Hi Ian, I have both the 350 Classic and the 350 Meteor in Supernova Blue. Boyh excellent machines in their own right. The Meteor, agree about the screen, get rid of it, makes a big big difference without one and is a more pleasant and comfortable ride. Gearchange, it can be adjusted so you can use just the toe part of the lever. Some owners have chopped off the heel part of it alternatively, you can buy a toe only kit for them. Need to give it time to get used to it and in my view the toe/heal set up is great, so much so that I have fitted one to my Classic as well, brilliant. The Meteor when fully run in is peppier than the Classic reaching stop speed a lot quicker which makes overtakes far easier. Put the DNA filter on it and the difference is notable - for the better. I had to keep one bike only I don't know which one I would get rid of. The Meteor is also a good distance bike and I've done 275 miles in one day without problems with back/backside etc and as we know with modern Enfields top notch quality st a bargain basement price.🙂👍
Very true Jonathan. Though my Clementine has no problem overtaking 😉😂 I was pleasantly surprised, as is pretty obvious in the video. All these 350’s are staggeringly good value. Cheers
The suspension does become far more compliant after 500 miles or so but I know people that have bought these bikes and thrown away the rear shocks and changed the tires within a week of getting them home and that really makes no sense to me at all, the whole bike becomes more supple and responsive especially the engine by the time you reach about 2/3 thousand miles i love mine its all day comfortable and a genuinely pleasant office to sit in 👍😁
Yes, much the same as the other 350’s. Clementine (my Classic) has broken in beautifully. Changing the components before they are needed to be, is beyond me too. Certainly nothing wrong with the tyres. Cheers
Totally agree. Have the Classic & whilst the tyres aren't the best, for the sedate nature for the bike they are adequate and am sure have many miles in them...over 3500 so far...hardly worn!
Yes, nothing wrong with them. I have considered changing for something a bit less road orientated, as many of the roads I ride are rough, and gravely. I will wait until they are worn out though.
Very popular, the meteor 350, Exeter Rider fell in love with it. Effing speed limits, it's a con job. I fitted a heel & toe shifter to my classic 500....only because my boot got stuck under the normal one. Hard to get used to changing up because it's a strain on the foot to move that way!
I know it's been out a bit now I was at millennium motorcycles yesterday and sat on one and the first thing in my head was what a comfy seat must try and get a ride on one, really enjoyed your review
A real good ride and review of the Meteor Ian, it does look a nice bike to ride and has a great exhaust note, this Roger sounds a real nice chap as well.
Same model and colour as the 350 Meteor I rode. Like you I wasnt keen on the heal toe gear chance or screen either. But as you say a cracking bike with loads of happy owners. Wifey enjoyed riding on the back, she liked the scissy bar. Nice vid Ian; mind how you go bud
I like the bronze colour & how it has a17" rear giving you more tyre choice.Also alloy wheels making it easy to fix punctures with Mini air compressor & tyre repair kit.
I have the Super Nova and that was a very honest review you gave there Ian. I think there are quite a few people who would agree with you about the linkage and screen. I personally like both and the linkage to me is even better now I have fitted the one made by Martin Chandler. I have also added a screen extension which has improved wind deflection but it is still present at higher speeds. I always enjoy you riding and chats.
Good evening Michael, very kind of you to say these nice things. As you can tell, I was surprisingly impressed by the Meteor. Another cracking RE 350. Cheers
hey ian, lovely countryside up north, last time i was in the lake district in 2018 during that heatwave in the summer. Felt like the french riviera but with vimto gin cocktails haha. Anyho ive owned this bike (black stellar) for almost two years since it came out and i absolutely love it, i do miss some power for the belgian highways but its an absolutely perfect bike for two up riding in small country roads with the missus. Ive ridden the interceptor and this one and decided on this one for the comfortable seating position. I have also ridden the meteor 650 and would absolutely love to own one but life has been busy with moving house and all of that so it will be for later. Also the seating position on the 650 is a bit more 'hunched' for me, and also it misses that sweet toe heel shifter, but the 650 engine is fantastic.
This ride was on the Cheshire Plain, much different than the Lake District. I have no doubt that once you become accustomed to the shifter, it becomes second nature, but just not for me. Definitely more comfortable than an Interceptor. The 650 Super Meteor is brilliant, and really surprised me when I did that demo ride video, though I agree, the riding position is better in the 350, but it wouldn’t stop me buying the SM. Cheers
Very nice bike , my Mate bought the same model last year same colour, he loves it , his Son bought a 350cc Hunter and even though they have bigger bikes there hooked on the Royal Enfield, so im hoping to buy a 350cc Meteor sometime this year . Great review Ian well done 👏
@ianhughesroyalenfield Thanks Ian 😊, I'm seriously interested in getting one , I won't rest till I do , and one good thing my Wife is in agreance with me getting one , because we've made a deal if I get a bike I'm letting her decorate the whole house to her liking 👍 😀 😊 That's what I call a great plan 👌 👍
@carlarthur4442 so no complaining if the walls are bright pink with white dots 🤣 There are some ridiculous deals to be had on new bikes due to the RE / MotoGB fall out, which has a huge knock on effect on used bike prices at the moment. You can buy a hardly used top of the range, for not a lot. Definitely a buyers market.
The best looking RE bike imo. I really like this model and colour. Looks like a big step up quality compared to my old Interceptor. Blacked out engine and alloy wheels look the part.
