Can you Carry a PASSENGER on a RE Meteor 350???
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2022
- We road tested the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 with a passenger on the back. Could it keep up with traffic?
Was it comfortable?
Did the suspension bottom out?
Find out.... - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Here in India, we do a Ladakh trip with a pillion with a bike having a 250cc engine! Meteor 350 is more like a luxury in that case. I had a real surprise that you had to make a video to make others understand that it can carry a pillion! 😅
Yes, this is small bike in the US, but I wanted people to know that it IS a luxury pillion, as you said. It’s MORE comfortable than, for example, my Triumph Scrambler.
It’s all context.
Motorcycle shoppers here are seeing big, heavy bikes and I wanted them to understand that this was a very good option for many riders. People in India already know that 😉
Thanks for watching and for your comment! May we can come do a Ladakh trip sometime.
@@motopicnic Absolutely. I welcome you here. And do have that Ladakh trip. Happy riding.
My wife and I used to go on long trips 2 up on our Suzuki TU250x. You learn how to adapt to traveling in the slow lane. We used to run on Interstates for 500 miles a day, and the bike handled it just fine. Traveling on a 15 hp motorcycle can make a trip more enjoyable. You can’t push the bike very fast, so you don’t even try. Instead you take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the area you are traveling through. It’s not better or worse, just different. We are currently touring on a Vulcan 900, but the older I get, the more I appreciate smaller and lighter bikes. We are looking at the Meteor 350 this week, thinking it might just be our next traveling bike.
You just described the Moto Picnic riding style. It’s great to try all the bikes and see all the sights. Not better or worse, just different.
Thanks for your comment, many more happy mikes to you!
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A new meteor fireball owner from India here. In my opinion the backrest is absolutely essential for a pillion, since a lot of my friends thought they might fall from the bike if I accelerate too hard.
I agree a backrest makes all the difference in making a passenger feel confident.
You are a true biker, that you opened pillion foot pegs with hands.
Great to see a video with people not complaining about this bikes ability to climb hills, to accelerate ect , this video proves it can do just what you need it too, well done guys 👍
Thank you. It’s her favorite bike by far.
@@motopicnic mine too now 👍
Its not a matter of power to carry one more person but just check the space and comfort for the pillion, otherwise here in India almost everything and anything is used for 2 people to travel (including a 50 cc moped). You get a backrest for the pillion as an accessory, that will add to the safety and comfort for her, if you wish to use and enjoy it frequently
That’s an excellent point. It truly is about how safely and comfortably it can be done.
I think the meteor does it pretty well.
Very good review with pinion rides. You proven that Royal Enfield Meteor can carry triple weights!
Good job. Thanks for the content. 👊🏾🔥🔥
Thanks! I appreciate you saying that
I got to ride a Meteor once and it was so much fun. I did wonder how it would do with a passenger. Now I know. Thank you for a fun video.
Thanks for watching and letting me know!
With my very first machine (Honda Supercub C65 - 1967; 4.8 bhp and a top speed of 45mph) and with my third ride (Harley Davidson - Aermacchi M65S - 1969; approximately 4.5 horsepower with a recommended ratio of 25:1 petrol / oil premix), I was able to ride two-up with my own mother as a passenger. Of course with the power and speed limitations both of these were only for local riding, i.e. to the supermarket, and as a solo to my place of work.
If a bike has pillion seating and pillion foot-pegs; it can be ridden two-up. Further, if it has 20 HP (17.4 hp at the rear wheel); then it has more than enough grunt to carry its own weight, two people, and a small amount of luggage.
In the mid-70s I owned a Honda TN360 Kei truck, with a two-cylinder 354 cc OHC engine, putting out 27.5hp. On one occasion I drove this micro truck with four (incl driver) aboard, and on various other times carried a 750cc Japanese , or 850cc Italian (Moto Guzzi 850T), motorcycle tied-down in the tray. The top speed of this vehicle was 60mph.
The 'top speed' is meaningless. Real life means a nice downhill for a mile or more and half an hour to get over 50 mph is not good at all. It's the grunt, the poke that is desirable , to get out of trouble. Performance on a bike means acceleration, handling, and stopping way before top speed. I had a Kawasaki z250 twin back in 1980 that would do 90 mph plus (and run rings around a modern 350cc RE). Two up, however, it was underpowered and underperformed.
