Should I buy a New Meteor?

[detainer]

Thanks for all these replys to my posting.
Im pretty sure now that I will get a 360 Meteor but now Im asking ( yes AGAIN !! ) for your help here.
Ive tried to do as much research as I can on line but would really like some information from actual users
and not from journalists or so called independant reviewers.

The simple questions are >

Why are there so many variations of the Meteor?
Im bewildered by all the options or so it seems.
Whats the difference apart from cosmatics like chrome bits and is the chrome of decent quality etc

I'd appreciate some views of which 350 is the best of the lot and why?
I assume ? the engine is common to them all in terms of performance etc etc.

Which model did you buy and why that one?

At my age this will probably be my last bike unfortunatly and ik really dont want to get it wrong
if at all possible,
From what I see on line there seems to be as much as £ 1000 difference between the cheapest ( fireball)
and the dearest ( Stellar / Classic) ???? Please put me right if Ive got all this wrong.
Still cant get a demo ride so I guess its a case of taking a bit of a risk but so what....LOL

Once again thanks for your patiece and any replys..

Jack

 

[Aitrus]

1 - The only difference between the Fireball, Stellar, and Supernova are these: the Fireball is the base model, Stellar adds a pillion backrest, and the Supernova adds the pillion backrest and windscreen. Each model has colors that are specific to it and aren't available in the other models. There's some small differences in tank badging. Those are the only differences. There are no mechanical differences.

2 - Chrome appears to be average quality. It's not skimpy, but it's not top-of-the-line Harley either. Just average "good enough" quality.

3 - Which one is the best of the lot really depends on your color preferences and whether you want the pillion backrest and windscreen. You can buy a Fireball or Stellar in a color you like and add the backrest and/or windscreen later. Or you can buy a Supernova in the color you like and take off the extras to sell here or on ebay.

4 - Engine is the same between the three models. Same with all other hardware.

5 - I got the Supernova Brown. I like having a little wind protection and the pillion backrest helps hold my backpack in place as I ride to work or on weekend trips. The only other choices I had from the 5 dealerships within 3 hours of me all had Fireball models in either yellow or red, colors which I do not like. I liked the Stellar Blue the best, but it wasn't available anywhere within a half-day's ride from me. The dealership had also installed some aftermarket canvas saddlebags + mounts and threw them into the bargain because the bike was a floor model used to show off the new Meteor line at their dealership.

The reason that there's so many models and color choices is because RE recognizes something that the majority of the other manufacturers don't: customers want a wider choice of colors other than "black, and not black".

Finally, the Classic and the Meteor are different models of motorcycle. The Classic 350 is the updated version of their old Classic line that first began in 2009 (and was inspired from their G2 1948 Bullet model). The Meteor replaces their previous Thunderbird line of light cruisers. Both the Classic and Meteor have the same J-series engine, but the frames, footpeg placement, and handlebar style / height are different enough that there's a difference in the rider's triangle. That seating difference is the main differentiator between the two models. The Classic sits like a standard: feet almost directly under the hips and a slight lean forward, while on the Meteor the feet are under the knees and a straight-up / slight lean backward angle (depending on how long of arms / torso you have). Sitting on a Classic is like sitting on a bicycle, while sitting on a Meteor is like sitting on an office / computer chair.

 

[Macamx]

The price difference between the variants is so small so as to mean the colour could be the defining criteria. I bought a Supernova and immediately ditched the screen and backrest. I initially bought a Classic but did not really gel with it but loved the motor so swapped it for the Meteor which to me felt a lot more responsive. Going to try and possibly add a Hunter as I am led to believe is even more responsive still. I believe that the majority of Classic buyers do so in the main due to the styling of the machine and I can fully understand why. If however laid back , comfortable, B road bend swinging is the order of the day then you would be hard pushed to better the Meteor.

 

[smilespergallon]

Meteor comes in 3 variations. Fireball (no backrest), Stellar (backrest) and Supernova (backrest and windshield). Each of those in a number of colors, my advice is to pick the color you like best and option it out for the level of touring you expect to do with it.

The 350s from RE are all the same, I hear the Classics get different engine mapping but can not confirm that. The J platform is the J platform, it's a workhorse of a little thumper.

I got the Fireball in red because the wife dislikes chrome and has no need of the backrest for a passenger that will never sit there. Her one complaint is that you can't strip off the pillion seat like on my Classic.

For 2023 there may be some variation in Tripper (satnav display) availability. Here in the USA we only get the tripper on Supernova models where it was on all models in 2022. I have the whole unit on order, bracket bolts and display were about $160 USD via my local dealership.