Oooo, that’s a tough statement Simon. I think my Classic 350 looks better, but looks are subjective 😉. Which Interceptor are you talking about ? Not the 2019 onwards 650 surely. If so, have you seen the new Interceptor’s. Blacked out engine, and alloy wheels 😉, though I am not overly keen on the black exhaust’s. I will hopefully taking one of those out for a demo ride fairly soon 😊
2019 Interceptor. Terrible seat, foot pegs in the way, modest build quality. Super Meteor is a big improvement but the baby meteor looks great. Classic and Bullet models never did it for me.
@simonbowen6653 I has my 2020 Interceptor from new, only sold it recently, and absolutely loved it. Touring Seat worked for me, never had an issue with the foot pegs, or the build quality. I agree the Super Meteor is a step up though, I think I did say that when I reviewed it. Again, a bike which surprised me. The little Meteor is a well built little bike. Cheers
The Meteor looks nice in that colour, Ian and I like the fact that it has tubeless tyres. I found my ride on the 350 Meteor last year was pleseant enough and certainly very comfortable, but I felt the top end was lacking for our 110kph long straight roads here in West Aust. Of course, if someone could up with a way of bypassing the governor in the ECU, so that the bike could comfortably cruise at that speed - which I'm sure it would - I'd be very tempted by all the Enfield 350's. Re the rocker pedal, I've ridden other bikes with them and it's simply a matter of familiarity. That said, I personally prefer a conventional pedal.
Thanks Chris. Although the 350’s are capable of over 110kph, admittedly I wouldn’t want to be doing close to that for any really long rides. I think the Super Meteor would be a better option. AussieBikerDude is certainly happy with his having traded in his Meteor and Himi for one. There are many fans of the heel and toe, I’m just not one of them 😂
Thanks Ian, I thought that too, but the Super Meteor's 242 kg's kerb weight is an issue for this almost 78-yo, as is the reality that climbing onto one caused quite a degree of hip pain that vanished as soon as I got off the bike. There's a distinct lack of decently styled (read traditionally - I don't like the transformer look) bikes that don't cost an arm and a leg, yet deliver comfort and a reasonable turn of speed that would suit local conditions.
@@chrisweeks6973 yes, very true. The only consolation with the SM, is that you don’t notice the weight on the move. Though moving it around on a gravel driveway would be difficult. I know what you mean regarding the lack of comfortable mid capacity lightweight bikes. They have all gone too tall, so much so, that you really have to lift your leg high to get onto the seat, plus the reach to the bars, tends to make you lean forward. It will be interesting to see what RE come up with in the future. Like I have often said, I can still see them coming up with a new 500. If that happens, then providing they keep the weight and price down, it maybe a contender. Have you considered the upcoming Triumph Speed 400 ? That might just fit the bill. More pep than a RE 350, lighter I think too. The price point will be crucial on that.
I have a very(!) small yard to store and turn the bike around in. I'd be very interested if Enfield had a 500, subject to weight/price, of course. Yes, the Triumph Speed 400 is definitely of interest, if they don't get greedy on price. It's due for release here in December...
@@chrisweeks6973 I will be hoping to get a ride on the Speed 400, and the Scrambler version at some point, but I don’t have a dealer close to us. The UK motorcycle press are talking about the price being about £5200 (GBP), which they really do need to get it to. I just wish I had the cash to buy one 😢
Just a quick note. Many bikes in Asia of all capacities are fitted with heal and toe shifters. I live in Indonesia and I always cut the heal section of the shifter off and adjust the angle of the toe section accordingly. Enjoy your reviews.
Thanks Stephen, didn’t know that. Perhaps it is due to a lot of riders over there, wearing flip flops/sandles, where having a regular gear lever would be painful on the foot 🤔. Glad you enjoy my reviews, not as polished as some vloggers, but honest. 😎
I bought a heel and toe shifter for my Classic 350, Absolutely hated it! took it off after 10 miles , find a single lever so much more intuitive and comfortable. ( after altering the factory position on the Classic 350 liker most people have , not being able to fit one's boot under the lever when the bike was delivered )
An adjustable wind wing on the top of the windshield might clear up any buffeting issues. It would be quite inexpensive to try. I bought one on Ebay for about $21 and have it on the top of my sport fairing on my 1980 Honda CB750F. It works impressively well on that.
I bought one for a Tracer 900 I had a few years back. Made no difference whatsoever, and I found the only way to stop brain buzz was to remove the screen altogether. 👍
@@ianhughesroyalenfield am sure it varies with the screen it is mounted on. Mine is an EMGO sport fairing, a poly copy of a fiberglass Shoei FM5 fairing. The windscreen was slanted back at too much of a rake. Now the wind wing is on top at a str8 up and down position. It works beautifully. It is an incredible amount of wind protection for such a petite fairing.
