Royal Enfield has been known for its iconic motorcycles that carry a legacy of classic design, thumping engines, Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and timeless appeal. Traditionally, models like the Classic 350 and Bullet have been loved by enthusiasts for their vintage feel, but they often felt bulky for younger riders who preferred agility and practicality in urban traffic.
To address this, Royal Enfield launched the Hunter 350, a roadster motorcycle built on the new J-platform, combining retro styling with modern agility. It is positioned as the most affordable and city-friendly Royal Enfield, appealing to first-time RE buyers, younger audiences, and riders looking for a stylish yet practical daily motorcycle.
Design and Styling
Modern-Retro Appeal
The Hunter 350 exudes a youthful character while staying true to Royal Enfield’s DNA. It features a compact fuel tank, round headlamp, and a minimalist rear section that gives it a roadster stance.
Customization Options
The bike is available in two primary trims—Retro and Metro—each offering different color schemes, finishes, and accessories. While the Retro version keeps things simple, the Metro variant adds a premium touch with alloy wheels, wider tyres, and vibrant color options.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The bike’s upright riding position, wide handlebars, and slightly rear-set footpegs make it extremely comfortable for both city rides and weekend trips. With a seat height of just 790 mm, it is one of the most accessible Royal Enfield motorcycles for shorter riders.
Engine and Performance
J-Series Engine
At its core, the Hunter 350 is powered by the 349cc air-oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine from Royal Enfield’s J-series platform. This engine is shared with the Classic 350 and Meteor 350, but tuned to deliver a sportier feel.
Power and Torque
- Power: 20.2 bhp at 6100 RPM
- Torque: 27 Nm at 4000 RPM
This ensures a smooth, torquey ride that is perfect for city commutes while retaining enough grunt for open-road cruising.
Refinement
The J-series engine is significantly smoother than older RE engines, with reduced vibrations and improved throttle response. It pairs with a 5-speed gearbox that offers slick shifts and a relaxed riding experience.
Ride and Handling
Lightweight and Agile
The Hunter 350 is the lightest Royal Enfield motorcycle, weighing around 181 kg (Metro variant). This makes it far more agile and easy to maneuver in traffic compared to the Classic or Meteor.
Chassis and Suspension
Built on a double-downtube frame, the bike offers impressive stability. The suspension setup includes:
- Front: 41 mm telescopic forks
- Rear: Twin shock absorbers with preload adjustability
This ensures a balance between comfort and sporty handling.
Tyres and Braking
- Retro Variant: Spoke wheels, narrower tyres, drum rear brake
- Metro Variant: Alloy wheels, wider tubeless tyres, front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS
The Metro variant, in particular, provides excellent road grip and braking confidence.
Features and Technology
Instrument Cluster
The Hunter 350 features a semi-digital instrument console with an analog speedometer and a digital screen displaying:
- Fuel gauge
- Trip meters
- Gear indicator
- Clock
- Odometer
Tripper Navigation (Optional)
Royal Enfield offers its Tripper Navigation pod as an optional accessory, which connects with your smartphone to provide turn-by-turn navigation via Google Maps.
Modern Touches
Features like LED tail lamps, hazard switch, and USB charging (via accessories) bring a modern edge to this retro motorcycle.
Comfort and Practicality
Rider-Friendly
Thanks to its lightweight build, low seat height, and compact dimensions, the Hunter 350 is one of the most approachable Royal Enfield motorcycles for new riders.
City and Highway Usability
- In the city, it feels nimble and responsive, making traffic rides enjoyable.
- On the highway, it comfortably cruises between 80–100 km/h, although it isn’t built for very high-speed touring.
Pillion Comfort
The seat design ensures decent comfort for both rider and pillion, though long-distance pillion rides may require an added backrest.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The Hunter 350 delivers an average mileage of 32–36 kmpl, depending on riding style and road conditions. With a 13-liter fuel tank, it offers a practical riding range of around 400 km on a full tank.
Variants and Colors
Retro Variant
- Spoke wheels
- Drum rear brake
- Single-channel ABS
- Basic color schemes
Metro Variant
- Alloy wheels
- Dual disc brakes with dual-channel ABS
- Wider tubeless tyres
- Vibrant dual-tone color options
The Metro variant is more premium and popular among younger buyers, while the Retro remains the most affordable Royal Enfield.
Price and Competition
Pricing (Approximate Ex-Showroom, 2025)
- Hunter 350 Retro: ₹1.60 lakh
- Hunter 350 Metro: ₹1.75 – 1.80 lakh
Rivals
- Honda CB350 RS
- Jawa 42
- Yezdi Roadster
- TVS Ronin
Among these, the Hunter 350 stands out with its aggressive pricing, attractive design, and Royal Enfield’s strong brand value.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Most affordable Royal Enfield
- Lightest and most agile RE motorcycle
- Stylish design with modern color options
- Smooth and refined J-series engine
- Comfortable ergonomics for city rides
Cons
- Limited touring capability compared to Meteor 350
- Pillion seat could be more comfortable
- No advanced features like full digital console or traction control
Who Should Buy the Hunter 350?
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is perfect for:
- First-time Royal Enfield buyers
- Riders looking for a stylish city-friendly motorcycle
- Shorter riders who find other RE models too tall or heavy
- Young urban riders who want retro appeal with modern practicality
Conclusion
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a refreshing addition to the brand’s lineup, offering the perfect balance of style, agility, and accessibility. It successfully breaks the stereotype of Royal Enfields being heavy, intimidating machines, making the brand more approachable to a new generation of riders.
With its competitive pricing, versatile design, and fun riding dynamics, the Hunter 350 is not just a motorcycle—it’s a lifestyle statement for urban riders who want to stand out while enjoying everyday practicality.