The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a motorcycle that brings a fresh flavour to the legendary brand’s lineup. Unlike the typical vintage-inspired cruisers and retros we associate with Royal Enfield, the Hunter 350 is designed to appeal to a younger, more urban audience. It blends modern-day practicality with Royal Enfield’s signature charm, offering a motorcycle that is nimble, stylish, and loaded with character.
In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into everything the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has to offer in 2025—from its design and engine specs to its riding dynamics, features, price, and how it compares to its rivals. If you are in the market for a mid-capacity roadster that balances tradition with trendiness, read on.
Table of Contents
A New-Age Design from a Classic Brand
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is perhaps the most youthful and modern-looking motorcycle in RE’s current lineup. With a minimalist yet aggressive stance, the bike immediately grabs attention. It comes in two trim levels: Metro and Retro, each targeting a different kind of rider.
- Metro Variant: This version gets alloy wheels, tubeless tires, a digital-analog instrument cluster, and more vibrant color options.
- Retro Variant: It features spoked wheels, tube-type tires, and a more classic RE design vibe.
The bike’s compact design includes a tear-drop shaped fuel tank, a short wheelbase, and sleek body panels. Color options like Dapper Ash, Rebel Blue, and Rebel Red add vibrancy, while features like blacked-out engine components give it a sportier edge.
Engine, Performance & Transmission
The Hunter 350 is powered by the same 349cc single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine found in the Meteor 350 and Classic 350. This engine produces 20.2 hp at 6,100 RPM and 27 Nm of torque at 4,000 RPM, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
However, the Hunter is the lightest bike in Royal Enfield’s J-series lineup, and this plays a significant role in how it rides. The motorcycle feels quicker off the line and more agile in urban traffic compared to its siblings.
Key highlights:
- Smooth and refined engine
- Excellent torque delivery in low and mid-range
- 5-speed gearbox with smooth shifts
While it isn’t a performance machine, it is peppy enough for spirited city rides and relaxed weekend getaways.
Ride Quality & Handling: Nimble and Urban-Friendly
One of the biggest selling points of the Hunter 350 is its maneuverability. With a wheelbase of 1,370 mm, seat height of 800 mm, and curb weight of 181 kg (Metro), it feels planted yet easy to ride.
The telescopic front forks (41mm) and twin rear shock absorbers ensure a balanced and composed ride. It’s softer than a full-blown sportbike but firmer than the Meteor or Classic, which translates to better cornering and handling.
In terms of tires:
- Metro variant gets 17-inch alloy wheels with wider tubeless tires.
- Retro variant runs on spoked wheels with tube-type tires.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the Hunter 350 offers a delightful riding experience, especially in tight city streets and traffic.
Braking and Safety Features
Royal Enfield has given adequate attention to the braking setup on the Hunter 350:
- Metro Variant: Disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS
- Retro Variant: Front disc and rear drum with single-channel ABS
The brakes offer progressive bite and feedback. The dual-channel ABS setup in the Metro trim significantly improves confidence during hard braking.
Feature List: Simplicity with Just Enough Tech
The Hunter 350 isn’t overloaded with electronics, which is consistent with Royal Enfield’s traditional approach. However, the Metro variant does include some modern tech:
- Semi-digital instrument cluster: Analog speedometer with digital readouts for trip meter, odometer, gear indicator, and fuel level.
- Tripper Navigation (optional): A small TFT screen for turn-by-turn Google Maps-powered navigation (requires Bluetooth module).
- USB charging port under the handlebar
Lighting:
- Halogen headlamp
- LED tail lamp
- LED turn indicators (optional)
Fuel Efficiency and Range
The Hunter 350 offers an average real-world mileage of 35-40 km/l, depending on riding conditions and traffic. With a 13-litre fuel tank, it provides a range of approximately 450-500 kilometers on a full tank.
While it isn’t the most fuel-efficient bike in the segment, its balance between mileage and performance is well-suited for daily use.
Pricing and Variants
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is available in two main trims:
Variant | Price (Ex-showroom, Delhi) |
---|---|
Retro | ₹1.50 lakh approx. |
Metro Dapper | ₹1.65 lakh approx. |
Metro Rebel | ₹1.70 lakh approx. |
Its competitive pricing makes the Hunter 350 one of the most affordable offerings from Royal Enfield, attracting a younger demographic looking for a stylish and reliable motorcycle.
Maintenance and Ownership Experience
Royal Enfield has made strides in improving quality and reducing ownership costs. The Hunter 350 benefits from the company’s new J-series platform, which is more reliable and refined.
- Service interval: Every 5,000 km or 6 months
- Spare parts availability: Excellent in metro and Tier-2 cities
- Warranty: Standard 3 years with optional extended coverage
The brand also offers a wide range of accessories, from engine guards and touring mirrors to luggage options, to customize your ride.
Competitor Check: How Does It Stack Up?
Let’s see how the Hunter 350 compares to other bikes in the 300-400cc segment:
Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Price (Ex-showroom) |
RE Hunter 350 | 349cc | 20.2hp | 181 kg | ₹1.50–1.70 lakh |
Honda CB350RS | 348cc | 21hp | 179 kg | ₹2.15 lakh approx. |
Jawa 42 | 293cc | 27hp | 172 kg | ₹1.98 lakh approx. |
Yezdi Roadster | 334cc | 29hp | 184 kg | ₹2.10 lakh approx. |
TVS Ronin | 225cc | 20hp | 160 kg | ₹1.49 lakh approx. |
While the Hunter 350 may not be the most powerful, it wins on pricing, brand value, and accessibility.
Who Should Buy the Royal Enfield Hunter 350?
This motorcycle is ideal for:
- First-time bike buyers
- Urban commuters looking for style and performance
- Fans of the Royal Enfield brand wanting a more manageable motorcycle
- Weekend riders seeking a fun-to-ride roadster
It may not be the best option for:
- Touring enthusiasts needing wind protection and highway comfort
- Riders looking for high-speed performance
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Aggressive styling with vibrant color options
- Lightweight and nimble for city use
- Comfortable riding posture
- Affordable entry into the Royal Enfield world
Cons:
- No LED headlamp (halogen instead)
- Lacks slipper clutch and TFT console
- Limited long-distance touring comfort
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Hunter 350?
In a word: Yes, if you’re looking for a motorcycle that blends modern-day style with classic sensibilities. The Hunter 350 proves that Royal Enfield can make bikes that are both fun and functional for everyday riders. It may not have the power of some rivals, but it makes up for it with refinement, ride quality, and brand cachet.
If you’re a rider who wants to own a Royal Enfield without the bulk or cruiser stance, the Hunter 350 is the perfect choice in 2025. It’s got the looks, the comfort, the reliability, and most importantly—the cool factor.
Stay tuned for more updates, test ride impressions, and ownership reviews as the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 continues to impress new-age riders across India and beyond.