Bought one of these in March because I needed a reliable bike on finance and had a very limited budget. Took one on a test ride because the budget worked but didn’t expect to like it at all, but I love it. I had the basic fireball spec with no options, it’s dead comfy, quick enough (just) and it’s ridiculously cheap to run.
Brilliant review as always, Jack. A humble opinion - you could do without the loud intro music. It doesn't go well with your soothing voice and overall calm vibe.
Here is a BikeSanooK vlog when 'Johnny' purchased his 'Thumper' 350 Royal Enfield Meteor last year 2021. Location =RE= showroom outside Bangkok. BTW in Thailand not far from Bangkok there is a now a Royal Enfield factory. These premium non-Japanese motorcycles are also made in THAILAND (not TAIWAN): BMW Motorrrad, Ducati and Harley-Davidson. ua-cam.com/video/rDAke3QqzQo/v-deo.html
There's a lot of extras on the review bike, but even the bog standard machines at all levels are great value and way more than adequate. I bought the middle spec version from Bill Smiths just for the extra chrome and Matt black paint. A bargain and a beauty.
They are a cracking bit of kit, but I think those wider Chrome finished footpegs, Black piped seat, pillion pad and back rest are also optional extras too. I rode one to try out the engine before the Classic 350 was available as a demo. (Bought the Classic and love it).
Easy relaxing presentation of a nice affordable bike. If I had room for two bikes I'd definitely have one of these or a Classic, just the job for pottering around the district.
Nice review Jack. I think the Meteor is a great bike and a bargain. Personally I'm more interested in the new Classic 350 as I prefer the looks of it. Royal Enfield are making some great bikes at much more affordable prices than other makes. I would much rather put my money in an 'RE than any Chinese bike and I know the Chinese bikes have come a long way from the early bikes. I'll have to go to Bill Smith's and see If they have a classic demo bike.
Well the cheapest and lightest RE would be Hunter 350. Production test mule spotted several times. Launch is in a month. And for meteor lovers there is 650 Super meteor around the corner too.
@@debajyotisrc *=RE= Super Meteor 650 - BRING IT ON! I am waiting. "There's no replacement for displacement" More displacement (cylinders) less vibrations! I recently rode 2,000 km Bangkok- Phuket island in the south of THAILAND. A lot of up & down shifting. I love love the toe & heel shifter the "heel-kicker". But, I could feel the vibrations my old bones. I still love long-distance riding. This is why Royal Enfield 650 twin is the best engine choice. But, the cruiser variant for Johan-Bike-SanooK* ua-cam.com/video/zH73UHVRh2k/v-deo.html
Interesting-and I'm glad to see Bill Smith still going strong; its 50 years since I tried out (I think) a Kawasaki Avenger 350 there -it was a two-cylinder 2-stroke with rotary valves (Whatever they are); completely mad; I wish I had it now ! At 67 I'm looking seriously at a Meteor Supernova; I love the design. However I was a bit cross as I couldn't hear what you said re 'Motorway speeds'; 60 is the sweet spot-what did you say re. 70 ? Thanks though-enjoyable review Tom
Hi Tom I’ve been going to Bills since he was with Tommy in the early 80s. . Great bike shops. Re the Meteor. A great bike . Yes 60 is the sweet spot. It will do 70 but it’s not happy. Better at 60 👍
Here is a BikeSanooK vlog when 'Johnny' purchased his 'Thumper' 350 Royal Enfield Meteor last year 2021. Location =RE= showroom outside Bangkok. BTW in Thailand not far from Bangkok there is a now a Royal Enfield factory. These premium non-Japanese motorcycles are also made in THAILAND (not TAIWAN): BMW Motorrrad, Ducati and Harley-Davidson. ua-cam.com/video/rDAke3QqzQo/v-deo.html
Hi Simo. Yes you can but on the highway the bike will labour over 60mph or in kph 96. It’s fine on smaller roads and lower speeds. This bike is about taking your time 👍
Hi Jack.....power wise how does it compare to the 500? How would you compare acceleration and hill tackling to the 500. I know what the specs. say but I'm curious to your seat of the pants evaluation. Cheers.
The Meteor is a typical Royal Enfield. Performs well but not great. Unfortunately, RE is being stingy and is deleting features like the Tripper Nav which was previously offered as standard across the range.
