The Royal Enfield Hunter 350
It was a Saturday morning, the kind where the weather practically begs you to take the long road out of the city. I had a bike lined up for review. The new Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (2025 edition) and I was genuinely curious. You see, I’ve always had a soft spot for Royal Enfield’s design language, but I wasn’t sure how this new update would ride, especially in a world moving quickly toward tech-heavy, sportier machines.
Impression
As I walked up to the bike, the London Red paint job immediately caught my eye. It had that bold, street-smart vibe without trying too hard. The classic retro-modern fusion was still there round headlamp, a tidy fuel tank, and a beefy stance. But this time, there was a definite sense of refinement.
I swung a leg over the saddle. First impression? The seat felt noticeably firmer than the older model. Apparently, they’ve reworked it with denser foam, and I’d come to appreciate that a few hours later.
With a gentle press of the starter, the 349cc single-cylinder engine came to life. That familiar thump was still present. A comforting growl, not a roar. I pulled in the clutch and immediately noticed the difference. Royal Enfield has added a slip-and-assist clutch this time, and it’s a game-changer in city traffic. Lighter, smoother, and way easier on the wrist.
The Ride Hunter 350
My plan was simple: a city loop, a highway stretch, and a quick stop at my favorite tea stall on the outskirts.
As I weaved through morning traffic, I realized just how nimble the Hunter 350 really is. It doesn’t feel like a typical Royal Enfield in the way it handles. It’s lighter on its feet and the throttle response is buttery. The new progressive rear suspension made a noticeable difference, especially over potholes and those annoying speed breakers we love to hate. Plus, the increased 160mm ground clearance gave me peace of mind no cringe-worthy scrapes at the bottom.
Once I hit the open road, I could finally open it up a bit. The engine still delivering 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque isn’t meant for high-speed thrills, but it’s torquey, smooth, and delivers a solid mid-range. Cruising at 80 kmph felt effortless, and overtaking didn’t need a ton of downshifting.
Comfort and Convenience
One detail I loved was the new LED headlamp. It adds a modern touch and actually throws a decent beam if you’re riding post-sunset. There’s also a USB Type-C port neatly tucked under the handlebar a small but smart addition for phone charging on the go.
Pulling up at the tea stall, I finally took a moment to admire the bike again. It’s not trying to be the most powerful or the most tech-savvy, but it nails the essentials. It’s stylish, comfortable, and practical. And with new colour options like Tokyo Black and Rio White, you’ve got more ways to make it your own.
Back home after a 60 km round trip, I wasn’t fatigued — and that says a lot. The new seat padding worked. The bike handled both traffic and open roads with equal grace.
So, would I recommend Hunter 350?
Absolutely! especially if you’re looking for a stylish, well-balanced ride that’s fun in the city and relaxed on short weekend trips. With prices starting at ₹1.49 lakh and going up to ₹1.81 lakh depending on the variant, the Hunter 350 brings solid value.
It’s not just a motorcycle it’s a vibe. And after spending a day with it, I totally get why it’s winning hearts.
