Royal Enfield Hunter 350: A Stylish, Urban Cruiser with Classic DNA

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is one of the most exciting additions to the brand’s modern lineup. Aimed squarely at younger riders and urban commuters, this motorcycle blends retro charm with a fresh, minimalist design and nimble performance. It stays true to Royal Enfield’s heritage while offering a lighter, more accessible package for city roads and weekend getaways.

Design & Styling

The first thing you notice about the Hunter 350 is its contemporary design language. With a muscular fuel tank, short rear fender, round halogen headlamp, and a stubby exhaust, it carries an unmistakable neo-retro look. Royal Enfield offers the bike in two main variants — Retro and Metro — with several color options including vibrant dual-tone shades that clearly target a younger demographic.

The build quality is solid, with a sturdy chassis and a well-finished frame. It’s compact and lightweight compared to other Enfield models, making it easier to handle, especially in traffic-heavy environments. The upright handlebar and mid-set footpegs provide a relaxed yet commanding riding posture, perfect for daily commuting or short rides out of town.

Engine & Performance

Powering the Hunter 350 is the familiar 349cc single-cylinder, air-oil-cooled engine, the same as in the Classic 350 and Meteor 350. It produces 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, paired with a smooth-shifting 5-speed gearbox. While it may not be the fastest bike on the block, it delivers a strong low-end grunt and a linear power delivery that makes it incredibly rider-friendly.

The engine is tuned for comfort and efficiency rather than aggressive performance. Acceleration is smooth and refined, and vibrations are well-controlled, even at higher speeds. The exhaust note has that classic Enfield thump, but it’s a bit more subdued — suiting its urban cruiser personality.

Ride & Handling

Where the Hunter 350 truly shines is in its handling. Thanks to its lighter weight (around 181 kg) and shorter wheelbase, it feels more agile and responsive than other Royal Enfield motorcycles. It glides through city traffic with ease and offers excellent stability on straight roads and curves alike.

Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, tuned for comfort with enough firmness to tackle uneven roads. The 17-inch wheels (a first for RE) further enhance maneuverability, and the disc brakes with dual-channel ABS (in the Metro variant) provide reliable stopping power.

Features & Technology

While the Hunter 350 is a retro-styled bike, Royal Enfield hasn’t skimped on modern features. The Metro variant includes a semi-digital instrument cluster, Tripper navigation pod (optional), LED taillights, and alloy wheels. The Retro version is more stripped-down, with spoked wheels, a halogen tail lamp, and simpler instrumentation, catering to purists who appreciate minimalism.

Other thoughtful features include a comfortable seat, USB charging port, and well-positioned mirrors that enhance usability for daily riders.

Pricing & Verdict

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is priced aggressively, starting from around ₹1.50 lakh to ₹1.75 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and color scheme. This makes it one of the most affordable bikes in the Royal Enfield stable, and a great entry point for new riders or those upgrading from smaller commuter bikes.

In summary, the Hunter 350 offers an excellent blend of style, practicality, and performance. It’s perfect for urban riders who want a bike that’s both fun and functional, with just the right amount of retro attitude. With its nimble nature and classic charisma, the Hunter 350 redefines what a Royal Enfield can be in the modern age.