The Hunter 350 stands as the most budget-friendly motorcycle offered by Royal Enfield and is one of the brand’s bestsellers. With recent significant updates, this article outlines key reasons to consider purchasing it, along with a couple of points that may make you hesitate.
1. Most Affordable Royal Enfield
Priced Between Rs 1.5-1.82 Lakh Ex-Showroom
Starting at Rs 1.5 lakh ex-showroom, the Hunter is not only the most economical model from Royal Enfield but also undercuts rival bikes such as the Honda CB 350 H’ness and RS, as well as the Triumph Speed T4 and Jawa/Yezdi motorcycles. However, the base variant is quite basic; opting for features like alloy wheels, an LED headlamp, and vivid color options will require spending around Rs 1.77 lakh to Rs 1.82 lakh, depending on the color choice. Even with these additions, the pricing remains an attractive aspect of this motorcycle.
2. Typical Royal Enfield Character
Equipped with the Same 350cc Engine as the Classic and Bullet
The Hunter 350 features the familiar 349cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, providing the same enjoyable thump and smooth low-end torque found in its counterparts—Classic 350, Meteor 350, and Bullet 350. This relaxed riding style is favored by many riders across the nation, and the Hunter successfully delivers that experience. Notably, it has a different engine tune that offers slightly more responsive acceleration and a distinct sound.
3. Ease of Riding
Lightweight for Royal Enfield Standards with a Low Seat Height
At 181kg, the Hunter is 14kg lighter than a Classic 350, and this difference is noticeable in motion. The bike’s lightweight design, combined with 17-inch wheels and sharper front steering geometry, provides a more agile and nimble feel compared to its 350cc siblings. Additionally, with a seat height of 790mm, it is accommodating for smaller or lighter riders.
4. Enhanced Comfort – Suspension and Clutch
Updated Hunter 350 Offers Greater Comfort
The 2025 Hunter 350 has made notable improvements in comfort. Previous concerns regarding the firm suspension have been addressed with revised rear shocks, enhancing the bike’s ability to absorb uneven road surfaces. Additionally, a new slip/assist clutch has lightened the clutch lever action significantly, alleviating another issue from the earlier model.
5. RE Community and Ecosystem
Royal Enfield Boasts an Unrivaled Rider Community
Royal Enfield has dedicated the past two decades to building a vibrant community that is unmatched in the biking world. This includes organized ride events and the annual Moto Verse festival in Goa, one of the largest two-wheeler festivals in India. The company also offers a wide selection of high-quality accessories, safety gear, and apparel tailored for its motorcycles.
Despite its strengths, there are a couple of reasons why the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 might not be the right fit for everyone, starting with the type of riding experience it provides.
1. Performance for the Price
Greater Performance Options Are Available at This Price Point
While the Hunter 350’s pricing is competitive among similar bikes, those seeking better performance may want to explore other options. With 20hp and 27Nm of torque, the Hunter is capable of comfortable cruising between 80-90kph and reaches a maximum speed of around 120kph. Alternatively, at a similar price, you can find faster motorcycles such as the Hero Xtreme 250R, Honda CB300F, and the upcoming Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z.
2. Size and Presence
Smaller Than Other Royal Enfield Models
The Hunter’s lightweight and agile design is beneficial for novice riders, but it sacrifices the prominent size and road presence typically associated with Royal Enfield motorcycles. While not small, it lacks the imposing stance expected from the brand. Additionally, space for comfortable pillion riding is limited, particularly for larger passengers.
