Latest news with #RE
India Today
2 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
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Transmission body seeks flexible ISTS waiver phase-out for RE sector
As India advances towards its ambitious target of 500 GW renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2030, the Electric Power Transmission Association (EPTA), the apex body for transmission companies, has urged the government to adopt a more flexible approach to the planned withdrawal of the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) waiver. It has also suggested that the government explore alternative viable options to offer critical relief to renewable energy developers. Since its introduction in 2016, the ISTS waiver—critical to India's green energy transition—has been extended only once and is now slated for phased withdrawal starting July 1, 2025. EPTA has proposed a milestone-based eligibility framework that would allow projects with significant progress, but delayed due to external challenges, to continue availing themselves of the ISTS waiver, G P Upadhyaya, director general of the association, told reporters on Monday. According to EPTA, such projects should be granted a few more months to complete construction so they may qualify under the current waiver regime. Alternatively, the association recommended a more gradual phase-out of the waiver, beginning with a 10 per cent withdrawal every year instead of the proposed 25 per cent. The industry believes that a 25 per cent annual withdrawal would disrupt ongoing projects, jeopardise investments and undermine cost competitiveness, especially for commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers who already pay among the highest electricity tariffs globally. 'Such a calibrated approach would significantly ease the impact of the waiver's withdrawal on the cost of green power, thereby allowing RE power to stay competitive and attract more investments in this key sector,' Upadhyaya said. 'We are not seeking a blanket extension. We are only proposing that the projects which have achieved key development milestones—such as securing financial closure, acquiring at least 50 per cent of required land, and placing key equipment orders—should be granted a six-to-nine-month window to avail themselves of the ISTS waiver benefits,' he added. This request aligns with Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's announcement at a press conference earlier this month extending the ISTS waiver on pumped hydro and battery storage projects till June 2028 from the earlier deadline of this June. Among other key issues in the transmission sector, EPTA stressed the critical need to scale up domestic manufacturing of 765 kV HVDC equipment under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, given that European imports are currently fully booked and expensive, while restrictions on Chinese imports continue. The association also highlighted the planned offshore transmission line from the Andaman Islands to Paradip in Odisha under the One Sun, One World, One Grid initiative. This project will help shift power in the islands from fossil fuel-based sources to green energy from the mainland. EPTA further noted India's growing grid strength and its potential for future cross-border connections, including possible links from Andaman to Singapore and from Gujarat to the UAE.
Business Upturn
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
HSBC raises target price on Eicher Motors but maintains hold as export outlook remains unclear
By Markets Desk Published on June 20, 2025, 07:32 IST HSBC has maintained a 'Hold' rating on Eicher Motors, even as it raised the target price to ₹5,600 from ₹5,300, citing sustained growth momentum from Royal Enfield's (RE) premium segment offerings and stable competitive dynamics. However, concerns over the company's export trajectory remain a limiting factor in driving further upside. According to HSBC, the competitive intensity in the domestic two-wheeler market continues to be benign, particularly in the mid-to-premium motorcycle space where Royal Enfield commands a dominant share. The bank sees structural tailwinds for RE from its successful 350cc platform refreshes, along with strong reception to models like the Hunter, Super Meteor, and Himalayan 450. On the export front, HSBC acknowledged pockets of stabilisation in Latin America, a key geography for RE's overseas business, but noted that overall visibility on international growth remains unclear. Slowing demand in mature Western markets and currency pressures in Africa and Southeast Asia continue to weigh on near-term expectations. At its current valuation, the stock is trading at 26x FY27 estimated earnings, which HSBC views as fair, considering the company's robust brand positioning but limited near-term triggers. The brokerage believes that while RE's domestic momentum can continue, upside beyond this level will require a clear revival in exports and operating leverage from new geographies. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Markets Desk at
NDTV
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
New Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Spied- New Launches On Anvil?
