Royal Enfield Hunter 350: The Hunter 350 from Royal Enfield is not your classic thumping cruiser. It’s the brand’s most aggressive effort at getting younger, urban riders to consider a Harley without undermining its long history.
Featuring a livelier chassis, new looks and a friendlier riding position, the Hunter 350 seeks to offer the Royal Enfield experience to those who want it in a more urban package.
Based on the same J-series platform as the Meteor 350 and Classic 350, the Hunter provides yet another taste—nimble handling, retro-modern styling, and an MSRP that positions it among the least expensive Royal Enfields currently available.
It’s perfect for everyday commuting, weekend riding, and anyone new to the world of Enfield.
Contemporary Design with Retro Aesthetics
With the Hunter 350, Royal Enfield moves away from the hulking look of its other offerings. It has a neo-retro design with a round headlamp, teardrop fuel tank and short, upswept exhaust.
The twin-pod console, round mirrors and stripped-down bodywork add to the retro charm, while hot color shades lend it a cool quotient.
Compared to the laid-back stance of the Classic 350, the Hunter has stubby looking proportions and a low-slung seat, giving it a sportier outline.
Its city-oriented design gives it a rugged but approachable style that’s just at home in a college parking lot as it is on the cafe ride.
Engine and Performance
The Hunter 350 is based on the same underpinnings as the Hunter 350, with the same 349cc, air-oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine which makes 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque.
It’s the same powerplant that’s in the Meteor and Classic 350, but it has been given slightly sportier throttle tuning.
And the power delivery is super smooth and linear, which is ideal for city rides and laid-back cruising. The bike doesn’t beg to be revved out for high-speed hijinks — it wants low-rev, torque-rich compliance.
Its gearbox is a slick 5-speeder, and its shifting is fairly well ricuned also to the gear changes being the most refined when browsing traffic.
The top-end is about 110-115km/h and the Hunter seems quite happy cruising closer to 80-90km/h – it could sit there comfortably all day, with the heart pampering it with a bass-y, trademark Enfield thump, just less pronounced than what we have with non-BS6 Enfields.
Ride, Handling, and Comfort
Weighing somewhere around the 181 kg mark the Hunter 350 is one of the sprightlier Enfields around. That makes it fantastically nimble in traffic and just about everywhere around a city corner.
With a short wheel base and 17inch alloy wheels it is nimble, making it easy to scoot in and out,” he said.
The suspension – telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorbers at the rear – ensures a primarily smooth ride. It’s not too soft, so it takes on speed breakers and bad roads without feeling wallowy.
Seat height, a seat which few people will be dissatisfied with (800mm), is friendly for many people.
While it’s capable of light touring, the Hunter is obviously more focused on urban comfort and weekend thrills than highway pounding or long trips.
Features and Practicality
The Hunter 350 is available in two guises, Retro and Metro. The Metro benefits from a bit of extra premiumness too, with things like:
All-digital instrument cluster
Dual-channel ABS
Tubeless tyres
Alloy wheels
USB charging port
The more affordable Retro gets single-channel ABS, spoke wheels and a simpler console. But both are built around providing key functionality without overwhelming the rider.
The fuel tank capacity is 13 litres which can take the bike up to a range of 350–400 km at a real-world mileage of 35–40 km/l, depending on traffic and riding style.
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Pros Imperial Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Great for city rides, nimble and frame is not heavy
A creamy and refined engine with a delightful exhaust note.
Least expensive way to join the Royal Enfield family
Perfect beginner’s learning bike for novice riders! Great beginner’s bike!
Negative Aspects of Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Not the best for long distance touring or very pillion friendly
Highway speeds suck the power away
No LED headlamp, which rival does provide
No navigational tool was available in the cluster for me though in base version.
Not much wind protection at faster speeds
Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Final Verdict
The Hunter 350 is a welcome addition to the existing line up of Royal Enfield bikes. It’s a cool way to get into the Royal Rnfield brand that is nimble and tiny and bikeablle in the city.
A ride that tends to attract younger riders or those searching for a lightweight but solid machine, thanks to its blend of modern tech and classic design.
It’s no tourer – at least not to the extent of its larger brethren – yet the Hunter sure does score if you value contemporary usability with a dash of classic style.
The Hunter 350 might just be your perfect Enfield if you’re after a bike with a light touch on your arms and wallet.