Being based in Goa and not having a Royal Enfield to ride around on seemed like a sub-optimal situation, so I made a polite phone call and procured myself a Meteor 350 for… well, as long as RE will let me have it. I’m not a fan of this particular shade of paint, but I have to say the fit and finish levels are excellent — probably the best I’ve seen on any Enfield. The bike is still gleaming from the polish it had when I got it over a month ago, and all I’ve had to do so far is wipe it down regularly with a soft cloth.
I’ve taken it on several rides all over Goa, and it’s been an excellent companion throughout. The riding position is very comfortable, as is the seat – and pillions have complimented the rear seat and back rest too. The engine’s just beginning to get into its stride (the 500-km service was carried out a short while ago) and it loves to cruise at 80+kph all day; the gearbox hasn’t missed a beat yet, either. I haven’t had the opportunity to ride it on a properly twisty road as yet, but from what I’ve seen of the way it handles, it won’t break a sweat; ride quality is very good as well.
Of course, there are niggles. The two instrument pods show different times, and although I’m sure I can adjust them manually, this is a bit annoying. The fuel gauge has a mind of its own, going from two bars to empty and back in the space of 20 seconds, which is disconcerting to say the least. Other than that, the Meteor has been a very entertaining machine thus far.
