Royal Enfield Hunter 350 : In the bustling world of Indian motorcycles, where tradition often arm-wrestles with modernity, Royal Enfield has pulled off a masterstroke with the Hunter 350.
This nimble street scrambler has managed to capture the essence of the iconic Royal Enfield thump while wrapping it in a package that’s decidedly modern and urban-friendly.
Let’s dive deep into what makes the Hunter 350 a game-changer in the 350cc segment.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 A Design That Turns Heads
The moment you lay eyes on the Hunter 350, you know it’s a Royal Enfield, but not as you’ve known them before.
It’s as if the design team took the classic RE silhouette and sent it to a millennial boot camp.
The result? A motorcycle that’s retro-cool without being stuck in the past.
The round headlamp, a Royal Enfield staple, is present and correct, but it’s now LED-powered and flanked by sleek indicators.
The fuel tank is quintessentially RE – teardrop-shaped and muscular, but more compact than what you’d find on its larger siblings.
It’s available in two broad trim levels – Retro and Metro – each with its own distinct personality.
The Retro variant keeps things old-school with wire-spoke wheels and a simpler instrument cluster.
On the other hand, the Metro variant ups the ante with alloy wheels, tripper navigation (on the top-spec model), and a more informative digital-analog instrument cluster.
Moving to the rear, the Hunter 350 sports a neat, stubby exhaust that looks the part without being obnoxiously loud.
The LED taillamp is sleek and modern, rounding off a design that’s cohesive and purposeful.
But it’s not just about looks. The Hunter 350 has been designed with urban riding in mind.
Its compact dimensions and low seat height (790mm) make it a breeze to maneuver through city traffic.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newbie, the Hunter 350 feels instantly accessible.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Heart of the Matter: The 350cc Powerhouse
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the engine. The Hunter 350 is powered by the same 349cc, air-oil cooled, single-cylinder engine that does duty in the Meteor 350 and the Classic 350.
However, it’s been tuned differently for the Hunter, reflecting its urban, sprightly character.
This motor churns out 20.2 bhp at 6100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.
While these numbers might not set the world on fire, they’re perfectly suited to the Hunter’s intended purpose.
The power delivery is smooth and linear, with a meaty mid-range that’s perfect for city riding.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this engine is how refined it is. Gone are the days when Royal Enfields were synonymous with vibrations.
The Hunter 350 is smooth as silk, whether you’re crawling in traffic or cruising on the highway. The iconic ‘thump’ is still there, but it’s more sophisticated now, less agricultural.
The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox that’s slick and precise. Gear shifts are positive, and finding neutral is no longer a game of chance.
It’s these little improvements that show how far Royal Enfield has come in terms of engineering and quality.
Fuel efficiency, a crucial factor for Indian riders, is impressive. Royal Enfield claims a mileage of 36.2 km/l under test conditions.
In real-world riding, owners report getting between 30-35 km/l, which is commendable for a 350cc motorcycle.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Ride and Handling: The Urban Warrior
Where the Hunter 350 truly shines is in its ride and handling characteristics.
This is where you realize that Royal Enfield has done more than just plonk a familiar engine into a new frame.
The Hunter has been engineered from the ground up to be an agile urban motorcycle.
The chassis is all-new, designed to offer a balance between stability and agility.
The wheelbase is shorter than other RE 350s, and the steering geometry is sharper.
What this translates to on the road is a motorcycle that’s incredibly flickable.
Weaving through traffic is a joy, and tight U-turns are no longer a test of upper body strength.
The suspension setup consists of 41mm telescopic forks at the front and twin tube emulsion shock absorbers at the rear.
It’s tuned to offer a good balance between comfort and sportiness.
The ride is pliant enough to soak up urban road imperfections, yet firm enough to inspire confidence when you’re pushing hard through corners.
Braking duties are handled by a 300mm disc up front and a 270mm disc at the rear, both governed by dual-channel ABS (on the Metro variant).
The brakes offer good bite and progression, inspiring confidence even under hard braking.
