BMW S 1000 R versus Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Cruiser

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2021 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 4.390 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • light and manoeuvrable
  • casual seating position
  • Performance manageable, wonderfully decelerating
  • very simple operation
  • is also suitable for smaller and older pilots
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • Shift paddle takes some getting used to
  • Controls and fuel caps a bit careless in terms of material
  • Performance manageable, nothing for speeders

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.400 mm
Length :
2.140 mm Height : 1.140 mm
Seat :
765 mm
Weight :
191 kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Single-cylinder 4-stroke 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 349 ccm
Hub: 86 mm
Hole: 72 mm
Cooling: luftgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5

Performance

Maximum speed: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 km
Maximum speed: 120 km/h
Performance: 20 HP at 6.100 U/Min
Torque: 27 NM bei 4.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption:
3 l
Reach:
570 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Frame type:
Tubular steel frame (steel)
Front suspension:
41er telescopic fork (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Stereo struts
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 100/90 19 inches
Rear tyres: 140/70 17 inches

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Single disc, bybre ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, bybre ( 270 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

Conclusion - what sticks

As I said at the beginning, you just have to like this motorcycle, even if there is already a 1290 SuperDuke in the garage. The Meteor 350 is simply a likeable bike that you don't have any special expectations of. It is cheap, solidly made, easy to drive, casual and safe. And somehow you have the feeling that this bike will never break. What should also break, there is nothing to it!
 
We think that the Meteor is an excellent bike - e.B. also for older people who no longer want to drag a 300 kg vehicle through the area and are no longer quite as articulated when sitting up and down. But please do not misunderstand: It is not a senior vehicle, the Meteor will also find many young friends. Maybe and especially because of the price. Which bike over 125 cc can you get today for less than 4,000 euros? Our database says: Exactly three.

Test bike by 2Radstadie/Pinneberg. There are all the current Royal Enfields as projectionists. Well worth a visit.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 4.000€
  • Availability: from 07/2021
  • Colors: light red, dark red, yellow, light blue, black, dark blue, brown