Royal Enfield has just announced exciting updates to the Meteor 350, and as someone who's owned one for the past four years, I couldn't be happier to see this underrated cruiser getting some well-deserved love.
What's New?
The updated Meteor 350 arrives in three striking new colours, each with its own set of enhancements:
Fireball Grey features an assist-slip clutch, USB Type-C fast charging, LED indicators, and an LED headlamp, bringing modern convenience to this classic cruiser.
Stellar Matt Grey builds on the Fireball spec with the addition of a pillion backrest and premium colour finish, perfect for those who regularly ride two-up.
Supernova Black (similar to my own bike) tops the range with adjustable brake and clutch levers, a pillion backrest, and a stunning two-tone premium finish.
Why the Meteor is Royal Enfield's Hidden Gem
Here's something I've said before and I'll say it again: the Meteor 350 is the best bike in Royal Enfield's J-series lineup. There, I said it...again.
While the Classic gets more attention and the Bullet has that heritage appeal, the Meteor quietly does everything right. It's the Goldilocks of the 350 range, not too retro, not too modern, just perfectly balanced.
I bought mine four years ago as a learner bike for my son. He's moved on to bigger things, but I've kept it because I find myself riding it more than any other bike in my garage. That should tell you something.
Living with a Meteor 350
With about 16,000 kilometres on my Supernova, I can tell you these bikes just get better with age. The J-series engine loosens up beautifully, and what starts as a characterful thumper becomes an absolute joy to ride.
Yes, it only makes about 20 horsepower. Yes, there are faster bikes out there. But here's the thing, this bike makes me smile every single time I throw a leg over it. It's comfortable, economical (I get 400+ kilometres from the 15-litre tank), and has more character than bikes with 4-5 times the power.
I've made a few modifications to mine, a high-flow air filter, EMGO exhaust, TEC Bike Parts levers and bar-end mirrors, and most recently, a TEC performance camshaft. But even stock, these bikes are brilliant.
The Real-World Experience
Can it do highway speeds? Absolutely. I regularly sit at 100-110 km/h on my commute with throttle to spare. Is it a sports bike? No, and that's not what it's trying to be.
The Meteor is about enjoying the ride. It's about that long-stroke single-cylinder thump, the comfortable riding position, and the fact that you can jump on it after three-four weeks of not riding it and it fires up first time, every time.
Why These Updates Matter
The addition of the assist-slip clutch will make city riding even easier, while USB Type-C fast charging means your phone stays topped up on longer rides. The LED lighting improves visibility and gives the bike a more modern look without losing its classic appeal.
But what really excites me is that Royal Enfield is continuing to invest in and improve the Meteor. It shows they understand what they have here, a bike that appeals to learners, commuters, and experienced riders who just want something simple and fun.
The Bigger Picture
Royal Enfield sold over a million motorcycles last year, with more than half a million being 350s with the J-series engine. Those numbers don't lie. While other manufacturers abandoned this mid-capacity segment, Royal Enfield dominated it.
The updated Meteor 350 starts from just $8,190 ride away, which is remarkable value for what you get. Three-year factory warranty, three-year roadside assist, and a bike that'll put a smile on your face every time you ride it.
If you've been considering a Meteor 350, these updates make an already great bike even better. And if you already own one, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
The Meteor 350 might be Royal Enfield's hidden gem, but with these updates, maybe it won't stay hidden for much longer.
The new Meteor 350 colours are arriving at Royal Enfield dealerships now. Visit your local dealer for a test ride, but before you do, check out these videos about the wonderful J-Series engine.