The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has quickly carved a niche in the motorcycle market since its debut in August 2022. As one of the most affordable offerings on Royal Enfield’s new J-series platform, the Hunter 350 combines classic design cues with modern performance and technology.
Designed for urban commutes and weekend rides alike, this roadster has not only captured the attention of new riders but also garnered praise from seasoned enthusiasts. In this article, we delve into the Hunter 350’s design, performance, features, variants, and its competitive edge in today’s market all supported by the most recent data and reviews.
A New Chapter in Royal Enfield’s Legacy
Royal Enfield has been synonymous with timeless design and rugged performance for decades. The Hunter 350, launched in August 2022, represents a bold move toward attracting a younger, urban audience while staying true to the brand’s heritage.
With its 349cc BS6 engine, the Hunter 350 produces a modest yet reliable power output of around 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, making it ideal for city commuting and short touring rides.
Despite its affordable price starting from approximately ₹1.49 lakh for the base variant the bike has achieved impressive sales milestones, with monthly figures reportedly between 15,000 to 17,000 units and over 5 lakh units sold globally within just a few years of its launch.
Design Retro Charm Meets Modern Minimalism
One of the standout features of the Hunter 350 is its design. Royal Enfield has managed to blend retro aesthetics with a modern roadster attitude. The Hunter 350 is available in two distinct variants Metro and Retro each catering to different tastes:
Metro Variant: Emphasizes a contemporary, sporty look with features like alloy wheels, tubeless tires, and dual-channel ABS. The modern ergonomics, including a slightly lower seat height (around 790 mm) and a compact riding position, make it exceptionally maneuverable in city traffic. This variant is available in color schemes like Rebel Black, Rebel Blue, and Rebel Red, with pricing in the range of ₹1.69 lakh to ₹1.74 lakh.
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Retro Variant: For riders who appreciate classic lines, the Retro offers a vintage look with wire-spoke wheels, a more traditional fuel tank design, and a simple, no-frills instrument cluster. Although it retains the same engine and basic structure as the Metro, its charm lies in its understated styling and nostalgic appeal.
Styling Details and Build Quality
The Hunter 350 features a sculpted fuel tank, a classic round halogen headlamp, and a single-piece seat that echoes Royal Enfield’s heritage while offering modern comforts. The minimalist dashboard combines analogue and digital elements to deliver essential ride data without clutter.
The bike’s frame, built on a twin downtube spine design, not only contributes to its robust build but also enhances rider stability. The integration of 17-inch wheels a first for modern Royal Enfield motorcycles further accentuates its agile handling characteristics
Engine Smooth and City-Ready
At the heart of the Hunter 350 lies a 349cc, air-oil-cooled single-cylinder engine. This engine, equipped with SOHC technology and ECU control, delivers a power output of approximately 20.2 bhp at 6100 rpm and a peak torque of 27 Nm at 4000 rpm.
These figures might not scream high-performance sportbike, but they provide a perfect balance of power and efficiency for urban commuting. The engine’s revised throttle mapping enhances its responsiveness, making it particularly nimble in stop-and-go city traffic.
Performance Metrics
Acceleration: The Hunter 350 offers a 0–100 km/h time of around 16.4 seconds, which is more than sufficient for city riding where top-end performance is rarely needed.
Top Speed: The bike is electronically limited to a top speed of approximately 114 km/h, ensuring safe urban and sub-urban performance.
Fuel Efficiency: With a claimed mileage of around 36 kmpl, the Hunter 350 provides a long riding range on a full 13-liter fuel tank ideal for both daily commutes and weekend rides.
Despite its modest power figures, the lightweight chassis (with kerb weights varying from 177 kg in the Retro to 181 kg in the Metro) and optimized gearing ensure that the Hunter 350 is agile, responsive, and economical. This balance makes it especially attractive for new riders who are transitioning from smaller displacement bikes.
Features Essentials for the Modern Rider
The Hunter 350’s instrument cluster is a blend of analogue charm and digital functionality. The central speedometer retains a classic look, while supplementary digital displays provide critical information such as trip meters, fuel levels, and service indicators. Some variants even come with compatibility for the Royal Enfield Tripper navigation system, although this feature might require an additional accessory installation.
Safety and Convenience
Safety has not been overlooked in the design of the Hunter 350. The Metro variant comes equipped with dual-channel ABS, ensuring reliable braking performance in diverse road conditions. The bike also includes standard features such as:
LED Tail Lights and Halogen Headlights:
Deliver excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
USB Charging Port:
A convenient addition that allows riders to charge their mobile devices on the go.
Service Due Indicator and Low Fuel Warning:
These indicators help in maintaining the bike and avoiding unexpected breakdowns.
Suspension and Handling
The Hunter 350’s suspension setup is tuned for urban riding. At the front, a non-adjustable 41mm telescopic fork with 130mm of travel absorbs road imperfections effectively.
The rear features twin tube emulsion shock absorbers with 6-step adjustable preload and about 102mm of travel. Although the suspension is firm particularly in the Metro variant it is calibrated to handle typical city road conditions without compromising on handling or stability
Variants and Pricing
Royal Enfield offers the Hunter 350 in multiple variants to cater to varying tastes and budgets:
Hunter 350 Retro: Priced at around ₹1.49 lakh (ex-showroom), this variant focuses on delivering classic styling with tubed tires and single-channel ABS. It appeals to riders who favor a nostalgic look over modern conveniences.
Hunter 350 Metro Dapper: With enhanced features such as alloy wheels, tubeless tires, and dual-channel ABS, this variant is priced at approximately ₹1.69 lakh. It provides a blend of modern aesthetics with a slightly retro charm.
Hunter 350 Metro Rebel: At the higher end of the pricing spectrum (around ₹1.74 lakh), the Rebel variant offers additional cosmetic enhancements and is targeted at riders looking for a sportier appearance without sacrificing the inherent reliability of Royal Enfield engineering.
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