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2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Review: Ironing Out The Bumps
2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Review: Ironing Out The Bumps

NDTV

time2 days ago

  • Automotive
  • NDTV

2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Review: Ironing Out The Bumps

Delhi: Hunter 350 breathed life into the sales for Royal Enfield. Launched in 2022, the Hunter 350 seemed to have found a good set of buyers, thanks to its affordability, compact dimensions and peppy looks. While Hunter is built on the J-Series platform like Classic and Bullet, it somehow didn't catch my fancy. The suspension and the handling of Hunter, somehow, fell short of my expectations. Straight to 2025, Royal Enfield addressed the elephant in the room, fixing the core issues of the Hunter. The rear, twin-coil springs are reworked, and the difference is instantly visible. The compression and rebound are more predictable, and overall, the riding feels way less jolting to the wrists, limbs, and joints. The ride, compared to the previous iteration, is a marked difference. The intention is to make it friendlier, more predictable, and supple over the undulations. The rear suspension does a good job of soaking up bad roads, however, comparing it with the Bullet or Classic will be unwise. The 349-cc, J-Series, air-cooled engine is carried forward, which generates 20 horsepower and 27 Nm of peak torque. The sweet spot of the highways lies between 80 and 90 kmph. The exhaust is loud and throaty; presumably the best among 350-cc Royal Enfield offerings. The revised clutch gets a slip-and-assist feature. Pottering through cities, where stop-go traffic makes life difficult, the lighter clutch makes life easier. The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox, which is quite clunky to operate. 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Engine Hunter 350 and city commutes are like fish to water. The footprint is compact, the seat is narrow, and the rider sits upright. The handling, compared to before, also feels more direct, thanks to the change in suspension tuning. The exhaust route is different now, which results in 160 mm ground clearance - an increase of 10 mm. The seat, the brand says, has new foam and cushion. During my 400-kilometre city ride, I didn't feel much difference. The perch is cushy and well-padded. The Hunter 350 offered a mileage of around 37.5 kmpl in city traffic. Royal Enfield has done a few cosmetic changes as well. It now gets an LED light set up. The throw at night is average. Hunter 350 gets a few new colour options, a USB-C type fast charger, and tripper navigation. However, most of these features are limited to the top-end variant, which costs around Rs 1.82 lakh (ex-showroom), marking a jump of Rs 7,000. The entry-level Hunter 350, which has a single-channel ABS, continues to retail at Rs 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 review: The perfect RE for the first-time buyer?
2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 review: The perfect RE for the first-time buyer?

India Today

time2 days ago

  • Automotive
  • India Today

2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 review: The perfect RE for the first-time buyer?

