An Introduction to the Hunter 350
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 burst onto the scene as a modern, lightweight, and affordable entry into the iconic Royal Enfield lineup. It’s designed for the urban rider, promising agility, classic style, and the signature thump. But does it live up to the hype? This in-depth review covers everything you need to know: its features, price, real-world mileage, variants, and whether it’s the right bike for you.
The Hunter 350 marks a significant departure from Royal Enfield’s traditionally bulky and classic-styled motorcycles. Positioned as an “Urban Roadster,” it aims to capture the spirit of a younger, city-focused audience. It shares its proven engine platform with the Meteor 350 and Classic 350 but packages it in a more compact, nimble, and aggressively priced chassis. It’s the brand’s attempt to be fun, accessible, and easy to handle.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Key Features and Specifications
Let’s break down what makes the Hunter 350 tick, from its heart to its handling.
Engine and Performance
At the core of the Hunter 350 is the familiar 349cc, air-oil cooled, single-cylinder J-Torq engine.
Displacement
349cc
Max Power
20.2 bhp @ 6,100 rpm
Max Torque
27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission
5-speed constant mesh
This engine is known for its strong low-end and mid-range torque, making it perfect for city commuting. It’s not a highway sprinter, but it offers a relaxed, stress-free riding experience with that characteristic Royal Enfield thump.
Design, Ergonomics, and Styling
The Hunter 350 sports a minimalist, neo-retro design. It features a sleek fuel tank, a flat and comfortable seat, and a raised handlebar that promotes an upright riding posture.
- Colors: It comes in multiple vibrant single-tone and dual-tone color options. (Note: Available colors can vary by model year and market.)
- Variant: The main variant is the standard model, with dual-tone paint schemes usually commanding a slight premium.
- Build: The overall fit and finish is good for the segment, with a focus on function over flashy details.
Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes
Built on a new, lighter double-cradle chassis, the Hunter 350 is the most agile of the Royal Enfield 350cc family.
- Chassis: Steel double-downtube cradle
- Front Suspension: 41mm telescopic fork
- Rear Suspension: Gas-charged shock absorbers
- Braking: Bybre (a Brembo subsidiary) provides the brakes. It offers a disc brake at the front and a drum at the rear as standard, with a rear disc available as an option. Dual-channel ABS is not offered.
The Most Critical Factor: Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Price
This is where the Hunter 350 makes a very strong case for itself.
Official MSRP: The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 starts from approximately $3,999 for single-tone colors. The dual-tone variants are priced around $4,199.
Important Note on Final Cost: The MSRP is just the starting point. The “Out-the-Door” (OTD) price will be higher and will include additional costs like:
- Destination Freight Charges
- Dealer Setup and Preparation Fees
- State Sales Tax
- Registration and Title Fees
Always get a final OTD quote from your local dealer before making a purchase decision.
Fuel Efficiency: Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Mileage
Fuel efficiency is a major buying consideration, especially for a commuter bike.
Claimed Mileage
Approximately 80-85 mpg under ideal test conditions
Real-World Mileage
Approximately 65-75 mpg in mixed riding conditions
In real-world city and highway riding conditions, with factors like traffic, riding style, and load, owners report an average fuel efficiency of approximately 65-75 mpg. This is still excellent and ensures a long riding range from its small fuel tank.
Pros and Cons of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Let’s weigh the advantages and drawbacks.
Pros (The Advantages)
- Aggressive Pricing: It’s one of the most accessible 350cc motorcycles in the market.
- Agile and Lightweight: Excellent for weaving through city traffic and easy for beginners to handle.
- Comfortable Riding Position: The upright ergonomics reduce strain on the wrists and back.
- Proven and Reliable Engine: The J-Torq engine is known for its low-maintenance character.
- Modern, Youthful Styling: Appeals to those who find other RE models too old-fashioned.
Cons (The Drawbacks)
- Limited Highway Performance: It can feel strained and lack power for comfortable high-speed overtakes on highways.
- No Dual-Channel ABS: The lack of this safety feature is a notable miss for some riders.
- Basic Instrument Console: Lacks a digital tachometer and Bluetooth connectivity offered in its siblings.
- Vibrations: Some vibrations are noticeable at higher RPMs, which is characteristic of large single-cylinder engines.
Hunter 350 vs. The Competition
How does it stack up against its rivals?
| Feature | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | Honda Rebel 300 | Kawasaki KLX230 S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 349cc, Single-Cylinder | 286cc, Single-Cylinder | 233cc, Single-Cylinder |
| Price (MSRP) | ~$3,999 | ~$4,849 | ~$4,999 (Non-ABS) |
| Style | Urban Roadster | Cruiser | Dual-Sport |
| Best For | City Commuting, Style | Highway Cruising, Brand Trust | Off-Roading, Versatility |
| Key Strength | Torquey engine, low price | Refined engine, cruiser comfort | Off-road capability, lightweight |
Verdict: The Hunter 350 wins on pure value and city-friendly agility. The Honda Rebel 300 offers more refinement and highway manners, while the Kawasaki KLX230 S is for those who want to explore beyond the tarmac.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While possible, it’s not ideal. The limited power and lack of wind protection can make long highway journeys tiring. It’s best suited for city rides and short weekend trips.
It has a healthy ground clearance of 150mm, which is sufficient for handling bad roads and moderate speed breakers without scraping.
No, the Hunter 350 does not come with a standard USB charging port, which is a minor convenience miss.
Absolutely. Its low seat height, manageable weight, forgiving clutch, and linear power delivery make it an excellent choice for new riders.
The Classic 350 is more focused on a pure, traditional retro experience with a plusher ride. The Hunter is more modern, sporty, agile, and affordable.
Conclusion – Who Should Buy the Hunter 350?
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is not a perfect motorcycle, but it is a very compelling one for a specific audience.
You should buy the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 if:
- You are a new rider looking for a friendly and affordable first bike.
- Your primary use is daily city commuting.
- You want a stylish, low-maintenance motorcycle with the Royal Enfield character.
- Your budget is a primary constraint.
You should look at other options if:
- You frequently ride on highways and need more power.
- Advanced safety features like dual-channel ABS are a non-negotiable for you.
- You are planning extensive long-distance touring.
In the sub-$5,000 category, the Hunter 350 carves out a unique niche as a charismatic, practical, and immensely fun urban runabout. It successfully brings the Royal Enfield experience to a new generation of riders.
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Md Imran Rahimi is the founder and main author of TechScopeHub.in. He is passionate about technology, gadgets, and automobiles, and loves to share simple yet valuable insights with readers. With a focus on honest reviews and clear comparisons, Imran’s goal is to make technology easy and useful for everyone.”
Md Imran Rahimi, TechScopeHub.in के संस्थापक और मुख्य लेखक हैं। उन्हें टेक्नोलॉजी, गैजेट्स और ऑटोमोबाइल्स का गहरा शौक है और वे अपनी सरल लेकिन उपयोगी जानकारी पाठकों के साथ साझा करना पसंद करते हैं। ईमानदार रिव्यू और स्पष्ट तुलना पर ध्यान देते हुए, इमरान का उद्देश्य है कि हर किसी के लिए टेक्नोलॉजी आसान और उपयोगी बने।”