At the end of the day they have a great price and to be honest it's a business so they have to be able to turn a profit to be able to continue to put out that great product. Would I have bought it without the tripper? Probably so. It's a bike with real character!
They have other bikes in that niche. The Meteor on the other hand is perfect for what it's meant for. Inexpensive pottering around the countryside and for commuting in a city for which it has more than enough power and torque. One of the best things about the Meteor is that it doesn't have enough power or torque to really allow a rider to be truly obnoxious like some of the people you see splitting lanes and doing other manner of nonsense.
First thing I would do is take a hack saw to that stupid damn gear lever! It was made for people coming from scooters to actual motorcycles and should never have been done.
*I LOVE THE 'HEEL-KICKER' 72-year-old double (TKR Total Knee Replacement ) survivor... Here is a BikeSanooK vlog when 'Johnny' purchased his 'Thumper' 350 Royal Enfield Meteor last year 2021. Location =RE= showroom outside Bangkok. BTW in Thailand not far from Bangkok there is a now a Royal Enfield factory. These premium non-Japanese motorcycles are also made in THAILAND (not TAIWAN): BMW Motorrrad, Ducati and Harley-Davidson* ua-cam.com/video/rDAke3QqzQo/v-deo.html
Bought one of these in March because I needed a reliable bike on finance and had a very limited budget. Took one on a test ride because the budget worked but didn’t expect to like it at all, but I love it. I had the basic fireball spec with no options, it’s dead comfy, quick enough (just) and it’s ridiculously cheap to run.
Hi Lorne . Yes I was surprised how good it is 👍
Well, Jack I've had my Meteor for almost a year now and it's a great machine no matter what price. At under £4000 it's amazing.
Yes totally agree 👍
Brilliant review as always, Jack. A humble opinion - you could do without the loud intro music. It doesn't go well with your soothing voice and overall calm vibe.
Yes I am doing away with intro 👍
Yes this!
Thank you very much for that Jack. I really enjoy your videos. I am considering buying a meteor or a classic 350. Looking forward to your next one.
Thank you Michael. They are both great bikes 👍
Here is a BikeSanooK vlog when 'Johnny' purchased his 'Thumper' 350 Royal Enfield Meteor last year 2021. Location =RE= showroom outside Bangkok. BTW in Thailand not far from Bangkok there is a now a Royal Enfield factory. These premium non-Japanese motorcycles are also made in THAILAND (not TAIWAN): BMW Motorrrad, Ducati and Harley-Davidson. ua-cam.com/video/rDAke3QqzQo/v-deo.html
There's a lot of extras on the review bike, but even the bog standard machines at all levels are great value and way more than adequate. I bought the middle spec version from Bill Smiths just for the extra chrome and Matt black paint. A bargain and a beauty.
Great choice. Hope you are enjoying the bike 👍
Great review Jack, looking forward to next one.
Thanks Mark 👍
They are a cracking bit of kit, but I think those wider Chrome finished footpegs, Black piped seat, pillion pad and back rest are also optional extras too.
I rode one to try out the engine before the Classic 350 was available as a demo. (Bought the Classic and love it).
Easy relaxing presentation of a nice affordable bike. If I had room for two bikes I'd definitely have one of these or a Classic, just the job for pottering around the district.
Great review 👍 I have one, it's a lovely motorcycle form £3800+
Thank Ran. Yes the bike is fabulous. 👍
Nice review Jack. I think the Meteor is a great bike and a bargain. Personally I'm more interested in the new Classic 350 as I prefer the looks of it. Royal Enfield are making some great bikes at much more affordable prices than other makes. I would much rather put my money in an 'RE than any Chinese bike and I know the Chinese bikes have come a long way from the early bikes. I'll have to go to Bill Smith's and see If they have a classic demo bike.
Hi Dave. Yes it’s a great bike. Think 🤔 they get the classic demo soon 👍
*=RE= is hugely popular here in THAILAND (not TAIWAN)*
Well the cheapest and lightest RE would be Hunter 350. Production test mule spotted several times. Launch is in a month.
And for meteor lovers there is 650 Super meteor around the corner too.