Great video! thanks a lot for it.
Great video... Greetings from Brazil!
Muito obrigado!
@@motopicnic obrigado por responder em português. 😊
You can certainly can. Runs well up to 50 mph bit more effort up ty 60. Took SWMBO to The Motorist, Sherburn in Elmet, and not the only two up couple there for a meal.
I’ve ride with my wife, I am 6.1”. 230 pounds. My wife is around 140 pounds. Some small baggage maybe 10-15 pounds. We rode through the Jasper TN mountain, riding backroads 60-65, got 72 mph on even road (not downhill) with the two of us. I also have bar end mirrors, don’t like them much but really much better visibility behind and blind spots.
I have a windshield as well. Also, the only bad thing is a seat for a longer ride. I ordered touring seat
Wow, that’s pretty good performance
@@motopicnic it is. I am not overexaggerating, I was also very surprised . Of course it took ages to get to 72 with two of us :) but it did. It usually "lies" 2-4 mph but even 65-68 is awesome for a small bike like this. The only downside for a longer touring would be the carry weight. If I would go by myself, I would definitely go coast to coast with luggage. With two of us plus the luggage...probably not
Hey, Hi. How are the touring seats, are they any better compared to the regular seats?
@@MaheshAnand1995 actually I just got the touring seat. It is better for longer rides.
@@montozza4217 more than myself I was thinking of a pillions comfort, so if you get to use the touring seats with a pillion and share your review after few days/months it'd be really grateful bro
I have the same bike check out the touring seat from Royal Enfield it moves you a tad closer up but it’s super comfortable and supportive. Meteor 350 has such a good little rumble doesn’t it
It really does have a cool sound! It doesn’t sound like a small bike.
Great video 👍
Thanks!
Hi! I'm planning buying a Meteor 350 - Aurora black colour with spoke wheels. What a beautiful bike!
Here in PT the yellow colour was discontinued, only have, red, black and green.
So, This video made me sure that the bike with 2 can go at legal speeds without any problems.
Great content and one more subscriber.
Regards from Portugal❤
Muito obrigado! Parabens para o moto novo.
My wife would say, get me the hell off of this. But, we’re much older than you guys, and she said that about our Gold Wing a few years ago. She has lost her appetite for traveling by motorcycle. After 25 years of riding all over the USA, I don’t hold it against her! Me? I still ride my Harley, and love to ride my Meteor. Royal Enfield hit a home run!
😂 I get it
In my opinion enough for a usal daily ride. Great video bro. Enjoyed it. :)
Thanks!!
Ya it’s great daily rider. And for Becky it’s her favorite bike. She’ll ride that all day long, even on freeway.
@@motopicnic I see. Great.
I like the 350 more than 650. The sound and the lightness for me is better and I love the single cylinder.
Congratulations for this explanation...
Thanks for watching.i have not ridden the 650, but I know the lightness and sound of that 350 are certainly positive features. Enjoy your riding!
Planning to buy Meteor 350 here in India..subscribed to your channel..
Thank you!!
Maybe we will ride together someday
Oh, great video, I wish you would be able to make this on scram 411.
Me too!!!
I would love to review that bike. I’ll see if can find one.
Ride 2 up on a meteor works just fine. My experience is just put the springs to the highest position. It gives you more feedback and it just drives more comfortable. With my wife I drive around 100kph (62mph) on the highway and it is not full throttle yet. Love that bike and still own it.
Great comments thanks.
Good idea to adjust the springs
Interesting video. I own the exact same bike. I have no intentions of riding 2 up. But, good to know I can ride 2 up if need be.
Yes, it’s actually a pretty comfortable back seat, with nice grab bars. I’ve had passengers prefer that bike over my others with small pillion seats.
Today i did a test drive for around 1/2 h. with this meteor (yellow) in Zurich. I love it. I want to buy it but first i want to sell my 125 scooter.