Lovely bikes I like all the 350's Enfield's ! I reckon the heel toe changer would take a bit to get used to Ian for most I to used to ride one of the old Hondas mine was the 50cc but I did have a straight through pipe on her 😉. Speed limits are going down all over I reckon certainly around where I am , I don't reckon their is much to be done about it either . I would say it has it's place but not everywhere though , I am guessing the the engines on all the 350's are the same power wise I would say the Hunter does attract me somewhat , I will have to test some at some point to see what it is all about because their is something about these bikes that I need to explore . So would you have two 350's ? , the black engines on the new 650's look very good too they just seem to keep improving their bikes all the time .Ooop's gone on a bit here 😂 👌👍
Morning Mal, I’ll start in reverse. I am not keen on the all black 650 engines. On the Meteor, there is a nice mix, with the stainless bolts and polished fins, that would benefit the Interceptor for me, as they are too black, plus those beautiful exhausts look hideous in black, but that’s just me. Would I have two 350’s, possibly……… it would be Clementine and a Hunter, but as they are too similar, I doubt that will ever be a thing unless one comes up very cheap 🤔. Fortunately the speed limit reductions aren’t too hard to handle on the 350’s, 60 down to 50 isn’t too big a burden to bare, and 20 in a 30 isn’t actually that bad either. In some towns/villages, it’s sometimes hard to get over bloody 20mph 😂. Cheers
@@ianhughesroyalenfield Yeh I get what you say about the all black , having polished edges certainly would look much better and also yes indeed on what you say about villages and such like the traffic these days just makes it virtually impossible to get good long clear runs ,this is very noticeable when you go to Europe and see the roads there were traffic is so much lighter 👍Cheers !
I took the screen off mine, problem solved! It really doesn’t work that well, in fact the buffeting upsets the microphone on my GoPro, so it had to go. I have the TEC gear shift, and it’s been a marvellous mod. I fitted the DNA filter and intake kit, the Hitchcock stainless steel free flow exhaust and a Fuel X lite. Engine runs nicely in town traffic, acceleration is improved and most importantly the engine runs much cooler. I tried the touring seat from RE, but found it wasn’t as comfortable as the standard one. I love this bike so much it’s my daily driver even though I have a Bullet 500. I’m going to buy a 350 Classic next as a summer bike. (Bullet is for sale) the Meteor is definitely a keeper!
Hi all & thanks for the review. I've tried all the above mods, (gear shift, DNA filter, straight through exhaust & Fuel X) but have just returned everything back to stock as I simply wasn't experiencing the degree of benefits that other were. The final straw was having to resort to using ear plugs due to increased noise from exhaust & air filter induction. My Meteor is back to being the beautiful relaxed back roads cruiser I need it to be. There is a 'fly screen' option to the touring screen too. It offers a good compromise between having no screen & protecting the speedo & tripper.
@johnrutherford4276 morning John. After just fitting the open air intake on my Classic 350, whilst still retaining the original air filter, I soon put the original back on, as over longer distances, the intake roar gave me a headache. Tbh, the gain wasn’t worth the pain 😂. I do like small screens, which cover the void between the clocks and the headlight. I had one on my Interceptor. That heel and toe shifter would have to go though 😳😂 Cheers
I've just ridden from Dieppe to the Algarve and back and going in the opposite direction and going to put a screen extension on to see if that helps; pottering around the screen is great but at speed creates too much noise.I own a Classic also both bikes in bronze 😂😂
They should make the export models in 500cc. In Western countries you need more hp. My BSA 250 singles make 22 hp and weighs 100 lbs less. 2 up it goes 60 mph all day no problem. No electronics a real simple classic motorcycle. A beautiful bike as well.
@@ianhughesroyalenfield I think like HD they use that as an excuse. HD said the same thing and the Chinese came out with the Storm breaker 1200EVO Sportster copy. An ohv engine is more expensive to produce than a ohc engine. Maybe people should be grateful that they don't get domestic quality 350 Enfield motorcycles. A vlogger in Taiwan imported a gray market RE 350 and got a domestic market one and it was a POS. Found out from RE that he was shipped the wrong motorcycle. He was SOL. Big difference in quality between the two. Like night and day.
Why would you get rid of the screen? I was looking to pay more for it so on longer faster rides I'm not fighting the wind, now I'm worried it's a bad choice?
For me, it caused too much buffeting at helmet level. It did take wind off my torso though. You can hear the distortion in the audio recording, that is what the wind was doing in my helmet. If you have a look at any of my other vids, on my Classic 350, even at speeds up to 60mph, there isn’t any distortion. I also took out a Himi 411, and had the same issue with that too. Many people with these screens (not just on RE’s), end up fixing a spoiler to the top of the screen, in a vain attempt to deflect the wind over the helmet. It’s just easier to not bother. Even if you were to ride flat out (73mph) for any length of time, the wind blast isn’t that obtrusive without a screen. Hope this helps. I would just like to add, these are just my thoughts. There are probably many very happy owners with screens.
I struggled with the gear lever. If the angle was greater so you could ride with toes and heel over lever at same time it would be great. Probably get used to it pretty quick. I only did about ten miles. Position did.nt really suit me. Feet forward and bars a bit too far back for my height.
@@ianhughesroyalenfield Not ridden hunter yet. Everybody loves em . But again my height and age I doubt it will be comfy. Sat on one and felt too small. 6ft4. Amazing the monkey is comfy. 🙄😄
Your biggest complaint was the heel/toe shifter, but I noticed that you upshifted just fine almost every time. But when you downshifted you complained almost every time which doesn't make a bit of sense because you down shift the same way you downshift any motocylce with a foot shift, Therefore I think the trouble you have with the heel/toe shifter is all in your head. I've owned five motorcycles with heel/toe shifters and it took about two shifts to get use to them. I actually like a heel/toe shifter because I often suffer with gout. Your complaining about the heel/toe shifter reminds me of people who complain when their ice cream is cold.
