The Royal Enfield Hunter 350, launched in August 2022, is a roadster motorcycle that blends Royal Enfield’s classic heritage with modern design and performance. It’s designed to appeal to a younger demographic and first-time riders, offering an accessible and fun riding experience. As the most affordable motorcycle under the new J-platform, it provides an entry point into the Royal Enfield world without compromising on style or character.
The Hunter 350 stands out with its neo-retro roadster styling, reminiscent of the Triumph Street Twin. Its minimalist design includes a round halogen headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a single-piece seat, and a stubby rear fender. This motorcycle is available in two main variants: the Retro and the Metro, each offering a unique aesthetic and set of features to cater to different rider preferences.
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has a 349cc BS6 engine that makes 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. Within a month of its release, the Hunter 350 became Royal Enfield’s second best-selling motorbike. It embodies simple motorcycling by being easy to ride, economical, and inexpensive to purchase and operate. The Hunter 350 is a smooth-riding, torquey, and fashionable motorcycle that offers a lot of fun for a low price.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine | 349.34 cc, Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC |
| Max Power | 20.4 PS @ 6100 rpm |
| Max Torque | 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Fuel Capacity | 13 Liters |
| Mileage | 36.2 kmpl |
| Brakes | Disc (front), Disc or Drum (rear) |
| Weight | 177 kg (Retro), 181 kg (Metro) |
| Starting Price | Rs 1.50 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
Design and Styling of the Hunter 350
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 boasts a design that is both classic and contemporary. Its retro-inspired aesthetics are evident in the round headlamp, classic fuel tank, and simple seat design. The Hunter 350 comes in two primary styles: Retro and Metro. The Metro variant features a sporty look with a teardrop tank and blacked-out engine, while the Retro has a vintage appearance with a square tank and chrome engine.
The Hunter 350 is available in multiple colors. The Retro variant comes in Factory Black and Factory Silver, while the Metro offers Dapper and Rebel colorways. The fit and finish of the Hunter 350 is excellent, and its sturdy construction guarantees longevity.
Key Design Elements
- Round Halogen Headlamp: A classic touch that enhances the retro appeal.
- Teardrop-Shaped Fuel Tank: Adds to the bike’s vintage charm and provides a comfortable riding posture.
- Single-Piece Seat: Offers comfort and a classic look.
- Stubby Rear Fender: Complements the minimalist design.
- Alloy Wheels: The Metro variant features alloy wheels for a modern touch, while the Retro variant has wire-spoke wheels.
Engine and Performance of the Hunter 350
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is powered by a 349.34 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This engine produces a maximum power of 20.4 PS at 6100 rpm and a peak torque of 27 Nm at 4000 rpm. The Hunter 350 delivers smooth and tractable power, making it ideal for city riding and occasional highway trips.
The Hunter 350 is equipped with a fuel injection system for efficient combustion and dependable performance. It has a 5-speed gearbox that allows for smooth and accurate gear changes. The Hunter 350 has a top speed of roughly 114 kmph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 kmph in about 6 seconds.
Engine Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, SOHC Engine |
| Displacement | 349.34 cc |
| Max Power | 20.4 PS @ 6100 rpm |
| Max Torque | 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Cooling System | Air & Oil Cooled |
| Fuel Supply | Fuel Injection |
| Gear Box | 5 Speed |
Features and Technology in the New Hunter 350
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 combines classic aesthetics with modern features to enhance the riding experience. It features an analogue-digital instrument cluster that provides all essential information at a glance. The Hunter 350 also has a Tripper Navigation system as an option, which connects to the rider’s smartphone to provide turn-by-turn directions.
For safety, the Hunter 350 features disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, with dual-channel ABS available on the Metro variant. This ensures reliable stopping power and prevents wheel lock-up during emergency braking. The Hunter 350 also has a number of practical features, including a USB charging port, a low fuel warning light, and a service due indicator.
Notable Features
- Instrument Console: Analogue and Digital display for essential information.
- Tripper Navigation: Optional navigation system for turn-by-turn directions.
- Dual-Channel ABS: Available on the Metro variant for enhanced safety.
- USB Charging Port: Convenient for charging mobile devices on the go.
- Service Due Indicator: Helps keep track of maintenance schedules.
Variants and Pricing of the 350 Hunter
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is available in three variants: Hunter 350 Retro Factory, Hunter 350 Metro Dapper, and Hunter 350 Metro Rebel. The Retro Factory is the base variant, while the Metro Dapper and Metro Rebel offer additional features and styling options.
Prices for the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 start at Rs 1.50 lakh for the Retro Factory variant and go up to Rs 1.75 lakh for the Metro Rebel variant (ex-showroom, Delhi). These competitive prices make the Hunter 350 an appealing option for riders looking for an affordable and stylish motorcycle.
