Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Royal Enfield a motorcycle company with a rich history, personality and rugged look has always been valued in the Indian market. Because of their powerful engines and traditional design, Royal Enfield cycles remain the preferred option for both every-day rides and trips. Yet, when customers wanted motorcycles that were lighter and more agile, but still UNIQUE, Royal Enfield came up with the Thunderbird X. It is at this point that Royal Enfield introduces the Hunter 350.
The Hunter 350 has been released to attract urban riders, as Royal Enfield tries to mix style, power and affordability. It has fast responses, an exciting retro design and uses the new J-series engine which is a major improvement. I want to take a closer look at the features, specifications, performance and how this motorcycle is doing in the real world as it becomes more popular in cities throughout India.
Design and Styling
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 brings a fresh visual identity to the brand. While it carries the DNA of a classic RE bike, it departs from the bulkier cruiser design in favor of a more compact and minimalistic look. The round headlamp, teardrop fuel tank, single-piece seat, and stubby exhaust lend it a retro charm, while the vibrant color schemes and sharp lines keep it youthful.
It comes in two variants — Retro and Metro. The Metro variant gets alloy wheels, a more modern digital-analogue instrument cluster, and dual-channel ABS, making it ideal for city use. On the other hand, the Retro trim comes with spoke wheels, a more traditional speedometer, and single-channel ABS — perfect for purists who enjoy the raw feel of riding.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is the J-series 349cc air-oil cooled single-cylinder engine — the same one that powers the Meteor 350 and Classic 350. Tuned to deliver 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, the engine is refined, torquey, and perfectly suited for city rides and weekend getaways.
The Hunter 350 boasts a 5-speed gearbox that offers smooth shifts. What stands out is the engine’s tractability; you can cruise at low speeds in higher gears without knocking — a blessing in India’s stop-and-go traffic. With a top speed of around 114 km/h, it’s not built for high-speed touring but excels in urban mobility and short highway runs.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Specifications
Here’s a detailed look at the technical specifications of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 349cc, Air-Oil Cooled, Single Cylinder |
| Power Output | 20.2 bhp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13 Litres |
| Kerb Weight | 181 kg (Metro), 177 kg (Retro) |
| Suspension (Front) | 41 mm Telescopic Forks |
| Suspension (Rear) | Twin Tube Emulsion Shock Absorbers |
| Brakes (Metro Variant) | Disc Brakes with Dual-Channel ABS |
| Brakes (Retro Variant) | Front Disc, Rear Drum with Single-Channel ABS |
| Wheels | 17-inch (Alloys in Metro, Spoke in Retro) |
| Ground Clearance | 150.5 mm |
| Seat Height | 800 mm |
| Mileage (Claimed) | 35–40 km/l |
Features and Technology
While the Hunter 350 isn’t overloaded with electronics, it packs enough modern touches to appeal to today’s rider:
- Tripper Navigation (Optional): Available as an accessory in the Metro variant.
- Digital-Analogue Console: Offers gear indicator, trip meter, clock, and service reminder.
- Dual Channel ABS (Metro): Improves braking safety, especially on urban roads.
- USB Charging Port: Handy for mobile navigation or charging on the go.
- LED Tail Lamp: A small but stylish touch that enhances rear visibility.
Ride Quality and Handling
One of the biggest highlights of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is its agile handling. The 17-inch wheels and revised rake angle give it sharper steering characteristics compared to the Classic 350. It feels more planted in corners and nimble while maneuvering through traffic. The bike’s relatively low seat height and upright riding position offer good comfort even for shorter riders.
Suspension setup is tuned for city comfort. It absorbs potholes and rough patches decently, although high-speed stability on uneven roads could feel slightly bouncy due to the shorter wheelbase. The Hunter’s compact footprint also makes it easy to park and navigate in congested areas — a big plus for Indian cities.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Price in India
As of 2025, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is available in two major variants — Retro and Metro — with sub-variants based on color options (Dapper, Rebel, and Factory). Here’s a quick price reference (ex-showroom, Delhi):
| Variant | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Retro | ₹1.49 Lakh |
| Metro Dapper | ₹1.69 Lakh |
| Metro Rebel | ₹1.74 Lakh |
This aggressive pricing strategy places the Hunter 350 as one of the most value-for-money Royal Enfield bikes currently available in India.
Pros and Cons of Royal Enfield Hunter 350
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish modern-retro design | No LED headlamp in any variant |
| Lightweight and nimble handling | Lacks sixth gear for better highway cruising |
| Refined and torquey J-series engine | Mild vibrations felt above 90 km/h |
| Affordable pricing in the 350cc segment | Basic features compared to rivals |
| Ideal for city commuting and weekend rides | No ride modes or traction control options |
Competitors in the Segment
In the Indian market, the Hunter 350 competes with:
- Honda CB350RS – Offers better features but at a higher price point
- Yamaha FZ-X – Lighter and cheaper, but less powerful
- TVS Ronin – Similar design approach with more features
- Bajaj Dominar 250 – More performance-focused, sportier design
Despite strong competition, the Hunter 350 has carved a niche due to its unique blend of retro aesthetics, practicality, and affordability.
Read also: Hero Xtreme 250R
Conclusion
With the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Royal Enfield is shifting in a fresh direction by delivering a bike that brings together performance, price and style to support Indian city dwelling motorcycle users. It gives a way for young bikers to enjoy the Royal Enfield family in a package more suitable for urban life. Suppose you want a bike that looks good, is easy to use and won’t cost too much–the Hunter 350 is one of your best options.
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.