Royal Enfield Meteor 350 vs Classic 350: Post GST 2.0 price comparison, check design, features and mileage

With the GST 2.0 prices in effect, motorcycle riders willing to settle for a Royal Enfield are confused more than ever. If you have a budget of just over Rs 2 lakhs, which Royal Enfield motorcycle is worth getting – the Classic 350 or the new Meteor 350? The Meteor 350, which recently got a facelift, comes months after the updated Classic 350 was revealed, that too with a revised feature list and colour palette. 

Built on the J-series platform, most buyers often confuse these two to be similar motorcycles with slightly varying styling. However, underneath all shiny chrome parts and glamorous colours lie two completely different motorcycles aimed at two different kinds of riders – one is more suited for leisurely commuting, while the other is designed to gobble up miles of highways. 

Hence, if you are confused between either of these two motorcycles, check out our detailed comparison between the 2025 Meteor 350 and the 2025 Classic 350.

Design and Colours

Although both flaunt classic motorcycle designs, there are subtle differences that please different riders. The Classic 350 is all about pure nostalgia, maintaining the iconic teardrop tank, the characteristic casquette headlight (now updated with an LED unit on premium trims), and the deep fenders. Its colour palette ranges from basic single-tone Redditch options to the premium Chrome and Dark series, highlighting its heritage appeal.

The Meteor 350, by contrast, is a definitive cruiser. It features a lower stance, wide handlebars, and a scooped rider’s seat. The 2025 refresh introduces new colour schemes across its four variants (Fireball, Stellar, Aurora, Supernova), offering everything from bright, youthful colours (Fireball) to modern, chrome-finished options (Supernova). Crucially, the Meteor comes standard with alloy wheels and tubeless tyres on most variants, offering a modern edge in safety and convenience over the Classic’s traditional spoke tubed wheels.

Engine and Performance

Both motorcycles share the popular 349cc, air-cooled, long-stroke J-series engine. As a result, performance figures are nearly identical: 20.2 BHP @ 6100 RPM and 27 Nm of peak torque @ 4000 RPM. The J-platform provides excellent refinement, minimising vibrations and offering strong low-to-mid-range torque suitable for city riding and highway cruising. 

However, the Meteor 350 benefits from RE’s new slip and assist clutch, which allows for far smoother gear shifts on the 5-speed gearbox. The Classic 350 continues to evade a slip-and-assist clutch system. Hence, riders on the Classic 350 will need to work the gearbox harder. 

Comfort

Comfort is dictated by ergonomics. The Classic 350 offers a traditional, upright riding posture with mid-set foot pegs, making it easy for the rider to stand up over bumps or tackle stop-and-go traffic. The suspension is reasonably comfortable for a retro commuter, soaking up most potholes and gradients with ease. The 19-inch wheels add to the stability of the motorcycle. 

The Meteor 350, on the other hand, is designed for cruising, featuring a lower seat height (765mm vs 805mm on the Classic) and forward-set foot controls. This relaxed, laid-back posture is ideal for long-distance highway cruising, minimising fatigue on the arms and back. For city commuting or navigating potholes, though, the Classic’s upright position might offer slightly better manoeuvrability.

Smart features

This is where the Meteor 350 traditionally holds an advantage. The 2025 update makes the LED headlamps and the Tripper navigation pod (which connects to the rider’s phone for turn-by-turn directions) standard on even its lower Fireball and Stellar variants. It also gets an Assist-and-Slipper clutch and a USB Type-C fast-charging port as standard across the range, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2025 Classic 350 has caught up with LED lighting on its higher-end variants and features a functional semi-digital instrument cluster along with the Tripper navigation unit. Although the Classic and Meteor are based on the same platforms, it is the latter that exercises a certain level of advantage. 

Fuel efficiency 

The differences here are minimal but notable. Both bikes offer comparable efficiency, with the Meteor 350 holding a slight, claimed edge at approximately 41.88 kmpl versus the Classic 350’s 41.55 kmpl.

Ex-showroom price

The Classic 350 retains the title of the more accessible option, with its base variants starting around Rs 1,81,129 (ex-showroom). The refreshed Meteor 350 begins at a higher price of Rs 1,95,762 (ex-showroom), with the fully loaded Supernova variant reaching Rs 2,15,883. 

Verdict

Regardless of the model you choose, the Classic 350 and Meteor 350 are two solid options that nobody can go wrong with. 

However, you choose the Classic 350 if you prioritise timeless, authentic retro styling, the ability to customise extensively, and a slightly more affordable entry point. It is the ultimate all-rounder, offering the quintessential retro Royal Enfield riding experience and a neutral riding posture.

On the other hand, you choose the Meteor 350 if you prioritise long-distance cruising comfort, modern conveniences like tubeless tyres, a more relaxed, feet-forward riding stance and the comfort of a slip-and-assist clutch.