The Hunter 350 by Royal Enfield has emerged as one of the most anticipated motorcycles in the 350cc segment. Positioned as a more modern, agile, and city-focused variant in Royal Enfield’s lineup, the Hunter 350 promises to provide a unique mix of classic styling, updated performance, and comfort for daily riders. It bridges the gap between the more traditional Royal Enfield motorcycles and the urban commuter bikes, offering a fresh approach to motorcycling with a lighter frame and improved ergonomics.
In this review, we will explore every aspect of the Hunter 350, from its engine specifications, performance on city roads, off-road capabilities, long-distance touring potential, available variants, and pricing in India. Let’s dive into the details and find out what makes the Hunter 350 one of the most talked-about motorcycles in the 350cc segment.
Key Highlights of the Hunter 350
Before we delve into the specifications and performance, here’s a quick overview of the Hunter 350’s most notable features:
- Engine: 349cc Single-Cylinder, Air/Oil-Cooled
- Power Output: 20.2 bhp @ 6,100 RPM
- Torque: 27 Nm @ 4,000 RPM
- Transmission: 5-Speed Gearbox
- Brakes: Disc Brakes (Front and Rear), Dual-Channel ABS
- Suspension: 41mm Telescopic Forks (Front) and Twin Shock Absorbers (Rear)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13 Liters
- Price: ₹1,49,000 (Ex-Showroom)
Now, let’s dive deeper into the technical specifications and performance of the Hunter 350.
Hunter 350: Engine and Performance
The Hunter 350 is powered by the same proven 349cc single-cylinder engine found in the Meteor 350 and Classic 350 models. This engine has been refined for smoother operation, offering a good blend of performance and fuel efficiency.
Engine Specifications:
- Engine Type: Single-Cylinder, Air/Oil-Cooled
- Displacement: 349cc
- Bore x Stroke: 72 mm x 85.8 mm
- Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
- Power Output: 20.2 bhp @ 6,100 RPM
- Torque: 27 Nm @ 4,000 RPM
- Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Performance
The 349cc engine on the Hunter 350 produces 20.2 bhp at 6,100 RPM and 27 Nm of torque at 4,000 RPM. The torque is available at low revs, which makes it well-suited for city traffic, offering a smooth and easy ride without the need for frequent gear shifts. The engine produces a healthy mix of low-end grunt and high-revving smoothness, making it ideal for both city commutes and occasional highway cruises.
Top Speed and Acceleration
The Hunter 350 can reach a top speed of 120-130 km/h, which is adequate for cruising on highways while also offering enough performance for city use. The engine’s smooth delivery ensures that the rider doesn’t feel any strain at higher speeds, making it comfortable for medium-distance rides.
- 0-60 km/h: Around 4 seconds
- Top Speed: 120-130 km/h
Fuel Efficiency
The fuel efficiency of the Hunter 350 is estimated at around 30-35 km/l in mixed conditions. With its 13-liter fuel tank, the motorcycle offers a solid range for both city commuting and short-distance touring, reducing the need for frequent refueling stops.
Transmission and Ride Quality
Transmission: 5-Speed Gearbox
The Hunter 350 comes equipped with a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox. The gearbox is smooth and ensures easy shifting, particularly in urban environments where quick gear changes are necessary. The light clutch is easy to pull, making it ideal for beginners and city riders. The gear ratios are designed for efficient city riding, with a short 1st gear for better city maneuverability and longer ratios for highway cruising.
Suspension: Comfort and Stability
The suspension setup of the Hunter 350 is tuned for comfort, especially for urban and city riding. It features:
- Front Suspension: 41mm Telescopic Forks with 130mm Travel
- Rear Suspension: Twin Shock Absorbers with 80mm Travel
This combination of suspension components provides a comfortable ride over bumps and rough patches found in city streets. The slightly stiffer rear shock absorbers offer better control during cornering and high-speed cruising.
Brakes: Dual Disc with Dual-Channel ABS
The Hunter 350 is equipped with dual disc brakes (front and rear) and dual-channel ABS to enhance braking performance and safety. The front brake is a 300mm disc, while the rear is a 270mm disc, ensuring efficient stopping power in both dry and wet conditions.
- Front Brake: 300mm Disc with Dual-Channel ABS
- Rear Brake: 270mm Disc with Dual-Channel ABS
These brakes provide excellent stopping power, especially useful in city traffic, where sudden stops are common.
