OVERVIEW & PRICE
Performance
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350’s performance characteristics are tailored to provide a balanced and enjoyable riding experience, particularly in urban settings. The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is powered by a 349cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled engine, part of Royal Enfield’s J-series platform. This engine delivers:
- Power output: 20.2 horsepower at 6,100 rpm
- Torque: 27 Nm at 4,000 rpm
The engine is designed to provide smooth and responsive performance, offering quick acceleration and an enjoyable riding experience. It achieves a top speed of approximately 120 km/h, typically reached in fourth gear rather than the top fifth gear. This top speed is ideal for city and highway cruising, making the Hunter 350 versatile for various riding conditions.
Its great initial torque benefits rapid overtaking and manoeuvring in traffic, enhancing its appeal as a city bike. While the Hunter 350 excels in urban environments, it’s important to note that it’s not designed for high-speed performance. Instead, it offers a satisfactory experience for long rides, balancing performance and comfort. This aligns well with its intended purpose as a versatile commuter and leisure motorcycle.
Mileage and Efficiency
For many Indian motorcycle buyers, fuel efficiency is a top consideration, and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 delivers competitive mileage figures, making it a smart and economical choice.
- The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has certified the Hunter 350 with a mileage of 36.2 kmpl under ideal test conditions.
- Real-world testing, including city and highway commuting and user reviews, further validate the Hunter 350’s impressive fuel efficiency, with an average mileage of around 36 km/l reported.
This real-world data provides a more accurate picture of the bike’s fuel economy under typical riding conditions. The Hunter 350’s fuel efficiency makes it a practical choice for daily commuting and longer rides. With its 13-litre fuel tank, riders can expect a decent range before needing to refuel, adding to the bike’s overall practicality and appeal in the Indian market. It’s worth noting that, as with any vehicle, real-world mileage can vary based on riding conditions, individual riding styles, and maintenance factors. However, the consistent reports of good fuel efficiency across various sources suggest that the Hunter 350 delivers on its promise of an economical ride.
FEATURES and Technology
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has various features and technologies that enhance its appeal to modern riders while maintaining its classic essence. Here’s a comprehensive look at what the Hunter 350 offers:
- Neo-retro style with classic Royal Enfield elements; round headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, flat seat.
- 349 ccs J-Series engine shared with Classic 350 and Meteor 350, tuned for unique performance; single-cylinder, air-oil-cooled; 5-speed manual transmission.
- Contributes to agility and ease of handling, particularly in urban environments.
- Telescopic front forks and twin tube emulsion shock absorbers at the rear for balanced ride quality.
- 17-inch wheels for enhanced manoeuvrability and sporty feel.
- Metro variant with disc brakes and dual-channel ABS; Retro variant with rear drum brake and single-channel ABS.
- An analogue-style LCD dash shows speed, fuel level, and trip meters; it is compatible with Royal Enfield’s Tripper navigation pod for Bluetooth turn-by-turn navigation.
Handling and Agility
One of the standout features of the Hunter 350 is its exceptional handling characteristics, particularly in urban environments. The motorcycle is built on an all-new Harris Performance chassis, which contributes significantly to its sharp handling and manoeuvrability. This design choice, coupled with a short wheelbase and steep rake, results in an incredibly responsive and agile bike. The Hunter 350’s agility shines exceptionally bright in urban environments, promising an exciting and nimble ride through city streets.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Regarding comfort, the Hunter 350 presents a mixed bag of features. The seating position is generally comfortable, with a relaxed handlebar-seat-pegs configuration that suits many riders. The seat height of 31.1 inches is accessible for most, and the cushioning is designed to provide comfort over long rides, ensuring a reassuring riding experience. However, the suspension setup has received some criticism.
While the front suspension, featuring telescopic 41mm forks with 130mm travel, is generally well-received, some riders have noted the rear suspension as overly stiff. This stiffness can lead to discomfort over broken roads and uneven surfaces, particularly during longer journeys. The ergonomics of the Hunter 350 are generally well-designed, with controls and levers within easy reach. However, some riders have reported that the clutch lever is heavier than expected, which could cause fatigue during prolonged use in heavy traffic conditions.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 reflects a balance between modern design elements and the brand’s traditional craftsmanship. The cast aluminium wheels in the Metro variant are a notable feature, contributing to the overall weight reduction and enhancing the bike’s agility. Including tubeless tyres further adds to the Hunter 350’s modern appeal and ease of maintenance.
Overall, the build quality of the Hunter 350 is generally considered robust, with attention to detail in fit and finish. However, some users have noted areas for improvement, such as the quality of the switchgear and the wiring under the cockpit. These minor issues do not significantly detract from the overall quality and durability of the motorcycle. Still, they may be points of consideration for potential buyers who prioritize premium finishes.
Styling and Design
Royal Enfield has always been known for its classic designs, and the Hunter 350 is no exception. The motorcycle features a neo-retro roadster styling that draws inspiration from classic motorcycles while incorporating modern elements. Key design features include:
- A round halogen headlamp
- A teardrop-shaped fuel tank
- A single-piece seat
- A stubby rear fender
- A minimalist overall design
The Hunter 350 sports a matte finish dual-tone paint job, similar to the Scram 411. The fuel tank features a dual-tone paint scheme, while the rest of the motorcycle, including the wheels, is finished in black. The Hunter 350 eschews chrome elements, maintaining a sleek and modern aesthetic.
Colors Options and Variants
Royal Enfield offers the Hunter 350 in various colour options, catering to diverse tastes. The bike is available in 2 variants and 8 different colours, allowing riders to choose a style that best suits their personality. The Hunter 350 is offered in two main variants:
- Metro
- Retro
The colour options are as follows:
- Factory Black
- Dapper Orange
- Dapper Green
- Dapper White
- Dapper Grey
- Rebel Black
- Rebel Blue
- Rebel Red
Both variants are powered by the same 349cc J-series engine, ensuring consistent performance across the range.
Value for Money
With the price starting from ₹ 1,49,900 (Ex-Showroom) onwards, The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is positioned as an affordable entry in the 350cc segment, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. It is priced lower than its siblings, the Classic 350 and Meteor 350, which enhances its appeal as a cost-effective choice. The Hunter 350 offers an impressive overall mileage of 36.2 kmpl, a significant factor for those considering fuel efficiency in their purchase decision.
This frugality in fuel consumption contributes to lower running costs, making it an economical choice for daily commuting. Compared to its class competitors, the Hunter 350 stands out for its combination of classic styling, modern features, and competitive pricing. Its robust build quality and the extensive Royal Enfield service network further add to its value proposition, especially for long-term ownership.
