The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has quickly become one of the most popular roadsters in India. Designed for urban riders who love a touch of retro charm without compromising on modern practicality, it brings together style, comfort, and performance in a compact package. In 2025, the updated Hunter 350 arrives with fresh colors, a few functional upgrades, and subtle refinements that make it even more appealing to younger riders and first-time Royal Enfield owners.
Design and Build Quality
The Hunter 350 combines the brand’s timeless DNA with a leaner and sportier silhouette. Unlike its siblings, the Classic 350 or Meteor 350, the Hunter sits lower and looks noticeably more compact, which gives it a lively street-bike presence. The teardrop-shaped fuel tank, stubby exhaust, and wide handlebars lend it an aggressive yet approachable stance.
Its 17-inch alloy wheels add a modern touch, while the LED headlamp and minimalist tail section provide a balanced mix of heritage and youthfulness. The color palette now includes six striking shades — Factory Black, Tokyo Black, London Red, Rebel Blue, Dapper Grey, and Rio White — each giving the motorcycle a unique personality.
Among these, the London Red shade stands out for its loud, energetic tone with twin black racing stripes that accentuate the sporty feel. The overall design works best when viewed from the front three-quarter angle, highlighting the muscular tank and tight proportions.
When it comes to build quality, the Hunter 350 feels solid and reassuring. The paint finish, switchgear, and fit-and-finish are impressive for its price range. The split-dual cradle frame has been slightly tweaked for sharper handling, and the metal tank with strong side panels contributes to a durable feel. The only minor gripe is that the rear end can look slightly short from certain angles, affecting its visual balance.
Features and Practicality
Royal Enfield has equipped the Hunter 350 with a semi-digital instrument cluster that combines classic analog charm with a digital readout for essential data. The optional Tripper Navigation Pod adds turn-by-turn guidance, while the USB charging port proves handy during daily commutes.
The updated model features a new LED headlamp for improved night visibility. However, while better than the older halogen setup, the beam intensity could still use an upgrade for riders who often travel through dimly lit highways. A pair of auxiliary lights is recommended for touring.
Dual-channel ABS now comes standard across all variants, enhancing safety during sudden braking situations. The control feedback from the brakes is progressive and confidence-inspiring for city use, though spirited riders might find the front brake a bit too soft for aggressive cornering.
Rider Comfort and Ergonomics
The new seat design on the Hunter 350 is one of its biggest improvements. With extra padding and better contouring, it supports short- to medium-distance rides comfortably. The handlebar position is upright, and the footpegs are neutrally set, offering a balanced roadster posture.
For riders around 5’5″ to 5’8″, the bike feels just right, allowing both feet to plant firmly on the ground. Its lightweight frame (181 kg) makes it especially accessible for shorter riders who may find other Royal Enfields intimidating. The compact proportions help with quick U-turns, tight parking spaces, and urban maneuverability.
Longer riders above 6 feet may find the cockpit a bit snug, but for most, the ergonomics hit a comfortable sweet spot. Weekend rides up to 200 km are manageable before any discomfort sets in.
Pillion Comfort
The rear seat, however, remains compact. For short city commutes, it works fine, but extended rides can feel cramped for taller pillion passengers. A split-seat design or an optional backrest would improve long-distance comfort. For now, the Hunter is best enjoyed solo or with a lightweight pillion for short runs.
Engine and Performance
Powering the Hunter 350 is Royal Enfield’s proven 349 cc single-cylinder, air-oil-cooled J-Series engine, delivering 20.2 PS at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The motor prioritizes smoothness and usability over outright performance. In city traffic, the Hunter feels lively and predictable, with a well-spread torque curve that makes overtaking easy.
The five-speed gearbox is refined and precise, though the clutch remains slightly heavy. The updated version adds a slipper clutch, expected to improve gear shifts and reduce fatigue. With its lighter kerb weight, the Hunter feels brisker off the line than other 350 cc RE models. It can comfortably cruise at 80-90 km/h, but vibrations become noticeable beyond that mark.
Throttle response is gentle, making it beginner-friendly. In urban conditions, the bike can even potter along at 35 km/h in fifth gear without knocking. On the highway, it feels stable and planted, inspiring confidence during long rides.
Ride and Handling
This motorcycle’s true strength lies in its agility. With a shorter wheelbase (1,370 mm) and 17-inch wheels, the Hunter is exceptionally nimble. It darts through traffic, takes corners effortlessly, and feels lighter on its feet than any other Royal Enfield in the lineup.
The suspension setup includes 41 mm telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. It’s tuned on the firmer side for precise handling but can feel slightly harsh on broken roads. The 2025 update introduces a new rear-suspension unit with improved damping and 10 mm higher ground clearance, making it better suited for rough surfaces.
Braking duties are handled by a 300 mm front disc and a 270 mm rear disc, assisted by dual-channel ABS. While city braking feels smooth and predictable, aggressive riders might wish for a stronger initial bite during spirited riding sessions.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
The Hunter 350 delivers impressive mileage for a 350 cc motorcycle. In real-world riding, expect around 38-40 km/l in the city and 33-35 km/l on highways, depending on riding style and traffic conditions. The refined engine and reliable components keep maintenance costs low, with service intervals similar to other Royal Enfield models.
The combination of decent mileage, low-cost spares, and solid after-sales support makes it an economical choice for both new and experienced riders.
Pricing and Variants
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is offered in multiple variants with prices ranging between ₹ 1.50 lakh and ₹ 1.82 lakh (ex-showroom). This competitive pricing puts it below several rivals in the 350 cc segment. Considering its premium fit-and-finish, brand value, and lively dynamics, it presents strong value for money for those seeking a stylish, reliable city bike with weekend potential.
Verdict
The 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a near-perfect blend of modern design, everyday usability, and old-school charm. It’s lighter, more approachable, and easier to ride than any other model in the company’s lineup. While tall riders might crave more space and power, for most Indian riders — especially new motorcyclists — the Hunter strikes the right balance between performance, comfort, and affordability.
If you want a motorcycle that looks cool, handles confidently in the city, and carries that unmistakable Royal Enfield character, the Hunter 350 deserves a serious look.