The engineers at Royal Enfield seem to be working hard with multiple new products in the pipeline. While all the buzz has been around the upcoming 750 cc models and the products of the electric sub-brand, Flying Flea, the manufacturer is silently working on updating the existing models. The latest on the radar is a new avatar of the Super Meteor 650 spotted on the streets of Spain. But are there any major changes in its iteration? Let's find out. Visually, the Royal Enfield Meteor 650 is the same as its current version. Before going ahead with the details it is to be mentioned that it is not the 750 cc version of the bike, as it has the '650' decal on the side panel. Speculations are that the brand is working on fine tuning the product. Going ahead with the theory, it seems like the brand is improving the suspension setup for a better ride. Chances are, Royal Enfield might replace the rear springs with new units. The unit spied testing also had a device mounted on the front suspension which suggests that the manufacturer might be working on certain changes. We can expect the bike to arrive with these changes by 2026. Since, there has been no official announcement from RE these are just speculations. Meanwhile, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 is undergoing tests in Ladakh under the supervision of the top bosses of the brand. It was spotted with a design similar to its smaller version and dual-front disc brakes along with a new suspension setup. Alongside, the Himalayan Electric (HIM-E), which might be the first electric off-road capable bike of the brand. Simultaneously, the Flying Flea C6 is also undergoing testing while the prototype has been showcased on different occasions.
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Royal Enfield Himalayan 750: What we know so far?
The larger Himalayan could use a larger 750 cc engine that is based on the current 650 cc unit. Notify me Royal Enfield recently dropped the images of the bigger twin-cylinder Himalayan, alongside the Him-E electric ADV, on its social media handles. The motorcycle giant has been working on a new generation of middleweight motorcycles, and the 'Himalayan 750' is likely to debut not only as a bigger adventure tourer but also with a larger-capacity twin-cylinder engine. Here's a quick lowdown on what we know so far about the upcoming Royal Enfield Himalayan 750. The bigger Royal Enfield Himalayan will get a bigger half-fairing and a taller windscreen. while sporting a familiar round LED headlamp 1. Familiar Style, Larger Fairing The spy shots of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 reveal an identical design, with the overall styling identical to the Himalayan 450. The round LED headlamp and a tower-style design are instantly recognisable, but you now have a larger half-fairing running across the sides. The fuel tank appears to be larger, and the model sports a taller windscreen. The round TFT instrument console seems to have been carried over from the current offering. The Himi 750 also gets new trapezoidal mirrors instead of the round mirrors seen on the Himi 450. The model also gets an upswept exhaust, albeit quite different from the one on the Interceptor Bear 650. Also Read : Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 and Himalayan Electric teased for the first time The Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 will ride on a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear setup with tubeless spoked wheels 2. New Wheel Setup, Bigger Brakes The upcoming Himalayan 750 will ride on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels, instead of the 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup on the 452 cc version. These are likely to be tubeless wheels from the start. The new wheel sizes appear to be more inclined towards touring, but it needs to be seen if a 21-inch front wheel version will be available later. The braking system will receive an upgrade as well, with twin disc brakes at the front and a single disc at the rear. The disc sizes are also likely to be larger. Expect switchable dual-channel ABS, while RE could add other electronic aids like traction control on the bike. The Himalayan 750 will be underpinned by a new frame and will get a larger displacement motor likely based on the current 648 cc twin-cylinder mill 3. Bigger Capacity Engine The Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 is expected to be powered by a larger capacity engine, up from the 648 cc parallel-twin motor powering the brand's 650 range. While Royal Enfield has not disclosed the displacement of the new motor, it is expected to be larger in cubic capacity and will continue to be an air and oil-cooled unit. The current motor develops about 46.7 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The new larger displacement engine will pack more power and torque in comparison, improving the bike's touring ability overall. The test mule shows the USD forks finished in gold and a radially mounted brake master cylinder, and an upswept exhaust 4. New Cycle Parts The new Himalayan 750 will feature upside-down (USD) front forks and a monoshock setup at the rear. Expect longer travel on both ends. The test mule shows the USD forks finished in gold and a radially mounted brake master cylinder. The adventure tourer will be underpinned by an all-new frame and subframe, which will be able to accommodate the bigger engine and other cycle parts. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 appears closer to production, and is likely to make a global debut in a few months 5. Global Debut Likely This Year Royal Enfield is tight-lipped about when the new Himalayan 750 will make its global debut, but the middleweight adventure tourer appears to be closer to its market debut and could arrive as early as this year. We can expect the bike to be revealed globally in a few months, possibly at EICMA 2025 in November. More details on the Himalayan 750 will be revealed in the coming weeks. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date: 14 Jun 2025, 14:40 PM IST