I need to come ride Zurich. I bet it was beautiful
This will be a big step up from that scooter, but still feel nimble. Good choice
@@motopicnic
The city and the lake is nice but it's not a private traffic or moto bike friendly city (lot of 30 km/h roads, one way etc.). Better drive through the country side like Berg am Irchel (in canton zurich) known as popular moto bike route.
I would highly recommend a backrest for bikes like these with small seats for the pillion rider. Meteor will look gorgeous with a backrest too if you care about how the bike would look with a backrest.
She didn’t like the look of it or having to kick her leg over it, but I agree, it makes passengers feel much more secure.
Backrests never made any bike look gorgeous. Ever!
@@gabzsy4924 Bikes like Harley Davidson might not look good but these mid sized bikes can look good with backrests
@@korosensei7081 I think they look better with the backrest myself.
But there doesn't look a lot of room in this bike for two underless both are quite slim.
Well, having both the Meteor and a Navi, just saying that smaller bikes have their charm. My Navi is outfitted as a grocery getter and the Meteor is going to be more for the fun of riding.
We also have a Navi and two monkeys. They are as charming as you say, and super fun to ride around the neighborhood or take on vacation on a ramp behind the car.
But the Meteor will definitely let you go farther and explore more.
Here in Peru they do 2-up/pillion on 125cc motorcycles haha
I’m sure it’s fun! I bet Peru has some great scenery to explore.
Thanks for watching.
You can only beat a Mustang in miles per gallons :)
😂🤣 that we did!
Fine bike, very capable.
The ride is more enjoyable/comfortable when the rider and passenger aren't too tall or too wide.😉✌🏾
Back in the mid 90's I had a Honda CB125TB2 that was quite a bit faster than this Royal Enfield. Modern bikes seem to be a whole lot slower than they used to be. This Meteor 350 should be a lot more powerful than it is. I think I'll wait for the 650 version as me and my Mrs are about the same weight as these two in this vlog and we live in a really hilly place in Yorkshire and I doubt a 350 would cut the mustard with us two fatties on it, lol...........
Good point. Modern bikes are also heavier than the old bikes. I think the Meteor 650 is a good choice.
This video was to see if we COULD ride two-up. We don’t. That’s her bike and I’m on my Triumph Scrambler most of the time.
And she notices that she’d like a little more power up the hills… but it’s so cheap. And was such a great bike for her to learn on.
The Meteor is probably a lot more comfortable than riding the NAVI with a passenger huh?
😂 Yes… yes it is. It’s actually a surprisingly comfortable passenger seat
Personally I don't like bar end mirrors, first thing to go in even a minor drop, increases the handlebar width and makes getting in a gate a problem
I think the same thing (and told her as much) but she liked them a lot. They do give a better view behind you.
I’m getting a 350 soon.
That’s awesome! I hope you really enjoy it.
Becky also bought a Himalayan, but she still goes back to this Meteor 350. It’s her favorite bike.
In India, every bike manufacturers consider pillion comfort, thats why you get better comfort and longer seat than usual overseas bikes when it comes to two seater.
That’s a great insight. Thank you my friend!
Take me also with you for a trip
Let’s go!!
I test rode a brand new 350 Meteror Oct 22. I'm a big guy at 250 lbs. that owns and rides harley touring bikes for 56 years. I couldn't get the meteor over 60 mph on flat new pavement no matter what!!. Thought i was on an old 125 cc. It did handle excellent at low speeds and does the tightest circles and It's also great parking lot starter training bike but that's about it.. I also rode the 2022 411cc Himalayan with same results.. Lame as heck!!!. My 50+ year old stock 1972 Honda XL-350 lil thumper would do 80mph and smoke that thing, And i did great wheelies!!...
Ya, it’s not built for us big guys.
But it’s an awesome choice for smaller riders. Becky gets freeway speeds of 70-75 all the time, but that’s about max. Not a freeway bike. Perfect side road, Moto picnic bike. She feels confident on it, so it doesn’t get in the way of her enjoying her ride.
