Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (2022 - on) Review

Highlights

  • Impressive, nimble handling
  • Plenty of poke for inner-city riding
  • Retro roadster looks on a budget

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £160
Power: 20 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.5 in / 800 mm)
Weight: Medium (399 lbs / 181 kg)

Prices

New £3,899
Used £3,700 - £3,800

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Royal Enfields used to be as British as a drizzly bank holiday in Margate, but these days the Indian manufacturer’s primary focus is on building small retro bikes for emerging markets, particularly the subcontinent and Far East.

Take a look at the new Hunter 350, Enfield’s frugal and easy-to-ride new commuter, and you immediately understand the environment for which it has been built to thrive. It’s light, tough, agile and, with faultless fuelling and a tight turning circle, designed to revel in the chaos of urban centres from Madras to Bangkok.

Although the Hunter is propelled by the same unassuming 349cc air-cooled single found in the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Royal Enfield Meteor 350, the chassis is all new and features a sporty new frame and relatively light 17-inch wheels (an Enfield first). The wheelbase is shorter, the head angle steeper and, at 181kg (172kg dry), the Hunter is considerably lighter than its 350 siblings.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 on track at night

Outwardly, it’s a bum-basic 20bhp commuter, but in reality is built to boss the streets of the planet’s largest and most congested cities where the majority of bikes are tiddlers and speeds rarely reach 50mph.

In Bangkok, Thailand, where Enfield based this test, the Hunter was the king of the traffic light GP, surging ahead of the hordes of mopeds and scooters before deploying lively low-speed handling and manoeuvrability to slice between the crawling queues of cars and taxis.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Hunter 350's impressive handling is largely down to new 17-inch rims, which slice a total of 3.1kg of un-sprung mass, while its low centre of mass, stiffer frame down-tubes and more aggressive chassis geometry deliver a responsive ride that’s new to the marque.

The pegs are set slightly higher than those on the Meteor and Classic, too, and while the Hunter’s hardly a sportsbike, it’s as nippy as a litter of Labrador pups.

Learners especially will enjoy its fluency and low-speed balance as well as its cool looks. Less so, the hard-wearing CEAT rubber, which lacks feel and nibbles away at your confidence. Leaning the Hunter too far can land you in trouble, and some quality rubber would be a wise move.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 rear

The pegs touch early when the bike’s ridden aggressively and the ride is a little soft at the front and harsh at the rear (bear in mind that this machine is designed to carry not only a pillion plus heavy luggage but possibly even a second pillion).

The single disc and twin-piston caliper set-up up front is relatively basic but with modest power on tap is just about sufficient. Two-channel ABS comes at standard but it’s not lean sensitive and, when activated, feels more biased towards the rear, which should reassure new and experienced riders. The brake lever isn’t adjustable.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The air-cooled SOHC 349.34cc single is identical to that in the Classic 350 and Meteor 350, making a modest 20.2 bhp @ 6100rpm and 19.9lb.ft of torque at 4000rpm.

Enfield have tuned the fuel injection to give a sharper feel on the throttle, and quote a top speed of 71mph, which is actually achieved in fourth gear and not top (fifth).

There are no riding modes or rider aids to worry about and the fuelling is soft and precise, the gearbox positive, helping the Hunter to pull with more urgency than a 125 to an indicated 62mph.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 front

But if the Enfield is in its element in Bangkok, it’s less clear how it will fare in Brighton or Bristol, especially as the traffic flows a little faster – on a good day, at least! – in the UK.

Certainly, the Hunter will sit at 68mph all day but if you are commuting in and out of the city it’s likely to lack the punch to stay ahead of the traffic. New riders, though, will love its low seat height, easy-going road manners and claimed 102mpg economy; meanwhile its gurgling exhaust and sweet steering will charm the pants of leafy back lanes up and down this country.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The LCD clocks are basic but neat and clear with a useful gear-position indicator. The single-cylinder engine should prove incredibly frugal, too. Enfield quote 102mpg for the Hunter and the other 350 models in the Enfield range regularly average over 100mpg if ridden sensibly so it should be possible. Service costs will be minimal, the built is typically resilient and even a pair of higher-quality tyres should last until the petrol runs out.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 right side

 

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
5 out of 5 (5/5)

It would be all too easy to look down your nose at the new Hunter 350. But you have to remember who this bike is for: mainly the Indian and emerging markets – and you can’t ignore the £3899 starting price. Enfield originally intimated that the Hunter would be the cheapest of the 350 range but with the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 starting at £3879 in the UK, this isn't the case.

