The premier cruiser, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, shares the same design with the original Thunderbird 359, in terms of the bike’s original silhouette. The only difference in the new model is the new colour options as well as the revamped tail-lamp portion. There has been a significant improvement in the finishing and fit, and Royal Enfield even integrates superior quality body parts. The new tapered hand grips and rotary switches brings a retorques vibe, however, it would take some time for the riders before they become used to the pass switch. The top variant, Supernova, features a windscreen and standard pillion backrest and is accompanied by an attractive design. However, the tail section of the bike appears to be a little out of place including the rear fender and the tail lamp. 

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 comes with a brand-new twin-cradle frame which is used for underpinnings, and it is powered by a 4-stroke, single cylinder, SOHC mill that produces a whopping maximum power of 20.2bhp at 6100rpm, along with a peak torque of 27Nm at 4000rpm. The conventional pushrod design on the previous Royal Enfield engines has been replaced by the new motor. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 now features an overhead camshaft, along with a primary balancer shaft, enabling higher refinement while taking turns and higher revs as well. A 5-speed gear has been integrated in the bike’s engine for ensuring hassle-free and convenient gear shifting, which was not common to its previous models. The bike’s kerb weight being 183Kg, still lighter than Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350, and the wheelbase of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is comparatively longer, ensuring enhanced straight-line stability. 

While riding, the riders are able to get a brand-new feeling with the Royal Enfield Meteor 350. The bike’s refinement levels are impressive and there is no clattering with the engine at all. While city cruising, the revs of the engine feel super smooth and free. The 2-valve air-cooled engine brings more refinement to the bike and sheer engineering excellence has reduced vibrations, promising seamless riding experience to the rider. The bike comes with accurate and crisp throttle responses and this is accompanied by top notch fuelling and therefore, the bike exhibits fabulous responses even when driven at a speed lower than 60Kmph. It rides in a more sprightly and eager fashion. 

The riding position of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is typical of a regular cruiser, and the seat height of the bike is lower compared to its previous model Thunderbird 350, however, the foot pegs are forward set, leading to a slightly difficult and tight riding position and stance. Therefore, this is an ergonomic issue, which means the new position does not come with the same comfort offered by its predecessor, the Thunderbird models, especially the first-generation bikes. For long rides, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 delivers a good riding experience, however, there is something about the ergonomics that need improvement. The rear suspension of the bike is positioned on the stiffer side along with the cradle chassis, making the vehicle surer footed and planted, especially while taking a curve or riding around the corner.