Once you ride one, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the torque available and think it's a bigger bike right up until you try to climb a hill at 60-65mph. Then you remember it's a low-strung 350 instead of something with power to spare.

 

[MMRanch]

What "Smilespergallon" said * 2

I'll add , going up hill in 4th gear works. Fourth gear gets to the 119 km/h speed limiter at the same time it gets to the 6100 rpm / limiter. Fifth gear (would) meet the 6100 limiter at 92 mph if the speed limiter was gone and the hill was angled down enough !

It cruises at 45-70 mph just fine. And returns GREAT FUEL MILLAGE too !

Gearing to run 90 , power to run 80 , and a speed-limiter to run 74 mph. And ... near 100 mpg if ya really try to be conservative. What more could ya ask for ?

 

[RTD]

Supernova Brown, here. And my choice was mostly for the color. I’ll never have a passenger so I swapped the backrest for the rails without it. And I ended up changing the tall windscreen for the tinted flyscreen (a better match for bar-end mirrors, in my humble). So for me it was all about that root-beer brown.

But really, if the machine fits you physically, you can’t go wrong with any of the variants. Crucially, it’s damned fun to ride. Some folks have issues with the heel-shifter but I took to it quickly & wouldn’t want to ever go back...

 

[detainer]

Many many thanks for putting my questions so very clearly and youve all answered my
problems re the differences ( ikf any).
I will try to get a sit on both the Classic as I prefer the foot pegs position being a little more to the
rear that forward and Ill try out a Stella /Supernova as well just in case.

I really do appreciate your help and patience with some of my more basic questions.

Jack

 

[smilespergallon]

I did some back to back rides on the Classic and Meteor (same route, same day) and wrote up a short review of the differences that I experienced between the two bikes.

Classic 350 and a Meteor.

I have a Red and Chrome Classic 350 and am considering buying a Meteor as well using the Meteor as the daily workhorse and the Classic as the Sunny Sunday afternoon potterer. Don’t suppose anyone else on here owns or has owned both examples. If so your view would be appreciated.

royalenfieldowners.com

Hope that can help you make the right choice for you.

 

[ChampRoyal]

detainer (Jack)

I have just bought a meteor (by default rather than design) but was really impressed when I did an earlier test ride & being tight (I prefer the term careful) liked the £40 odd Road Tax rather than being punished for the extra 11cc of the Him' or Scram.

I was going to test ride the Hunter but lack of demo bikes held that up & the meteor came my way. My mate is going for the Hunter as he doesn't like the 'cruiser' style of the Meteor.

However you can test ride both at Bowen Moto in Canterbury Kent (appreciate its a PIA to get to for you but maybe make it an overnighter.

I have sat on a Hunter and the seat seemed wider,slightly taller while the Meteor weighs 11kg more IIRC.

If you are prepared to wait I believe prices will lower or better cash deals be available as residues slip and folk PX their 350 Meteor for the 650cc as the UK thrives on larger capacity machines (especially if RE make a restrictor kit available)

Colchester Kwasaki/Global Moto are selling 2022MY Meteors for £3600 BNIB (though I would never buy from them personally I know folk who have & seem happy)

Hopefully that'll give your swede something to mull over

 

[Grayson Bellingham]

Not wanting to upset anyone but all round your old Yamaha SR400/500 was in many ways a better bike.
However a meteor/classic/hunter will be a doddle to ride. Just easy. It's like they thought people are getting old and they will need this. If you were struggling with the Yamaha the Himalayan / Scram imight not be right. Don't be put off by the low top speed of the 350s they have a soft limiter.

Ps I don't know about the comments about 250 Suzuki's. I had the GSX250 and it wasn't fast, didn't have a kick start and burned alternators. The earlier 2 stroke were maybe different but those are rare beats.

 

[ChampRoyal]

Im pretty sure now that I will get a 360 Meteor but now Im asking ( yes AGAIN !! ) for your help here.
Ive tried to do as much research as I can on line but would really like some information from actual users
and not from journalists or so called independant reviewers.
Jack

Did you buy one?

 

[detainer]

I'm afraid not.
It's NOT off the menu by any means but my better half has suffered a stroke so
the Meteor has temp gone on the back burner unfortunatly.

 

[Woodstock]

I'm afraid not.
It's NOT off the menu by any means but my better half has suffered a stroke so
the Meteor has temp gone on the back burner unfortunatly.

Sorry to hear. You know your priorities are correct.

