Here is another bike by Royal Enfield in 350cc segment? What’s new and different? Let’s check it out.
Royal Enfield has never failed to impress the viewers with its motorcycle launches and updates. Powering majorly in 350cc, 411 and 650cc, they have produced Royal Enfield Classic, Reborn, Himalayan, GT Continental, Interceptor and Meteor that has been widely acclaimed in the motorcycle world. Recently, they launched another bike in 350cc segment that is Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc which is regarded as urban cruiser bike. This brand believes in producing quality products than quantity. For this reason, all bikes by the brand and Royal Enfield Hunter 350 accessories and parts are popular and are widely acclaimed.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc:
Positioned as Urban bike, this bike has same 350cc J Platform engine that has been doing really well. It is the most lightest and compact bike from this brand. It is has thoughtfully designed to offer the retro feel with amalgamation of modern features in reasonable price range. Specifically, Hunter has 349cc BS6 engine that develops the torque of 27 Nm and power of 20.2 bhp. It has been majorly launched in 2 variants and in 8 color options. Metro has further variant called Metro Rebel. It has been reviewed as brilliant pricing considering the competition.
Two variant- Metro and Retro- How are they different?
- Console display
The Retro variant features a small diameter console whereas metro has bigger circular and larger display. Retro has semi-digital cluster, and has only two trip meters and an odometer. On the other hand, Metro variant shows 3 trip meter and also a gear position indicator. Also, it has ECO light that display efficient riding for better fuel economy.
- Tires
Company has effectively used spoke wheel and alloy wheel to differentiate both the variants. We can see, 17-inch spoke rims in Retro variants. The tree profile is slim in comparison to other variant. By measures, the front tire is 110/80-17 while the rear tire is 12/80-17.
Unlike Retro, Metro use CEAT tyres but the Zapper tubeless series. It has 17-inch alloy wheels and has thicker profile. The front tyre section is 110/70-17 while the rear tyre is 140/70-17 profile. Thus, we can say that handling this version will be more confident at the high speed.
- Brakes
The noticeable difference is the Brakes. Retro comes with single 300mm front disc brake and rear drum brake while Metro has 300mm mm single disc brake at the front and 240mm single disc brake at the rear. Due to this, Retro has single-channel unit and front disc caliper is also an in-house unit whereas Metro is equipped with dual channel ABS.
- Bike Weight & Switchgear
The lightest Royal Enfield ever made so far is RE Hunter. It just weight 177 kg. However, Retro version weighs 181 kg. Beside this, the switchgear is different. The Retro has basic switchgear for cost saving, whereas the Metro variant uses the revised modern switchgear that is same of Reborn.
Are accessories now available?
Gone are the days, when you look hard to find spare parts and accessories for any bike. Everything is now available with just one click. Click on the company website and buy the desired product. They are original product, so there is no need to worry about fitments. However, many sellers are now renowned to offer premium parts and accessories which are unique and available at pocket-friendly prices. Even before the launch, such sellers prepare themselves by stocking Royal Enfield Hunter 350 accessories such as Royal Enfield Hunter Bags, silencer, guards, racks, seats, headlight grill s and other products e.g. Filters etc. that match the company products. Moreover, you can even customize them as per your choice. Many offer exceptional customer service too.
Is this bike worth buying?
Primitive and first question aroused by people is that whether Royal Enfield Hunter does justice to the pricing or does it performance likely to impress viewer.
Answer: Yes, It does. This roaster urban cruiser successfully can attract new and younger riders into RE family. Due to its styling, compact proportions and friendly nature, Royal Enfield Hunter does pretty well. It has nailed the pricing of retro roadster, making it more affordable than some premium small-capacity motorcycles. Moreover, this bike brings a refreshing easy- going youthfulness for the enthusiasts. So, considering the pricing and product, Hunter is a clear winner in 350cc segment.
Pros:
- Bike worth the price.
- Lightest with sturdy grip that makes it easiest RE bike to drive.
- Both variants are style icon, especially the retro variants.
Cons:
- The suspension was a little too stiff.
- The proportions were a little too compact for two people making the pillion seat uncomfortable.
- Cannot be regarded as touring-friendly bike, mainly because of its rear suspension and seat design
Rear suspension although is an expensive alteration, but the issue of the seats can be fix with Royal Enfield Hunter 350 seats available offline and online spending few amount. So, if these can be worked on, you can freely ride on this beast for long journeys too.
Customer Review:
“Absolutely loved it. A ton of fun. With an exhaust note that makes smiles for miles. So I bought one. Just about to go pick it up.”
“I think these 350cc Royal Enfield bikes are a pretty good choice for town riding. They are probably not the best if you do loads of motorway miles but that’s what bigger bikes are for.”
“Love the exhaust sounds, sounds like a proper 1950’s British Bike.”
“I think the chrome finish on the engine part of the Royal Enfield wasn’t very good in the past. After the blacked out version, it looks great.”
Conclusion:
In all, new Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc is priced brilliantly considering the competition. Undoubtedly, it is the lightest and easiest RE motorcycle to ride. Moreover, Royal Enfield has done styling on the point. Perfectly regarded as urban cruiser roaster this bike has great scope in coming years too.