Royal Enfield has recently launched the new-gen 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 in the Indian market. The price of the new Classic 350 starts in India at Rs 1.84 lakhs, Ex-showroom Delhi. However, just a few months ago, RE also launched the all-new Meteor 350 as a successor to the Thunderbird 350. In fact, the Meteor 350 and the new-gen version of the Classic 350 are based on the same platform and share mechanicals with each other. But, which one to choose? In this article, we will be sharing just that as we have a detailed comparison of the new 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Meteor 350 BS6.
2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Meteor 350 BS6
Engine and Transmission
| Specifications | New Classic 350 | Meteor 350 |
| Engine Capacity | 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected | 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected |
| Maximum Power | 20.2 PS of maximum power at 6100 RPM | 20.2 PS of maximum power at 6100 RPM |
| Maximum Torque | 27 Nm of peak torque at 4000 RPM | 27 Nm of peak torque at 4000 RPM |
| Emission Norm | BS6 | BS6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual gearbox | 5-speed manual gearbox |
The new Royal Enfield Classic 350, as well as the Meteor 350, are powered by the same BS6 compliant engine. Both these motorcycles get RE's new J-series 349cc, single-cylinder, air and oil-cooled, fuel-injected engine. This BS6 motor churns out 20.2 PS of maximum power at 6100 RPM and 27 Nm of peak torque at 4000 RPM. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
Looks and Colour Options
The new Royal Enfield Classic 350 looks identical to the older version from a distance. But, once you get closer to it, the changes are more evident. For instance, it gets a new clear-glass headlamp with new turn indicators and even the pilot lamps are new. The side profile gets some subtle changes and there are new more comfortable seats along with attractive body graphics.
At the rear, it gets a new tail lamp. The new-gen Classic 350 is now offered in five variants. They are - Redditch, Halcyon, Signals, Dark and Chrome. It is available in multiple colour shades. The Redditch series is available in Grey and Sage Green colours. The Halcyon series is offered in Black, Blue and Green shades. The Signals variant is offered in Desert Sand and Marsh Grey shades. The Dark series is offered in Gunmetal Grey and Stealth Black colours. The Chrome series is available in Bronze and Red colour shades.
Now, if we talk about the Meteor 350, so it is a very handsome looking retro motorcycle. At the front, it gets a round-shaped halogen headlamp with a ring-shaped LED DRL along with round turn indicators. Moving to the side profile, one can see that it has very comfortable ergonomics. It gets a high-raised handlebar, forward-set footpegs, a large fuel tank and a split seat set-up that is very comfortable. It even gets a back-rest for the pillion seat and at the rear, there is a round-shaped LED taillamp with gloss black touches.
The new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is available in three variants. They are Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. The Fireball variant of the motorcycle is available in two solid gloss colour shades - Yellow and Red. The Stellar variant is available in three colour options - Gloss Metallic Red, Gloss Metallic Blue and Matte Black. Finally, we have the top-spec Supernova variant of the motorcycle that gets new goodies like a windscreen, chrome accents, etc. It is available in two dual-tone colour shades - Blue and Brown.
Dimensions and Capacity
| Specification | New Classic 350 | Meteor 350 |
| Length | 2145 mm | 2140 mm |
| Width | 785 mm | 845 mm |
| Height | 1090 mm | 1140 mm |
| Seat Height | 805 mm | 765 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm | 170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13 litres | 15 litres |
| Weight | 195 kgs | 191 kgs |
Tyres, Brakes and Features
| Specifications | New Classic 350 | Meteor 350 |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm Telescopic Forks | 41 mm Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Dual spring-loaded shock absorbers | Dual spring-loaded shock absorbers |
| Front Tyre Size | 100/90-19 | 100/90-19 |
| Rear Tyre Size | 120/80-18 | 140/70-17 |
| Front Disc Size | 300 mm | 300 mm |
| Rear Disc Size | 270 mm (disc) 153 mm (drum) | 270 mm |
| ABS | Yes, dual-channel (rear disc) single-channel (rear drum) | Yes, dual-channel |
The new-gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Meteor 350 are based on the same platform. The suspension duties on both these retro motorcycles are performed by 41 mm telescopic forks at the front and they get dual spring-loaded shock absorbers at the rear. For braking duties, they get a 300 mm disc brake at the front and a 270 mm disc unit at the rear along with dual-channel ABS. The lower trims of the Classic 350 get a drum unit at the rear with a single-channel ABS. Also, while both of them get tubeless tyres with alloy wheels, the Classic 350 is also available with spoke wheels and tubed tyres. Both these motorcycles also get a semi-analogue semi-digital cluster that shows a ton of information along with the new Tripper navigation.
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Price Comparison
| Make and Model | Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) |
| Royal Enfield Classic 350 BS6 | Rs 1.84 lakhs Rs 2.15 lakhs |
| Royal Enfield Meteor 350 BS6 | Rs 1.99 lakhs Rs 2.15 lakhs |
The new Royal Enfield Classic 350 BS6 is available in five variants and it is currently priced between Rs 1.84 lakhs - Rs 2.15 lakhs, Ex-showroom Delhi. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 BS6 is available in three variants and this retro bike recently received a massive price hike after the launch of the new-gen Classic 350. So, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 BS6 is now priced in India between Rs 1.99 lakhs - Rs 2.15 lakhs, Ex-showroom Delhi.
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This was our specification-based comparison of the new 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Meteor 350 BS6. Now, between these two Royal Enfield retro motorcycles, which one will be your personal pick? Do feel free to share your thoughts with all of us in the comments below. You can also join our 91Wheels Auto Enthusiast Telegram group (click via mobile to join) curated exclusively for the fans, enthusiasts and owners. Further, subscribe to our YouTube channel for more amazing motoring updates.
