Iron-engine → J-series 350
Total redesign 2020
RE's iron-engine Bullet/Thunderbird 350 (1955-2020 — yes, 65 years!) was finally replaced by the J-series 349cc SOHC single. Same 20bhp ballpark but FI, modern oil seals, no leaks, push-rod actuated valves, modern chassis.
vs Honda Rebel 500
Half the power, half the price
Rebel 500 (£6,099, 471cc 47bhp, 191kg): more power, A2-friendly via restrictor. Meteor 350 (£4,049, 349cc 20bhp, 191kg): less power, A2 out of the box, half the money. Different rider — Meteor for true new licence holders, Rebel for those wanting more headroom.
vs Honda CB350H'ness (UK)
Direct rival
Honda CB350 H'ness (£3,899, 348cc single 21bhp, 181kg): almost identical positioning. Meteor 350 (£4,049): cruiser format vs Honda's roadster format. Both A2-friendly. Pick by ergonomics — cruiser vs upright.
Real cost trajectory
Down in real terms
1996 Bullet 350 was £7,200 in today's money. Meteor 350 is £4,049 in 2026 — vastly cheaper while being a far better motorcycle. RE's modern manufacturing pricing is genuinely competitive.
Cheapest way in
£2,800 (used 2020-22)
A clean 2020-2022 Meteor 350 is the cheapest entry to modern RE ownership. £2.8-3.5k for a tidy one. Watch reg/rec, otherwise J-series platform is solid.
Rider aids count
1 → 1 (single ABS)
Single-channel ABS (front only) in 2026. No traction control, no ride modes — appropriate for the price and the target rider (entry-level commuter / new licence).
