Which Bike is Best for City Rides: Royal Enfield Meteor 350 or Bajaj Dominar 400?
When choosing between the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and the Bajaj Dominar 400 for your regular city rides, it’s important to consider several factors. This article examines the features and performance of both bikes to help you make an informed decision.
City Riding Considerations
Both the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and the Bajaj Dominar 400 offer distinct advantages, depending on your specific needs. For instance, if your primary usage is for city commuting with occasional highway rides, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 might be the better choice. On the other hand, the Bajaj Dominar 400 is more suited for highway cruising and those who appreciate a more powerful, modern motorcycle.
Performance and Features
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a retro motorcycle with an air-cooled, thumping engine that produces 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. This engine is known for its smoothness and relaxed cruising, making it an ideal choice for city rides. The Meteor 350 is known for its torque delivery and performance in urban settings, where the bike’s power is more than sufficient for navigating through traffic and intersections.
However, it's important to note that the reliability of the new engine used in the Meteor 350 has not yet been fully proven. It may take some time to identify any potential issues, and careful driving without over-revving the engine is advised. Cruising speeds of around 90-100 kmph are stress-free for this bike, and it's designed for a more relaxed riding style.
Bajaj Dominar 400
The Bajaj Dominar 400 is a naked street bike with strong touring capabilities. It’s powered by a KTM 390 series engine, which produces 40 bhp of power and 35 Nm of torque, enabling it to comfortably cruise at higher speeds. This bike is more suitable for those who enjoy highway speeds and a sporty riding position.
The Dominar's more powerful engine and higher cruising speeds (up to 110-130 kmph) make it a better choice for long highway rides. However, it is more demanding in terms of driving style and may not be as smooth as the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 for city commuting.
Riding Experience
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 provides a relaxed, effortless riding experience with a thumpy exhaust note and a retro charm. It is designed to impress riders with its torque delivery and comfortable ergonomics. The bike's old school character and charm are notable attractions for those who appreciate traditional motorcycle design.
Alternatively, the Bajaj Dominar 400 offers a more refined and modern riding experience with more performance on offer. The sporty riding position and higher cruising speeds make it an ideal choice for those who want a machine that can carry serious highway speeds and have a sporty character to it.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and the Bajaj Dominar 400 depends on your specific ride preferences and needs. If you prefer a relaxed, old-school riding experience with impressive torque delivery and a smooth engine, the Meteor 350 is the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more powerful, modern motorcycle that can cruise at higher speeds, the Dominar 400 is the more suitable option.
It’s important to keep in mind that the long-term reliability of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350’s engine is still being evaluated. However, its promising features make it a compelling choice for those looking for an authentic motorcycle experience in the city.
Key takeaway: For city riding with occasional highway rides, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a better pick due to its torque delivery and relaxed ergonomics. The Dominar 400 is ideal for highway cruising and those seeking a more powerful, sporty riding position.