Royal Enfield Hunter 350: A Balanced Companion or a Compromise? A 150 km Honest Review
I’ll admit—getting a bike at this stage of life wasn’t really about logic. With a Jupiter, Santro, and Vento already parked in the garage, there was no need for a motorcycle. But need? That’s for sensible people. I just wanted to get back on two wheels again. And after three years of back-and-forth, I finally bought the Hunter 350.
Here’s what those 150 km on the Hunter have taught me—what I love, what I don’t, and what I’ve just made peace with.
The Hunt for the Right Bike
Finding the right motorcycle wasn’t easy. My heart and head refused to align, so I went on a long, messy journey of test rides. Some bikes were impressive on paper but didn’t click in real life. Here’s a quick recap of my test rides:
- Triumph Bonneville: Instant love. But with hefty service costs and complex electronics, I wasn’t ready to take the plunge.
- Yamaha FZ25: Good but uninspiring. The design didn’t speak to me, and I walked away despite tempting discounts.
- Xpulse: Tall, but it didn’t feel much of an upgrade from a regular commuter. At 2.65 lakh, it felt overpriced.
- Himalayan: Liked the power and suspension, but the non-moving headlamp felt off, and the price was hard to justify.
Finally, in October 2024, I tried the Hunter 350. It looked like a mini Bonneville, felt refined with the new J-series engine, and the gears slotted in smoothly. That was it—I didn’t overthink it this time.
69 Reasons to Buy the Royal Enfield Hunter 350
- It’s a Royal Enfield—you know, so your uncles will finally stop questioning your life choices.
- Sounds like a beast—turn heads without blowing out eardrums.
- It’s a chick magnet—or a dude magnet… no judgment here.
- Baby Bonneville vibes—so cool, even your reflection feels smug.
- Does 0-60 km/h quick enough to leave auto-rickshaws wondering what just happened.
- Looks like you mean business, even if you’re just riding to buy milk.
- Smooth gearbox—no embarrassing stalling at traffic lights.
- Weighs 180 kg, so it doubles as your new gym membership.
- Dual-channel ABS—because stopping gracefully > kissing a truck’s rear bumper.
- Minimal tech distractions—it’s just you, the road, and existential thoughts.
- J-series engine—because life’s too short to ride bikes that vibrate like a massage chair.
- It’s more affordable than a midlife crisis Porsche.
- Halogen headlamp—keeping it old-school like your favorite mixtape.
- Brakes are just right, much like the perfect Tinder match—reliable and sharp.
- Exhaust note so good, it might be your new ringtone.
- Fuel tank screams ‘polished perfection.’ Run your hand over it—no one’s judging.
- It won’t judge you for taking extra U-turns just for fun.
- Wide handlebars—perfect excuse to tell people, “Yeah, I lift.”
- Can handle potholes—so, basically perfect for every Indian road.
- Great starter bike—for first-timers, or lovers on their second wind with two-wheelers.
- Switchgear is basic, just like your dating app bio (hey, it works).
- Paint job so shiny even street dogs stop to admire it.
- Affordable accessories—so you’ll have money left for pizza.
- Easy to maintain—or at least you can pretend you know what you’re doing.
- The wife won’t hate it—probably.
- Can handle weekend getaways, just don’t forget the sunscreen.
- That rear tyre… not the grippiest, but hey, life’s better with some slips, right?
- Turning radius like a bus, but it keeps things interesting in parking lots.
- Pillion seat is… let’s say, ‘intimate.’ Hold on tight, babe!
- Plenty of customization options—because why leave anything stock, including your hairstyle?
- Mirror vibrations—perfect excuse not to wave at your ex.
- Engine hums like a lover whispering sweet nothings.
- Doesn’t break the bank, so your parents won’t disown you.
- Ideal for aimless rides—because therapy is expensive.
- It’s heavy, just like your unresolved childhood trauma.
- MRF tyres look good, even if they act drunk on wet roads.
- No LED headlight, but halogens are retro-sexy.
- Parking it is easier than explaining why you’re still single.
- Vibrates less than your grandma’s old washing machine.
- Comes with extra fuses—RE knows what’s up.
- Light clutch—perfect for those with weak fingers (not judging).
- Makes every ride feel like an adventure, even if it’s just to the grocery store.
- Wide service network—so there’s always a mechanic nearby when things go wrong.
- Everyone will ask you, “Bhai, mileage kya hai?” (Brace yourself).
- Feels fast, even when you’re under the speed limit.
- Decent resale value, in case your next love is a Ducati.
- Brings out your inner philosopher—”Is riding the destination?”
- Compact design, but with the heart of a lion.
- Pothole-proof suspension—or close enough.
- You’ll be part of the RE brotherhood—be ready for group rides and chai breaks.