@@motopicnic Don't get me too wrong, It's a beautiful bike. And was looking to buy one for my grandson to get him started. But after a real good test ride, I just could'nt believe it's so gutless in this day and age for a 350cc or even the 411cc Himi. And with fuel injection? My god man any 250cc Honda or Kawasaki, Yamaha on/off road bike would be way better in power and speed!. You mentioned freeway, Yes that would be suicide, But having to look behind you ever second on any regular road from being hit from behind is also insane!. Maybe we will see again when the new 650 Super Meteor comes out, but that also depends on the price comparison against a better Japaneese bike. A few thousand dollars more is worth your life!!.. Take it from an expert with 56 years of riding, 48 states, 7 countries, owned 68 bikes and 750K behind me and still clocking up.. Not bragging, It's not been just a passion but an obsession!!..LOL!.. I'm so glad you and your wife enjoy riding together, If you found that free sprit/ In the wind and in your Zen while riding, you'll know what i mean... My wife has rode with me for 45 years now on the back seat, and a few times on her own, But she's about ready to retire from it.. (Old, hip and leg pain) And yes we have had way too many close calls and crashed together and many on my own. The worst in 86 in the UK while stationed there, A mini van blew a stop sign and i hit him broadside at 70 mph, And took the superman flight over the top. fractured my neck in 3 places, and boken leg and shoulder. I still hurt everyday, But that even started at 8 yrs old riding motocross and jackpine enduro racing.. You both be safe and god bless ya both!!!.
Add Rear Back Rest for more comfort!!
It’s harder for her to kick her leg over it, but it sure is a nice comfort for a passenger
It's a good high value engine in India your telling this a smaller engine if it has larger pillion seat this engine can carry 2 peoples in the pillion
You’re absolutely right, it could. (But not very fast) but it wound be fun to try!
backrest would help👍
With her short legs it’s easier for her to get on without the backrest 😂
She usually rides it alone
In India, 2 People and 2 kids can ride on this at highway speeds. No problem. In fact People do it with 150 cc bikes. I don't know why People doubt it. 😅😅😅
I think it’s the suspension handling and other things, like 130 km/h speeds here that would kill you. But on the neighborhood streets, yes, it’s very capable.
Yes, i was thinking about thr same.
Indians are smaller, lighter people, especially with most being vegetarian.😉✌🏾
I carry 2 pillion on a long ride.. On my 160 cc bike with ease
The bike can definitely do it
Very good video thanks . Some people say the meteor is slugish in moutain roads and hills . Is that true ? Thankyou very much.
It’s completely capable of doing mountain roads, but yes, it’s sluggish compared to bigger CC bikes. If you are interested in going and enjoying the view, versus Speedo g around corners, this is a great bike for that.
hahahahhaahha love the surprise Honda pick-up!
Thanks! We had fun with that
@@motopicnic Btw even the Navi was the first purpose-built mini bike for India! you keep running these India connections a lot!
I didn’t know that! That’s awesome
I'm 6'2", about 200 pounds and my 250cc (actually 223cc) transports my wife and I at legal speed limits with no problems.
Gearing other things, obviously play a factor in that, but yeah, it’s totally possible. 👍
Before the 250 I had a 150cc. It was gutless going up one very long steep hill. Otherwise my wife and I rode it all over.@@motopicnic
@@thededicatedbiker2799 I actually like smaller bikes for doing trips together, it’s really just a fun way to get around and not feel like you’re in a hurry and not fight the bike.
But yes, a 150 is just tough getting up the hills
I'm a bit of an anglophile. My favorite shows growing up were Monty Python, Doctor in the House etc. I prefer the size (bike size not necessarily cc's) of British bikes over huge (in my opinion over sized) American bikes like Harley's and Indians. Where I live the average bike is 150cc. Big bikes (350-1000) just spend a lot of time sitting at signal lights.@@motopicnic
@@thededicatedbiker2799 well said!
Are you kidding, in India about 2-3 people ride pillion.
That would be death on an American highway at 100km /hr 😆 (and illegal here)
Sure the machine can do it, but it’s much smaller than we are used to. I am exposing the American audience to how capable this machine really is. I think it’s a very special bike that holds its own place in the market.
Thanks for your comment. I’d love to come to India and see that riding experience up close.
