Royal Enfield’s legacy has long been associated with heavy motorcycles, relaxed power delivery, and retro aesthetics. However, with urban motorcyclists increasingly looking for more nimble, practical machines, the brand needed to evolve. The result? The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 — a refreshing new direction that blends tradition with modern-day rideability.
Unlike just trimming down an existing model, Royal Enfield designed the Hunter 350 from the ground up to appeal to younger and city-based riders. While it still maintains that unmistakable Royal Enfield DNA, it adds agility, compact dimensions, and contemporary features to craft a motorcycle that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking.
Engine & Performance: Built for the City
At the heart of the Hunter 350 lies the familiar 349cc J-series single-cylinder engine, already proven in models like the Meteor and Classic 350. This engine produces 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, which may seem modest on paper, but the experience tells a different story.
Optimized for city commuting, the bike’s shorter gearing gives it a more spirited and responsive low-end performance. This makes navigating traffic feel quick and effortless. The Hunter 350 thrives in stop-and-go scenarios, delivering torque from the bottom without requiring frequent gear shifts.
The engine is smooth and composed even at higher speeds. Riders can comfortably cruise at 80–90 km/h without battling excess vibration. It’s a balance between efficiency and usability — a welcome trait in a daily commuter.
Agile Dynamics: Redesigned for Responsiveness
The Hunter 350 marks a substantial departure in terms of chassis design. Though it uses the twin downtube spine frame seen on the Meteor 350, it features a steeper rake (25.5° vs Meteor’s 28°) and a shorter wheelbase (1370mm vs 1400mm). These tweaks improve its handling and agility significantly.
The result is a motorcycle that corners easily and responds quickly to rider inputs. It feels lighter and more engaging to ride than typical Royal Enfields, particularly in urban settings.
The suspension setup, consisting of traditional telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, leans toward firmness. This configuration offers better control and stability at city speeds, though it sacrifices a bit of comfort over rough patches.
The 17-inch wheels (as opposed to the usual 19/18-inch combo on other REs) contribute to its nimble nature. They also allow for sportier tire profiles, enhancing the Hunter’s overall grip and cornering feel.
Braking & Safety
Braking duties are handled by a 300mm front disc with a dual-piston caliper and a 270mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper, both backed by dual-channel ABS.
The brake setup is more than adequate for the power and weight of the motorcycle. Lever feel is progressive and confidence-inspiring, allowing riders to modulate braking effectively in all conditions.
Weight and Ergonomics: The Lightest Royal Enfield Yet
Tipping the scales at 181 kg (wet weight), the Hunter 350 is one of the lightest Royal Enfield motorcycles available today. This reduction in weight plays a major role in its accessibility, especially for new or shorter riders.
The seat height is a comfortable 800mm, and the narrow seat-tank junction ensures most riders can plant their feet firmly on the ground. The upright riding posture, paired with slightly aggressive footpeg and handlebar positioning (in the Metro variant), allows for both relaxed cruising and spirited city riding.
Design & Variants: Where Retro Meets Rebel
The design of the Hunter 350 strikes a balance between Royal Enfield’s storied past and modern roadster trends. The teardrop-shaped fuel tank and round headlamp remain faithful to the brand’s heritage but feature tweaks like LED elements and sharper tank recesses for a youthful edge.
Color schemes are lively and bold — a big shift from Royal Enfield’s usually understated tones. These bright, attention-grabbing graphics help the Hunter 350 stand out, especially among younger buyers.
The Hunter comes in two variants:
- Retro: Features wire-spoke wheels, a basic analog instrument cluster, and a more relaxed riding position.
- Metro: Comes with alloy wheels, a digital-analog instrument console, a slightly aggressive handlebar setup, and more vibrant color options.
This dual-variant approach helps Royal Enfield cater to both purists and modern riders, without straying from the bike’s core identity.
Real-World Riding Experience
The Hunter 350 instantly feels welcoming. The clutch is light, the gear shifts are smooth, and the throttle response is forgiving — all of which combine to make it ideal for novice and experienced riders alike.
In urban traffic, the responsive engine and lightweight chassis make darting through tight spaces effortless. On open roads, the Hunter delivers a relaxed, vibration-free experience, easily cruising at mid-range highway speeds.
Though it’s not built for aggressive high-speed runs, it excels at everyday practicality. It reminds us that motorcycles don’t need to be the fastest — they just need to be enjoyable.
Market Impact and Positioning
In India’s crowded 350cc segment, the Hunter 350 brings something unique. It’s not trying to beat commuter bikes on fuel economy or outperform sport-oriented models on speed. Instead, it offers accessible performance with a strong brand identity — something few motorcycles in this segment achieve.
Royal Enfield’s pricing strategy for the Hunter is smart. Positioned below the Meteor and Classic 350, it’s competitively priced without sacrificing essential features. Buyers are not just getting a bike — they’re buying into the Royal Enfield lifestyle.
This approach allows Royal Enfield to attract a younger, urban audience who may have previously viewed the brand as old-fashioned or too heavy for daily use.
Final Verdict
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a well-thought-out motorcycle that represents the company’s efforts to evolve with the times. It respects the past while clearly targeting the future.
For urban riders seeking a blend of heritage styling, everyday usability, and modern dynamics, the Hunter 350 checks all the boxes. It’s light, nimble, stylish, and fun — everything a modern classic should be.
As Royal Enfield continues to experiment with new formats and demographics, the Hunter 350 could be the beginning of a new chapter — one that brings even more diverse and exciting motorcycles to life.
FAQs About Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Q1. What is the price of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350?
Ans: The price of the Hunter 350 varies by variant and location. In India, it starts around ₹1.50 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Retro and goes up to ₹1.75 lakh for the Metro variant.
Q2. Is the Hunter 350 suitable for beginners?
Ans: Yes, with its low seat height, light clutch, smooth power delivery, and nimble handling, the Hunter 350 is highly beginner-friendly.
Q3. How is the fuel efficiency of the Hunter 350?
Ans: The Hunter 350 offers a mileage of around 35–40 km/l, depending on riding style and road conditions.
Q4. What is the difference between the Retro and Metro variants?
Ans: The Retro variant gets wire-spoke wheels and a basic analog cluster, while the Metro comes with alloy wheels, a more advanced instrument panel, and a slightly sportier riding posture.
Q5. Is the Hunter 350 good for highway rides?
Ans: Yes, the bike can comfortably cruise at 80–90 km/h on highways. However, it is primarily designed for city riding, and sustained high-speed touring might require an upgrade in wind protection and seating comfort.