Royal Enfield Hunter 350: The last few years have witnessed a frenzy in the Indian motorcycle market over retro styled bikes that are not only high on performance but are also easy on the pockets. Royal Enfield is one of the few names in the two-wheeler industry that has always been special to the motorcycle lovers. The company has established itself as one that produces bikes with a classic design language and strong engines, but it is still willing to adapt and cater to the shifting demands of the younger riders. Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a living example of such a change- a modern day street bike, with the old school soul.
The Hunter 350, which is more of an urban-friendly model, was unveiled in India in combination of agility, beauty, and accessibility. It exists as a young substitute to the more conventional models of the brand such as the Classic 350 and the Meteor 350. The Hunter 350 is powered by the reliable, 349cc, J-series motor coupled with a brand new frame geometry, making it a bike that is as capable of negotiating traffic jams on a weekday as it is on firing up the adrenaline on the weekend. So, what has made this machine an instant favorite among the young riders in India? Let us find out.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Design and Styling
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 showcases a neo-retro design that appeals to both seasoned riders and millennials. With its upright stance, round headlamp, minimalist tank design, and a tidy tail section, the Hunter blends modern street style with Royal Enfield’s legacy of timeless aesthetics.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Headlamp | Halogen with LED DRLs |
| Fuel Tank | Sculpted 13-litre tank with heritage badging |
| Instrument Console | Semi-digital, Tripper Navigation (optional) |
| Seat Design | Single-piece comfortable seat |
| Colors Available | Dapper White, Rebel Black, Dapper Grey, Rebel Red etc. |
The compact dimensions and low seat height (800 mm) make the bike accessible to a wide range of riders, especially those new to motorcycling or shorter in stature.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Hunter 350 is Royal Enfield’s proven 349cc, air-oil cooled, single cylinder engine that’s shared with the Classic 350 and Meteor 350. Tuned slightly for a peppier throttle response, this engine offers smooth power delivery and an enjoyable riding experience.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 349cc, Single Cylinder, Air-Oil Cooled |
| Max Power | 20.2 bhp @ 6100 rpm |
| Max Torque | 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Efficiency | 35-40 km/l (real world conditions) |
The Hunter 350 is particularly suited for city riding thanks to its nimble chassis, punchy low-end torque, and refined gear shifts. Highway cruising is also quite comfortable at speeds between 80–90 km/h.
Ride and Handling
Built on a twin downtube spine frame, the Hunter 350 has been designed to offer precise control and balance. It’s the lightest Royal Enfield in the 350cc range, weighing just 181 kg, making it ideal for daily urban riding.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks – 41 mm, 130 mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock Absorbers, 6-step Preload |
| Front Brake | 300 mm Disc with Dual-Channel ABS |
| Rear Brake | 270 mm Disc/Drum (depending on variant) |
Cornering is surprisingly agile for a Royal Enfield, and the 17-inch alloy wheels (with tubeless tyres) further enhance stability and grip, even on uneven Indian roads. The braking system with dual channel ABS (in higher variants) ensures safety without compromising performance.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Price in India
Royal Enfield offers the Hunter 350 in two variants Retro and Metro. While the Retro variant comes with basic features to keep costs low, the Metro version offers modern amenities for urban riders.
| Feature | Retro Variant | Metro Variant |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | Spoke Wheels | Alloy Wheels |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog | Semi-Digital |
| ABS | Single-Channel | Dual-Channel |
| Tyres | Tube Type | Tubeless |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | ₹1.49 lakh approx | ₹1.69 lakh approx |
These competitive prices make the Hunter 350 a compelling option for first time buyers looking for a budget friendly bike that carries the prestige of Royal Enfield.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Features and Technology
While the Hunter 350 is built with simplicity in mind, it doesn’t completely shy away from modern tech. The higher-spec Metro variant includes Royal Enfield’s Tripper Navigation pod, which pairs with your smartphone to offer turn-by-turn navigation.
- Tripper Navigation (optional)
- USB Charging Port
- LED Tail Lamp
- Semi-Digital Console with fuel gauge, gear position, trip meter
- Dual-Channel ABS (Metro variant)
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Mileage
In real world conditions, the Hunter 350 delivers an average fuel economy of 35–40 km/l, which is respectable for a 349cc motorcycle. Its lightweight construction and city-friendly ergonomics make it highly maneuverable in traffic-heavy cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi.
Long distance touring is also possible, although the bike is more suited for short rides and quick weekend getaways. The upright seating position and wide handlebars ensure rider comfort over moderate distances.
Read also: Bajaj Pulsar N160 with 164.82cc engine and dual ABS feature for just Rs 1.34 lakh
Competitors in the Market
| Bike | Engine | Power | Mileage | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter 350 | 349cc | 20.2 bhp | 35-40 | ₹1.49 – ₹1.69 lakh |
| Honda CB350RS | 348cc | 20.8 bhp | 35-40 | ₹2.15 lakh approx |
| Jawa 42 | 293cc | 27.3 bhp | 33-37 | ₹1.98 lakh approx |
| TVS Ronin | 225cc | 20.1 bhp | 40-45 | ₹1.49 lakh onwards |
Conclusion
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a major stride towards ensuring that the company becomes more urban and young in its clientele. It has a good balance between modernity and tradition with its attractive prices, good looks and sprightly performance. Be it a first timer rider or an enthusiast who wants a motorcycle that is fun to ride and at the same time practical, the Hunter 350 will not disappoint on any level. It is not a bike, it is a statement in the already busy mid-capacity segment.
Shubhankar Mishra is the founder of Softloan.in and a popular YouTuber. With expertise in automobiles and finance, he creates valuable content to help his audience make informed decisions about car purchases and financial planning.