After a plethora of spy shots and teasers, Royal Enfield has finally launched the highly anticipated Hunter 350 in India, today. The motorcycle will be available in two different variants. While prices for the Metro variant starts Rs 1.64 lakh, prices for the Retro variant start at Rs 1.49 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Chennai). Apart from the cosmetic differences, the more affordable Retro variant comes with single-channel ABS, spoked wheels, skinnier tyres and an instrument console from the older generation Royal Enfields.
Based on the company’s J Platform which also underpins the new Classic 350 and the Meteor 350, the Hunter 350 is the company’s attempt at capturing the urban motorcycling space, while staying true to the company’s roots. This is quite evident in its design, with its neo-retro Roadster looks, which combines the old school with the new. But more on that in our first ride impressions.
Powering the Hunter 350 is the same 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine as the Meteor and the Classic. It makes around 20.2PS of power and 27Nm of torque, from as low as 4,000rpm. Coupled with a 5-speed gearbox, the motorcycle claims to have an efficiency of around 36.2kmpl and a top speed of 114kmph.
The folks at RE have put in a lot of work underneath the surface here, with its twin downtube spine frame being tweaked for more agile handling. Weighing in at just 181kg, the Hunter 350 gets 41mm telescopic forks at the front and twin shocks at the rear. Braking is handled by a 300mm disc at the front and a 270mm unit at the rear, with dual-channel ABS (the Metro gets a drum unit and single-channel ABS).
With a seat height of just 800mm, the Hunter 350 is approachable to all riders. Grip here is provided by 17-inch alloy/spoke wheels, with a 110-section front and 140-section rear tubeless Ceat Zoom XL tyres.
With its aggressive pricing, the motorcycle goes up against the TVS Ronin and the Honda CB 350. We’ve spent some time riding the Hunter 350 here in Bangkok and let’s just say you’re in for something. Stay tuned for our first ride impressions.