I'm a little bit lighter than you are. Only a tiny bit though 😃
I'm wondering whether to go for the backrest or not.
My gf is 5ft 4 and about 135lbs.
Not sure we'd both squeeze on after watching this video.
The back rest is ALWAYS appreciated by a lady riding on the back. This passenger cushion is large and comfy, but I would guess that she would like the secure feeling of a backrest. Let me know how you like it, if you get one.
Welcome 👍🇮🇳👆🤳
We love this bike!
Thank you India!
How comfortable is it to ride for a couple of hours with a pillion? I'm six feet tall and my partner about 5.6"
I'm not worried about the power as it's sufficient for me for the purpose. Need to know the comfort of riding fairy long journey. What do you suggest? Thanks
Great question. I find it to be one of the most comfortable pillion seats out there. Fairly large and thickly padded.
But…. that’s her bike. When we ride, she rides that bike by herself, and I ride on mine. So we don’t have a lot of experience with long pillion.
If you were to do that, I would suggest installing the back rest, which is available as an accessory, and is also well padded. If the two of you are not very tall, (less than 5’10” maybe) it could be comfortable for a long ride.
It is her most comfortable bike to ride for 5 hours at a time. She is 5’4”
@@motopicnic appreciate your time for giving me your honest feedback. Thanks a lot. I'll make a decision soon. 👍
I went College in My College Days with a Bike Having 11 BHP
My College is 35 km Away from my Home ..Soo Updown Distance is 70 km and 70 km plus and it's a economic Bike and i maintain a speed of 60 ,70 km/h on it sometimes 80km/h if I was in Hurry... Still it Runs Smoothly, no signs of power lagging..
Sometimes i used this same 11 BHP Bike in Long Tour's like 110 km 125 km , 200km when I have to gone for my Competitive exams and still reach on Time...
Meteor 350 has 18 to 20 BHP May be ...Soo with a pillion, it's like 9 to 10 BHP per person, plus the Roads of USA is Good ...Soo I don't know why some people's Called it Underpowered 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Think about My 11 BHP Bike ...i still have and still it Runs like a Cheetah 🐆 the Bike is 6 years old and i am 26 years old with Bodyweight 70 to 75 kj ....
Same Bodyweight as US woman
This is a great example of the abilities of a small bike. And how much you can love that bike. I love this story! 💙
To be fair, not every road in the US is great, but most of them are. And on the freeways it’s common to do 120km/h +, that’s why the Meteor is not really a freeway bike. We use bigger engines so we don’t have to destroy the smaller engine that is always at its maximum. It’s also much smoother on a bigger engine that is working not as hard.
But your point is well-made. And that was kind of the point of this video. You don’t have to have a huge bike to really enjoy or to get yourself where you need to go.
What about going uphill with passanger.?
It will go uphill, just not as fast. It pulls like a tractor it will keep going.
Can i drive my meteor 120 km/h on highway. I know it's cruising speed is 90-100 km/h, but thats little bit slow to stay in pace with other bikers when we go on some tour... I want to ask, is it problem to drive constantly 120 km/h wit meteor 350 or it will damage the engine
This is a great question.
I don’t know how heavy you are or how much luggage you would bring but it all factors in.
The thing about taking the bike to its max is that, yes, it will wear faster and it won’t be as smooth as a big bore bike that is not working as hard to hold speed.
You can absolutely ride with your buddies, but they might outrun you at times and you’re not going to have the extra power to zoom out of the way in traffic once you’re at freeway speeds.
But can it be done? Absolutely. And if you ask Becky, she’ll tell you it can be done comfortably, but she wants a little more power when we’re going up the mountains and there are hills.
She did get a more powerful Himalayan, and noticed the difference, but she’s so comfortable on that Meteor, that she still chooses that on long rides.
I would not be afraid to go ride with your friends and just see how it goes.
But if you end up doing every ride like that, you’ll probably want to get a bigger bike eventually. But if you commute back-and-forth to work and occasionally do a long freeway ride, then your meteor is probably a fantastic bike to keep.
As for Becky and I, we choose not to take freeways when we can because we find that there’s more to see, and the roads are more fun to ride with a few curves. The meteor has plenty of power to do that with.
