🏼👍🏼
My only problem with the sat nav thing is that it only lasts as long as its supported. Which puts an unknown time limit on its use. While it doesnt stop you using the bike it could mean a few years later it wont work.
It's a shame RE didn't incorporate the Tripper into a housing the same size as the speedo and balace the looks. Might even have been able to incorporate a rev counter. I have the Classic 350. I just wish the foot controls were further forward as it feels cramped. Because of this, I use my Super Meteor 650 most of the time as love both bikes.
A cute little bike, I'd like a go on it. Been riding powerful bikes for years and hired a Honda 500 trail bike in Corfu this year, had a great time round the island, no worries about wheel spins on slippery roads or wheelies. Very relaxing ride
congratulations on quitting the job Mr Darcy! hopefully it feels a bit freeing, obviously not having your usual job is weird at first. Take it easy and enjoy making the upcoming reviews :)
Chucking in the day job to be a fulltime Youtoober is a brave move Darcy, even if the job's crap. Good luck to you both, the channel's great and I'll continue to support it and tell all my scumbag mates about it. More vids featuring shaftie bikes please. Cheers - Tim
I'm not into gadgets either, BUT we're in an age where many people expect things like built in Sat Nav and Blutooth etc so the fact that RE have included it could be a sale clincher. Much depends on what your "real world" is as to wether low cc bikes like these are perfect for you. I'm with the Classic retro styling 100% (Street Scrambler owner) but if your riding diet includes rural A road and certainly motorway use then you'll find them underpowered. If all you require is a cheap to run commuter then this would win hands down for me over one of those plastic scooter thingies. 👍
Very informative,
And funny,
I have my 25 year old son lives with me,
And he thinks I'm so old LOL 😂
Because I'm not good on computer's,
But I've rode motorcycle's 50 years and driven a car for 45 years,
He Still hasn't passed his test,
Mind you, it's harder with that silly theory test now?
I think your video's are great,
I currently ride a Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Interceptor 650
Keep up the great video's
Cheers Paul Foster
Great video as usual, gents! You really should do more videos together. I first came across your channel when I saw your video on the Honda CB1100RS. If memory serves, you did that video together. I remember liking that video very much.
Also, congratulations to Mr. Darcy on his decision! You really should get an Interceptor, Scram or any other RE. As you have personally observed, videos on RE do attract a lot of views!
As for the bike, this is the only J-series 350 I haven't yet ridden. I rode the other three models and liked the Bullet 350 the most. It sounds a little louder than the Classic 350 and has a more upright seating position. I don't like the looks of the Meteor 350. I agree that the Classic 350 looks better than this. I also agree that it's great to have choices and RE does have a knack for making the same platform feel quite different with very few changes. And omg "Donkey Kong!" 😂
By the way, when you do get your hands on a Bullet 350, please try to compare it with a Classic 350 back to back. Please check if they sound different.
The Classic 350 is gorgeous but I struggle with the looks of the Meteor 350…
Thats my bike! I've got the Fireball Red color. Mine doesnt have the tripper,only the speedo. Old Vincents sometimes had a offset speedo so on the Meteor,the offset gauge and the chrome ring around the headlight bucket reminds me of a Vincent(sorta),so sitting and looking out over the bars is my favorite view of the bike
Just chopped my Meteor in for the Super Meteor. Regretting it already. The extra power is great. but I did like the ease of riding and handling around the country lanes. Probably have to get another one (if I can persuade my partner that a 4 bike in the collection is a requirement). Enjoyed the review, spot on.
I definitely prefer the classic 350. Looking forward to see your reviews Darcy big decision changing careers, good luck you will do well.
As you know, I'm a huge fan of the channel and I especially like it when you have the two different views and perspectives.
Despite being an older model bloke (no MOT required for many years), I do go with Darcy's view on the Tripper. I bought one of the first Meteors when they were launched and the Tripper was not very good, especially if you lost the signal. But the app has improved since then but my mate just cannot get it to even connect on his wife's Meteor! I did offer to send over my 6 year old grandson!