In the world of smartphones, there is one series that you cannot miss: the iPhone. It was the one that revolutionised the smartphone business and inspired a slew of products that we see in the market right now. It is reliable, powerful and gets you through all your daily tasks. But the iPhone is expensive, and some might call its interface a little too 'classic'. To address this, Apple introduced the SE, an affordable model that drew users into the Apple ecosystem. The Hunter 350 now gets three new paint jobs: London Red, Tokyo Black and Rio White. The one we got came in the London Red. advertisementI know you're wondering, "Isn't this supposed to be a motorcycle review?" It is, because if you ask me, the Hunter 350 is the Royal Enfield's SE. When it first arrived back in 2022, the Hunter differed from the RE stable; it had a design and seating position that completely defied the image we have of Royal Enfield motorcycles. This approach worked, and today, it is consistently one of the highest-selling models from RE's stable. However, the Hunter 350 was not without its downsides, as users found its suspension setup stiff, clutch operation cumbersome and there was a feeling that it missed out on a few features. Royal Enfield took this feedback seriously and the result is the 2025 avatar of the Hunter 350, which gets some crucial updates. In this review, we get into what these changes are and whether they have improved the riding experience of the motorcycle or not.2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350: What's new? The Hunter 350 design remains identical. advertisementThe design of the Hunter 350 remains largely unchanged, but what has changed is the number of colours on offer. Apart from the three colours already available, the neo-retro roadster now gets three new paint jobs: London Red, Tokyo Black and Rio White. Our Hunter came in the London Red, which is my favourite, because it's red and black colour combo matches perfectly with my trusty helmet. But if I showed you a Hunter in an older colour, it would be hard for you to tell the updated model apart from the pre-existing one, as the changes are subtle at first glance. What are they, though? Starting from the one that was the most demanded by users, the rear suspension has gotten an upgrade; it is now a progressive spring instead of a linear one, which is aimed at making the motorcycle more comfortable. The next addition made for comfort is the increased foam density on the seat. One other complaint that Royal Enfield has promptly addressed is the clutch lever operation, as the Indian firm has made a slip-assist clutch standard across variants. On the tech features front, you now get a 'Tripper' pod from the mid trim, which connects to your phone and enables navigation, while the LED headlamp is now an LED unit instead of halogen. Another change is the 10mm increase in ground clearance, thanks to the new routing of the exhaust.2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Is it more comfortable? The LED headlamp on the Hunter is now an LED unit instead of halogen. Now that I have bored you with the long list of changes, let me tell you how they impact your experience in the real world. The colour factor is obviously up to you, but as they say, 'the more, the merrier'. Talking of the more impactful changes, the new rear suspension makes a drastic difference in the ride quality, as the Hunter now no longer feels as stiff to ride as the previous model. Highway rides feel easier, and so are the rides in the city, which are riddled with tyre-gobbling potholes and confidence-wrecking rough patches. I wouldn't say that it is as comfortable as a motorcycle like the Bullet 350, but it surely is an improvement. But hey, don't go too hard with your Hunter into a pothole at high speed, because as I said, that's still not such a great idea. Jokes apart, there is one small compromise you make for this added comfort, that is a slight decrease in the sharpness of handling, but it isn't something you would notice in your everyday commute. The front suspension is unchanged and remains sharper than I would've preferred. Good news for the users who bought the Hunter before this update is that they can get the new rear suspension retrofit for their units. The aforementioned increased seat foam also contributes to better ride quality, as it keeps you comfy while you are on the Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Clutch lever operation is now smoother The tripper pod comes from the mid variant; it connects through the Royal Enfield app and offers turn-by-turn navigation. If the rear suspension is the main character of the 2025 Hunter's transformation story, then the slip-assist clutch is the side character we all love, the one that adds spice to the saga. The previous Hunter 350 was criticised for its heavy clutch lever operation that can be a nightmare if you live in a city like Delhi or Mumbai, where you have more traffic lights than the taunts your parents wake you up with (sorry, Ma). The slip-assist clutch completely flips the game, as a couple of fingers can do the trick. This change is especially useful for all the new riders out there who don't want their first experience of riding to be of sustained finger pain. Like the rear suspension, the slip-assist clutch can also be retrofitted to the earlier version of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Unchanged performance Mechanically, the updated Hunter continues to be powered by the same 350cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that puts out the same 20bhp and 27Nm. The Hunter does not get any changes in the performance front as it is powered by the same 350cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that puts out the same 20bhp and 27Nm as before. This engine delivers torque from the low-end itself and can easily accelerate to the 80kmph mark. Moving past that, the mill begins to struggle as reaching 90kmph is a stretch, while pushing it to 100kmph might test your patience. That said, the Hunter will not disappoint you on your daily Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Improved featuresOn the feature front, the two main additions are the 'Tripper' pod from the mid trim now and the LED headlamp replacing the halogen one. The tripper pod is a welcome addition, as it connects to your phone through the Royal Enfield app and offers turn-by-turn navigation. Considering the rise of modern-day highways that make you travel extra kilometres if you miss a turn, having directions right in front of you adds a lot of comfort. The LED headlamp is something that I am not a big fan of, as the halogen one had a better throw. From a visual standpoint, however, the LEDs fit the image of the Hunter much better.2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350: VerdictI'll take you back to the iPhone example for the verdict on the Hunter. As you must have noticed, Apple has started making changes to the phone's interface to make it more interactive and user-friendly. Royal Enfield has done something similar with the 2025 Hunter 350. By ironing out issues like ride comfort and hard clutch operation, the firm has made sure the most affordable motorcycle in its stable becomes more accessible. That is impressive to see coming from a company like Royal Enfield that generally sticks to its guns. A price increase of Rs 7,000 has been made to the mid and top trims, while the base remains the same price. Considering the improved comfort and feature list, the increased price is a fair ask in my opinion. So, if you are in the market for your first motorcycle, and if it has to be a Royal Enfield, then the Hunter 350 might be your best pick in the current to Auto Today Magazine- EndsTrending Reel

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Prices Increased By Up To Rs. 3,000
Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Prices Increased By Up To Rs. 3,000

NDTV

time16-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • NDTV

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Prices Increased By Up To Rs. 3,000

The iconic Royal Enfield Bullet 350 underwent a generation change in 2023, when it finally transitioned to the brand's modern J-series platform, joining the likes of the Meteor 350, Classic 350 and Hunter 350. While the fundamentals have remained unchanged since then, Royal Enfield has introduced a few strategic updates to the Bullet 350's variant lineup and has rejigged the pricing as well. The entry point into the Bullet family is the Battalion Black variant, priced at Rs. 1.75 lakh, which sees no price increase. With its all-black bodywork, golden hand-painted pinstripes, retro-style taillight, scooped single seat, and a rear drum brake, this new base variant is designed to cater to purists who prefer the traditional Bullet styling. Following that is the Military variant which is still offered in Black and Red, which also carries a Rs. 1.75 lakh price tag, getting a Rs. 2,000 hike over its original price. The standard variant, available in Black and Maroon, now costs Rs. 2.00 lakh, up by Rs. 3,000. The flagship Black Gold version has seen a marginal increase too and is now priced at Rs. 2.18 lakh, up by Rs. 2,000. Royal Enfield had also introduced a Military Silver variant briefly, but it has since been discontinued. While the variant mix has changed slightly and prices have gone up by Rs. 2,000 - Rs. 3,000 across the board, the Bullet 350 remains mechanically identical. It continues to be powered by the 349 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 20.2 hp and 27 Nm. However, a noteworthy update lies on the horizon. Royal Enfield is expected to equip the entire 350cc range, including the Bullet, with the slip-and-assist clutch that recently debuted on the 2025 Hunter 350. This small but significant upgrade should enhance the riding experience, particularly in city traffic.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 vs rivals: Comparing pricing and specifications
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 vs rivals: Comparing pricing and specifications

