Author Topic: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling  (Read 1742 times)

Offline ohiorider

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NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« on: October 27, 2021, 05:10:17 PM »


I couldn't find any other link on WG about this little bike, so thought I'd post one.

Apparently it is based mechanically on the RE Meteor, but really pulls from 'back when' on styling.  I couldn't find the pic I originally ran across (red and chrome with a separate pillion saddle.)  This would be a really attractive grocery getter.

There's quite a bit of video about the bike on YouTube.

Bob

https://ridermagazine.com/2021/09/14/2022-royal-enfield-classic-350-first-look-review/
« Last Edit: October 27, 2021, 05:11:36 PM by ohiorider »
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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2021, 05:23:05 PM »
It does look pretty.  For around town, I bet it would be fun.
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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2021, 05:38:08 PM »
Looks good. Can’t see too much difference from the 500cc version. My friend has one of the 500 Classics. I tried to get him excited by telling him RE was discontinuing the 500s internationally. He’s still bummed the twin-cyl Interceptor wasn’t a bigger displacement, otherwise he’d have one of them in a stable that includes the 500 Classic, a V7 Anniversario, and an Audace.

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Offline guzziart

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2021, 07:17:10 AM »
Hey Bob,

I'm sure Dale in Aurora would be happy to sell you one!

Art
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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2021, 07:17:10 AM »

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2021, 07:32:27 AM »
I test rode the 500 in the trials replica paint scheme.   It was priced the same as the interceptor 650 so you really had to want it.  If the pegs had been further back to accommodate standing I might have bought it. 

Old man Ronin is doing some reviews of the meteor 350 and it looks like a lot of bike for the money.  If the classic is priced the same it should sell well.
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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2021, 08:12:37 AM »
Hey Bob,

I'm sure Dale in Aurora would be happy to sell you one!

Art
For sure!  There's another good dealer, Motozilli, further from home, but a nice ride of roughly 40 miles each way.  You know the area.  To Hiram on SR82, continue on 305 past the track at Nelson's Ledges. 

Bob



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Offline Shorty

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #6 on: October 28, 2021, 11:54:14 AM »
I bought a Fireball Red Meteor this summer. I sold my XT250 to get it.  :sad: The XT would smoke the Meteor.  :grin:  I bought the Meteor without a test ride, simply because it fits me. The ergos are just right. It has tubeless mag wheels, dual channel ABS, a rudimentary NAV system based on Google Maps, fuel injection, a USB charger port, and comes with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty. OTD pricing about 5200 bucks.  :thumb: The bike has a pleasant exhaust note as stock. Handles well. Brakes are "By Brembo", an economy division of Brembo. Suspension is cheap. I have put a set of rear shocks on mine from a late model Bonneville. I think the thing uses gas, but it seldom requires it.  :grin:

The only real drawback is the lack of power. Top speed? I have hit 75 downhill with a tailwind, but 65 MPH is about all she'll do on level ground with no wind. (I'm not a small person.)  The customers in India who want a Meteor have been waiting for months to get their bikes. The new 350 Classic will perform similiarly with a more traditional look. I'm waiting for the rumoured Meteor 650 to appear, possibly in November at EICMA.

« Last Edit: October 28, 2021, 05:33:31 PM by Shorty »
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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2021, 06:20:36 PM »
Low power is its short coming.  I have a CSC 250.  It’s a single, 231cc, carburetor and push rods.   It makes 16.3 hp.  The RE has over a 100cc on it but can only manage 2hp more, with FI?

I can get the Chinese made CSC to 68mph with 250 lbs onboard , seems like a 350 ought to do significantly better.
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Offline Shorty

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2021, 06:30:03 PM »
Low power is its short coming.  I have a CSC 250.  It’s a single, 231cc, carburetor and push rods.   It makes 16.3 hp.  The RE has over a 100cc on it but can only manage 2hp more, with FI?

I can get the Chinese made CSC to 68mph with 250 lbs onboard , seems like a 350 ought to do significantly better.

Yep. It feels like there may be a restrictor plate on the FI inlet.  :grin: I'll prolly keep it, (unless the 650 appears and is as comfy) as it's so much fun and comfy, good for riding into my dotage.
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Offline guzziart

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #9 on: October 28, 2021, 06:41:39 PM »
For sure!  There's another good dealer, Motozilli, further from home, but a nice ride of roughly 40 miles each way.  You know the area.  To Hiram on SR82, continue on 305 past the track at Nelson's Ledges. 