I've de-catted the bike and fitted a DNA filter and inlet cover and that really has improved the bikes breathing. I don't think it's gained power particularly, but it is definitely more responsive and seems to pull better. Whereas before it was happiest around 60mph it will now happily go past that. It also sounds great!
That said, you should have mentioned that, in the fiefdom of Dictator Drakeford, the Meteor can happily plod around at 20mph in 3rd or 4th gear! ;-)
Looking forward to Darcy's future postings, just hope that it will not only be Harley's and Triumph's......
Best wishes for your future Mr Darcy. You and your Ol’ Man deliver great content.
Great review, own the Meteor and now Scram 411, love them both. Cuts into corners nicely with confidence. Easy maintenance. Has enough power for the Smokey Mountains in TN. Thanks, again. 5'11 215lbs. Works for me. Keep up the good work,
Great everyday transport. Insurance for me is well under £100 and I get 90-100mpg without trying. It's perfect for nipping around town or across to the next town and I've commuted into central London on mine without a hitch - it can just about keep up with motorway traffic.
£100 per month presumably?
@@tomlockwoodbartlett annually. Cheaper than walking!
who with please?@@Sankara561
Tempted however 20hp is just not enough - my old SRX has 40hp and is about right - maybe they need a 600cc version
There is a 650 super meteor.
I'm so glad I found your video talking about how the bike performs in hills and mountains. I live in Switzerland and my job is up the mountains so I'm quite happy to finally find a video that talks about these kinds of conditions and that the motorcycle works well for that. Thank you !
I appreciate how you fine gentlemen made it a point to show how you would fit on it with both just a rider and also with a passenger. As far as looks, I do like the classic 350 better as it really is beautiful, however I also think this bike is quite nice looking as well. Keep up the good work, I love your channel.
Can I just say that that was the best (i.e. useful, informative, relevant) m'bike review I've seen. Age , injury and shortness of leg! mean that my current bikes are hard to use so I'm looking for something smaller, lower and lighter ( my 250 + kg moto guzzi ain't made for narrow North Wales lanes). Your film is only pushing me ever more towards the 350 Royal Enfield range. Thanks .
Really glad you found it useful!
We have the same bike bt different color. Yes, indeed meteor 350 is a very comfortable ride. I use it for my daily going to work.
Just can't get over 20hp and I'm not even into sportbikes... This isn't a particularly light bike so 20hp really seems inadequate. Still, so many reviews can't be off the mark... Would need to ride one and see...
Give one a try...I don't think you'll be disappointed 👍
I rode my 125 for a year after passing my test.
It was ok. I went on the motorway, to the coast and in the peak district.
I imagine this is far better.
Most of the time we don't ride as fast as we think we do.
There's something relaxing about having the chance taking opportunities taken away from you. You can't do it so you don't try.
Much safer 😄
The only reason I haven't bought one yet is because I'm waiting to test ride a triumph 400 in January.
I just went moto-camping with my son on my Meteor 350. Bike can do 100km/h all day long - on the hills, drop it into 4th and still do the climb at 90km/h. It's not a fast bike, but it can do what you ask of it. I never feel out of place on the roads I've taken it on.
it seems underpowered when all your focus is on the power. if you hop on it, expecting an engine that pulls like a triumph t120, then of course theres only room for disappointment.
Another point, the classic 350 is slightly heavier than this with the same engine, and The Old Man has plenty of videos describing the beautiful sound, character and pull of the classic.
Additionally, Mr Darcy certainly gave the Meteor a very good go during this video, his opinion is normally my basis for the speed and pull of a bike whenever i watch a review of theirs.
Certainly hope you can give the bike a go!
This bike really sets the benchmark in fuel range.
happy to see you two together sometimes in video😊
120 kph is flat out. I've just bought one & mine is a Stellar. Fantastic bike & a pleasure to ride. It will cruise all day long at 90 kph. This is fast enough to take you anywhere you want to go. It's happy in town with it's beautiful slick gearbox & lite clutch but just as happy on the open road with it's big comfy saddle & semi cruiser riding position. With it's 19" front wheel & relatively lite weight it would be possible to do some lite off roading as well making it an ultra versatile bike.