@@motopicnic i'm in mc (club) our agreed cruise speed on highway is 120 km/h but as i know, thats maximum speed for meteor 350, I have 85kg and my wife have 60, but she dosen't go every time with me. Is it a problem for enfine to drive it at maximum spedd for few hours? Do you have any advise?
@@petarbudija5575
I don’t think it’s a problem at all tor a few hours.
But it may not be easy to keep up with the both of you on the bike. And you’ll notice more vibration, so it may be a more fatiguing ride.
I suggest trying it on your own and see how it feels before adding g a passenger.
But your weight is not too excessive for that bike.
Meteor 650 is coming.....faster and powerful
😃 no way!!! We will buy one!
And re shotgun too
Minimum ³ people(+kids) rides in India on an Enfield(bullet, meteor....) including scooty, ¹⁸⁰cc bikes. It's everyday Circus 🎪
Sounds fun 😃
That would be illegal here. And 120kmh + is normal here, so that could be deadly.
But on a small country road, that sounds fun!
how tall are u my friend? im 5,11 would i be confortable in this bike?
I’m also 5’11”.
It’s surprisingly comfortable, however, it’s a little small if it was my own bike. You should definitely sit on one and get a sense of it. The 350 classes are a little different geometry and also may be a little small in the long run, but a little more for taller riders.
If that’s the bag that’s in your budget, you could certainly ride that for a while and do well on it even as a taller guy.
Having said that, I also have a Honda Monkey…
@@motopicnic thx for the answer, i was worried about that haha! looking at the video o though you would be even taller than me, glad you have my height so i can get a better look at how i would picture myself sitting on it. maybe next week i will travel to são paulo to do a test drive in this bike and see how i would feel driving one. wish me luck :)
Com esse bacon na cintura, melhor colocar um encosto ou comprar uma Haley Davidson 😂😂😂
Sim, é por isso que esta é a moto dela. O que é engraçado é que os brasileiros me falam isso, e os indianos me perguntam porque só 2 pilotos em uma moto tão grande? 😂
Bro hasnt seen india we can fit 4 people and drive uphill 😂😂😂
🤣
WE INDIANS TRAVELS TO HIMALAYA IN 125CC PLATINA
That’s awesome. I’d love to ride the Himalayas on a Honda Monkey someday. It’s one of my favorites.
In india we can take 4, each weighing 70-80kg
That would be awesome to see!
Come to india and see. There is a parade on Independence Day aug 15th, there's a whole show dedicated to the Indian Army's connection with this iconic brand and the classic 350s.
@@biswasronit No way!!!
I would love to see that. But it’s next week, so I’ll have to try next year and see if CZcams covers it.
@@motopicnic yes, this year it would become hectic, so please try next year! Indians are very welcoming and treat their guests like deities. Plus, you can also try visiting the assembling factory of RE, that would definitely be a treat for you, as it is one of the largest of its kind in Asia.
Adjust your video colour contrast
It was the sdr setting on the phone. I don’t usually shoot with a iPhone so… lesson learned
20 ps, 200 kilos of motorcycle, AND a pillion. Oh what joy 🤡🤡
So true! Great features on this bike.
@@motopicnic I'm not an alien to a meteor. They're MADE in India bro, so I know apart from a shoddy navigation that doesn't work it gets absolutely nothing.
Can it carry the rider lol? Dangerously underpowered, below par suspension not capable, either. Taking your life in your hands, mate. Rather you than me,
How can it be dangerously underpowered?
It does the speed limit and it gets there as fast as people in cars tend to accelerate.
If the only way a bike isn't dangerous is to be able to accelerate like the wind and go 20mph faster than the speed limit, then you're doing something wrong.
It’s actually not that underpowered. Faster than scooters. And while the suspension is not premium, it’s not bad. It also has ABS, which I tested in another video you should check out.
It’s actually a pretty capable bike and WAY safer for a smaller, newer rider like Becky. She’s much more confident on it than on her Bonneville T120.
Can you review the keeway Benda bd300? It is much more beautiful and powerful.
Why everyone going in wrong side 🫣
It’s a secret club