Bob





You're correct, I've been there!  I made a run over after you mentioned that you saw a Griso or something over there.
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #10 on: October 28, 2021, 08:54:18 PM »
Low power is its short coming.  I have a CSC 250.  It’s a single, 231cc, carburetor and push rods.   It makes 16.3 hp.  The RE has over a 100cc on it but can only manage 2hp more, with FI?

I can get the Chinese made CSC to 68mph with 250 lbs onboard , seems like a 350 ought to do significantly better.

Well there is Torque curves and RPM involved to calculate HP.  The 350 might have a better torque curve and lower redline which means it pulls along nicely but doesn't rev high enough to calculate a decent HP number.

Of course there is gearing involved as well is the output power from the engine. 

Maybe they geared it to perform well on India roads. 
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #11 on: October 29, 2021, 06:37:46 AM »
I had a C5 Bullet and the 500cc was a nice little mill for chuffing down the 2 lane at a casual pace. It would do highway speeds (but not happily) and was comfortable. The 500 could be clocked using a sundial with me atop. I can imagine going up the mountain roads on the 350 I'd probably have to walk beside it so I didn't hold up the fully loaded triaxle log trucks behind me.

Tubeless wheel are nice but they sure do not fit in with that bike. It screams for spoke wheels. Kind of like if you were to add carbon fiber mufflers to it. It just wouldn't look right.

The classic 350 in the link does have spiked wheels.  The meteor looks fine with cast IMO. 
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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #12 on: October 29, 2021, 12:19:47 PM »
I was off a bit on my numbers.
RE HP 20 at 6100rpm
Torque 20 at 4000


CSC hp 16 at 7000
Torque 13.5 at 5500

So the RE does have more power anyway you look at it.   The CSC closes the gap with weight close to a 100lbs less.
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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #13 on: October 29, 2021, 12:25:50 PM »
I saw one at our local dealer...cute little bike...but again...NOT for the highway.... :wink: :cool: :boozing: :thumb:



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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #14 on: October 29, 2021, 01:20:38 PM »
Here's a surprise. If I would have said up.....like clockwork you'd have said down.

Actually I  only stated what was in the article.  Don't know why you have to act like the victim.  Trying to get me in trouble?
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Offline Shorty

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #15 on: October 29, 2021, 01:21:22 PM »
I was off a bit on my numbers.
RE HP 20 at 6100rpm
Torque 20 at 4000


CSC hp 16 at 7000
Torque 13.5 at 5500

So the RE does have more power anyway you look at it.   The CSC closes the gap with weight close to a 100lbs less.

I think Cycle World dyno'ed one at about 17 HP. Not a world beater, lol.
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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #16 on: October 29, 2021, 02:34:47 PM »
I think Cycle World dyno'ed one at about 17 HP. Not a world beater, lol.

I'm just using published numbers from the factories, which are at the crank.
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Offline sidecarnutz

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #17 on: October 29, 2021, 08:04:00 PM »
The folks on the RE forum I am on speak highly of it. They love the smoothness and nimble handling. Called it a perfect town bike or back road tourer. All the owners said to forget taking it on a hiway. Cons I have seen are the lack of accessories in the USA so far.

My old 2002 RE 500 Bullet could only do 50 mph smoothly. Above that it shook and shook really hard at 60. I hit 65 once and the vibes tore a chunk out of  the license plate! Cute and fun bike to get the Brit bike experience. Had great torque climbing the parkway. But few HP to speak of.

The new 650GT I got in March, by comparison is a dream. Its been totally trouble free. I set it up for sport touring and solo camping with a set of Givi bags, a wider aftermarket seat and a little flyscreen to protect  the instruments. Thicker Pro brand gel grips. It has a light slipper clutch, 2 channel ABS, the imitation Brembo's that work very well. SS factory brake lines. The fueling around town and at all rpms is superb! Very smooth and responsive. It'll hit 80 smoothly and has a sweet spot at 65-70  that I like. Its getting 70 mpg on regular fuel on joy rides out into the countryside for me. 650 has no navigation, but I wouldn't want it. My old tank bag still has a map window atop it!
I missed riding much of this Spring and Summer due to knee surgery. But no problem now to get on the bike and enjoy it.
yeah, I might be addicted to brake fluid. But I can stop any time I want.