I have a Classic 350 and love it. I did prefer the riding position of the Meteor where you "sit in" rater than "on" the bike but as I ride two-up a lot, the pillion seating provision was important and there's more room with the Classic. The Old Man has proved that a big fella can take it almost anywhere 😁. The Meteor - with it's lower ground clearance might not be quite as good "off road" but for country lanes and gravel tracks still as good 👍
Great review, as ever. Question for the Old Man. In terms of handling, which bike (Classic 350 v Meteor) in your opinion is better for the back roads/goat trails?
The Classic pips it 👍🏼
Good to see both of you doing a review together. I just got back from vacation and cant wait to ride my Classic 350. 👍
The RE is a vacation.!
I've had a red 350 RE meteor for a year, love it and agree with the review. I really like the father/ son comments that provide helpful perspectives.
But, I'd really love a triumph scrambler 900 because of its looks and greater power.
Should I go for it or keep my RE?
Wouldn't it be great to have both! .... In my dreams :)
We have a review coming up of the Triumph Scrambler 900 on the 4th Jan. That may well answer your question. Let us know once you have seen it 👍🏼
Great, just what I need to start 2024. Thank you 👍
The J series engine is imho the best air cooled smaller capacity lump on the market.
And the gear box is the best at any size, pure silk.
I prefer the classic
red & chrome for looks which are retro on a different level to almost any current machine.
The meteor is built down to a price and the plastic components ( cases, mudguards etc) show.
The classic is a better quality build yet still fabulous value.
But like all Enfields what ever the model they are all great value machines.
Excellent video
I love the color. I'm incapable of getting a license due to health issues, but I must say I am still fascinated by these things. I've always loved cars, motorcycles and airplanes.
Even being along for the ride through your Go Pro is fun. Cheers!
always love these reviews.
they give me a Freddie Dobbs vibe which I love.
been looking at one of these for touring & weekend fun. but also the Hunter 350
Still very split
Great Video as always!
Unfortunately, this "$4000" bike {here in the U.S.} is about $5000 out the door with all the extra charges and fees. And I'm to understand that the initial 600 mi. service {a week later} is another $500. The first service on my Rebel 300 was a $60 oil change.
I‘m European but can it be that all the „extra charges and fees“ ( sounds very HD dealer like) and first service price have anything to do with the dealer and none with the brand of the bike? Just asked.
@@lowersaxon As for the dealer markup, you're right to a degree. My dealer tacks on an extra thousand partly because these bikes are hot right now and partly because it's their policy. I bought my '22 Rebel 300 for MSRP + $50 title fee, not many dealers do that anymore. As for the exorbitant first service, that's due to the design of the motor. The valves have to be checked/adjusted in the first service and there's the big bucks. I've read that this motor is higher maintenance than a similar Japanese motor.
Brilliant video as always! Congratulations and good luck on taking the plunge into full time content creation Darcy, looking forward to lots more great content from your channel.
Their loss is our gain Mr.Darcy! Great review and a really nice bike. Nice to hear the differing opinions on certain aspects. Originally like the Ole Man my OCD couldn't handle the instrument offset, but now owning a super meteor it doesn't bother me at all. Must be the love of the machine in general taking over. Why the hell they couldn't put the usb port on the handle bar like this bike I don't know! Liked the ending btw.
REMEMBER IT PRODUCES TWENTY BHP AT THE CRANK BUT WAY LESS AT THE REAR BOOT.
My MT 03 produces 42 bhp, weighs far less and I can 102 mpg. The meteor engine must be really de-tuned. Has anyone tuned one and realised it’s true potential?
@@user-rf9me7xm1w there's a big difference between the power potential of an oversquare water-cooled 320 cc twin and an undersquare air/oil cooled 349 cc single. You can't rev the latter nearly as high or use high compression. Both engines make sense, given their intended applications.
