Earlier this week, Royal Enfield announced the Meteor 350 cruiser for the Indian market, but there was no word on it coming to Canada. Now, it’s been confirmed for Canada, along with another scrambler model.
The Meteor 350 is a replacement for Royal Enfield’s Bullet 350 line. For now, there’s just a cruiser, although down the road it’s possible Royal Enfield will stuff the engine into another chassis.
Anyway, for the full skinny (horsepower, weight, etc.), check out our initial write-up here. Royal Enfield’s press release (below) confirms the machine will have dual-channel ABS, which is one question mark we had about the bike. Note that the press release does not give us an MSRP or an arrival date; it just says the machine is coming to North America in 2021, and we understand that plan includes Canada.
Also note the press releases mention of a heel-and-toe gearshift, and its statement that “Uncluttered handlebar controls and switchgear are premium quality, with rotary power and lighting switches giving a gentle nod to the past.” Even though it’s only a 350, Royal Enfield seems determined to claim premium status with this machine. Indeed, in its home market, this would be considered a top-shelf bike.
What of the scrambler? Royal Enfield hasn’t sent us an official communique on this machine, but the Bullet Trials 500 seems to be coming to North America, as it’s listed on the Canadian website now.Â
We told you about the Trials series back in 2019; now, with the Bullet 350 discontinued, that model isn’t coming here, but the 500 should be. It’s a basic, old-school bike, built around the ancient-but-updated Bullet 500 platform. The air-cooled single (with five-speed gearbox) should make about 28 horsepower, and the bike weighs around 420 pounds. It’s no lightweight modern trials machine, but it should make a fun runabout for back roads and coffee shop parking lots.
Again, we haven’t seen pricing for the Trials machine yet.
Press release
ROYAL ENFIELD LAUNCHES THE ALL-NEW CRUISER, THE METEOR 350
The iconic cruiser returns in the modern era with select model trims to be released in the Americas in Spring 2021
Milwaukee, Wis (Wednesday, November 11th, 2020) – Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc-750cc), recently announced the launch of its all-new cruiser, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 in India and will be available in select model trims in the Americas in 2021. The new Meteor 350 adds another chapter to Royal Enfield’s legacy of producing beloved mid-sized motorcycles.
The Meteor 350 inherits its name from the iconic Royal Enfield motorcycle of the 1950’s. Launched at the end of 1952, the Meteor was a respected touring motorcycle with a reputation that has stood the test of time. The new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 cruiser, carries Royal Enfield’s signature styling but with many modern improvements, and is set to be an equally outstanding machine for our times.
Designed and developed by the talented teams of designers and engineers based at Royal Enfield’s two state-of-the-art technical centers, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and Bruntingthorpe, UK, the Meteor 350 is an undeniably attractive motorcycle. The development and refinement such as the mechanical components, fittings and finish has yielded a truly top-class, modern motorcycle, while retaining the Meteor 350’s Royal Enfield DNA. With a fuel injected, 349cc air-oil cooled single-cylinder engine, the Meteor generates 20.2 bhp and 19 ft-lbs of torque at 4000 rpm. Designed with a balancer shaft, the new platform gives a smooth and well-mannered ride experience, while great care has been taken to retain that essential Royal Enfield ‘thump’.
The Meteor 350’s twin downtube spline frame has been designed to inspire confidence in any riding condition. Its low seat height and centre of gravity in combination with its inherent strength and rigidity results in the optimal motorcycle for the urban rider. Sure-footed handling and luxurious comfort are aided by 41mm forks with 130mm of travel and twin tube emulsion shock absorbers with 6-step adjustable preload at the rear. The footpegs are forward-mounted, with a heel and toe gearshift.
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will be available in three trims − the Fireball, the Stellar and the Supernova. All editions are fitted with alloy wheels and tubeless tires are standard, giving riders convenience and peace of mind, especially on long journeys. For added comfort a 100/90 – 19 tire is used on the front and a 140/70 – 17 at the rear. Braking components are the strongest on a Royal Enfield single to date, with 300mm front and 270mm rear discs and dual-channel ABS.
The Meteor 350’s head and tail lights combine the clean, contemporary look of LEDs with the efficiency and timeless appeal of a well-sorted Halogen headlamp. Uncluttered handlebar controls and switchgear are premium quality, with rotary power and lighting switches giving a gentle nod to the past.
The Meteor 350 will be available at dealerships in North America in Spring 2021.
No dealers = no sales, come on RE let’s go !
The Royal Enfields do look interesting but I think the lack of dealers will be a problem . Hopefully they can rectify that going forward as they seem to be priced right.
Honda makes the India only H’ ness 350 that to my eye looks better than this new Meteor 350. In fact I’d seriously consider the Honda if it ever made it to our shores.