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Offline Shorty

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #18 on: October 29, 2021, 08:12:17 PM »
The folks on the RE forum I am on speak highly of it. They love the smoothness and nimble handling. Called it a perfect town bike or back road tourer. All the owners said to forget taking it on a hiway. Cons I have seen are the lack of accessories in the USA so far.

My old 2002 RE 500 Bullet could only do 50 mph smoothly. Above that it shook and shook really hard at 60. I hit 65 once and the vibes tore a chunk out of  the license plate! Cute and fun bike to get the Brit bike experience. Had great torque climbing the parkway. But few HP to speak of.

The new 650GT I got in March, by comparison is a dream. Its been totally trouble free. I set it up for sport touring and solo camping with a set of Givi bags, a wider aftermarket seat and a little flyscreen to protect  the instruments. Thicker Pro brand gel grips. It has a light slipper clutch, 2 channel ABS, the imitation Brembo's that work very well. SS factory brake lines. The fueling around town and at all rpms is superb! Very smooth and responsive. It'll hit 80 smoothly and has a sweet spot at 65-70  that I like. Its getting 70 mpg on regular fuel on joy rides out into the countryside for me. 650 has no navigation, but I wouldn't want it. My old tank bag still has a map window atop it!
I missed riding much of this Spring and Summer due to knee surgery. But no problem now to get on the bike and enjoy it.

I found some stuff for my Meteor on EBAY with a seller in India, I bought cables, filters and a backrest so far. Some of the stuff got here in 8 days! Here's his 650 stuff:  https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_dmd=2&_ssn=r0yal-king&store_cat=0&store_name=r0yalking&_oac=1&_nkw=650
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Offline sidecarnutz

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #19 on: October 29, 2021, 09:30:40 PM »
I've bought many parts from India. No issues. If they ship FedEx, I'd have it in like 4 days. Regular mail could take 6 weeks, but it'd get here fine.

I may have more regular service supplies in stock than the dealer does. Filters, valve cover gaskets.....

Not quite as easy to service as a Guzzi, but not too bad either. Getting the valve cover and gasket back into place is very fiddley. Took me three tries to get it right when I did the break in service. But once you get to know it, it's not bad. Easy bike to take good care of! I feel confident taking care of it now.
yeah, I might be addicted to brake fluid. But I can stop any time I want.

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Offline krglorioso

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #20 on: October 29, 2021, 10:48:46 PM »
As the article states, this little piggie has a curb weight of 430#.  My '21 Enfield Interceptor 650 comes ex factory at around 470# curb weight and a change to a TEC 2 into 1 light stainless exhaust brought that down by 27#, so only 13# heavier than the Meteor 350.

No thanks.

Ralph
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Offline Dimitri_Harkov

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #21 on: October 30, 2021, 03:57:42 AM »
You really have to ride one to judge it.
Had a several hour test ride on the Meteor 350.

Those forward controls are not my cup of tea, nor is it's general styling.
But man - it is fun to drive!
Has more than enough power for city and none-highway riding, is a joy in the corners too and sounds lovely.

When the new Classic 350 is here next year, I'll certainly give it a go too.

Smiles per mile are off the scale :)

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D.
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Offline grebmrof

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #22 on: October 30, 2021, 05:24:58 AM »
I like the looks of that 350 Classic, just not sure that I could accept that it would be pretty much limited to city streets and back roads.  Traffic is vicious these days and inattentive to boot.  Not a day passes where even in an auto you don't have close calls with other "drivers" out there.  BUT, I do love the looks of their new Classic 350.  Maybe a test ride will make me part with some money next season.  But then there are always nice used bikes (from Japan) to consider.
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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #23 on: October 30, 2021, 07:40:25 AM »
As alternative to the 350 Meteor, I keep looking at the 400cc Himilayan also... :thumb: :thumb:

Great little bike for just putt-putt-putting around town...  I like it in "Lake Blue" :wink: :thumb: :cool: :boozing:







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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #24 on: October 30, 2021, 09:08:28 AM »
The folks on the RE forum I am on speak highly of it. They love the smoothness and nimble handling. Called it a perfect town bike or back road tourer. All the owners said to forget taking it on a hiway. Cons I have seen are the lack of accessories in the USA so far.

