When it comes to motorcycles that leave a lasting impression, Royal Enfield continues to be a name that commands respect. In Indian streets, from narrow town lanes to long winding highways, you’re never too far from the signature thump of a Royal Enfield engine. And now, with the New Royal Enfield Hunter 350, the company has once again stirred the market but this time, with a model that fits the budget of the common man without compromising on power or style.
In this detailed review, we dive into the real-world practicality, emotional connect, and on-road capabilities of the Hunter 350. We’ll also break down the specs in a no-jargon, easy-to-understand way so even a first-time buyer can get a clear picture.
The Story Behind Hunter 350’s Launch
Royal Enfield, known for its rich legacy, didn't launch the Hunter 350 to replace any model. Instead, it was born out of a vision to give young India a powerful-yet-affordable motorcycle that they can ride every day without making compromises.
Unlike the Classic 350 or the Meteor 350, which cater more to highway riders or retro-lovers, the Hunter 350 is designed specifically for city streets, short road trips, and daily commuting without losing the rugged DNA of Royal Enfield.
Design Philosophy: Bold, Urban, and Youth-Centric
The Hunter 350 breaks away from the traditional heavy look of Royal Enfield. Instead, it embraces a compact, aggressive, and modern style. At first glance, it looks like a mix of classic and streetfighter, with a muscular fuel tank, sleek side panels, and bold color schemes that instantly connect with younger buyers.
Some standout visual features include
Metal fuel tank with signature branding
Chrome finish accents that add a premium touch
Rounded LED tail lamp for a vintage look
Wider tubeless tyres for better grip and urban maneuverability
It’s a bike that looks premium, feels premium, but surprisingly, costs way less than you'd expect.
Engine Power: Why the 350cc Hunter Feels Like a Giant Slayer
The heart of the Hunter 350 is its 349cc single-cylinder, air-oil-cooled engine, the same unit that powers the Classic and Meteor, but tuned here to feel more responsive and agile in city traffic.
Let’s talk real numbers
Maximum Power: 20.2 bhp at 6100 rpm
Maximum Torque: 27 Nm at 4000 rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Fuel Efficiency: ARAI-certified 55 kmpl under mixed riding conditions
So what does this mean in the real world?
You get a motorcycle that can easily handle bumper-to-bumper traffic in cities like Delhi or Mumbai without heating up or gasping for breath. At the same time, take it on the highway and it can cruise smoothly at 80-90 km/h without any vibrations a rare feat for budget bikes in this category.
Ride Quality: Built for Urban Chaos and Open Roads
One of the Hunter 350’s biggest strengths is its lightweight chassis and flickable handling. It weighs only 181 kg (kerb weight), which makes it one of the lightest Royal Enfields ever. This helps with quick direction changes, parking in tight spaces, and even filtering through traffic during rush hours.
The seat is low-set and well-cushioned, offering good support for both rider and pillion. Add to that wider handlebars and forward-set footpegs, and you have a riding position that feels natural neither too upright, nor too laid-back.
Even on broken roads, the suspension setup handles bumps confidently
Front: 41mm Telescopic Forks
Rear: Twin Shock Absorbers with adjustable preloal
The setup isn't too soft or too stiff it hits the sweet spot, especially for daily Indian road conditions.
Braking System
Because Safety Should Never Be Optional
Royal Enfield has upped its game in terms of safety and braking. The Hunter 350 is available in two variants: Metro and Retro, with slightly different hardware.
In the Metro variant, you get
Front Disc: 300mm
Rear Disc: 270mm
Dual-channel ABS
Whereas in the Retro version, you get a front disc and a rear drum brake with single-channel ABS perfect for buyers who want the style and engine but are on a tighter budget.
Either way, braking feels solid, confidence-inspiring, and there’s no sudden jerks or wheel lock-up, even during panic braking.
Connectivity Features: Modern Tech in a Classic Shell
Unlike traditional Royal Enfields, the Hunter 350 doesn’t shy away from modern-day features. Though it keeps its analog roots alive,
it blends in digital information smartly, offering you
Semi-digital instrument console
Gear position indicator
Fuel level gauge
Odometer and trip meter
USB charging port
Distance-to-empty indicator
Clock
And if you go for the top variant, you also get Tripper Navigation, powered by Google Maps through Royal Enfield’s app a small feature, but a big deal for daily commuters and weekend riders alike.
Fuel Efficiency, 55 kmpl and It’s Not a Gimmick
Let’s get this straight Royal Enfield is not known for fuel efficiency. But with the J-Series engine platform, things have drastically improved. Owners across India are reporting a real-world mileage of 50–55 kmpl, which is unheard of in this segment.
This puts the Hunter 350 ahead of many other 300–400cc bikes that struggle to deliver even 30 kmpl.
Combine this with the 13-litre fuel tank, and you’re easily looking at a range of 600+ kilometers on a single full tank. That’s road trip territory without breaking your budget.
Affordability, A Royal Enfield for Everyone
The biggest win for the Hunter 350 is its pricing. While most 350cc motorcycles cost well above ₹2 lakh, the Hunter comes at an ex-showroom price of ₹1.49 lakh a figure that puts it within reach for many young professionals, college-goers, and even rural buyers looking for a stylish yet practical bike.
Here’s a rough financing breakdown
Down Payment: ₹20,000 (minimum)
EMI: Around ₹4,000 – ₹4,500 for 3 years
On-road Price: ₹1.65 – ₹1.75 lakh (depending on state and RTO)
For a Royal Enfield, this is as budget-friendly as it gets.
Who Should Buy the Hunter 350?
If you’re asking, “Is this the right bike for me?”, here’s a quick
profile of ideal buyers
College students looking for their first premium bike
Office-goers who want something more powerful than a 125cc
Middle-class riders looking for a mix of power, looks, and fuel efficiency
Enfield fans who find the Classic too heavy or expensive
City dwellers who want a reliable daily commuter with weekend potential
Competitors: Does the Hunter 350 Have Rivals?
Yes, and no. While there are many bikes in the 300cc segment, few offer the same package. Here’s how the Hunter stacks up:
Bike Engine Mileage Price Verdict
Bajaj Dominar 250 248cc 35–40 kmpl ₹1.80 lakh More power, less mileage
Jawa 42 294cc 35 kmpl ₹1.98 lakh Classic looks, higher maintenance
Honda CB350RS 348cc 45 kmpl ₹2.15 lakh Great bike, but expensive
Hunter 350 349cc 55 kmpl ₹1.49 lakh Best value-for-money
Final Thoughts
More Than Just a Bike It’s a Statement
The New Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is more than just another launch. It’s a signal that Royal Enfield understands what young India wants power without price shock, design without drama, and performance without problems.
This isn’t a bike you buy to show off. This is a bike you buy to ride every single day. From the morning rush hour to weekend getaways, the Hunter 350 stands tall as an everyman’s Royal Enfield, delivering more than you expect at a price that surprises everyone.
If you’ve been waiting for a powerful-yet-practical Royal Enfield under ₹1.5 lakh, this is your moment.
Disclaimer
This article is based on current market insights, user reviews, and publicly available information as of June 2025. Prices and specs may vary slightly across cities. For the latest updates and test ride bookings, visit your nearest Royal Enfield dealership or check rooh-e-seemanchal.in for news on auto launches, features, and updates.
