Royal Enfield’s local distributor, Urban Moto Imports, has confirmed that the new Meteor 350 cruiser will hit Australian showrooms in early 2021.
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 builds upon the now-discontinued Thunderbird range, with a number of chassis and engine improvements.
While local specifications have yet to be locked in, the bike is built in three full-time variants, Fireball, Stellar and Supernova, each powered by a 349cc EFI long-stroke single.
The updated donk delivers 15kW (20.2hp) and 27Nm, matched to a conventional five-speed gearbox.
A ‘stronger, stiffer and more durable’ chassis hosts 41mm forks and preload adjustable emulsion shocks, while brakes measure 300mm with twin-piston callipers at the front, and 270mm with a single-piston setup at the rear.
Most notable on the Meteor 350 is its new dash with sat-nav, smartphone connectivity and USB charging.
The Indian bikemaker today unveiled the Meteor 350 via an online event hosted by Royal Enfield boss Sid Lal, who expressed his appreciation for the “quintessential American style cruiser” in a long-winded, yet remarkably high production spiel.
While not the company’s first cruiser, the Meteor 350 will be the only of its kind in Australia, and is positioned for a global audience with its higher level of specification and diverse option catalogue.
“The refinement and response is reminiscent of motorcycles in a much higher capacity and price class, and opens up doors for Royal Enfield in markets around the world where commuters are evolving into leisure riders,” said Royal Enfield chief executive officer Sid Lal.
“The Meteor gives a supreme level of confidence and the right amount of feedback to riders of all abilities and is built to be your ally for travels and adventures for years and even decades.”
In early 2021, The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will join the Classic 350, Classic 500, Bullet 500, Himalayan, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 in the brand’s local line-up.
Exact specifications and pricing details will be disclosed closer to launch.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