I am not keen on ice cream either Gene 😂 We just know what we like/dislike don’t we. This was my first outing on a bike with this style of gear lever, in over 45 years of riding. Clearly I was going to be apprehensive, and probably convinced myself I wasn’t going to like it, which I actually didn’t. Now whether that is all in my head, is questionable, but I stand by it now……I don’t like heel and toe gear levers 😎
Thank you. 😊. Crewe Motorcycle Centre, West Street, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 3HQ. Phone number 01270 213575 ask for Roger, and mention me 😉. Website link in the description 😉
Small criticism - reviewing a brand new bike with an half hour drive isn’t very helpful… engine isn’t freed - brakes not bedded in and you won’t feel the tiny quirks any bike has… Have ridden all 3 J models and absolutely love them - that much, that I‘m considering to buy a Bullet/Classic 350 which is my favorite of them. The Meteor is on the 2nd place and is a great little bike, but I own a HD Sportster 1200, so I don’t need a 2nd Cruiser in my garage. The Hunter is the least appealing to me as I wished a more revy and powerful engine for this frame…😇 It is a bike that pushes me in the bends to go faster and bring it to the limit, which is much over the engine power… You have to drive it with taking the momentum with you to be fast and here the Classic feels more suited for this round style. The Hunter frame feels more like an actual sports bike with braking hard into the corners and then accelerate out of them - but lacks the power for this style of ride…
I understand, but I can only ride what I am offered. So if it’s a brand new bike with 1 mile or less, than that’s it. I have far too much mechanical sympathy to go thrashing it. Hopefully viewers will look at my other vids of my Classic 350, to see how the J series engines evolve following the running In procedure. They are cracking bikes, and RE well deserve the success they have enjoyed with this platform. I have no doubt the new Bullet will do well, though I can’t see too many Classic owners trading them in for one. I agree, the Hunter is a different kettle of fish, sporty frame geometry, and 17” wheels, but not enough power for the riding style it is attempting to portray. Still a nice bike to ride though ! Next year, when they have more miles on the clock, I will hopefully revisit these bikes, taking them further and riding a bit harder, to bring a more “balanced” review. Thanks for your comments, always appreciated.
@georgealty9009 😂 that would be fatal, especially on fleaBay…..Buy it now button = Fatal 😂 The 350’s really are cracking bikes in their own right, but when you consider the price, even more so. There are plenty of very low mileage used ones out there too.
@@georgealty9009 😂 I have been there with those too, at one point having 5 guitars and 3 amps. It wouldn’t have been so bad if I could actually play the damn things. I only managed a few power chords and could just about get by with them. Fortunately now, I just have a PRS SE Custom 22 and Marshall DSLR5 amp, which I don’t use, but the guitar makes an attractive wall ornament 🙄😂
It should have hydraulic valve adjustment and a belt drive. No excuse for a chain drive in the 21st century.
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I love the meteor just wished the had given it a kickstart and a slightly more classic look. It should have had the same panel as the classic. Bit of a shame in my opinion.
I think, as it came out before the Classic, the Meteor was an exercise to gauge public interest…..we know how that went 😊. I kind of agree about the kick start, but that might have increased cost. Non the less, it’s a good bike. Cheers
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@@ianhughesroyalenfieldthank you for your reply. I’ll be looking at getting one soon. Perhaps a yellow fireball :)
@ have you seen the colours of the new Meteor Aurora range. They have made it more like the Classic, with spoke wheels, non painted engine and more Classic looking paintwork. I found this on Google, might just be what you are looking for (except the kickstart)…..www.bikes4sale.in/notes/c/new-bikes/4524/new-royal-enfield-meteor-350-aurora-variant-launched-led-headlamp-and-retro-aesthetics-steal-the-show
Hi Ian, I have both the 350 Classic and the 350 Meteor in Supernova Blue. Boyh excellent machines in their own right. The Meteor, agree about the screen, get rid of it, makes a big big difference without one and is a more pleasant and comfortable ride. Gearchange, it can be adjusted so you can use just the toe part of the lever. Some owners have chopped off the heel part of it alternatively, you can buy a toe only kit for them. Need to give it time to get used to it and in my view the toe/heal set up is great, so much so that I have fitted one to my Classic as well, brilliant. The Meteor when fully run in is peppier than the Classic reaching stop speed a lot quicker which makes overtakes far easier. Put the DNA filter on it and the difference is notable - for the better. I had to keep one bike only I don't know which one I would get rid of. The Meteor is also a good distance bike and I've done 275 miles in one day without problems with back/backside etc and as we know with modern Enfields top notch quality st a bargain basement price.🙂👍
Very true Jonathan. Though my Clementine has no problem overtaking 😉😂 I was pleasantly surprised, as is pretty obvious in the video. All these 350’s are staggeringly good value. Cheers
The suspension does become far more compliant after 500 miles or so but I know people that have bought these bikes and thrown away the rear shocks and changed the tires within a week of getting them home and that really makes no sense to me at all, the whole bike becomes more supple and responsive especially the engine by the time you reach about 2/3 thousand miles i love mine its all day comfortable and a genuinely pleasant office to sit in 👍😁
Yes, much the same as the other 350’s. Clementine (my Classic) has broken in beautifully. Changing the components before they are needed to be, is beyond me too. Certainly nothing wrong with the tyres. Cheers
Totally agree. Have the Classic & whilst the tyres aren't the best, for the sedate nature for the bike they are adequate and am sure have many miles in them...over 3500 so far...hardly worn!
Yes, nothing wrong with them. I have considered changing for something a bit less road orientated, as many of the roads I ride are rough, and gravely. I will wait until they are worn out though.