@@debajyotisrc *=RE= Super Meteor 650 - BRING IT ON! I am waiting. "There's no replacement for displacement" More displacement (cylinders) less vibrations! I recently rode 2,000 km Bangkok- Phuket island in the south of THAILAND. A lot of up & down shifting. I love love the toe & heel shifter the "heel-kicker". But, I could feel the vibrations my old bones. I still love long-distance riding. This is why Royal Enfield 650 twin is the best engine choice. But, the cruiser variant for Johan-Bike-SanooK* ua-cam.com/video/zH73UHVRh2k/v-deo.html
Hey i can say your neighbourhood is beautiful to drive these beauties ❣️❣️😍👍😐❣️
Interesting-and I'm glad to see Bill Smith still going strong; its 50 years since I tried out (I think) a Kawasaki Avenger 350 there -it was a two-cylinder 2-stroke with rotary valves (Whatever they are); completely mad; I wish I had it now !
At 67 I'm looking seriously at a Meteor Supernova; I love the design. However I was a bit cross as I couldn't hear what you said re 'Motorway speeds'; 60 is the sweet spot-what did you say re. 70 ?
Thanks though-enjoyable review
Tom
Hi Tom I’ve been going to Bills since he was with Tommy in the early 80s. . Great bike shops. Re the Meteor. A great bike . Yes 60 is the sweet spot. It will do 70 but it’s not happy. Better at 60 👍
Here is a BikeSanooK vlog when 'Johnny' purchased his 'Thumper' 350 Royal Enfield Meteor last year 2021. Location =RE= showroom outside Bangkok. BTW in Thailand not far from Bangkok there is a now a Royal Enfield factory. These premium non-Japanese motorcycles are also made in THAILAND (not TAIWAN): BMW Motorrrad, Ducati and Harley-Davidson. ua-cam.com/video/rDAke3QqzQo/v-deo.html
To be honest, on a naked bike, anything past 60mph can be a pain!
It is available in spoke wheels?
Not sure I’ve only seen the alloy wheels 👍
Hello can i travel with this meteor ? Thanks.
Hi Simo. Yes you can but on the highway the bike will labour over 60mph or in kph 96. It’s fine on smaller roads and lower speeds. This bike is about taking your time 👍
@@JackBonhamMotorcycles thankyou very much. I don't need speed anymore. 60 mph is good enough for me. Thanks again. I subscribe.
@@simodakir5990 thank you much appreciated 👍
Hi Jack.....power wise how does it compare to the 500? How would you compare acceleration and hill tackling to the 500. I know what the specs. say but I'm curious to your seat of the pants evaluation. Cheers.
Hi Kenneth. Ha. 😄 I am in the process of compiling a comparison video 👍
The Meteor is a typical Royal Enfield. Performs well but not great. Unfortunately, RE is being stingy and is deleting features like the Tripper Nav which was previously offered as standard across the range.
At the end of the day they have a great price and to be honest it's a business so they have to be able to turn a profit to be able to continue to put out that great product. Would I have bought it without the tripper? Probably so. It's a bike with real character!
Tripper costs $70 I think
Royal enfield have to build motocycle with better torque
How about an interceptor ?
They have other bikes in that niche. The Meteor on the other hand is perfect for what it's meant for. Inexpensive pottering around the countryside and for commuting in a city for which it has more than enough power and torque. One of the best things about the Meteor is that it doesn't have enough power or torque to really allow a rider to be truly obnoxious like some of the people you see splitting lanes and doing other manner of nonsense.
@@Darren4352 yes i agree, Thats why i have a meteor.
If you like meteor and wished for more power then my friend your wish came true.. Super Meteor 650 is around the corner.
the garbage can is not appealing.
First thing I would do is take a hack saw to that stupid damn gear lever! It was made for people coming from scooters to actual motorcycles and should never have been done.
Ha 👍 I think it just unbolts 👍
*I LOVE THE 'HEEL-KICKER' 72-year-old double (TKR Total Knee Replacement ) survivor... Here is a BikeSanooK vlog when 'Johnny' purchased his 'Thumper' 350 Royal Enfield Meteor last year 2021. Location =RE= showroom outside Bangkok. BTW in Thailand not far from Bangkok there is a now a Royal Enfield factory. These premium non-Japanese motorcycles are also made in THAILAND (not TAIWAN): BMW Motorrrad, Ducati and Harley-Davidson* ua-cam.com/video/rDAke3QqzQo/v-deo.html