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**B7ACKTHORN** · 12-07-2020, 07:16 PM

Thread Approved

Cheers!
VJ

**Vikashmalya** · 12-14-2020, 12:36 PM

Hi Gandalf,

All’s well that ends well...

Congratulations! Hope you are having a great time with the beast.

The bike looks huge and awesome.

Indicative date of delivery of my bike is in Feb 21. It’s a long wait.. hopefully it will all be worth it in the end.

**alkemyst** · 12-14-2020, 09:34 PM

Originally posted by GandalfTheGrey View Post

Hi all,

I picked up my Meteor 350. I booked the bike on Nov 7th, and got the bike on Dec 4th.

Need/Want for new bike: I was a happy FZ25 user since 2017, but me being on the taller side, the posture started to become little tiring to ride. I installed a Lluvia handlebar raiser, and was managing it. I was married on Feb, then rides with wife as pillion increased. Moreover the itch to buy a bike that suited my height already started. Shortlisted Himalayan, as that was the only bike that suited my requirement, and budget. I would've picked up a BS6 Himalayan in March if Covid hadn't happened. Then in September/October, we started again thinking of new bike, and were contemplating whether to invest in a new bike in these uncertain times. We were only discussing, and didn't seriously give a thought about a new bike. Then CB350 was launched, and from reviews, I decided that's likely the one for me. I was eagerly waiting for Big Wing to open in Chennai, but there was no news of it. Then Meteor launched. I was very reluctant as I'm not an RE fanboy, and I was sure I wouldn't pick an unreliable bike with vibey engine. The reviews came out on Day 1 after launch, and were very promising. I checked the bike on Day 1 of the launch itself, and was impressed with its looks, but returned as TDs were not provided.

The impulsive booking: I never buy anything impulsively, and may be this is the first time I did so, because we have not finalized whether to buy a bike. I happened to pass by RE showroom on Day 2, so just thought of visiting the showroom for a TD. My wife and I took a TD of the Meteor. I was very very impressed with the bike and its performance. The bike was very comfortable, decently torquey, and vibe free. I was sold by the end of TD. The sales guy asked whether we're going to book one, and I looked at my wife and asked what she felt about the bike. She responded that she liked the bike, and I immediately told the sales guy that we're going to book the bike. We completed the booking formalities, and returned home. The impulsive decision had violent reactions from wife after coming back home, but I'm happy that I lived through to tell the story. The tentative delivery was slated for Dec 7th.

The delayed delivery: Got a call from RE sales guy, on Nov 30th, that bike has been dispatched from factory, and will be arriving showroom the same day. He requested me to complete the payment formalities. Went to the showroom to do the PDI and payment, and found new bikes were getting unloaded from truck. The sales guy told all the bikes are new Classics, and Meteors are coming in next truck. I waited for 30 mins, but there was no sign of next truck. I decided to start the payment formalities, hoping the bike would arrive before making payment. Unfortunately, the bike did not arrive. I was also scared that if I don't pay the full amount and lock the bike, someone would use his/her influence to pick up my bike, as the delivery times for those booking recently is 3 months. So decided to pay the full amount, as the sales guy promised he'll make sure to deliver the bike without any issues. He also told he'll call me once the truck arrived, so I came home. It was next day, and there was no news of my bike's arrival. I called up the sales guy, and he started telling he's also waiting but no news from RE factory. Same story next day as well. He himself called me next day, and told there are no truck drivers available, so bike is still at the factory waiting to be dispatched. I was getting all anxious, as here I am paid up the full amount without evening seeing the bike, and no news of my bike, REs history of tantrums didn't help the matter either. Fortunately on fourth day after payment, the sales guy called and informed the bike has reached the showroom. I immediately went to the showroom, and did a quick PDI. Delivery was next day, Nov 4th. Went to the showroom on said time, and it was raining heavily. Took the delivery, and rode back in heavy rains with wife in pillion, an unforgettable ride. Please allow me to introduce my Meteor 350.

Its a beauty. My fav color too.
Congratulations on your new steed. Have fun mate

**sanketkambli** · 12-15-2020, 02:23 PM

Hi guys,

How does PDI apply to Meteor350 customized using "MIY"- Make it yours. Since the bike is customized according to your specifications. And now if it fails PDI what would happen? Can a PDI still be done or it makes any sense do it? I am confused.

**GandalfTheGrey** · 12-17-2020, 03:38 PM

Originally posted by sanketkambli View Post

Hi guys,

How does PDI apply to Meteor350 customized using "MIY"- Make it yours. Since the bike is customized according to your specifications. And now if it fails PDI what would happen? Can a PDI still be done or it makes any sense do it? I am confused.

A very interesting conundrum. If the bike fails the PDI, I think it will fail mostly because of external damages. One need not bother other things such as VIN number/tyres and so on, as the bike is new to the market. In such cases, the SVC will rectify the external issues mostly before delivery or worst case during the first SVC.

