Royal Enfield has finally launched the much-awaited Hunter 350 in the Indian market for INR 1,49,900 ex-showroom. The all-new Hunter 350 is Royal Enfield’s attempt to enter new segments. Unlike the previous Royal Enfields, the Hunter 350 is smaller, lighter and runs on smaller 17-inch wheels.
The brand is launching the new Hunter 350 in two variants and a lot of colour options. Thus, there will be an option for everyone. Due to its relatively small size, lightweight and low seat height, it could also be the perfect option for first-time Royal Enfield buyers.
Royal Enfield also mentioned that bookings for the Hunter 350 will begin from 7th August 2022, 5.30 pm onwards. At the same time, test rides and deliveries will start on 10th August 2022.
The brand will offer the Hunter 350 in three variants. These are – Retro and Metro & Metro Rebel. Pricing for the Hunter 350 starts at INR 1,49,900 ex-showroom for the Retro variant. Meanwhile, the Metro variant comes with a sticker price of INR 1,63,900 ex-showroom. The top-end variant, the Metro Rebel series, will retail at 1,68,900 ex-showroom.
In total, Royal Enfield will offer 8 colour options for the Hunter 350. Out of this, the base Retro variant will get two single-tone colour options. These are – Factory Silver & Factory Black. On the other hand, the Metro variant will come in a total of 6 colour options. These are – Dapper White, Dapper Grey, Dapper Ash, Rebel Blue, Rebel Red and Rebel Black.
Out of all the colour options available for the Metro variant, the Dapper Grey colour option will exclusively be available via the Royal Enfield MIY app. The price for the Hunter Metro Dapper Grey colour option is INR 1,65,900 ex-showroom.
Other than mechanical changes, there will also be feature differences between the two. Some of which are – different instrument clusters, different turn signal indicators, different taillights and the inclusion of a main stand with the Metro variant.
The Hunter 350 uses the same J-series platform which was first seen on the Meteor 350. The current Classic 350 also uses the same J-series platform. Thus, it uses the same 349cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder 2-valve SOHC engine. The brand says the long-stroke engine gives it the signature sound and feel of a Royal Enfield. The motor makes 20.2 BHP of peak power at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. Furthermore, the brand has also calibrated the Hunter 350’s throttle response to match the bike’s character.
As for the transmission, the Hunter 350 uses a 5-speed unit. According to Royal Enfield, the Hunter 350 engine’s flat-torque curve and well-chosen ratios ensure lively performance. At the same time, the tall 5th gear ensures better rideability on the highway. Royal Enfield also claims the Hunter 350’s smooth gearbox and light clutch help when riding in city traffic.
Common to all the variants of the Hunter 350 is a twin downtube spine frame. Also common is the suspension setup, which uses 41mm telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers with 6-steps of adjustable pre-load.
However, the braking setup is different for Retro and Metro variants. While the Metro variant gets a 300mm disc at the front and a 270mm disc at the rear, the base Retro variant gets a 6-inch drum brake at the rear. Additionally, the Metro variant gets Dual-Channel ABS, while the Retro only gets a Single-Channel ABS.
Other differences between the Retro and Metro variants are the wheels and tyres. The Retro variant uses wire-spoke wheels, while the Metro variant gets alloy wheels. The wheel size is 17-inch for both variants, at the front and back. The Retro also gets narrower tyres. The front uses a 100/80-section tyre, while the rear uses a 120/80-section tyre. In comparison, the Metro variant gets a wider 110/70-section tyre at the front and a 140/70-section tyre at the back.
The Hunter 350 has become the most compact model in the brand’s lineup. It is 2,055mm long, 800mm wide and 1,055mm tall. Meanwhile, the wheelbase is 1,370mm. The Retro variant of the Hunter 350 has a dry weight of 177 kg, while the Metro variant, at 181 kg, is 4 kg heavier. Meanwhile, it gets a 13-litre fuel tank capacity and 150.5mm of ground clearance. The Hunter 350’s seat height of 800mm will also make it easier for shorter riders to plant their feet down.
Also Read: 5 adventurous rides by Royal Enfield