The Hunter rides on 17-inch wheels at both ends, shod with tubeless tyres.
The Metro variant gets wider rubber (110/70 front and 140/70 rear) compared to the Retro, offering better grip and stability.
These tyres, developed specifically for the Hunter, offer good grip in various conditions.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Features: Modern Touches
Royal Enfield has packed the Hunter 350 with features that modern riders expect, without going overboard and inflating the price.
The instrument cluster, especially on the Metro variant, is a neat digital-analog unit that offers all the essential information at a glance.
The top-spec Metro variant also gets the Tripper navigation pod, which offers turn-by-turn navigation when paired with a smartphone.
It’s a nifty feature for those who frequently find themselves exploring new routes.
LED lighting is used for the tail lamp and indicators, enhancing visibility and giving the bike a modern touch.
However, purists might appreciate that the headlamp remains a halogen unit, offering that classic warm glow.
Other thoughtful features include a USB charging port under the left side panel, perfect for keeping your devices juiced up on long rides.
The switchgear quality is excellent, with a solid, tactile feel to every button and switch.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Comfort and Ergonomics: All-Day Rideability
Comfort hasn’t been sacrificed at the altar of style. The Hunter 350’s riding position is neutral and upright, perfect for both city commutes and weekend getaways.
The handlebars are wide and slightly pulled back, offering good leverage for maneuvering at low speeds.
The seat deserves special mention. It’s well-contoured and offers good support for both rider and pillion.
Long rides are a pleasure rather than a pain, thanks to the thoughtful ergonomics.
However, some taller riders might find the compact dimensions a bit cramped on extended journeys.
With a ground clearance of 150mm, the Hunter 350 is well-equipped to handle typical Indian road conditions, though you might need to be a bit careful over larger speed breakers when fully loaded.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Price and Positioning: Value Proposition
Priced between ₹1.50 lakh to ₹1.75 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hunter 350 positions itself as an accessible entry point into the Royal Enfield family.
It’s priced competitively against rivals like the Honda CB350RS and the Jawa Forty Two, offering the RE brand value and heritage at a relatively affordable price point.
Royal Enfield offers the Hunter 350 in a range of colors across its Retro and Metro variants.
From the subtle Dapper Grey to the eye-catching Rebel Red, there’s a shade to suit every taste.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 The Competition: Standing Tall Among Peers
In the 350cc segment, the Hunter 350 goes up against some formidable opponents.
Its primary competitors include the Honda CB350RS, Jawa Forty Two, and to some extent, its own siblings like the Classic 350 and Meteor 350.
While each of these bikes has its strengths, the Hunter 350 carves out its niche with its urban-friendly demeanor, agile handling, and the unmistakable Royal Enfield character.
It might not be the most powerful in its class, but it offers a well-rounded package that’s hard to ignore.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Conclusion: A New Chapter in the Royal Enfield Story
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is more than just another motorcycle; it’s a bold statement from a company that’s not afraid to evolve.
It respects RE’s heritage while embracing modernity, offering a perfect blend of classic style and contemporary performance.
Is it perfect? No bike is. Some might argue for a bit more power or a sixth gear for highway cruising.
But when you look at the overall package – the stylish design, the refined engine, the excellent handling, and the brand value – the Hunter 350 makes a strong case for itself.
For the young professional looking for a stylish commuter that can double as a weekend tourer, or the RE enthusiast wanting something more manageable for daily use, the Hunter 350 ticks all the right boxes.
It’s a bike that’s as comfortable navigating rush hour traffic as it is cruising down the highway on a Sunday morning.
In the end, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a testament to RE’s understanding of the evolving Indian market.
It’s a bike that doesn’t just meet expectations; it exceeds them, offering a taste of the Royal Enfield experience in a more accessible, urban-friendly package.
In a market where heritage often comes with a hefty price tag, the Hunter 350 proves that you can respect tradition while embracing the future.
It’s not just a new model; it’s Royal Enfield’s invitation to a new generation of riders to join the legendary RE fraternity.