Cheers!

**B7ACKTHORN** · 12-17-2020, 06:21 PM

Originally posted by sanketkambli View Post

Hi guys,

How does PDI apply to Meteor350 customized using "MIY"- Make it yours. Since the bike is customized according to your specifications. And now if it fails PDI what would happen? Can a PDI still be done or it makes any sense do it? I am confused.

Make it yours doesn't mean your customization nullifies PDI. PDI applies even to a battery powered remote car provided what to look and check for. Basically, PDI 95% of time concerns the mechanical and electro-mechancial aspects of a motorcycle. Even if you have a MIY version of a vehicle, all logics of PDI apply.

Good luck.

Cheers!
VJ

**GandalfTheGrey** · 12-21-2020, 12:29 AM

Completed my first SVC, the 500Kms one. Booked the service in RE app in the company owned SVC. There were no complaints, and bike was delivered in promised time. More details on cost break-up of the first SVC.

Cheers!

**Ijs** · 12-25-2020, 11:34 PM

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

Make it yours doesn't mean your customization nullifies PDI. PDI applies even to a battery powered remote car provided what to look and check for. Basically, PDI 95% of time concerns the mechanical and electro-mechancial aspects of a motorcycle. Even if you have a MIY version of a vehicle, all logics of PDI apply.

Good luck.

Cheers!
VJ

sorry for highjacking the thread
But Vj I can no longer access xbhp on taptalk.
Also one Interceptor thread seems to be not found. No connect app on play store either?
Regards
Inderjeet Singh

**GandalfTheGrey** · 01-11-2021, 11:36 AM

Update: Almost a month and 1.5k kms done. It's raining frequently in Chennai these days, so couldn't take my bike out as often as I would love. So far the ownership has been fuss free, and I'm happy with the bike. Below are some observations made in these 1.5k Kms.

Engine: Coming from the FZ25, I felt the power delivery to be very linear. The gearings are very tall. One can do 30-70kmph in 4th gear, and the bike stays in "Eco" mode in 4th gear between 40-60kmph. Only slight vibrations found at higher rev range, though nothing near to those of the old 350s. The sweet spot of the engine is between 85-100. Bike stays in "Eco" mode on 5th gear till 85ish kmph, and there is descent power for overtaking till 100kmph. Bike has no vibes at 90kmph and glides smoothly on the tarmac. Between 100-110, the bike has very slight vibrations, but one can dismiss/forget them upon wearing gloves and shoes. I've taken the bike only once till 110, and it remains rock solid at 110.

Handling: I found the bike actually handles extremely well for psuedo cruiser. The new frame has done the magic. Lane changes are easy, and taking U turns is a breeze.

Suspension: Rear is slightly on the harder side, though not a deal breaker at all. Front is tuned well for city and highway runs. So no complaints here.

Seat: I have the touring seats installed, and I found them to be on harder side. We have another Meteor in our gang which also has a touring seat installed, and I found the texture of that seat is different than my seat, something strange! The seat has support for bums, and I had zero discomfort on a 100km ride. Have to take a longer ride to see when I start getting sore backs. Unfortunately, can't comment on the seats from touring perspective with my usage so far.

Braking: I'm loving the brakes. The back brake especially is strong, and has good bite. I panic braked once at 80kmph and the bike slowed with ease.

Headlights: I found the headlights to be enough for the highway runs. I was traversing the ECR road here in Chennai around 85ish kmph at some pitch dark areas at 11:30 PM, and the high beam illuminated the roads very well. So I'm happy here too.

FE: I did a FE test, and tankful returned close to 38kmpl. The riding conditions consisted of 90% traffic free roads, and 10% dense city traffic, all with a pillion. So I think an ideal city FE should be something around 33kmpl. For highway runs, fuel stops could be calculated at 300-350Kms intervals, which is very good range. Overall I'm happy here too.

Sore points: The bike splashes lot of mud/water if one rides over wet roads. I believe the mudguards are very poorly designed. I've heard this was the case with old TB too, and Meteor is no less in this department. When it has rained, or there is slush on roads, please think twice before riding the bike on such conditions. Office goers and people whose attire matter, please beware of your clothing before riding on such wet conditions.

Overall I'm extremely happy with the purchase, and if there are no niggles in long term, I'm sure RE has stepped up, and has made a fantastic bike for us Indians. Thank you for reading!

Cheers!

**alkemyst** · 01-12-2021, 07:36 PM

Originally posted by GandalfTheGrey View Post

Completed my first SVC, the 500Kms one. Booked the service in RE app in the company owned SVC. There were no complaints, and bike was delivered in promised time. More details on cost break-up of the first SVC.

Cheers!

Hey buddy, thanks a lot for your feedback and even the copy of service charges.
2 things caught my attention, which costed almost half of the parts expense - Seal cam cover and RE Sealant. Whats going on there? Usual RE oil leakage issues?