Very popular, the meteor 350, Exeter Rider fell in love with it. Effing speed limits, it's a con job. I fitted a heel & toe shifter to my classic 500....only because my boot got stuck under the normal one. Hard to get used to changing up because it's a strain on the foot to move that way!
Morning ice. The shifter just felt wrong 😑😂
I know it's been out a bit now I was at millennium motorcycles yesterday and sat on one and the first thing in my head was what a comfy seat must try and get a ride on one, really enjoyed your review
Thank you. Yes, it’s unbelievably comfortable. You should definitely take one out, even if to just experience the heel and toe shifter 😂
A real good ride and review of the Meteor Ian, it does look a nice bike to ride and has a great exhaust note, this Roger sounds a real nice chap as well.
Yes, a good bike. It’s nice to have a well established, knowledgeable and conscientious dealer. 😉
Same model and colour as the 350 Meteor I rode. Like you I wasnt keen on the heal toe gear chance or screen either.
But as you say a cracking bike with loads of happy owners.
Wifey enjoyed riding on the back, she liked the scissy bar.
Nice vid Ian; mind how you go bud
Thanks Neil.
Nice one Ian, you can understand why the meteor has sold in such numbers....
Definitely Henry. Cheers
An interesting ride Ian 👍👍. I think that the Hunter might be the pick of the 350s for me, but I have never ridden one.
Morning GBD, yes the Hunter is nippier, and more agile, but the Meteor surprised me. Comfortable, and still quite Classic looking.
I like the bronze colour & how it has a17" rear giving you more tyre choice.Also alloy wheels making it easy to fix punctures with Mini air compressor & tyre repair kit.
Agree my friend.
I have the Super Nova and that was a very honest review you gave there Ian. I think there are quite a few people who would agree with you about the linkage and screen. I personally like both and the linkage to me is even better now I have fitted the one made by Martin Chandler. I have also added a screen extension which has improved wind deflection but it is still present at higher speeds.
I always enjoy you riding and chats.
Good evening Michael, very kind of you to say these nice things. As you can tell, I was surprisingly impressed by the Meteor. Another cracking RE 350. Cheers
Can you say where Martin’s gear linkage can be obtained? Thanks.
A very good question, hopefully @michaelburgess2993 will be able to answer.
hey ian, lovely countryside up north, last time i was in the lake district in 2018 during that heatwave in the summer. Felt like the french riviera but with vimto gin cocktails haha. Anyho ive owned this bike (black stellar) for almost two years since it came out and i absolutely love it, i do miss some power for the belgian highways but its an absolutely perfect bike for two up riding in small country roads with the missus. Ive ridden the interceptor and this one and decided on this one for the comfortable seating position. I have also ridden the meteor 650 and would absolutely love to own one but life has been busy with moving house and all of that so it will be for later. Also the seating position on the 650 is a bit more 'hunched' for me, and also it misses that sweet toe heel shifter, but the 650 engine is fantastic.
This ride was on the Cheshire Plain, much different than the Lake District. I have no doubt that once you become accustomed to the shifter, it becomes second nature, but just not for me. Definitely more comfortable than an Interceptor. The 650 Super Meteor is brilliant, and really surprised me when I did that demo ride video, though I agree, the riding position is better in the 350, but it wouldn’t stop me buying the SM. Cheers
Very nice bike , my Mate bought the same model last year same colour, he loves it , his Son bought a 350cc Hunter and even though they have bigger bikes there hooked on the Royal Enfield, so im hoping to buy a 350cc Meteor sometime this year . Great review Ian well done 👏
Thanks Carl, so pleased you enjoyed it. The J series bikes are just so addictive.
@ianhughesroyalenfield Thanks Ian 😊, I'm seriously interested in getting one , I won't rest till I do , and one good thing my Wife is in agreance with me getting one , because we've made a deal if I get a bike I'm letting her decorate the whole house to her liking 👍 😀 😊
That's what I call a great plan 👌 👍
@carlarthur4442 so no complaining if the walls are bright pink with white dots 🤣 There are some ridiculous deals to be had on new bikes due to the RE / MotoGB fall out, which has a huge knock on effect on used bike prices at the moment. You can buy a hardly used top of the range, for not a lot. Definitely a buyers market.
A sudden flashback to Honda C90’s lol. Thankyou
😂 You are welcome 🤗 Cheers
Really nice bike Ian. I like the bronze colour as well.
Thanks Rachel.
The best looking RE bike imo. I really like this model and colour. Looks like a big step up quality compared to my old Interceptor. Blacked out engine and alloy wheels look the part.
Oooo, that’s a tough statement Simon. I think my Classic 350 looks better, but looks are subjective 😉. Which Interceptor are you talking about ? Not the 2019 onwards 650 surely. If so, have you seen the new Interceptor’s. Blacked out engine, and alloy wheels 😉, though I am not overly keen on the black exhaust’s. I will hopefully taking one of those out for a demo ride fairly soon 😊
2019 Interceptor. Terrible seat, foot pegs in the way, modest build quality. Super Meteor is a big improvement but the baby meteor looks great. Classic and Bullet models never did it for me.
@simonbowen6653 I has my 2020 Interceptor from new, only sold it recently, and absolutely loved it. Touring Seat worked for me, never had an issue with the foot pegs, or the build quality. I agree the Super Meteor is a step up though, I think I did say that when I reviewed it. Again, a bike which surprised me. The little Meteor is a well built little bike. Cheers
Had mine from new but never got on with it. My riding mate has an orange crush and loves it. We're all different, I really like my T100.
