Royal Enfield has once again captured the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts with the launch of the Hunter 350. Positioned as an urban roadster, this bike combines retro charm with modern performance, making it an ideal choice for both city commutes and weekend rides. If you’re looking for a motorcycle that offers style, power, and value for money, the Hunter 350 deserves your attention.
also Read: Royal Enfield Classic 650: Price, Launch Date, Specs & Features
Pricing: Affordable Entry into the Royal Enfield Family
One of the biggest highlights of the Hunter 350 is its competitive pricing. With an ex-showroom starting price of ₹1,49,900, it is one of the most accessible Royal Enfield models in India. Here’s a breakdown of its variants:
- Hunter 350 Retro – ₹1,49,900 (Base model with essential features)
- Hunter 350 Metro – ₹1,59,900 (Adds premium touches like a dual-tone paint scheme)
- Hunter 350 Metro Rebel – ₹1,64,900 (Top variant with additional styling elements)
Compared to its siblings—the Classic 350 and Meteor 350—the Hunter is priced more aggressively, making it a great entry point for those who want the Royal Enfield experience without stretching their budget.
Engine & Performance: Smooth Power for City and Highways
At the heart of the Hunter 350 lies the same 349cc, air-oil cooled, single-cylinder engine that powers the Classic and Meteor 350. However, Royal Enfield has tuned it slightly differently to suit its roadster character.
- Power & Torque: 20.2 bhp @ 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
- 5-Speed Gearbox: Smooth shifting with well-spaced ratios
- Fuel Efficiency: Delivers around 35-40 kmpl, making it economical for daily use
Unlike heavier Royal Enfield models, the Hunter 350 feels lighter and more agile, making it easier to handle in traffic. The refined engine ensures minimal vibrations, offering a comfortable ride even on longer journeys.
Design & Styling: A Modern Take on Retro Appeal
The Hunter 350 breaks away from the traditional Royal Enfield design language, adopting a neo-retro roadster look. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Minimalist yet Bold Styling – Clean lines, a compact fuel tank, and a low-slung exhaust give it a sporty yet classic appearance.
- Lightweight Build – Weighing just 181 kg (kerb weight), it’s much easier to maneuver than the Bullet or Classic 350.
- Vibrant Color Options – From the subtle Dapper Ash to the eye-catching Rebel Blue and Rebel Red, there’s a shade for every personality.
The bike’s low seat height (800 mm) makes it accessible for shorter riders, while the upright riding posture ensures comfort during long rides.
Ownership Experience: What to Expect from the Hunter 350
Maintenance & Service Costs
Royal Enfield has significantly improved its service network and maintenance costs in recent years. For the Hunter 350:
- First service at 500 km (free labor cost)
- Regular service intervals every 6 months or 5,000 km
- Approximate annual maintenance cost: ₹5,000-7,000 (including oil changes, chain lubrication, and basic spares)
The bike shares many components with other J-platform models (Classic/Meteor 350), ensuring easy availability of spare parts across India’s widespread RE service centers.
Customization Potential
One of Hunter 350’s biggest advantages is its customization-friendly design:
- Official Accessories: RE offers over 50+ genuine accessories including:
- Flyscreen (₹3,500-5,000)
- Engine guards (₹2,800)
- Premium touring seats (₹6,500)
- Aftermarket Scene: Thriving third-party market for:
- Custom exhausts (₹8,000-15,000)
- Handlebar risers
- Vintage-style mirrors
This makes it particularly appealing to riders who enjoy personalizing their machines.
Hunter 350 vs Competitors: Where It Stands
| Feature | Hunter 350 | Honda CB350 | Jawa 42 2.1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Starting) | ₹1.49L | ₹1.99L | ₹1.83L |
| Power | 20.2 bhp | 20.8 bhp | 22.26 bhp |
| Weight | 181 kg | 187 kg | 172 kg |
| Fuel Capacity | 13L | 15L | 14L |
| Unique Selling Point | Urban agility | Refined engine | Lightest in class |
Key Takeaways:
- The Hunter is the most affordable in its class
- Honda CB350 offers better refinement but at higher cost
- Jawa 42 is sportier but has reliability concerns
Real-World Riding Impressions
After testing the bike across various conditions, here are some notable observations:
City Riding:
- The light clutch and upright posture make stop-go traffic manageable
- Tight turning radius helps in crowded areas
- Vibration levels are minimal below 70 kmph
Highway Performance:
- Comfortable cruising at 80-90 kmph
- Feels slightly strained beyond 100 kmph
- Wind blast becomes noticeable without a windscreen
Rural Roads:
- Ground clearance (170mm) handles bad roads well
- Suspension soaks up potholes better than expected
- Tubeless tyres provide peace of mind on rough terrain
Common Concerns & Solutions
- Vibrations at High Speeds
- Solution: Fit rubber-mounted footpegs (₹1,500-2,000)
- Proper engine run-in reduces vibrations over time
- Limited Fuel Range
- With 13L tank and ~35 kmpl, range is ~400 km
- Carry fuel additives for long rides
- Basic Instrument Console
- Aftermarket digital clusters available (₹8,000-12,000)
- RE’s Tripper navigation pod helps (₹5,500)
Long-Term Verdict: 6 Months Later
Early adopters report:
- Reliability: Few issues reported beyond minor electrical glitches
- Resale Value: Holding up better than Jawa/Yezdi
- Community: Growing Hunter-specific rider groups
- Modifications: Most popular upgrades:
- LED auxiliary lights
- Saddle stays for luggage
- Performance air filters
Should You Buy the Hunter 350?
Buy it if:
✓ You want an affordable RE with modern handling
✓ Urban commuting is your primary need
✓ You enjoy customizing your bike
Consider alternatives if:
✗ You prioritize highway comfort (Meteor 350)
✗ Need maximum power (Jawa 42)
✗ Want premium features (Honda CB350)
Final Thoughts
The Hunter 350 successfully carves its own niche in Royal Enfield’s lineup. It retains the brand’s signature character while offering a more accessible, urban-friendly package. For riders seeking a stylish, manageable daily rider with that iconic RE thump, this might be the perfect balance.
What’s your experience with the Hunter 350? Have you test ridden it or compared with other bikes? Share your thoughts below!