Design and Ergonomics
Design Features
The Hunter 350 follows the same modern-retro design language that Royal Enfield is known for, with a unique blend of classic cruiser aesthetics and modern street-bike appeal. The bike’s design is compact, sporty, and easily maneuverable, making it ideal for city use and daily commuting.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13 Liters (including 3.5L reserve)
- Seat Height: 800mm
- Ground Clearance: 150mm
- Kerb Weight: 181 kg
- Wheelbase: 1,370mm
The 13-liter fuel tank provides a good balance between fuel range and compactness, while the seat height of 800mm is accessible for most riders, especially in urban conditions. The ground clearance of 150mm makes the bike comfortable for navigating through city potholes and speed bumps.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The ergonomics of the Hunter 350 are designed to offer a relaxed yet sporty posture. The bike is designed with a slightly forward-leaning riding stance that feels natural for most riders. The handlebars are wide, giving a confident feel, while the seat is designed for comfort, ensuring minimal fatigue during short to medium rides. The footpegs are positioned slightly forward, which is ideal for long rides, offering a cruiser-like experience.
Lighting and Instrumentation
The Hunter 350 is equipped with a round LED headlamp, giving it a clean and modern look while providing better visibility. The bike also features a fully digital instrument cluster with a clear, easy-to-read display, which shows:
- Speedometer
- Tachometer
- Fuel Gauge
- Trip Meter
- Odometer
- Gear Position Indicator
The digital display is simple and clear, with an intuitive layout that allows the rider to easily access critical information.
Off-Road, City Road, and Long Ride Experience
Off-Road Experience
While the Hunter 350 is primarily designed as an urban commuter and cruiser, it does have some off-road capabilities. The 150mm ground clearance and twin-shock suspension can handle light trails and dirt roads with ease. However, due to its relatively low suspension travel and urban-focused design, the Hunter 350 is not suited for heavy off-roading or extreme terrains. For light off-road trails or gravel paths, the bike performs well, offering decent stability and traction.
City Road Experience
The Hunter 350 excels in city commuting, with its light frame, responsive throttle, and easy handling. The compact design, combined with the lightweight build, makes it nimble in traffic, while the comfortable seat and relaxed ergonomics ensure long-term comfort. The bike is quick off the line, and the low-end torque allows it to easily maneuver in stop-and-go traffic without feeling sluggish.
Long Ride Experience
For long-distance touring, the Hunter 350 provides a decent experience, especially for medium-distance rides (up to 300-400 kilometers per day). The bike’s comfortable seat, efficient fuel range, and relaxed ergonomics make it capable of extended journeys. However, its suspension might feel slightly stiff for very long rides on rough roads, so riders planning on long-distance touring may need to consider adding extra comfort with aftermarket seat padding or suspension modifications.
Variants and Pricing of the Hunter 350
The Hunter 350 is available in multiple variants, each offering a different set of features and price points. As of now, there are two main variants:
- Hunter 350 Retro: ₹1,49,000 (Ex-Showroom)
- Hunter 350 Metro: ₹1,65,000 (Ex-Showroom)
The Retro variant comes with simpler features, while the Metro variant offers enhanced features like dual-tone paint options, alloy wheels, and a slightly more premium finish.
Pricing (Ex-Showroom, India)
- Hunter 350 Retro: ₹1,49,000
- Hunter 350 Metro: ₹1,65,000
Should You Buy the Hunter 350?
The Hunter 350 is a perfect entry-level motorcycle for those seeking a mix of modern styling, city usability, and classic Royal Enfield charm. Its lightweight design, refined engine, and efficient performance make it an ideal motorcycle for everyday commuting, occasional highway cruising, and light off-roading. The pricing is competitive for its class, and the multiple variants give riders options to choose from based on their needs and budget.
With an ex-showroom price starting at ₹1,49,000, the Hunter 350 offers an excellent combination of style, performance, and value for money, making it one of the most attractive options in the 350cc motorcycle segment.
Pros:
- Lightweight and agile design
- Great for city commuting and light touring
- Comfortable ergonomics and relaxed riding posture
- Good fuel efficiency (30-35 km/l)
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy off-roading
- Slightly stiff suspension for long rides on rough roads
- Limited tech features compared to competitors