Royal Enfield has made significant waves in the Indian motorcycle market with its Hunter 350, a motorcycle designed to blend classic Royal Enfield appeal with modern urban agility. Since its launch, the Hunter 350 has quickly become a popular choice, particularly for riders seeking a versatile and accessible machine for city commutes and beyond.
Engine and Performance: At the heart of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is the proven J-series 349cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-oil cooled engine. This powerplant delivers a maximum power of 20.2 bhp at 6100 rpm and a peak torque of 27 Nm at 4000 rpm. This engine is renowned for its smooth and tractable power delivery, especially at lower RPMs, making it ideal for navigating stop-and-go city traffic. The electronic fuel injection (EFI) system ensures consistent power throughout the rev range. Coupled with a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox and an assist and slipper clutch, the Hunter 350 offers lighter clutch action and smoother gear shifts, contributing to a more comfortable and responsive ride. While it can comfortably cruise between 80-90 kmph on highways, pushing beyond that might require a bit more effort. Owners have reported a mileage of around 35-36 kmpl, making it a reasonably fuel-efficient option in its segment.
Chassis and Handling: The Hunter 350 is built on a twin downtube spine frame, which provides a solid foundation for its agile handling characteristics. Its shorter wheelbase, revised rake angle, and lower center of gravity contribute to its impressive maneuverability, making it effortless to navigate through congested urban environments. The suspension setup comprises telescopic forks (41mm, 130mm travel) at the front and twin tube emulsion shock absorbers with 6-step adjustable preload at the rear. This setup aims to provide a balanced ride, absorbing bumps and undulations effectively, although some riders have noted that the rear suspension can feel a bit firm over harsher terrains.
The motorcycle rides on 17-inch alloy wheels (tubeless tyres on higher variants) with a 110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear tyre, which contribute to its nimble handling and confident road grip. For braking, the Hunter 350 features a 300mm disc with a twin-piston floating caliper at the front and a 270mm disc with a single-piston floating caliper at the rear. Dual-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard on higher variants, providing enhanced safety and controlled stopping power.
Design and Features: The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 boasts a distinctive neo-retro roadster design, blending classic Royal Enfield aesthetics with modern touches. It features a retro-styled, digi-analogue instrument cluster with a floating LCD screen that provides essential information, including a useful gear-position indicator. The Metro variants come equipped with an all-LED headlight, enhancing visibility and adding a contemporary flair. A convenient Type-C fast-charging USB port is also available on certain variants, allowing riders to keep their devices charged on the go. The seat height of 790mm makes it accessible to a wider range of riders, and its kerb weight of 181 kg (with 90% fuel & oil) makes it one of the lighter Royal Enfield models, contributing to its ease of handling. The fuel tank capacity is 13 litres.
Variants and Pricing: The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is available in three main variants:
- Hunter 350 Standard (Retro Series): This is the most accessible variant, starting around ₹1.49 lakh (ex-showroom). It typically comes with spoke wheels and single-channel ABS.
- Hunter 350 Mid (Dapper Series): This variant offers a step up with alloy wheels and dual-channel ABS, priced around ₹1.76 lakh (ex-showroom). It often features more vibrant color options.
- Hunter 350 Top (Rebel Series): The top-end variant comes with alloy wheels, dual-channel ABS, and premium color schemes, with prices starting around ₹1.81 lakh (ex-showroom). Some higher-end features like the Tripper Navigation System might be available as an optional extra.
It’s important to note that on-road prices will vary depending on location due to RTO charges, insurance, and other local levies. For instance, in Meerut, the on-road price for the base variant starts from approximately ₹1.77 lakh.
Overall Impression: The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has been well-received for its impressive balance of style, performance, and accessibility. Its compact dimensions, lighter weight, and nimble handling make it a joy to ride in urban settings, while the reliable 350cc J-series engine provides enough power for enjoyable commutes and weekend rides. While some minor criticisms regarding suspension stiffness or the lack of certain premium features on the base model exist, the Hunter 350 remains a compelling option for those looking for a characterful and practical motorcycle that carries the iconic Royal Enfield lineage. Its attractive pricing and diverse color options further solidify its position as a strong contender in the mid-size motorcycle segment.