A detailed comparison between two 350cc retro motorcycles, looking at performance, comfort, features, and which riding style each bike is best suited for
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The 350cc retro motorcycle segment has become increasingly popular in Malaysia for riders seeking style, comfort, and manageable performance. Two standout contenders in this category are the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and the Honda CB350RS. Both bikes cater to those who want classic looks and relaxed riding, but at the same time each takes a distinct approach to style, handling, and rider experience.
The Meteor 350 emphasizes comfort, cruiser-inspired ergonomics, and long-distance touring capability, whereas the CB350RS focuses on a slightly sportier retro style with modern refinement and smooth engine delivery. Therefore, it’s worth diving into how these two 350cc machines stack up.
Engine and Performance
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is powered by a 349cc single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled engine producing 20.2 hp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. It’s paired with a 5-speed gearbox and a smooth throttle response that makes city cruising effortless. The engine character is relaxed and torque-rich, which means it is perfect for weekend rides or highway cruising at a comfortable pace.
Honda CB350RS
Meanwhile, the Honda CB350RS features a 348cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 21 hp at 5,500 rpm and 30 Nm of torque at 3,000–5,000 rpm. Honda’s engine is known for its smoothness and linear power delivery, giving a slightly more responsive feel compared to the Meteor 350, especially in city traffic. Coupled with a 5-speed gearbox, the CB350RS strikes a balance between relaxed riding and a hint of sportiness. In addition, its engine is slightly more eager when accelerating from a stop, which some urban riders may prefer.
Features and Equipment
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
The Meteor 350 leans into classic cruiser design with modern touches. It comes equipped with a digital-analog instrument cluster, LED lighting, and multiple riding modes for versatility. Suspension consists of telescopic forks in the front and twin shocks in the rear, providing a comfortable ride over varied road conditions. The fuel tank is 15 liters, which provides good range for long rides.
Honda CB350RS
On the other hand, the CB350RS, while retro-inspired, leans more toward a sporty café racer look. It features a digital display with analog elements, halogen headlamp, and premium build quality typical of Honda. The suspension setup includes telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks, delivering a slightly firmer feel than the Meteor, which results in more responsive handling in urban environments. It has the same fuel tank capacity as the Meteor 350, 15 liters.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
The Meteor 350 is designed for long-distance comfort, with a low seat height of 765 mm, wide handlebars, and relaxed footpegs. Riders will find it easy to maintain a comfortable posture on city rides or weekend trips. The seat is plush, and the cruiser-style ergonomics make it easy to cover longer distances without fatigue. Additionally, the relaxed stance allows new riders to feel confident and in control.
Honda CB350RS
Meanwhile, the Honda CB350RS has a slightly sportier riding position with a seat height of 800 mm, giving the bike a more upright and engaged stance. While still comfortable for daily commuting, the ergonomics encourage a more active riding style and as a result make it feel lighter and more agile when maneuvering through city traffic.
Specifications Comparison Table
| Specification | Royal Enfield Meteor 350 | Honda CB350RS |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 349cc single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled | 348cc single-cylinder, air-cooled |
| Power | 20.2 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 21 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | 30 Nm @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed with Assist & Slipper Clutch |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork | Telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shock absorbers with 6-step adjustable preload | Twin shock absorbers with adjustable preload |
| Front Brake | 300 mm disc twin piston floating caliper with ABS | 310 mm Disc with ABS |
| Rear Brake | 270 mm disc single piston floating caliper with ABS | 240 mm Disc with ABS |
| Seat Height | 765 mm | 800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15 liters | 15 liters |
| Electronics | Digital-analog instrument cluster, LED lighting, and multiple riding modes | Digital display with analog elements |
Who Each Bike is For
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is ideal for riders who prioritize cruising comfort, relaxed ergonomics, and long-distance touring. Its torque-rich engine and low seat height make it accessible for riders of different sizes and therefore perfect for weekend rides or city cruising in style.
The Honda CB350RS is better suited for riders who prefer a slightly sportier retro bike with responsive handling and modern refinement. It’s ideal for daily commuting, urban traffic, and riders who enjoy a café-racer-inspired aesthetic without sacrificing comfort. Moreover, the CB350RS’s firmer suspension makes cornering more confident and precise.
Conclusion
Both the Meteor 350 and CB350RS are strong contenders in the 350cc retro segment, but they cater to different riding personalities. The Meteor 350 focuses on cruiser comfort and relaxed long-distance riding, while the CB350RS emphasizes sporty retro styling with modern refinement and agile city handling.
Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to your priorities: comfort and cruising style, or sporty retro design and responsive handling. Either way, both bikes offer an enjoyable riding experience with the charm and character of a classic 350cc motorcycle.
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