I’m proud to say I have done NC500 all the way from Ireland, 2 up plus luggage on the Meteor 350. The lack of power was noticeable and at time bothering however the experience was 100% worth it and I do not regret heading for such a trip on the Meteor. Great reviews done by you guys
I’m just breaking mine in, first 600 period. I traded in my Tracer 700 and I’m so happy I did. Half the power, but twice the joy ! The Meteor is a wonderful bike. I saw Llangollen in your video, I’m just up the road, maybe see you out there on our Meteors !
Nov 23:
I had a look at the Meteor at the RE stand at the motor show and was mightily impressed, particularly with the seat which seemed incredibly comfortable...
Changing the air filter and cover on the Meteor 350 makes a vast diference to performance. Much better acceleration and power through the whole rev range. Hitchcoks have a youtube video of a before and after DNA filter fit that bears this out. Certainly my Meteor's performance has improved after such a mod, can even accelerate up hills now.
Great review, couldn't stop laughing at the donkey Kong comparison!😂
I like both the Classic and Meteor, but with the Meteor, I'd prefer a brushed alloy engine, not necessarily chrome. I do not like blackouts or ute bedliner textures.
I agree with Mr D'Arcy on the clocks 😊
You should do more reviews together, it's fairly unique to get two different age groups doing reviews together. A road trip with you both together would be cool 😎
Thank you, if you go back on our channel we used to do them all together. We now live 3 hours apart so it’s more difficult now
Nice review! I liked the father-son banter in this as well 👍 very funny
Love when both of you are in the videos 👍 another great one guys 👏 totally agree on the usb darcy.
I'm doing my DAS course next week. Honestly, I think this might be the bike for me. Would you recommend this bike as a decent starter bike for a novice rider ?
Yes definitely perfect first bike 👍🏼
After riding the 350 and 650 meteors, is the seating position and pedal position the same on bolth bikes? Are the miors the same on bolth bikes?
No the 650 is definitely more spacious. I think the rear visibility is better on the 650
@MrDarcy-theOlMan good stuff. Which is more comfortable as far as brake and shifter pedal positions are concerned? Unfortunately, those of us in the U.S. can only look at videos and drool over the supper meteor. Thanks for the response.
you should see this bike in the stellar blue variant, on the site its brighter but in real life it like a midnight blue and it looks like an actual premium bike, i guess because of the websites pics no one bought that colour. I've owned it for more than a year for both daily commute and long rides and honestly I'm happy chose the right first bike
I like where the Speedometer is on that Meteor 350, it's where it's supposed to be, but where's the Tachometer? ..And having Mr. Darcy as a scale datum is a good reference, though having raised the comparison, I'd love to see how he sits on the classic 350 with it's different peg position (seriously though, I do wonder if bending his legs might make it a little more cramped). The 350 does come over as sounding nice on your videos.. ..still have to wonder about a 500..
Is that a beach and the Ocean I see in the background?
No ocean 🌊 in this one just the rolling hills 👍🏼
I'm waiting to buy that bike, I'm from Mexico and I'm sure thats a bike with great comfort and enough power to travel with very good fuel efficiency. Great review!
I do like the looks of the Classic but not enough to trade in my Meteor 😉
Mine is coming next week
Now that's real live advice, checking out the vehicle of interest out prior throwing hard earned cash into the landfill.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom as well as for the great presentation of this lovely little bike, Ol'Man/Darcy 🙏
The best time to make big career changes is when your young and without dependents. I also found out late in my work career that taking high risk jobs everyone is afraid to take and risk their career progression is also provides an excellent to make some good money.
The ability to make a good decision with maybe 80% of information is unique quality and a valuable attribute. Remember almost all jobs rely on problem solving skills and once you understand the problem solving process you can apply that to any job. Good luck on the switch 👍
Good to see you both in the same video. You bounce off each other well, and I really enjoyed the banter 😆 Pesonally RE's Classic range are by far my favourite. Best of luck for the future Mr Darcy in your new full time capacity, and keep stirring up the Ol' man 😉
I own the classic 350 and just LOVE the engine on that. So I'll probably like this one and the Hunter to.
But that's already 3 bikes on the same J-platform.
My wet dream is actually a classic looking ADV-bike or scrambler on that platform.
