Discussions and Questions Royal Enfield - Page 7
Exclusively: How does the Meteor 350 fare by way of comfort on long rides vs others in the class?
13 January 2025 06:57
Being someone who has ridden the Meteor and the Honda H'ness CB350, I’d say the Meteor is more comfortable for long rides. The suspension is softer, this is great when driving on bumpy roads. But, at higher speeds the H'ness feels more stable. Really, it depends on your riding style and the type of roads you will be on.
Is the Meteor 350's retro looks too impractical for everyday use?
13 January 2025 06:57
I love the look, but it has to be said that it does compromise some practicality. For daily use, it can be annoying that there are no modern features such as a USB port or a comprehensive digital display. Additionally, the classic round headlight isn’t as effective as some modern LED setups you’ll find on the latest eMTBs for night riding.
So, how does the Meteor 350 fare when compared to more modern 350-400cc bikes?
13 January 2025 06:57
The Meteor’s handling is good for what it is, but it does seem a tad old school compared to bikes like Honda’s CB350 or even Royal Enfield’s own Classic 350. At higher speeds, the vibrations can be annoying and it has a bit of trouble on steep inclines. But it’s got character that a lot of modern bikes don’t have.
Has the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 lived up to all the hype, or is it all just clever marketing?
13 January 2025 06:57
But I'd say the Meteor deserves most of the hype. It's not aiming to be the fastest or most advanced bike, it’s about giving a certain riding experience and it does this really well. It's smooth engine, comfortable ride and classic looks all mixed together to be more than the sum of its parts. Plus, the price is something that most riders can afford.
Is the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 actually a good first bike for beginners?
13 January 2025 06:57
I can say that as a Meteor 350 owner, it is a very good first bike. It's easy to ride in city traffic with the low end torque and the build quality gives you confidence. But there’s not much here in the way of modern features that a beginner might find useful, like a gear indicator.
And how does it compare to modern retro styled bikes?
13 January 2025 06:52
It depends on what you want. Machismo is the way to go if nostalgia is what you're after, and you don't mind tinkering. If you want retro look with hassle free riding, pick modern.
What do I need to modify or upgrade to ride a Royal Enfield Machismo 500 on a daily basis?
13 January 2025 06:52
Upgraded brakes are a must. Today's standards are that the stock ones are sketchy. Better pads and maybe even a disc conversion up front.
Tell us about the most memorable experience you’ve had (or heard about) with a Royal Enfield Machismo 500.
13 January 2025 06:52
Charity ride, used my Machismo. We raised more money than we expected because of how much attention the thumping sound drew. Everywhere we stopped, it was a conversation starter.
Is the Machismo 500 still relevant in today’s motorcycle market?
13 January 2025 06:52
That depends from what you want. If you can deal with some maintenance and want a vintage feel the Machismo is great. Newer bikes are better for commuting, however.
What is the biggest misconception surrounding owning a Royal Enfield Machismo 500?
13 January 2025 06:52
The idea that you need to be a mechanic to own one is way off. It's not rocket science to maintain basic maintenance and most problems are easy fixes.
Was the Machismo 350 actually any better than the other bikes, or was it just all a bunch of marketing?
13 January 2025 06:40
I’m a mechanic, and I can tell you the changes were more than cosmetic. It does tweak the frame and suspension which does improve handling. It's not revolutionary but it's there.
Is the Machismo 350 cult following justified, or just nostalgia fuelled?
13 January 2025 06:40
It’s not about the specs of the bike, it’s about the cult following of the overall experience. There’s something to the Machismo that modern bikes lack, and it’s something worth celebrating.
Is the Royal Enfield Machismo 350 really the best handling Bullet that Royal Enfield ever made?
13 January 2025 06:40
Absolutely! I've ridden the Machismo and standard Bullets and the Machismo feels much more nimble. It makes a huge difference in tight turns because of its lighter weight.
Did the AVL lean burn engine in the Machismo 350 really solve Royal Enfield's reliability problems?
13 January 2025 06:40
I worked on the AVL engine as a mechanic and I can tell you it was easier to work on and more reliable. It’s still a Royal Enfield, so expect some issues, but let’s be real.
Was the Machismo 350 a half baked attempt at modernization or ahead of its time?
13 January 2025 06:40
I would call it a natural step in RE evolution. It wasn’t perfect, but it at least showed that they were willing to change or adapt. That's pretty forward thinking for RE at the time.
As long-distance tourers, what sets the KTM 390 Adventure apart from the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450?
13 January 2025 06:40
I've set up camp on both, and honestly, after touring on them both, I have more confidence in the KTM's more advanced electronics (like traction control and cornering ABS), especially in bad weather.
How does the Interceptor 350 fair against the Meteor 350 for daily commuting?
13 January 2025 06:36
For every day use I'd pick the Meteor. It helps keep your back and wrists more relaxed because it's easier to ride in a relaxed position when you wait at those long traffic lights. Plus it has a lower seat height, which is good for those that are shorter.
Are aftermarket parts and modifications really needed to upgrade the performance of the Interceptor 350?
13 January 2025 06:36
A first rule I'd say is to focus on ergonomic mods. Most things that will make you enjoy riding more than you currently do are things like a more comfortable seat or adjustable levers that will annoy no one other than you.
How is the Interceptor 350 as a long term ownership proposition?
13 January 2025 06:36
It's been rock solid, I've had mine for 3 years now. But it's not any more demanding than other bikes I’ve owned and regular maintenance is key. These new RE engines are much more reliable than their old reputation would have you believe.
Is the Royal Enfield Interceptor 350 a good beginner bike?
13 January 2025 06:36
It depends on the rider. If you are a bigger person or have some experience on smaller bikes then go for it! However, if you’re petite, or if you’re a complete novice to two wheels, you may prefer to start with something a bit more manageable.
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