Mint

time03-05-2025

  • Automotive
  • Mint

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 vs rivals: Comparing pricing and specifications

The TVS Ronin is one of the most direct challengers to the Hunter 350. Earlier this year, the Ronin received a significant update that included two new colour options, dual-channel ABS for the mid-variant, and subtle cosmetic tweaks like smoked headlamp surrounds, a revised seat, and a tidier rear mudguard. It is powered by a 225 cc oil-cooled engine producing 20.1 bhp and 19.93 Nm, paired with a 6-speed transmission. The Ronin is priced competitively between ₹ 1.35 lakh and ₹ 1.73 lakh (ex-showroom), offering a strong value proposition. Honda's CB350RS is a sportier version of the CB350 platform, designed to appeal to younger riders. It features shortened mudguards, a ribbed seat, an LED headlight, and bright colour options to give it a youthful, dynamic presence. It uses the same 348 cc single-cylinder engine as the standard CB350, tuned to deliver 20.7 bhp and 30 Nm of torque—slightly more than the Hunter 350. However, it sits in a higher price bracket, retailing between ₹ 2.16 lakh and ₹ 2.19 lakh (ex-showroom). Rumours suggest Honda may be working on a more direct rival to the Hunter, but its arrival isn't expected soon. If you're after retro charm with modern power, the Triumph Speed T4 is a strong contender. With neo-retro styling and a 399 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine delivering 30.6 bhp and 36 Nm, it offers a more spirited performance compared to the Hunter. The bike also features a solid chassis and a deep, distinct exhaust note. Following a recent price revision, the Speed T4 is now available at ₹ 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom), making it an even more compelling alternative in the segment. The Jawa Forty Two blends vintage aesthetics with modern engineering, making it another retro-themed competitor. It is powered by a 294 cc engine that puts out 27 bhp and 26 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. With its relaxed ergonomics and engaging dynamics, the Forty Two offers a balanced ride experience. Priced between ₹ 1.75 lakh and ₹ 2.01 lakh (ex-showroom), it competes closely with the Hunter 350 in both features and pricing.

2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 launched: Here's what all is new
2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 launched: Here's what all is new

Hindustan Times

time01-05-2025

  • Automotive
  • Hindustan Times

2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 launched: Here's what all is new

2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is offered in three new colour schemes. Royal Enfield has recently updated its most affordable motorcycle in the Indian market. It is the Hunter 350 that now gets several enhancements over the outgoing model. There are cosmetic as well as a few mechanical upgrades to the Hunter 350 now. 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350: New colours For 2025, Royal Enfield has added three new colours. There is Rio White, Tokyo Black, and London Red. The brand has retained the Dapper Grey and Rebel Blue colour schemes because of their popularity. Apart from these colours, the base variant continues to come with a Factory Black colour. 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Comfort enhancements To enhance the comfort level of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, the brand has revised the foam of the seat and changes the suspension setup at the rear. Apart from this, the handlebar to make the riding triangle more comfortable. The only change to the engine is the addition of a slipper clutch. 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350: More ground clearance Royal Enfield has revised the design and rerouted the exhaust of the Hunter 350 which has helped in bumping up the ground clearance from 150 mm to 160 mm. 2025 Royal Enfield 350: New features For 2025, Royal Enfield has added a LED headlamp from the mid-variant onwards. It is not the brightest unit out there and the base variant continues to come with a halogen unit. Then there is the Tripper Navigation pod that is being offered as standard on the top-end variant now. Royal Enfield is also offering a fast USB C charger to charge mobile devices. Also Read : Royal Enfield Hunter 350 vs Honda CB350: Your guide to choose between these two 2025 Royal Enfield 350: Engine The engine on duty continues to be the same 349 cc, J-series unit that puts out 20 bhp and 27 Nm. The gearbox is still a 5-speed unit but it now comes with a slip-and-assist clutch so the clutch effort is a lot lighter and it it important to note that the Hunter 350 is the first 350 cc motorcycle to get a slipper clutch. 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Price The base variant of the 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is priced at ₹ 1,49,900 (ex-showroom), the middle variant is priced at ₹ 1,76,750 (ex-showroom), and the top-spec motorbike will cost buyers ₹ 1,81,750 (ex-showroom). Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date: 01 May 2025, 14:33 PM IST

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