Royal Enfield’s Hunter 350 has swiftly become the talk of India’s bustling streets, offering a refreshing twist on the company’s storied retro ethos. By shrinking the classic silhouette into a tighter, more agile form, the motorcycle positions itself as a compelling choice for riders who crave heritage charm without sacrificing everyday practicality. Its approachable size and spirited character speak directly to urban commuters and weekend explorers alike, showing why the Hunter 350 matters in a market crowded with modern-looking rivals.
Design and Everyday Conveniences
At first glance, the Hunter 350 blends vintage visual cues a teardrop 13‑litre fuel tank, round headlamp and mirrors with subtle modern touches such as neatly integrated LED tail‑lamp, alloy wheels on the Metro trims and a semi‑digital instrument cluster that houses trip‑data and gear‑position readouts. Royal Enfield also offers vibrant paint schemes ranging from subdued Retro Factory greys to eye‑catching Rebel Blue, underlining its youthful intent. Crucially, the frame seats riders 800 mm off the ground, an inviting height that pairs with a slim waist to help shorter riders plant their feet with confidence at traffic lights.
Engine and Road Manners
Power comes from the familiar 349 cc J‑platform single putting out 20.2 PS at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, channelled through a slick five‑speed gearbox. While outright acceleration remains relaxed, the engine’s tractable mid‑range ensures fuss‑free overtakes in congested zones. Royal Enfield claims 36.2 km/l efficiency, and real‑world tests hover close to that mark if the rider stays below 90 km/h. A 181 kg kerb weight, reworked steering geometry and 17‑inch wheels translate to noticeably quicker turn‑in than its Classic 350 sibling, making the Hunter feel at home weaving through tight lanes.
Variant‑Wise Ex‑Showroom Pricing
The motorcycle is offered in three distinct flavours. The Retro Factory (Base) retails for ₹1,49,900, the Metro Dapper/Mid asks ₹1,76,750, and the Metro Rebel/Top sits at ₹1,81,750. Each step up unlocks extras such as dual‑channel ABS, alloy wheels, wider tyres and a premium paint palette, ensuring buyers can choose a trim that matches both budget and taste.
| Variant | Ex‑Showroom Price (₹) | Down‑Payment 20 % (₹) | Loan Amount 80 % (₹) | EMI @ 10 % pa × 60 mths (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retro Factory | 1,49,900 | 29,980 | 1,19,920 | 2,548 |
| Metro Dapper | 1,76,750 | 35,350 | 1,41,400 | 3,004 |
| Metro Rebel | 1,81,750 | 36,350 | 1,45,400 | 3,089 |
Ride Comfort and Ergonomics
The low perch combines with mid‑set foot‑pegs and a slightly pulled‑back handlebar to create a neutral riding triangle that suits daily commutes and short weekend jaunts. Royal Enfield’s 41 mm front forks and preload‑adjustable twin rear shocks are tuned on the firmer side to sharpen handling; nevertheless, they absorb broken tarmac acceptably well once the speed rises above 30 km/h. A thickly padded seat keeps fatigue at bay for rider and pillion during one‑hour highway stints.
Understanding the Three Trims
Choosing Retro Factory nets wire‑spoke wheels, single‑channel ABS and a basic semi‑digital console ideal for purists chasing the lowest price. The Metro Dapper adds cast‑alloy rims, wider tubeless tyres, dual‑channel ABS and a brighter colour set. Sitting atop the range, Metro Rebel layers exclusive graphics and dual‑tone finishes while retaining the Metro Dapper’s mechanical kit, making it the pick for style‑conscious buyers.
Ownership and Service Outlay
Royal Enfield has pegged the first service at 500 km and subsequent intervals every 5,000 km or six months, with average paid service bills hovering around ₹1,800 thanks to the engine’s two‑valve simplicity. The company’s widespread dealer footprint across tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities keeps spare‑part availability strong, and common items such as brake pads and oil filters remain competitively priced against peers from Honda and Jawa.
Why the Hunter 350 Wins Hearts
By marrying nostalgic aesthetics to genuinely nimble manners, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 succeeds in carving out its own niche within the 350 cc landscape. It may not be the quickest in a straight line, but its playful handling, approachable ergonomics and attractive price ladder make it a standout for new riders seeking character, or seasoned enthusiasts wanting an effortless everyday companion. Factor in modest running costs plus the brand’s expanding accessory catalogue, and the Hunter 350 emerges as one of the most balanced and desirable retro‑styled city motorcycles on Indian roads today.