- Doesn’t judge your playlist.
- Makes you feel like James Dean—minus the cigarette.
- Halogen lights might attract fireflies—bonus mood lighting!
- Stock mirrors are useless, but who needs mirrors? Look forward, always.
- Gets people talking—usually starting with, “Nice bike!”
- Your Instagram will love it—prepare for likes.
- Fuel tank size means fewer stops, unless chai calls.
- Tight handling, like the clingy ex you can’t shake off.
- The exhaust alone could convince someone to marry you.
- Vento owners will finally respect you.
- It’s not perfect, but neither are you, and that’s okay.
- Can ride it in flip-flops (but please don’t).
- More thrilling than your office chair, guaranteed.
- Doesn’t make awkward sounds—just the right ones.
- Service is manageable—RE drama, but bearable.
- Perfect midlife crisis tool—no Ferrari needed.
- Rain or shine, it looks good—like that one friend who never has bad hair days.
- It’s ready for your bad decisions—but hey, aren’t they the best stories?
- Because you deserve it. Go ahead. Treat yourself.
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a lifestyle, a mid-week therapy session, and a solid excuse to spend more time on the road. It’s fun, imperfect, but oh-so-satisfying—just like the best things in life.
What I Love About the Hunter 350
It’s not perfect, but there’s a lot that makes the Hunter worth it.
1. Aesthetics & Design
The Hunter is a head-turner, no doubt. With its minimal design and vibrant colors, it brings the charm of a classic British roadster. It might not be for everyone, but for me, it was love at first sight.
2. Sweet Exhaust Note
I won’t lie—the exhaust sound had a big hand in sealing the deal. It’s deep, throaty, and makes you smile every time you twist the throttle.
3. Smooth City Performance
The bike feels at home in the city. The initial pull is strong, and it zips comfortably through traffic up to 60-70 km/h.
4. Comfy Riding Position
With slightly rear-set footpegs, the posture is perfect for long rides. I don’t feel any strain, whether I’m cruising in the city or heading out for a longer ride.
5. Gearbox That Just Works
One of the big surprises—no false neutrals! The gears are buttery smooth, which is a refreshing change for a Royal Enfield.
What Could Be Better
Not everything about the Hunter feels premium. There are a few quirks and things I wish were different.
1. Cheap Plastics
The headlight casing and side panels feel flimsy. I wasn’t expecting top-end finishes, but these bits let the bike down.
2. Stiff Suspension
The ride can be a bit harsh over potholes. I wish the suspension had a softer setup for more comfort.
3. Mirror Vibrations
The stock mirrors are useless above 60 km/h. The vibration makes it impossible to see anything behind you.
4. Untidy Wiring
RE could’ve done a better job managing the wiring. The messy wires under the side covers and around the cockpit give the bike an unfinished feel.
5. Tyres Don’t Inspire Confidence
The MRF tyres are okay for city use, but they lack grip on twisty roads. I’ll probably switch to better rubber soon.
1500 km of Riding: How Does It Hold Up?
After a 300 km temple run to Siddipet and weeks of city commuting, here’s what I’ve learned:
- The Bike Feels Heavy
At 180 kg, the Hunter feels heavier than it looks. Getting it out of tight parking spaces takes effort. Once you’re moving, though, the weight disappears. - Good in the City, Not Built for Speed
It’s great for urban cruising, but don’t expect blazing top-end performance. It gets to 70 km/h quickly but takes a bit of time beyond that. - Handling Takes Time to Adjust
After sharp overtakes or quick maneuvers, it takes a moment for the bike to settle back into a straight line. I think it’s more to do with the tyres, though. - Lack of Storage
There’s no storage space under the seat, not even for papers. I had to wrap the documents in a polythene cover and shove them under the seat—makeshift, but it works for now.
Service Woes and Other Gripes
It wouldn’t be a Royal Enfield experience without a few headaches.
- Fork Oil Seal Failure: Just 150 km into ownership, the fork seals started leaking. The bike spent two days at the service center, which was disappointing.
- High Taxes: Out of the huge on-road price, huge went toward taxes and fees. It’s painful, but that’s the reality of owning a vehicle these days.
- Pushy Dealers: Service centers love to push unnecessary accessories. I now handle small repairs myself to avoid being overcharged.
Final Verdict: Is the Hunter 350 Worth It?
The Hunter 350 isn’t perfect, but for the price, it offers a fun and engaging ride. It’s not just about specs—it’s about the experience. If you want a bike that’s easy to live with, looks good, and makes every ride feel a little special, the Hunter might be the one for you.
But if you’re expecting premium build quality or blazing performance, you might be disappointed. At the end of the day, it’s about knowing what you’re getting and being okay with a few quirks. For me? It was worth it.
