The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has been creating a buzz in the motorcycle world with its sleek design, modern features, and punchy performance. Combining Royal Enfield’s iconic vintage styling with contemporary urban-friendly features, the Hunter 350 caters to both seasoned riders and newcomers. Whether you’re navigating city traffic or planning a weekend getaway, this nimble street scrambler seems ready for it all.
Retro Looks with a Modern Touch
From the first glance, the Hunter 350 catches your eye with its retro styling, staying true to the brand’s heritage. It features the classic round headlamp that Royal Enfield is known for, but with a modern twist — it’s now LED-powered, offering better visibility and efficiency. The teardrop-shaped fuel tank is also present, though it’s more compact, making the bike perfect for tight city spaces.
The bike comes in two variants: Retro and Metro.
| Variant | Features |
| Retro | Wire-spoke wheels, simple instrument cluster. |
| Metro | Alloy wheels, digital-analog instrument cluster, Tripper navigation system on top-end models. |
The Metro variant also includes sleek, modern touches such as alloy wheels and LED tail lamps, while the Retro variant stays true to the classic look. Plus, with a low seat height of 790mm, it’s ideal for riders of all heights, offering ease of handling whether you’re in heavy traffic or weaving through narrow streets.
Performance: Smooth Yet Powerful
The Hunter 350 is powered by the same 349cc, air-oil cooled, single-cylinder engine found in other Royal Enfield models like the Meteor and Classic 350. However, the engine has been fine-tuned for a more urban-friendly and lively performance. It delivers 20.2 bhp at 6100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, which gives the Hunter a nice balance of power for everyday riding.
What stands out is the smooth, linear power delivery and reduced engine vibrations, offering a much-refined experience compared to older Royal Enfield bikes. Despite the famous “thump” that Royal Enfield is known for, it’s been toned down, giving the Hunter a more sophisticated, refined feel. The bike comes with a 5-speed gearbox and delivers a decent fuel efficiency of 30-35 km/l in real-world conditions, making it a practical option for daily commutes.
Handling: Built for City Streets
The real charm of the Hunter 350 lies in its handling. Designed for agility, it’s perfect for zipping through city traffic or making quick maneuvers on narrow lanes. The shorter and sharper chassis provides quick steering, and the overall ride is light and easy to control. It’s the kind of bike that gives you confidence when navigating congested urban areas.
| Suspension Setup | Front | Rear |
| Type | 41mm telescopic forks | Twin-tube emulsion shock absorbers |
| Brake Size | 300mm disc brake | 270mm disc brake |
| Safety | Dual-channel ABS (Metro variant) |
The 41mm telescopic forks at the front and twin-tube emulsion shock absorbers at the rear offer a perfect mix of comfort and stability. They help smooth out the rough patches of city roads while providing stability during tight turns. With dual-channel ABS on the Metro variant, you can ride with confidence even in wet or slippery conditions.
Modern Features for the Modern Rider
Royal Enfield hasn’t skipped on modern features either. The instrument cluster on the Metro variant is a digital-analog combo that offers essential ride data, while the top-end models come with Tripper Navigation, providing turn-by-turn directions when connected to your smartphone.
Additional modern features include:
- USB charging port for keeping devices powered on the go.
- LED tail lamps and indicators for better visibility.
- Premium switchgear for a superior feel.
While the headlamp remains halogen, it still gives that classic warm glow that many Royal Enfield fans love.
Comfort and Ergonomics: Long Rides, Made Comfortable
The Hunter 350 offers an upright and neutral riding position, making it suitable for both short commutes and longer weekend rides. The wide handlebars are slightly pulled back for improved maneuverability, especially at low speeds. The well-contoured seat ensures comfort, although taller riders might feel a bit cramped on extended rides.
With 150mm of ground clearance, the bike can handle a variety of road conditions, making it ideal for India’s diverse terrains. However, extra caution is advised when crossing larger speed bumps, particularly if the bike is fully loaded.
Price and Competitors
Priced between ₹1.50 lakh and ₹1.75 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hunter 350 positions itself as a competitively priced entry into the Royal Enfield family. It rivals competitors like the Honda CB350RS and Jawa Forty Two, offering a similar blend of classic styling, modern performance, and a budget-friendly price.
Conclusion: The New Face of Royal Enfield
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 represents a bold step forward for the iconic brand. It successfully combines vintage design with modern technology and features, making it an excellent choice for both new and experienced riders. Whether you’re a young professional seeking a stylish commuter or a long-time Royal Enfield fan, the Hunter 350 offers a fantastic balance of style, performance, and practicality. It’s not just a motorcycle – it’s a statement.