**GandalfTheGrey** · 01-13-2021, 12:42 AM

Originally posted by alkemyst View Post

Hey buddy, thanks a lot for your feedback and even the copy of service charges.
2 things caught my attention, which costed almost half of the parts expense - Seal cam cover and RE Sealant. Whats going on there? Usual RE oil leakage issues?

You're most welcome! Yeah, even I was wondering the same about seal cam cover and RE sealant, but the SVC guys told me RE has instructed them to change the cam cover in the first service for Meteor. Fortunately, I didn't face any oil leaks or any issues so far for that matter. Fingers crossed!

Cheers!

**kiran2508** · 01-13-2021, 12:46 PM

Originally posted by GandalfTheGrey View Post

but the SVC guys told me RE has instructed them to change the cam cover in the first service for Meteor.

Duh! If it was done by RE as part a voluntary replacement, then everything part of the replacement including consumables should be paid for and done for free under warranty, including gasket, sealant, labor etc etc!

Why on earth you've to pay for those if what a warranty replacement consumables?

Also, the part number of the cam cover replaced should be billed showed in job card and charged as ₹0.00 and recorded the same.

**alkemyst** · 01-13-2021, 07:53 PM

Originally posted by GandalfTheGrey View Post

You're most welcome! Yeah, even I was wondering the same about seal cam cover and RE sealant, but the SVC guys told me RE has instructed them to change the cam cover in the first service for Meteor. Fortunately, I didn't face any oil leaks or any issues so far for that matter. Fingers crossed!

Cheers!

Thats so weird! Its almost 800 rupees for something which you dint sign up for. Hope they dont do similar kind of BS in next services.

**sanketkambli** · 02-04-2021, 10:02 PM

My observations about RE Meteor after about 1000kms

1) Touring seat, feels harder than "Low Ride" seat but works flawlessly on longer rides (Mumbai-Mahabaleshwar)
2) Front screen/Visor, fails for me. My height is 5.8, I used LS2 Rookie Helmet. I feel terrible wind noise. I rode same route after an hour, on fireball edition (no visor) it was relatively quieter. I am looking to either try extension or remove it (ruining the cruiser look)
3) Suspension "feels" harder but gives confidence on ghaat sections
4) My stock mirrors become loose after a day or two of riding. (Noticed on longer rides, need to check with RE ASC)- They becomes loose not at the handle end but at the mirror end ( there are two points for spanner tightening)
5) Here is something interesting, there were clear sound(engine) differences in my supernova and wife's fireball. And even another friend noticed it. RE ASC guys said they fixed it with Valve clearance setting during first service. I mean it still is different, but quieter. (https://www.instagram.com/reel/CKjVy5ghj8G/?igshid=1vxvc8rgi0r12) you can hear the difference here.
6) Wife’s fireball rear brake is now making funny sound after 1st service. Not noticeable while riding, but our son heard it. Need to take it to RE ASC
7) I rode the bike on a dirt trail with odd shaped rocks at slow speeds and found the bike stable/comfortable.
8) Headlight throw is fine, but could have been better. RE should give aux power points to attach extra lights/or whatever else. Same with the Horn, great for compliance but not so much when you need to be heard on highways by speeding trucks/buses/cars.
9) Horn button placement is weirdly low, while the pass switch is also placed weirdly its more a question of habit. But the horn is hard to reach for small hands while also keeping fingers curled around the clutch lever.
10) The smoothness of the engine, compared to me previous (Electra UCE) is so refreshing. So are the plastic bits instead of metal (yes, less rusting bits are welcome)
11) I wish the gearbox felt as upgraded as the engine does. While it works perfectly, it’s not a huge step up over the older like the engine is. You can hear the gearbox shift in the previous insta-reel link I shared
12) An aesthetic quirk, Meteor looks unique from the rear/3-quarter without the backrest of supernova/stellar. Making Fireball more of a unique bike. Add a short visor, it actually gives fireball uniqueness than supernova which can be easily mistaken for avenger by non-motoring people.
13) Oh yeah the footrest (custom ones), they are wide and super comfortable. Totally worth the slight high price. Get it for pillion if you are going to lug one around.
14) I am yet to receive my custom silencer (delayed logistics from RE side)
15) Attaching the first service invoice
16) Also note for future buyers, if you get the customized bike using MIY customization program there are some unusual decision from RE. So they charge you for each part to be changed from stock , be it Seat/Silencer/FootPegs. But you get to keep stock parts only for Silencer/FootPegs. Seats come installed from the factory. What I mean to say what do I do with the stock silencer, why not just install the custom silencer and gives us some discount by keeping the stock at factory itself. Same with footpegs. Shouldn't it cause less wastage for them.
Overall, my wife is more than happy since its her first bike. (this bike is a good starter bike for many women since its seat height is low and you can make it lower with "low ride" seat.) Also she says the gear position indicator is very helpful for her.

Announcement

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

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