Royal Enfield Hunter 350 : Royal Enfield has officially introduced the Hunter 350 to the Indian market, marking a fresh addition to the 350cc motorcycle category. Positioned as a bike tailored for urban environments and ease of handling, the Hunter 350 aims to combine Royal Enfield’s traditional appeal with a more agile and approachable design, especially appealing to new riders.
Urban-Focused Design and Styling
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 boasts a design that harmonizes classic Royal Enfield aesthetics with a contemporary and uncluttered appearance. It retains iconic features like the circular headlamp and the familiar fuel tank silhouette, now presented in a more compact and streamlined form. The bike’s overall profile is less cumbersome, and the introduction of new color schemes and graphic options enhances its modern appeal. This design philosophy, coupled with a lighter build, is intended to offer improved maneuverability and visual excitement for navigating city streets.
Engine Performance and Specifications
The Hunter 350 is powered by Royal Enfield’s reliable 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine, compliant with BS6 emission standards. This engine is calibrated to produce 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, prioritizing a smooth and responsive power delivery ideal for urban commutes. The engine is paired with a five-speed gearbox, striking a balance between an engaging ride and ease of use for novice riders, while still providing ample excitement for experienced motorcyclists.
Ride, Handling, and Braking
The motorcycle utilizes a frame meticulously engineered for nimble performance. Its suspension system incorporates telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers at the rear, calibrated to ensure a comfortable ride across typical urban road imperfections. The inclusion of 17-inch wheels at both ends enhances stability. Braking power is delivered through disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, supported by a dual-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to provide controlled and confidence-inspiring braking across various conditions. With a dry weight of just 181 kg, the Hunter 350 stands out as one of the lighter models in its class, making it exceptionally manageable for a broad spectrum of riders.
Instrument Cluster and Fuel Efficiency
Riders are provided with a semi-digital instrument panel that includes an analog speedometer alongside a compact digital display. This screen presents essential information such as trip meters, an odometer, and a fuel gauge. Another significant advantage of the Hunter 350 is its fuel efficiency, with Royal Enfield estimating a mileage of approximately 35-40 km/l. This makes it an economical choice for daily transportation.
Pricing and Ownership
Royal Enfield has positioned the Hunter 350 as the entry-level offering in its lineup, with prices starting at around ₹1.50 lakh (ex-showroom) and reaching up to ₹1.75 lakh for the premium variants and color options. To facilitate accessibility, the company provides various financing options and EMI schemes. The combination of its design, performance capabilities, and value proposition makes the Hunter 350 an appealing choice for those seeking a motorcycle that blends classic aesthetics with modern functionality for city riding.
