The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 isn’t just another bike out there on the roads. It’s got this raw, unapologetic character—almost like that one guy in your group who doesn’t say much but somehow ends up grabbing all the attention. Yeah, it’s that kind of vibe.
This bike is Royal Enfield’s way of telling the younger crowd: Hey, we get you. You want retro looks, but not the bulk. That iconic thump, but without the old-school stiffness. And the result? The Hunter 350. Built for the city, styled for the gram.
First Look: Lean, Clean, and Kind of Mean
At first glance, the Hunter looks… tight. Like, purposefully put together. The tank is rounded just right, the fenders are chopped short, and the stance—it’s compact, but in a way that says “Let’s ride, now.”
You know how some bikes look all beefed up but feel clumsy in traffic? Not this one. It looks lean, and it rides lean. Definitely more “slip through traffic on a Monday” than “take on the Himalayas.” And that’s not a bad thing.
Now sure, it shares the same J-Series platform as the Classic and Meteor 350. But it doesn’t ride like them. Not even close. It’s got more urgency. Feels more alive somehow.
The Engine: Familiar, Yet… Fresher?
Under the tank sits a 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine. If you’ve ridden a Meteor or Classic recently, it’ll feel familiar. Smooth. Refined. Quiet, even. But on the Hunter, it’s got this slightly more playful edge.
Puts out around 20.2 horses and 27 Nm of torque—not blazing fast, but more than enough for city chaos and a cheeky highway sprint. And yeah, it still has that thump, although it’s toned down a bit for modern taste. Still enough to get heads turning at red lights though.
The 5-speed gearbox is buttery. Seriously. Shifts are crisp, almost lazy in a good way. No fuss, no clunk. You’ll rarely miss a gear unless you’re half asleep.
Ride Quality: Surprisingly Zippy
Okay, let’s talk about ride feel. This is where the Hunter throws a curveball.
It’s light. Like, by Royal Enfield standards, really light. Around 181 kilos. Combined with those 17-inch wheels and a tighter wheelbase, this thing corners better than you’d expect. Whether you’re dodging auto-rickshaws or squeezing through a jammed intersection, it feels right at home.
The suspension? A bit on the firmer side, yeah. But not punishing. You’ll feel the bumps, sure—but you’ll also feel way more planted. That tradeoff? Totally worth it if you enjoy riding with a bit of energy.
Brakes are solid too. Dual-channel ABS on the Metro variant gives you decent bite and confidence. Retro variant? It’s got single-channel, and that’s fine if you’re not pushing too hard.
What’s On the Dashboard?
You get a semi-digital console with all the usual suspects: speedo, trip meter, fuel gauge, gear position, and even a clock (because why not?). The layout is clean, not overwhelming, and easy to read even while riding.
Optional Tripper Navigation pod is available if you want turn-by-turn directions. Cool little upgrade if you’re the kind who likes weekend exploring without getting totally lost.
There’s also a USB charger hidden under the handlebar. Handy? Yes. Fast? Not really, but hey—it works.
Two Flavors: Retro and Metro
The Hunter 350 comes in two styles: Retro and Metro.
Retro’s the base model—spoke wheels, drum brake at the back, single-channel ABS, and a more minimal vibe. It’s cheaper too, which makes it a sweet entry-level RE.
Metro’s the one most folks drool over. Alloy wheels, tubeless tyres, dual-channel ABS, and fancier color schemes. If you can spend the extra, the Metro’s absolutely worth it. Just feels more complete, y’know?
Fuel Efficiency and Everyday Use
Let’s be honest—if you’re buying a Royal Enfield, you’re not really doing it for mileage. But guess what? The Hunter’s pretty decent in that department too.
Real-world figures hover around 35–40 kmpl, which isn’t bad for a 350cc thumper. Makes it perfectly suitable for daily commutes without feeling like it’s burning holes in your wallet.
Plus, the 13-liter tank means fewer stops on those spontaneous rides that somehow turn into 100 km round trips. We’ve all been there.
How Much Does It Cost?
As of now, the ex-showroom price of the Hunter 350 starts at ₹1.49 lakh for the Retro and goes up to ₹1.74 lakh for the Metro. On-road prices will vary, of course—location, taxes, accessories, and all that jazz.
Still, it’s hands-down the most budget-friendly Royal Enfield right now, and that makes it kind of a big deal.
Who’s It Competing With?
In terms of rivals, it’s bumping shoulders with the Honda CB350RS, Jawa 42, Yezdi Roadster, and even the TVS Ronin. Each has its quirks, but the Hunter nails that balance—vintage looks, reliable engine, urban agility, and killer price point.
Honda’s got that typical Honda polish, Jawa feels a little more old-school, Yezdi’s a bit wilder, and the Ronin? Well, it’s different, but not everyone’s cup of tea.
The Hunter, though—it fits. Almost universally. It feels like a bike that doesn’t need to prove anything. It just shows up and does its thing.
Real Riders, Real Talk
If you go through rider forums or YouTube reviews, you’ll notice a pattern. Most folks say stuff like “It’s just fun to ride,” or “Didn’t expect it to be this nimble.” That’s kind of the whole deal here.
The low seat height (800mm) makes it super accessible—even for newer riders. The clutch is light. Maneuverability is solid. And the grin factor? Always there.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy One?
Let’s cut to the chase—yes, you should consider the Hunter 350. If you’re a city dweller who wants a cool, capable, not-too-heavy bike with real personality? This is it.
It’s modern without being boring. Classic without being old-school annoying. And most importantly—it makes you want to ride. Not just on Sundays, but every damn day.
So yeah, go test ride one. You might walk into the showroom thinking you’ll just “check it out.” But there’s a good chance you’ll ride out on one.