@simonbowen6653 funny isn’t it. The T100 is a cracking bike, another one I need to throw my leg over 👍
The Meteor looks nice in that colour, Ian and I like the fact that it has tubeless tyres. I found my ride on the 350 Meteor last year was pleseant enough and certainly very comfortable, but I felt the top end was lacking for our 110kph long straight roads here in West Aust. Of course, if someone could up with a way of bypassing the governor in the ECU, so that the bike could comfortably cruise at that speed - which I'm sure it would - I'd be very tempted by all the Enfield 350's. Re the rocker pedal, I've ridden other bikes with them and it's simply a matter of familiarity. That said, I personally prefer a conventional pedal.
Thanks Chris. Although the 350’s are capable of over 110kph, admittedly I wouldn’t want to be doing close to that for any really long rides. I think the Super Meteor would be a better option. AussieBikerDude is certainly happy with his having traded in his Meteor and Himi for one. There are many fans of the heel and toe, I’m just not one of them 😂
Thanks Ian, I thought that too, but the Super Meteor's 242 kg's kerb weight is an issue for this almost 78-yo, as is the reality that climbing onto one caused quite a degree of hip pain that vanished as soon as I got off the bike. There's a distinct lack of decently styled (read traditionally - I don't like the transformer look) bikes that don't cost an arm and a leg, yet deliver comfort and a reasonable turn of speed that would suit local conditions.
@@chrisweeks6973 yes, very true. The only consolation with the SM, is that you don’t notice the weight on the move. Though moving it around on a gravel driveway would be difficult. I know what you mean regarding the lack of comfortable mid capacity lightweight bikes. They have all gone too tall, so much so, that you really have to lift your leg high to get onto the seat, plus the reach to the bars, tends to make you lean forward. It will be interesting to see what RE come up with in the future. Like I have often said, I can still see them coming up with a new 500. If that happens, then providing they keep the weight and price down, it maybe a contender. Have you considered the upcoming Triumph Speed 400 ? That might just fit the bill. More pep than a RE 350, lighter I think too. The price point will be crucial on that.
I have a very(!) small yard to store and turn the bike around in. I'd be very interested if Enfield had a 500, subject to weight/price, of course. Yes, the Triumph Speed 400 is definitely of interest, if they don't get greedy on price. It's due for release here in December...
@@chrisweeks6973 I will be hoping to get a ride on the Speed 400, and the Scrambler version at some point, but I don’t have a dealer close to us. The UK motorcycle press are talking about the price being about £5200 (GBP), which they really do need to get it to. I just wish I had the cash to buy one 😢
Just a quick note. Many bikes in Asia of all capacities are fitted with heal and toe shifters. I live in Indonesia and I always cut the heal section of the shifter off and adjust the angle of the toe section accordingly. Enjoy your reviews.
Thanks Stephen, didn’t know that. Perhaps it is due to a lot of riders over there, wearing flip flops/sandles, where having a regular gear lever would be painful on the foot 🤔. Glad you enjoy my reviews, not as polished as some vloggers, but honest. 😎
I bought a heel and toe shifter for my Classic 350, Absolutely hated it! took it off after 10 miles , find a single lever so much more intuitive and comfortable. ( after altering the factory position on the Classic 350 liker most people have , not being able to fit one's boot under the lever when the bike was delivered )
@@petejones1957 yep, first thing I did on my Classic too 👍
I just use the toe part , never the heel .
@barry5580 I couldn’t get my foot under it in my size 8 boots.
Enjoyable as always
Thank you.
Great review. You sure your not Ricky Hatton you sound very similar!!.
😂 err, thanks….I think 😂
An adjustable wind wing on the top of the windshield might clear up any buffeting issues. It would be quite inexpensive to try. I bought one on Ebay for about $21 and have it on the top of my sport fairing on my 1980 Honda CB750F. It works impressively well on that.
I bought one for a Tracer 900 I had a few years back. Made no difference whatsoever, and I found the only way to stop brain buzz was to remove the screen altogether. 👍
@@ianhughesroyalenfield am sure it varies with the screen it is mounted on. Mine is an EMGO sport fairing, a poly copy of a fiberglass Shoei FM5 fairing. The windscreen was slanted back at too much of a rake. Now the wind wing is on top at a str8 up and down position. It works beautifully. It is an incredible amount of wind protection for such a petite fairing.
Lovely bikes I like all the 350's Enfield's ! I reckon the heel toe changer would take a bit to get used to Ian for most I to used to ride one of the old Hondas mine was the 50cc but I did have a straight through pipe on her 😉. Speed limits are going down all over I reckon certainly around where I am , I don't reckon their is much to be done about it either . I would say it has it's place but not everywhere though , I am guessing the the engines on all the 350's are the same power wise I would say the Hunter does attract me somewhat , I will have to test some at some point to see what it is all about because their is something about these bikes that I need to explore . So would you have two 350's ? , the black engines on the new 650's look very good too they just seem to keep improving their bikes all the time .Ooop's gone on a bit here 😂 👌👍
Morning Mal, I’ll start in reverse. I am not keen on the all black 650 engines. On the Meteor, there is a nice mix, with the stainless bolts and polished fins, that would benefit the Interceptor for me, as they are too black, plus those beautiful exhausts look hideous in black, but that’s just me. Would I have two 350’s, possibly……… it would be Clementine and a Hunter, but as they are too similar, I doubt that will ever be a thing unless one comes up very cheap 🤔. Fortunately the speed limit reductions aren’t too hard to handle on the 350’s, 60 down to 50 isn’t too big a burden to bare, and 20 in a 30 isn’t actually that bad either. In some towns/villages, it’s sometimes hard to get over bloody 20mph 😂. Cheers
@@ianhughesroyalenfield Yeh I get what you say about the all black , having polished edges certainly would look much better and also yes indeed on what you say about villages and such like the traffic these days just makes it virtually impossible to get good long clear runs ,this is very noticeable when you go to Europe and see the roads there were traffic is so much lighter 👍Cheers !