My old 2002 RE 500 Bullet could only do 50 mph smoothly. Above that it shook and shook really hard at 60. I hit 65 once and the vibes tore a chunk out of  the license plate! Cute and fun bike to get the Brit bike experience. Had great torque climbing the parkway. But few HP to speak of.

The new 650GT I got in March, by comparison is a dream. Its been totally trouble free. I set it up for sport touring and solo camping with a set of Givi bags, a wider aftermarket seat and a little flyscreen to protect  the instruments. Thicker Pro brand gel grips. It has a light slipper clutch, 2 channel ABS, the imitation Brembo's that work very well. SS factory brake lines. The fueling around town and at all rpms is superb! Very smooth and responsive. It'll hit 80 smoothly and has a sweet spot at 65-70  that I like. Its getting 70 mpg on regular fuel on joy rides out into the countryside for me. 650 has no navigation, but I wouldn't want it. My old tank bag still has a map window atop it!
I missed riding much of this Spring and Summer due to knee surgery. But no problem now to get on the bike and enjoy it.

To which Royal Enfield forum are you referring?  Seems to be several of them.  Thanks.
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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #25 on: October 30, 2021, 09:14:22 AM »
As the article states, this little piggie has a curb weight of 430#.  My '21 Enfield Interceptor 650 comes ex factory at around 470# curb weight and a change to a TEC 2 into 1 light stainless exhaust brought that down by 27#, so only 13# heavier than the Meteor 350.

No thanks.

Ralph

good points.  My wife and I recall thinking we would get run over from behind on our Suzuki DR 350's, which, had about 6 more HP, and was 120 lbs lighter, IIRC, than the Meteor.  The DR 650 would have twice the HP, four times the torque, and be 70 plus lighter.

No doubt the Meteor is a fun bike, but it would be tough to justify unless the environment was suitable.
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #26 on: October 30, 2021, 09:38:56 AM »
I like the looks of that 350 Classic, just not sure that I could accept that it would be pretty much limited to city streets and back roads.  Traffic is vicious these days and inattentive to boot.  Not a day passes where even in an auto you don't have close calls with other "drivers" out there.  BUT, I do love the looks of their new Classic 350.  Maybe a test ride will make me part with some money next season.  But then there are always nice used bikes (from Japan) to consider.

Definitely your choice in motorcycle needs to be based on where you live and ride, along with what your desires are out of said motorcycle.  I fell in love with the looks of the RE Bullet 500 Trials Replica.  But after the test ride I realized that it would not meet my wants for where and how I ride. 





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Offline 9fingers

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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #27 on: October 30, 2021, 09:50:42 AM »
I haven't ridden a Meteor 350 (too much cruiser style for me), but I do have a Classic 500 Chrome and not only is it beautiful but also tons of fun to ride. I have done the BRP on it twice, over 1,000 miles. Some people look at me like I'm nuts while others applaud. The smaller Royal Enfields are not about going fast....mine tops out at about 80 but gets squirrely well before then. They are about enjoying the ride, the scenery, life, whatever. Nothing wrong with taking things at a relaxed pace for a change. I love my V7 III more but the 500 still puts a grin on my face when I ride her. I was actually going to buy the Continental GT 650 to add to the collection when a pop up alerted me to promo on the V7 last year. The difference in price was minimal and I got a more interesting, better bike. But don't count out the small Royal Enfields, they are great back roads bikes for those not in a hurry.
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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #28 on: October 31, 2021, 11:20:13 AM »
Ole Man Ronin's Meteor 1000 mile review:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9FeTu9QXC0
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Re: NGC - 350cc RE Meteor with Classic styling
« Reply #29 on: November 02, 2021, 07:04:55 PM »
I sat on a meteor today at the dealer.  It has a nice look, nice fit and finish, but it was definitely on the small side compared to the bikes around it and especially compared to the Road Glide I pulled up on.   They also had a used Triumph America and it felt somewhat cramped to me also. 

I can see why the Royal Enfields are good sellers.  They are decent bikes at a nice price point. 
2022 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2018 V7 III Carbon Dark #0009 of 1921
2018 Road Glide Special
2021 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2017 Suzuki Van Van 200
2009 Harley Davidson Softail Custom

 

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