 

[ChampRoyal]

I'm afraid not.
It's NOT off the menu by any means but my better half has suffered a stroke so
the Meteor has temp gone on the back burner unfortunatly.

Gutted to hear this news & wishing them a speedy recovery. When you feel the time is right shout out & perhaps I can ride up to your neck of the woods and you can test ride my Meteor to help you decide.

 

[detainer]

Thanks a lot for your good wishes. It means a lot to me and you, ChampRoyal,
well what can I say. Thats such an unexpected and truly AMAZING offer.
More than i deserve.!
Cheers everybody.

Jack

 

[SwiftyMorgan]

Just buy it. Hopefully your Wife will bond with it.... and keep all the little bits clean and shiny.

View attachment 8624

This is so true. My first bike was an 05 Honda Shadow. When I brought it home, there was a slight drizzle. I went in the truck to grab something, and when I returned my wife was taking a beach towel to drying it. Good thing, because until that day (2021) that bike had never been in the rain. Sold the bike. Still have the wife!

 

[Cadge38]

Hi @detainer, Here is a walk-around video of my 2022 Meteor 350 ;-)

Nice, I bought the 2022 Fireball in yellow have all the same mods apart from tail Tidy and sprocket, fitted a Fuel X pro set to 8 all hidden under the right side pannel.
Sounds great with the Red Rosster and although I have just done the 300 mile service pulls great even in top gear.

 

[AllanC]

Just sold my last bike a Yamaha SR400. Nice bike but kickstart only and at my age I'd like electric start.
I'm thinking of a 350 Meteor Stella and want to do some summer / autumn touring where I might be away for 4 or 5 weeks.
I've loked at another Himalayan but its a tad tall for my hight getting on and off with luggage etc.
Question is this.......... Will I be dissapointed regarding the performance for long distances and can you guys tell me
if the Meteor can be run at high(ish?) revs ( 60 or 65 MPH) for maybe an hour while I'm getting places on long boring
stretches of road?
I cant get a test ride at any of the local/ish dealers because they say their test rideage limit is 70 ys old.
I'm not getting any younger , well over 70 now and I'm done with Rice Rockets and 100 BHP stuff. Thats all behind me now .
Any thoughts or advice appreciated.
Be kind please.
Thanks, Jack.

PS. Would the new Hunter 350 be a better olption? if so why please.

Hi, I'm 70 and just bought a SM650. Really pleased with the performance and handling. My last bikes were KTM 690 Duke and Monster 1200, so I am slowing down also. Lol.

 

[psychobry]

Well guys thats far more then idared to hope for from you and Aitrus's report is amazing and very help[ful.
Far more than I probably deserve and its settled a lolt of doubts in my mind so a huge thanks to you Sir.
And thanks to you all once again.

On the basis of all your help I think i'm going to try to get a new Meteor and so I need to beg for one more favour.
Is there anyone in the North West UK ( Lancashikre / Merseyside ) here who has bought a Meteor?
If so where did you buy it and what was the buying experience like regards the dealership?
I've heard and read a lot about dealers bending over backwards when your buying a bike but seemingly dont give a S**T
afterwards.
Its been a while since i bought a new bike ( Honda VFR) and that dealer no longer exists. (Bill Head, Preston)
A true gentleman and respected dealership.

Ride Safe.

Thanks, Jack

Just broken a memory. I bought my first bike from them in 1983 - lovely little Honda CB100N.

 

[spencel]

Just sold my last bike a Yamaha SR400. Nice bike but kickstart only and at my age I'd like electric start.
I'm thinking of a 350 Meteor Stella and want to do some summer / autumn touring where I might be away for 4 or 5 weeks.
I've loked at another Himalayan but its a tad tall for my hight getting on and off with luggage etc.
Question is this.......... Will I be dissapointed regarding the performance for long distances and can you guys tell me
if the Meteor can be run at high(ish?) revs ( 60 or 65 MPH) for maybe an hour while I'm getting places on long boring
stretches of road?
I cant get a test ride at any of the local/ish dealers because they say their test rideage limit is 70 ys old.
I'm not getting any younger , well over 70 now and I'm done with Rice Rockets and 100 BHP stuff. Thats all behind me now .
Any thoughts or advice appreciated.
Be kind please.
Thanks, Jack.

PS. Would the new Hunter 350 be a better olption? if so why please.

I'm 72 and just bought a new Meteor 350, stepping down from a VFR800. I'm delighted with it and now have time to appreciate the scenery at 60 mph instead of focusing on the horizon at 100+. Incedentley I'd no difficulty getting a test ride. (GS Motorcycles in Ballymena N Ireland).