@@crumblymal8479 Inam sure many will disagree about the black, but I just like shiny things 😎
I took the screen off mine, problem solved! It really doesn’t work that well, in fact the buffeting upsets the microphone on my GoPro, so it had to go. I have the TEC gear shift, and it’s been a marvellous mod. I fitted the DNA filter and intake kit, the Hitchcock stainless steel free flow exhaust and a Fuel X lite. Engine runs nicely in town traffic, acceleration is improved and most importantly the engine runs much cooler. I tried the touring seat from RE, but found it wasn’t as comfortable as the standard one. I love this bike so much it’s my daily driver even though I have a Bullet 500. I’m going to buy a 350 Classic next as a summer bike. (Bullet is for sale) the Meteor is definitely a keeper!
Hi Steve, yes the Meteor is a cracking bike, oh and did a I mention the seat 😂 These 350’s really are brilliant. Cheers mate.
Hi all & thanks for the review. I've tried all the above mods, (gear shift, DNA filter, straight through exhaust & Fuel X) but have just returned everything back to stock as I simply wasn't experiencing the degree of benefits that other were. The final straw was having to resort to using ear plugs due to increased noise from exhaust & air filter induction. My Meteor is back to being the beautiful relaxed back roads cruiser I need it to be. There is a 'fly screen' option to the touring screen too. It offers a good compromise between having no screen & protecting the speedo & tripper.
@johnrutherford4276 morning John. After just fitting the open air intake on my Classic 350, whilst still retaining the original air filter, I soon put the original back on, as over longer distances, the intake roar gave me a headache. Tbh, the gain wasn’t worth the pain 😂. I do like small screens, which cover the void between the clocks and the headlight. I had one on my Interceptor. That heel and toe shifter would have to go though 😳😂 Cheers
They don’t come with spokes anymore that right
The Meteor Aurora model does, and looks rather splendid 😉 I had a look at them on this ... ruclips.net/video/oM1i3prbBQU/видео.htmlsi=MJ0iq3kHxen2rU_o
I think the word you were looking for is that the bike isn't big, but it feels "substantial". 😎
What a wonderful word, which describes the Meteor superbly. Cheers
Morning Ian she's definitely a cruiser but I'm thinking any moment now she going to change into a sports bike 😮 😊😅😅😅
😂. Afternoon James, given a normal gear lever, it could well have done 😂 Cheers
I've just ridden from Dieppe to the Algarve and back and going in the opposite direction and going to put a screen extension on to see if that helps; pottering around the screen is great but at speed creates too much noise.I own a Classic also both bikes in bronze 😂😂
Major trip, well done. Sounds like a plan with the screen. Come back and tell us if it works. Cheers
They should make the export models in 500cc. In Western countries you need more hp. My BSA 250 singles make 22 hp and weighs 100 lbs less. 2 up it goes 60 mph all day no problem. No electronics a real simple classic motorcycle. A beautiful bike as well.
Yes, we are screaming for another 500 since the last Bullet 500 was discontinued due to being unable to meet emission rules.
@@ianhughesroyalenfield I think like HD they use that as an excuse. HD said the same thing and the Chinese came out with the Storm breaker 1200EVO Sportster copy. An ohv engine is more expensive to produce than a ohc engine. Maybe people should be grateful that they don't get domestic quality 350 Enfield motorcycles. A vlogger in Taiwan imported a gray market RE 350 and got a domestic market one and it was a POS. Found out from RE that he was shipped the wrong motorcycle. He was SOL. Big difference in quality between the two. Like night and day.
Why would you get rid of the screen? I was looking to pay more for it so on longer faster rides I'm not fighting the wind, now I'm worried it's a bad choice?
For me, it caused too much buffeting at helmet level. It did take wind off my torso though. You can hear the distortion in the audio recording, that is what the wind was doing in my helmet. If you have a look at any of my other vids, on my Classic 350, even at speeds up to 60mph, there isn’t any distortion. I also took out a Himi 411, and had the same issue with that too. Many people with these screens (not just on RE’s), end up fixing a spoiler to the top of the screen, in a vain attempt to deflect the wind over the helmet. It’s just easier to not bother. Even if you were to ride flat out (73mph) for any length of time, the wind blast isn’t that obtrusive without a screen. Hope this helps. I would just like to add, these are just my thoughts. There are probably many very happy owners with screens.
Hi Ian, did you notice if the tinware was metal or plastic.
Cheers
Baz
Hmm, to be honest no, but it looks metal.
I struggled with the gear lever. If the angle was greater so you could ride with toes and heel over lever at same time it would be great. Probably get used to it pretty quick. I only did about ten miles. Position did.nt really suit me. Feet forward and bars a bit too far back for my height.
