The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has brought a fresh new energy to the mid-size motorcycle segment in India. Known for its aggressive pricing, nimble nature, and urban-friendly design, the Hunter 350 successfully blends classic Royal Enfield DNA with modern-day practicality. It’s built for a new generation of riders—those who want all the thrill of a Royal Enfield but in a form that’s light on the pocket and easy to ride through city streets.
In this article, we explore what makes the Hunter 350 both lightweight and affordable, and why it’s fast becoming one of Royal Enfield’s most loved models. Whether you’re a new rider, a daily commuter, or just looking for a stylish bike that’s easy to live with, the Hunter 350 could be the perfect match.
A New Direction for Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield has long been associated with classic, heavyweight motorcycles like the Bullet and Classic 350. While those bikes have their loyal following, there was a growing demand for something lighter, quicker, and more youth-oriented. The Hunter 350 is Royal Enfield’s answer to that demand.
Launched with a focus on urban mobility, the Hunter ditches the traditional cruiser form in favor of a roadster-style motorcycle—something that feels agile, responsive, and fun to ride while retaining the brand’s timeless aesthetic.
Lightweight But Strong
One of the most striking aspects of the Hunter 350 is its lightweight frame. With a kerb weight of around 181 kg, it is one of the lightest Royal Enfield motorcycles in production today. That’s nearly 14 to 20 kg lighter than the Classic 350 or Meteor 350, both of which share the same engine platform.
What makes it lightweight?
- A shorter wheelbase (1370 mm) for quicker handling
- Revised chassis geometry tuned for agility
- Lightweight alloy wheels (in Metro variant)
- Compact fuel tank (13 liters) designed for daily rides
- Slimmer bodywork with minimalist styling
This combination makes the Hunter feel less intimidating for new riders and much easier to manage in traffic or during parking maneuvers.
The Powertrain: Familiar Yet Exciting
Under the tank, the Hunter 350 shares the same 349cc air-oil cooled engine found in the Classic 350 and Meteor 350. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery, refined performance, and excellent reliability.
Engine Specs:
- 349cc single-cylinder, air-oil cooled
- Power: 20.2 bhp @ 6100 rpm
- Torque: 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm
- 5-speed gearbox
- Fuel-injected BS6-compliant engine
Despite having the same engine as its siblings, the Hunter 350 feels a bit livelier thanks to its lighter frame and shorter gearing. The result? A motorcycle that’s quicker off the line, more playful in traffic, and great for city sprinting.
Affordability Redefined
What truly sets the Hunter 350 apart in its class is its affordable price tag. With the base Retro variant priced significantly lower than other Royal Enfield models, it becomes an ideal entry point for those who want the brand experience without the financial stretch.
Two Variants:
- Retro – more minimalistic, spoked wheels, simpler instrumentation
- Metro – alloy wheels, digital-analog console, better tires, and more premium finish
Both versions are priced competitively, offering tremendous value in terms of features, styling, and brand equity.
When compared to other motorcycles in the 300–400cc segment, the Hunter stands out as one of the most budget-friendly options. It allows younger buyers, college students, and urban commuters to own a Royal Enfield without having to break the bank.
Designed for the Urban Jungle
From the get-go, the Hunter 350 has been engineered for city life. Its upright riding position, wide handlebar, and slightly rear-set footpegs make it incredibly comfortable in daily riding conditions.
Key Urban Features:
- Short turning radius: Perfect for U-turns in tight lanes
- Quick throttle response: Helps in quick overtakes
- High maneuverability: Excellent for navigating traffic
- Comfortable seat height (800 mm): Suitable for most Indian riders
Unlike bulkier cruisers, the Hunter never feels clumsy in tight city streets. It’s confident, composed, and responsive—even for first-time riders.
Stylish to the Core
The Hunter’s appeal isn’t just mechanical—it’s also emotional. Royal Enfield has done a stellar job of giving the Hunter 350 a stylish, neo-retro design that attracts attention without being too loud.
Key Styling Elements:
- Teardrop-shaped fuel tank with bold graphics
- Round LED taillight and circular indicators
- Dual-tone color options (in Metro variant)
- Sleek, minimalist body panels
- Offset digital-analog instrument console
Whether parked outside a café or zipping down the highway, the Hunter commands attention with its retro-modern charm.
Digital Meets Analog
In keeping with modern expectations, the Hunter 350 (especially the Metro variant) comes with a digital-analog instrument cluster that displays:
- Speedometer (analog)
- Gear position indicator
- Fuel gauge
- Trip meters
- Clock
- Eco indicator
- Optional Tripper Navigation pod (in select variants)
This console strikes the right balance between classic design and digital functionality.
Ride Comfort and Suspension
Despite being tuned for urban agility, the Hunter 350 doesn’t compromise on ride comfort.
Suspension Setup:
- Front: 41mm telescopic forks
- Rear: Twin shocks with 6-step preload adjustability
The suspension is set on the firmer side to offer better handling but still manages to absorb bumps and potholes effectively. On highways or city roads, the ride remains stable and composed.
Braking and Safety
The Hunter 350 offers single-channel or dual-channel ABS depending on the variant.
- Retro variant: 130mm rear drum, single-channel ABS
- Metro variant: 270mm rear disc, dual-channel ABS
This setup provides solid braking performance and enhanced safety, especially for newer riders or wet conditions.
Real-World Mileage
The Hunter 350 delivers fuel efficiency figures of around 35–40 km/l under mixed riding conditions. With a 13-liter tank, this gives it a respectable range of about 450–500 kilometers on a full tank—enough for daily commutes and weekend trips.
Accessories and Customization
Royal Enfield offers a wide range of factory accessories for the Hunter 350, allowing riders to customize their machines with:
- Bar-end mirrors
- LED indicators
- Touring seats
- Windscreens
- Tank pads and crash guards
- Tail tidy kits
This makes the Hunter not just a motorcycle, but a canvas for self-expression.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Hunter 350?
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is ideal for:
- First-time Royal Enfield buyers
- Urban commuters looking for a lightweight, stylish option
- Younger riders who want a sporty yet classic machine
- College students or young professionals seeking brand prestige on a budget
- Anyone who wants the Royal Enfield experience with better city usability
Conclusion
The Hunter 350 is a landmark motorcycle for Royal Enfield. It breaks away from the brand’s traditional heavyweight image and steps into the world of agile, affordable, and stylish motorcycles. Its lightweight frame makes it easy to handle, while the aggressive pricing ensures it’s accessible to a broader audience.
Whether you’re navigating city traffic, riding to work, or cruising on the weekend, the Hunter 350 proves that style, performance, and practicality don’t have to come at a premium.
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