The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has been creating a buzz among motorcycle enthusiasts since its launch. With its compact design and city-friendly features, this bike offers a fresh take on the Royal Enfield experience. In this article, we explore one rider’s 18-month journey with the Hunter 350, covering everything from the buying process to long-term performance and key takeaways.
The Purchase Journey
Ritwik, the proud owner of a Dapper Grey Hunter 350, began his journey in September 2022. Booking the bike through the Royal Enfield app was a smooth experience, requiring just a refundable deposit of ₹5000. The dealership promised delivery within two months and delivered the bike slightly earlier, on October 24, 2022, just 1.5 months later.
This efficient and transparent purchase process reflects Royal Enfield’s commitment to improving the buying experience for its customers.
First Impressions: Instant Excitement
From the moment Ritwik rode his Hunter 350, he was hooked. He described the initial days as pure joy, likening his excitement to “a child with a new toy.” Constantly admiring and photographing the bike wherever he parked it, Ritwik’s enthusiasm highlights the Hunter’s appeal as a stylish and fun motorcycle.
Strengths of the Hunter 350
1. Lightweight and Beginner-Friendly
As the lightest bike in the Royal Enfield lineup, the Hunter 350 is an excellent choice for new riders. Its manageable weight makes it easy to handle in city traffic and provides a more accessible option for those intimidated by heavier cruisers.
2. Smooth and Responsive Performance
Equipped with Royal Enfield’s J-series 350cc engine, the Hunter 350 delivers smooth and enjoyable rides, especially in urban environments. Its light build and responsive engine make navigating traffic a breeze, while its low-range torque adds to its practicality and charm.
3. Pleasing Exhaust Note
The stock exhaust note of the Hunter 350 is loud yet melodic, enhancing the overall riding experience. Ritwik found the sound satisfying enough to avoid the temptation of upgrading to an aftermarket exhaust.
Early Challenges
While the Hunter 350 offers many positives, Ritwik encountered some early challenges:
1. Pillion Comfort
The rear seat lacks adequate support, making it uncomfortable for passengers, especially when accelerating. This could be a concern for those who frequently ride with a pillion.
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2. Lighting Limitations
The factory-fitted halogen headlamps are decent but struggle against high beams from other vehicles equipped with aftermarket lights. Riders may need to consider upgrading to LED lights for improved visibility.
3. Hard Clutch Lever
The clutch lever is relatively stiff, which can be inconvenient for riders with smaller hands or during extended rides in stop-and-go traffic.
Long-Term Impressions
After covering 7000 km in 10 months, the Hunter 350 became Ritwik’s primary mode of transport. Here are some insights from his long-term experience:
Braking Concerns
The stock brake pads wore out quickly and lacked the initial bite needed for confident braking. Additionally, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) engaged early, which could feel unsettling in certain situations. Ritwik addressed this by upgrading to Vesrah ceramic brake pads for the front brakes, significantly improving braking performance and rider confidence.
Gearshift Issues
After the first service, Ritwik occasionally experienced missed gear shifts. While the bike’s torque prevented stalling, these incidents caused some stress during rides.
Service and Parts Availability
Ritwik faced challenges with Royal Enfield’s after-sales service, including delays in procuring parts and alignment issues after servicing. While these problems were eventually resolved, they indicate room for improvement in the brand’s service support.
Durability of Components
After a few minor falls, Ritwik noticed that the gear shifter and rear brake levers bent inward, rendering them temporarily unusable. Thankfully, these issues were easily fixable with basic tools, but it’s something new owners should be aware of.
Performance Boost with Premium Fuel
On a friend’s recommendation, Ritwik switched to XP95 (95 octane) fuel instead of standard petrol. This change led to noticeable improvements in both performance and mileage, making premium fuel a worthwhile investment for enhancing the Hunter 350’s capabilities.
The Final Verdict
After 18 months of ownership, Ritwik describes the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 as a “decently capable, fun-to-ride, mildly comfortable, and easy-to-handle compact city cruiser.” It successfully lives up to its tagline, “A SHOT OF MOTORCYCLING,” offering a balance of classic styling and modern performance.
Key Highlights:
- The Hunter 350 excels as an urban commuter, with its lightweight build and responsive engine making it ideal for city riding.
- Its low-range torque and stylish design make it enjoyable for short joyrides and daily commutes alike.
Points to Consider:
- The stock brakes may require an upgrade for optimal performance.
- Pillion comfort could be an issue for riders who often carry a passenger.
- Royal Enfield’s after-sales service may vary in quality, so potential buyers should choose their service centers carefully.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Hunter 350 emerges as a solid choice for both new riders and seasoned Royal Enfield enthusiasts looking for a more nimble option.
Conclusion
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 brings a fresh perspective to the brand’s lineup, combining classic charm with urban practicality. While it has a few quirks, the overall package offers an engaging and enjoyable riding experience that improves with time and thoughtful upgrades.
For those considering the Hunter 350, Ritwik’s 18-month journey provides valuable insights into what to expect. Whether you’re a new rider looking for a user-friendly bike or a seasoned motorcyclist seeking a lighter option, the Hunter 350 proves to be a worthy investment in the 350cc segment.
With its unique blend of style, performance, and ease of handling, the Hunter 350 continues to capture the essence of motorcycling, making it a standout choice for riders of all levels.