My Classic 350 Motorcycle Diaries

[J.Ravi]

Today, I rode to HSR Services, Lalbagh Road, Bangalore on my son's Interceptor 650 and test-rode the new Meteor 350 Supernova Brown for a fairly long distance as I liked without any pillion. I was given a free hand for the route and duration without any restriction. The fit-and-finish was far better than my 2013 Thunderbird 500. I did not feel any vibrations throughout my ride. I found one major difference between my son's 2019 BS4 Interceptor 650 and the new Meteor 350: In Meteor 350,the LED ring gets illuminated as soon as the ignition is turned on. Only if the bike is started, the headlight is switched on, which is good battery-saving feature. In our Interceptor 650, the moment the ignition is turned on, the headlight is lit even before starting the engine, which is a load on the battery. I liked this change. But, I don't like the single horn. Our Thunderbird 500 and Interceptor 650 have double-horns. However, the alloy wheels, tubeless tyres and less vibrations tempt me!

Earlier, I test-rode Honda H'ness CB350 from Big Wing Topline, Vittal Mallya Road, Bangalore. After filling in my driving licence details, a staffer sat behind me and directed me along a circular route near the dealership. The only thing I liked in this bike was its powerful double-horn, which Meteor 350 lacked.

I am happy with my Thunderbird 500. I don't want it to go away. I don't have any intention to buy either Meteor 350 or Honda H'ness CB350. But, if I have to rank the bikes, it will be like this:

1. Thunderbird 500 [power, torque, riding position, contoured seat]
2. Interceptor 650 [power, torque, fit-and-finish]
3. Meteor 350 [riding position, contoured seat, alloy wheels, tubeless tyres, less vibrations]
4. Honda H'ness CB350 [double-horns, fit-and-finish]

 

[smoothwanderer]

i too test rode the Honda highness. the clutch is very soft and the braking is super but the suspension is on the harder side over all a city bike rather than a cruiser.

 

[Ayyachamy]

Very good, short review !

 

[kprasad]

But, if I have to rank the bikes, it will be like this:
1. Thunderbird 500 [power, torque, riding position, contoured seat]
2. Interceptor 650 [power, torque, fit-and-finish]
3. Meteor 350 [riding position, contoured seat, alloy wheels, tubeless tyres, less vibrations]
4. Honda H'ness CB350 [double-horns, fit-and-finish]

That sums up. Bang on about TB500. When this TB gets a 650 engine then comes the change for you may be

 

[J.Ravi]

Today, I came to know about the purpose of indents on the clutch/brake levers of Meteor 350, which will enable breaking of the lever at that place instead of whole lever, if the bike falls. The bike can be ridden further without any problem.

Very good, short review !

Thank you.

That sums up. Bang on about TB500. When this TB gets a 650 engine then comes the change for you may be

Let us keep our fingers crossed for the future models of 650 cc twins. Thanks.

 

[J.Ravi]

TB500

Today when I was riding my TB the speedo clamp has broken on both sides causing dancing of speedo console. Reason I see for breaking of clamp is rusting of clamp plates. How's yours holding up

My bird's twin pod clamp is alright and free from rust even after more than 7½ years as it stays indoors most of the time, connected to the trickle charger.

 

[kprasad]

My bird's twin pod clamp is alright and free from rust even after more than 7½ years as it stays indoors most of the time, connected to the trickle charger.

Thanks Ravi ji for your reply. Hope to see you soon with more rides in your TB500.

Yesterday I've changed the clamp to a new one at local dealership. Clamp costs Rs 80/- + taxes but including fitting it costed me Rs.265 /-. In fact many have solved this shaking of speedo using additional bushes but I've retained in stock condition itself. Ah yes, the vibrations of my TB have got settled at low level for now. Thanks to engine maturing day by day. I would say my confidence on this bike is growing day by day with more miles I ride.

 

[suvnkr]

Today, I came to know about the purpose of indents on the clutch/brake levers of Meteor 350, which will enable breaking of the lever at that place instead of whole lever, if the bike falls. The bike can be ridden further without any problem.

View attachment 791197


Thank you.

Let us keep our fingers crossed for the future models of 650 cc twins. Thanks.

Good information indeed, Ravi Sir.
Today, I came to know about the purpose of indents on the clutch/brake levers of Meteor 350, which will enable breaking of the lever at that place instead of whole lever, if the bike falls. The bike can be ridden further without any problem.

View attachment 791197


Thank you.

Let us keep our fingers crossed for the future models of 650 cc twins. Thanks.

 

[J.Ravi]

Just a few minutes back, I received the corrected and attested RC home-delivered by Royal Enfield Brand Store, Chennai. I was told that they got the correct details incorporated at RTO systems that caused delay.

Yesterday, I decided to have Blue Bird's RC in smart card in lieu of paper one, which is already torn and mutilated; visited the Vahan website, filled in the details for the issue of duplicate RC with the reason 'torn' and paid ₹ 375. When it is ready, I have to visit the RTO and collect the RC in smart card. I did the same for my Nexon too by paying ₹ 525.

 

[Kaitlyn_Duff]

There are a lot of motorcyles that I have looked at because of this thread. People have said that there are choices that could be great in the future as long as I look into it. It is great to see more people appreciating the art of motorcycles because cars and boats are usually the vehicles that gets the attention. It is stellar to see and I am amazed by this and I am planning to get one of mine in the future with the premium services lol