But now that I have see what miss boots is riding in India.... that's also better looking than I expected.
Nice looking bike! I totally agree with your point about bikes with the USB port under the seat (Triumph Bonneville!) It's just a stupid place to put it and so much better on the handlebar!
I'm planning to go yo England next year. Hire a bike and ride around GB. Where can I get maps from? Great video, thanks 😊
I would just use google maps on my phone. It’s free and it works well.
Cool Darcy. Great to hear that. Now that you have time … what about a motovlog of a motorcycle trip with your Harley? 😅
I much prefer the look of the Classic over the Meteor but my 6'4'' frame is probably too big for either.
I live in hope that RE keeps the 350 engine but offers a larger frame for the western market.
Great review, thank you. I have a different opinion about the usb port though. The tripper means I don't need power at the bars on mine, I run the charge cable up to the phone in my pocket, so the side panel works perfectly. Horses for courses I guess. Keep up the good reviews
Great review guys!
I am a new rider and I really want to go for the Meteor but I saw the new Triumph Scrambler 400x and I got confused about which it would be better for everyday ride in the city and trips on the countryside and mountain hills. :/
They would both do it but the Triumph 400x would probably more versatile 👍🏼
I think this bike looks way better than the Classic 350.
I prefer the classic myself, but that is probably because I like vintage and retro motorcycles that been said it is a nice looking bike.
@@karlsquire8148 Yeah see I prefer modern cruisers, especially with blacked out engines haha. Totally subjective.
@@ryanxvxvery subjective! its kinda great that RE has this variety. we all like the styling of the bikes with the 350cc engines, so its great that RE have taken advantage of the J-series engine and spent time making well designed bikes!
All three 350s are great. My favorites are signals green classic 350, the red hunter 350, and the fireball yellow meteor 350. But the 350 really is a bit underpowered. Wish it had 24-32 hp instead of just 20. I personally own the grey hunter 350, added bar risers, and the it is very zippy in town and fits my tight yard best, and lends itself for standing on the pegs comfortably for bumps and offroad.
I just can’t believe people across the pond have to wait soooo long to just be Legally able to ride a bike they want. That just is so crazy.
So proper education is crazy?
Keep up the great vids guys, I really enjoy your channel :).
Thanks 😊
Great and entertaining review Mr. Darcy & The Ol' Man! Keep up the good work!
Good luck Darcy, now's probably the best time to give it a go for sure. It would certainly be more difficult to decide to give it a go if you were raking in the commission from the house sales!
I have the tripper navigation on my classic 350 and it works a treat, especially where I am as signs are hard to read.
I really like my gages centered , it's been a deal breaker for me . Good review as usual
Another great review, beautiful sound. Wish Mr. Darcy all the best for his new role in the channel. A very brave decision.
The classic is a real beauty queen but I’d have the Meteor any day over the classic, it’s more my thing.
Please review the meteor aurora varient. I recently bought it. It has chrome engine an spoke tyres for those who prefer more of a retro look
That certainly looks the part! 👌🏼
Well done boys, this channel just keeps getting better and better. Quality commentary and filming with a "real world" review on a "real world" motorcycle, cheers!
Classic in bronze 😊
same - 4.5k so far, love it
Red ones are faster.
Damn 8-)
Another great review ! Good to see both of you in it ! Keep up the good work and look forward to your next video !👍
Good Luck with your new job D'Arcy, lookforward to seeing more interesting videos you have lined up for us 😀 Best wishes.
Great exhaust noise on the road!
The Classic looks better but the riding position of the Meteor is better.
I found that too 👍
Now it is clear that this is already a best seller. Have to be honest that the prices for the 2024 is quiet a bit higher. Great video.
Now they’ve been out a while there’s lots of second hand on the market. I got a used one fitted with a few optional extras, couple thousand miles. £2,700.
@@luke1023 This is great. A lot of bike for the money. :) Next week I will have the possibility to ride some RE bike. Hopefully I will also film it. Anyways, drop by to check my content bro, you may like it. Cheers. :)
Very happy to see you review my country's bike. Enjoy your ride❤❤