Hunter 350 Variants
| Variant | Features | Price (Ex-Showroom, Delhi) |
|---|---|---|
| Hunter 350 Retro Factory | Spoke wheels, drum brake at the rear, single-channel ABS | ₹ 1,49,900 |
| Hunter 350 Metro Dapper | Alloy wheels, disc brakes at both ends, dual-channel ABS | ₹ 1,69,434 |
| Hunter 350 Metro Rebel | Alloy wheels, disc brakes at both ends, dual-channel ABS, different color options | ₹ 1,74,430 |
Riding Experience and Comfort on the Enfield Hunter
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is designed to offer a comfortable and engaging riding experience. Its ergonomic design makes it ideal for both city commutes and long rides. The seat height of 800 mm ensures that most riders can comfortably plant their feet on the ground, while the flat handlebar provides a relaxed riding posture.
The Hunter 350’s suspension system, which includes telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, absorbs bumps and potholes with ease. This results in a smooth and stable ride, even on rough roads. The Hunter 350 is also known for its agile handling, making it easy to maneuver through traffic and tight corners.
Factors Affecting Riding Experience
- Seat Height: 800 mm seat height provides easy accessibility for most riders.
- Handlebar: Flat handlebar offers a comfortable and upright riding posture.
- Suspension: Telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers ensure a smooth ride.
- Handling: Agile handling makes it easy to maneuver through city traffic.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Pros and Cons
Like any motorcycle, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these pros and cons can help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Pros
- Affordable Price: One of the most affordable Royal Enfield motorcycles.
- Stylish Design: Neo-retro roadster styling that appeals to a wide range of riders.
- Comfortable Riding Experience: Ergonomic design and comfortable seat.
- Agile Handling: Easy to maneuver through city traffic.
- Fuel Efficiency: Offers a decent mileage of around 36.2 kmpl.
Cons
- Basic Features: Some features like LED lighting and a fully digital instrument cluster are missing.
- Engine Performance: While adequate for city riding, the engine may feel strained at higher speeds on the highway.
- Rear Brake (Retro Variant): The Retro variant comes with a drum brake at the rear, which may not offer the same level of stopping power as a disc brake.
Hunter 350 Competitors
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 competes with other motorcycles in the 300-400cc segment. Its main rivals include the Honda CB350RS, Jawa 42, and TVS Ronin. Each of these motorcycles offers a unique blend of style, performance, and features, catering to different rider preferences.
Competitor Comparison
| Motorcycle | Engine Displacement | Max Power | Max Torque | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | 349.34 cc | 20.4 PS @ 6100 rpm | 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm | Neo-retro design, agile handling, affordable price |
| Honda CB350RS | 348.36 cc | 21.07 PS @ 5500 rpm | 30 Nm @ 3000 rpm | Retro-modern design, comfortable riding position |
| Jawa 42 | 293 cc | 27.33 PS | 27.02 Nm | Classic design, powerful engine |
| TVS Ronin | 225.9 cc | 20.4 PS @ 7750 rpm | 19.93 Nm @ 3750 rpm | Modern-retro design, feature-rich, versatile |
Maintenance and After-Sales Service of the Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield has a large service network in India, making it easy for Hunter 350 owners to get their motorcycles serviced and maintained. The Hunter 350 is built with high-quality parts and is designed to be reliable, but regular maintenance is essential to keep it running smoothly.
Maintenance Tips
- Regular Servicing: Follow the recommended service schedule to ensure optimal performance.
- Oil Changes: Change the engine oil as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Chain Lubrication: Keep the chain lubricated for smooth power delivery.
- Tire Pressure: Maintain proper tire pressure for good handling and fuel efficiency.
- Brake Maintenance: Check brake pads and fluid levels regularly.
Is the Hunter 350 Right for You?
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is an excellent option for riders looking for an affordable, stylish, and fun-to-ride motorcycle. It is especially well-suited for new riders and those who primarily ride in the city. However, more experienced riders may find the engine performance lacking for long highway rides.
Key Considerations
- Budget: The Hunter 350 is one of the most affordable Royal Enfield motorcycles.
- Riding Style: Ideal for city commuting and occasional weekend rides.
- Experience Level: Suitable for both new and experienced riders.
- Features: Offers a good balance of classic design and modern features.
Customization and Accessories for the Hunter
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 offers ample opportunities for customization, allowing riders to personalize their motorcycles and make them stand out. Royal Enfield offers a range of accessories for the Hunter 350, including:
- Tripper Navigation: A navigation device that connects to the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth.
- Engine Guard: Provides protection to the engine in case of a fall.
- Sump Guard: Protects the engine sump from damage.
- Touring Seats: Offer enhanced comfort for long rides.
- Bar-End Mirrors: Enhance the motorcycle’s style.
Aftermarket Accessories
In addition to Royal Enfield’s official accessories, there are also many aftermarket options available for the Hunter 350. These include custom seats, exhaust systems, and lighting upgrades.
Final Verdict on The Royal Enfield Hunter 350
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a well-rounded motorcycle that offers a compelling blend of tradition and modernity. Its stylish design, comfortable riding experience, and affordable price make it an attractive option for a wide range of riders. Whether you’re a new rider looking for your first motorcycle or an experienced rider seeking a fun and practical city bike, the Hunter 350 is worth considering.
