METEOR MAKES ITS RETURN TO EARTH
The name Meteor was first used by Royal Enfield back in 1952 when it applied the moniker to a model targeted primarily at the US market. The bike was a tourer which employed a 692cc parallel twin engine capable of achieving the magic 100mph.
In 1956 it was given a new, stronger frame, with modifications to the engine and gearbox, and it became the Super Meteor.
The model was phased out in 1962 when it was replaced by the 736cc Interceptor.
Interestingly, a Super Meteor was used by the Road Research Laboratory to test Dunlop’s Maxaret antilock braking system – one of the first ABS systems developed. The experiments were hailed a success, with stopping distances improved by up to 30%.
Enfield, however, did not adopt the system, which went on to be widely used by the aviation industry.
Now the Meteor name has been revived in the shape of a 349cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder Easy Cruiser. The bike was developed in a collaboration between the firm’s technical centres in Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire, and Chennai, India.
The engine produces max power of 20bhp and torque of 20lb ft at 4,000rpm. It comes with a fivespeed gearbox and a 15-litre tank, and should achieve a very impressive 100mpg.
It looks pretty darn cool, too – sharing design traits with the recent 650cc twins.
There’s a nifty, retro-style round analogue speedo with digital info panel, plus a Tripper – a turn-by-turn navigation pod that connects to an app.
Enfield boss Siddhartha Lal said: “The Meteor 350 is a supremely refined, easy and accessible cruiser.
“It is a charming combination of classic cruiser styling with modern capability.”
The bike will be available in three versions – the Fireball with a bright red or yellow tank and wheel rims, plus blacked-out parts; the Stellar with chrome bars and exhaust and a pillion backrest; and the Supernova, in two-tone blue or brown and matching parts, with a choice of seats and a screen.
The Meteor will be in showrooms this spring.
Building on the success of its 50cc and 125cc Hero models, Bullit Motorcycles has produced a 250cc version which has just landed.
The new model has the same scrambler styling as its siblings and is powered by a single-cylinder, liquidcooled four-stroke.
It features USD forks and a specially developed Fastec swingarm spring oil damper.
It comes in gold/black, white or titanium finishes.