When it comes to blending retro charm with modern practicality, Royal Enfield has yet again struck the perfect balance with the Hunter 350. Designed to appeal to young and urban riders, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 brings a fresh and modern twist to the classic 350cc segment. If you’re considering a stylish, lightweight bike that’s easy to ride in the city yet capable on highways, the Hunter 350 might just be your perfect match.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350:
The Hunter 350 is built on the same J-platform as the Classic 350 and Meteor 350 but sports a completely different attitude. With its minimalistic design, nimble handling, and attractive pricing, the Hunter 350 targets a younger, more dynamic audience.
- Engine: 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled
- Power: 20.2 bhp @ 6,100 rpm
- Torque: 27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- Price: ₹1.50 lakh to ₹1.74 lakh (ex-showroom)
Design and Styling:
With its compact and muscular design, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is tailor-made for urban streets. Key styling elements include:
- Round Headlamp and Indicators: Giving it a classic retro feel.
- Short, Stout Exhaust: Adds to the sporty character.
- Chunky Fuel Tank with Minimal Stickering: Clean design with modern vibes.
- Dual-tone Color Options: Available in vibrant shades like Rebel Red, Rebel Blue, and Dapper Ash.
Royal Enfield has kept the bike’s weight low (around 181 kg), making it much easier to maneuver compared to the brand’s other models. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners and urban commuters.
Performance and Handling:
The Hunter 350’s 349cc engine is tuned to offer smooth, linear power delivery perfect for city traffic and short weekend rides. It’s not a speed demon but feels lively enough for quick overtakes.
Key highlights:
- The engine delivers a comfortable cruising speed of 80-100 km/h without breaking a sweat.
- The short wheelbase (1,370 mm) makes the Hunter extremely agile in city traffic.
- Telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks provide a balance between comfort and sportiness.
- 17-inch wheels with CEAT Zoom XL tires ensure good grip on urban roads.
The Hunter 350’s low center of gravity and lightweight frame make it one of the most nimble motorcycles from Royal Enfield yet a characteristic that will definitely appeal to younger riders.
Features and Technology:
While the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 isn’t packed with high-end technology, it offers just the right features to ensure a practical, enjoyable ride:
- Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster: Combines analog speedometer with a digital display for trip, odometer, fuel gauge, and gear position.
- Turn-by-Turn Navigation: Available via the optional Tripper Navigation pod.
- USB Charging Port: Convenient for long rides.
- Dual-Channel ABS: Ensures better braking safety.
Royal Enfield has smartly kept the bike feature-rich without overcomplicating it, maintaining an easy-to-use, rider-focused approach.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Mileage is always a crucial factor for Indian buyers, and the Hunter 350 doesn’t disappoint.
- Claimed mileage: 36-40 km/l
- Real-world mileage: Around 32-35 km/l in city traffic; up to 38-40 km/l on highways.
Thanks to its relatively frugal nature and a 13-liter fuel tank, the Hunter 350 can easily manage longer rides without frequent fuel stops.
Variants and Pricing
Royal Enfield offers the Hunter 350 in two distinct variants:
- Hunter 350 Retro Factory: The more affordable version with spoked wheels, a basic speedometer, and simpler finishes.
- Hunter 350 Metro (Dapper and Rebel series): Comes with alloy wheels, dual-tone colors, better instrumentation, and more premium touches.
| Variant | Ex-showroom Price (Approx.) |
| Retro Factory | ₹1.50 lakh |
| Metro Dapper | ₹1.65 lakh |
| Metro Rebel | ₹1.74 lakh |
This competitive pricing makes it one of the most accessible Royal Enfield motorcycles to date.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Nimble and lightweight
- Attractive retro-modern design
- Smooth and refined engine
- Affordable pricing
- Comfortable for daily commuting
Cons:
- Limited top-end performance
- Minimal touring features (stock seat could be softer)
- Basic tech compared to some competitors
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a stylish, easy-to-handle, and affordable motorcycle with the Royal Enfield DNA, the Hunter 350 is a no-brainer. It’s perfect for daily city rides, short highway trips, and for those stepping into the world of motorcycling. While it may not be the most powerful bike out there, it excels in offering pure, unfiltered riding fun with a touch of class.