Good afternoon, the foot position itself was fine for me. A good bike. Cheers
@@ianhughesroyalenfield Not ridden hunter yet. Everybody loves em . But again my height and age I doubt it will be comfy. Sat on one and felt too small. 6ft4. Amazing the monkey is comfy. 🙄😄
@@zedcharlie 😂, yes when you consider how much bigger than the Monkey it is 😂
Your biggest complaint was the heel/toe shifter, but I noticed that you upshifted just fine almost every time. But when you downshifted you complained almost every time which doesn't make a bit of sense because you down shift the same way you downshift any motocylce with a foot shift, Therefore I think the trouble you have with the heel/toe shifter is all in your head.
I've owned five motorcycles with heel/toe shifters and it took about two shifts to get use to them. I actually like a heel/toe shifter because I often suffer with gout.
Your complaining about the heel/toe shifter reminds me of people who complain when their ice cream is cold.
I am not keen on ice cream either Gene 😂 We just know what we like/dislike don’t we. This was my first outing on a bike with this style of gear lever, in over 45 years of riding. Clearly I was going to be apprehensive, and probably convinced myself I wasn’t going to like it, which I actually didn’t. Now whether that is all in my head, is questionable, but I stand by it now……I don’t like heel and toe gear levers 😎
I’ve done 100 miles at a time on mine without discomfort!
Morning Steven, they are good bikes. 🤗
Really good video do u have the post code or name of the shop ... 🤔
Thank you. 😊. Crewe Motorcycle Centre, West Street, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 3HQ. Phone number 01270 213575 ask for Roger, and mention me 😉. Website link in the description 😉
Good vid.
Thanks Charlie.
Small criticism - reviewing a brand new bike with an half hour drive isn’t very helpful… engine isn’t freed - brakes not bedded in and you won’t feel the tiny quirks any bike has…
Have ridden all 3 J models and absolutely love them - that much, that I‘m considering to buy a Bullet/Classic 350 which is my favorite of them.
The Meteor is on the 2nd place and is a great little bike, but I own a HD Sportster 1200, so I don’t need a 2nd Cruiser in my garage.
The Hunter is the least appealing to me as I wished a more revy and powerful engine for this frame…😇
It is a bike that pushes me in the bends to go faster and bring it to the limit, which is much over the engine power…
You have to drive it with taking the momentum with you to be fast and here the Classic feels more suited for this round style.
The Hunter frame feels more like an actual sports bike with braking hard into the corners and then accelerate out of them - but lacks the power for this style of ride…
I understand, but I can only ride what I am offered. So if it’s a brand new bike with 1 mile or less, than that’s it. I have far too much mechanical sympathy to go thrashing it. Hopefully viewers will look at my other vids of my Classic 350, to see how the J series engines evolve following the running In procedure. They are cracking bikes, and RE well deserve the success they have enjoyed with this platform. I have no doubt the new Bullet will do well, though I can’t see too many Classic owners trading them in for one. I agree, the Hunter is a different kettle of fish, sporty frame geometry, and 17” wheels, but not enough power for the riding style it is attempting to portray. Still a nice bike to ride though ! Next year, when they have more miles on the clock, I will hopefully revisit these bikes, taking them further and riding a bit harder, to bring a more “balanced” review. Thanks for your comments, always appreciated.
When I got pulled out on in a 30 zone, how fast do you think I wish I'd been going....
There’s an argument for everything……..
There certainly Is! - Love the meteor though. The urge to purchase is strong. - Maybe a late night bottle of wine away.. @@ianhughesroyalenfield
@georgealty9009 😂 that would be fatal, especially on fleaBay…..Buy it now button = Fatal 😂 The 350’s really are cracking bikes in their own right, but when you consider the price, even more so. There are plenty of very low mileage used ones out there too.
@@ianhughesroyalenfield Its how I got my last guitar..
@@georgealty9009 😂 I have been there with those too, at one point having 5 guitars and 3 amps. It wouldn’t have been so bad if I could actually play the damn things. I only managed a few power chords and could just about get by with them. Fortunately now, I just have a PRS SE Custom 22 and Marshall DSLR5 amp, which I don’t use, but the guitar makes an attractive wall ornament 🙄😂
Maybe RE is responsible for the new speed limits to sell more of the 350 line… 😇😂
😂
Nice motor
Yes indeed. Thanks
The Mudguards & side panels are plastic. There are lots of used meteors now available much cheaper than new.
Ahh, thanks David. They have done a good job of making them look metal 😳😂.
It should have hydraulic valve adjustment and a belt drive. No excuse for a chain drive in the 21st century.
I love the meteor just wished the had given it a kickstart and a slightly more classic look. It should have had the same panel as the classic. Bit of a shame in my opinion.
I think, as it came out before the Classic, the Meteor was an exercise to gauge public interest…..we know how that went 😊. I kind of agree about the kick start, but that might have increased cost. Non the less, it’s a good bike. Cheers
@@ianhughesroyalenfieldthank you for your reply. I’ll be looking at getting one soon. Perhaps a yellow fireball :)
@ have you seen the colours of the new Meteor Aurora range. They have made it more like the Classic, with spoke wheels, non painted engine and more Classic looking paintwork. I found this on Google, might just be what you are looking for (except the kickstart)…..www.bikes4sale.in/notes/c/new-bikes/4524/new-royal-enfield-meteor-350-aurora-variant-launched-led-headlamp-and-retro-aesthetics-steal-the-show
Bumpy roads!
Same everywhere 🙄 cheers