Royal Enfield is a brand that has defined classic motorcycling in India and across the globe. Known for its rugged motorcycles with timeless designs, the company continues to attract both seasoned riders and new enthusiasts. Among its popular offerings, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 stands out as a modern urban roadster built on the acclaimed J-platform engine.
With its retro-inspired styling, agile handling, and accessible price, the Hunter 350 appeals to a wide audience—from young riders seeking their first Royal Enfield to experienced bikers looking for a lightweight city companion. In this article, we will take a deep dive into its design, performance, comfort, features, riding dynamics, pricing, and comparisons, making it easier for you to understand why this motorcycle has become so popular.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Design and Styling
Retro Meets Modern
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 offers a neo-retro design language, blending classic round headlamps, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and minimalist side panels with modern touches like alloy wheels and LED tail lamps.
Compact and Agile Look
Unlike bulkier RE models such as the Classic or Bullet, the Hunter 350 is shorter, lighter, and more compact, giving it an urban-friendly vibe. It comes in vibrant color schemes that enhance its youthful character.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Engine and Performance
J-Platform Powerhouse
At the heart of the Hunter 350 lies the 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled J-series engine. This motor produces 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, tuned for smooth city performance and refined highway cruising.
Smooth Ride Quality
The 5-speed gearbox ensures seamless gear transitions, while the fuel-injected engine provides strong low- and mid-range torque, perfect for overtaking in city traffic and relaxed long rides.
Top Speed and Mileage
The bike can comfortably cruise at 90–100 km/h, with a top speed of around 114 km/h. Fuel efficiency ranges between 30–36 km/l, making it both practical and fun to ride.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Riding Dynamics
Lightweight and Agile
Weighing around 181 kg, the Hunter 350 is among the lightest motorcycles in Royal Enfield’s lineup. Its short wheelbase and upright seating posture make it extremely agile for urban commuting.
Suspension Setup
The bike features telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks, tuned for comfort on city roads while maintaining stability at higher speeds.
Braking Performance
Equipped with disc brakes at both ends and dual-channel ABS (on higher variants), the Hunter ensures safe and confident braking.
Variants and Features
Variants
The Hunter 350 is available in two primary trims:
- Metro – With alloy wheels, tubeless tyres, and dual-tone colors.
- Retro – With spoke wheels and a more old-school appearance.
Notable Features
- Digital-analog instrument cluster
- Tripper navigation (available as an accessory)
- LED tail light
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Premium switchgear and build quality
Comfort and Ergonomics
Rider-Friendly Position
The low seat height of 800mm makes it beginner-friendly and suitable for shorter riders. The upright handlebars and mid-set footpegs provide a natural riding stance.
Pillion Comfort
While the bike is comfortable for short trips with a pillion, it is primarily designed as a solo rider’s machine for urban and highway fun.
Customization and Accessories
Personalization Options
Royal Enfield offers multiple factory accessories like fly screens, crash guards, panniers, bar-end mirrors, and seat upgrades, allowing riders to customize the Hunter to their style.
Price and Availability
Affordable Royal Enfield
The Hunter 350 is priced between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹1.7 lakh (ex-showroom, India), making it one of the most affordable Royal Enfield motorcycles.
Market Reach
It is widely available across Royal Enfield dealerships and online booking platforms, with flexible EMI schemes targeting young buyers.
Comparison with Rivals
Competing Motorcycles
The Hunter 350 competes with the Honda CB350RS, Jawa Forty Two, Yezdi Roadster, and TVS Ronin.
Why Choose Hunter 350?
While rivals may offer more power or different styling, the Hunter shines with its refinement, accessible pricing, customizable nature, and Royal Enfield’s trusted brand legacy.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and agile for city riding
- Affordable entry point into Royal Enfield ownership
- Stylish retro-modern design
- Smooth J-series engine
- Wide range of color options and accessories
Cons
- Limited highway touring comfort compared to Classic 350
- Smaller fuel tank (13 liters)
- Pillion seat comfort could be better
Final Verdict
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a game-changer in the urban motorcycle category, offering style, comfort, performance, and affordability in one package. It is a perfect bike for city riders who want the Royal Enfield charm in a lighter, more manageable form.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider looking for a fun, everyday motorcycle, the Hunter 350 delivers with confidence. It captures the spirit of Royal Enfield while being youthful, agile, and modern—making it one of the best motorcycles in its class.