The more premium Hunter colours cost £3979, which is cheaper than the two-tone paint version of the Meteor at £4039, though.

In terms of direct competition, there's not much to go at outside of Royal Enfield themselves. The recently released BSA Gold Star is more powerful and expensive than the Hunter, and we expect Triumph's small capacity bikes to cost even more than that when they arrive.

The Chinese import Herald Classic 400 is a pretty close comparison but is slightly more expensive than the Hunter is expected to be and lacks the kudos of the Royal Enfield badge, too.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 turning left on track

If you wanted something more authentically classic-looking then the shinier Royal Enfield Classic 350 would be the way to go.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The switchgear is ugly and the clocks are basic, but these are relatively minor criticisms of a bike that costs less than half the price of a season ticket between Nottingham and London.

You do get an analogue-style LCD dash complete with Enfield's sub screen that's compatible with turn-by-turn navigation (but only as an option), dual channel ABS and a long list of factory accessories to choose from.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 front quarter

Specs

Engine size 349cc
Engine type Single cylinder, 4 stroke
Frame type Twin Downtube Spine Frame
Fuel capacity 13 litres
Seat height 800mm
Bike weight 181kg
Front suspension Telescopic, 41mm forks non-adjustable
Rear suspension Twin tube Emulsion shock absorbers with 6-step adjustable preload
Front brake 300 mm fixed disc with twin piston floating caliper ABS
Rear brake 270 mm disc, single piston floating caliper ABS
Front tyre size 110/70-17
Rear tyre size 140/70 - 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 102 mpg
Annual road tax £52
Annual service cost £160
New price £3,899
Used price £3,700 - £3,800
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two years

Top speed & performance

Max power 20 bhp
Max torque 19.9 ft-lb
Top speed 71 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 292 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2022: Royal Enfield Hunter 350 launched

Other versions

Royal Enfield’s Classic and Meteor are built on the same J-Series platform. The Classic is a polished machine with the look of a genuine classic whereas the Meteor is a cruiser-style variant.

Owners' reviews for the ENFIELD HUNTER 350 (2022 - on)

4 owners have reviewed their ENFIELD HUNTER 350 (2022 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your ENFIELD HUNTER 350 (2022 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Equipment: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Annual servicing cost: £160
5 out of 5 Small but big-hearted
24 July 2023 by Samizdat

Version: Dapper White

Year: 2023

With these J 350s you give up the buzz (and occasional convenience) of acceleration and high speeds, but you gain so many other things. After a while you just tune into it and go with the rhythms of the pumping single and nimble handling - which are wonderful and grin-worthy on UK classic B and small A roads. There's a great enthusiastic and knowledgeable online and actual community of J 350 owners, continually coming up with new fettles and mods. And people always want to talk about the bike when it's parked up.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Suspension is harsh on the softest setting. Some people say it softens with higher mileage. I hope so. CEAT tyres have a tendency to follow lines in the road surface which can mean a little extra concentration required on pitted roads or resurfaced strips. But it corners really well. I'm not sure about the small 17 inch front wheel. Would like to try it with a 19. Brakes are excellent - best I've had for a while. Clutch is nice. Gear change smooth and accurate - and no clunk when selecting first at the lights!

Engine 5 out of 5

RE have engineered something special here. The low mid to upper mid-range bubbles away and tugs like a baby bulldog pulling on the leash. Higher up it all smooths out to a lovely sewing-machine-like hum - not the like the singles from the old days! So you somehow get the best of both worlds - low-mid character and a smooth top. There's a tiny bit more torque in the upper mids which makes it worth down-shifting on hills. 5th gear is a gentle overdrive, so you don't normally hit it until 45-50, but it is strangely satisfying when you do. Engine braking is sweet and great for cruising bendy roads without using the actual brakes much. It is sufficiently firm when down-shifting into the mid-range and results in a cuddly bark from the excellent stock exhaust. Altogether the J 350 is much more characterful than the 411 Himi/Scram engine.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

It's basic but it's good quality. Everything functions pretty much as it should (apart from the insanely jittery fuel gauge). Not sure about the quality of the tyres, but they'll do for now. A lot of the cabling, particularly under the side panel and seat is taped up in what looks like a bit of a hurry. It's messy and cheap looking, which is a shame.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Too early for me to say at 1000 miles. Depends if you do your servicing yourself. But either way it will be one of the lowest annual servicing costs out there.

Equipment 5 out of 5

In standard spec it's a four out of five. But it's so easy to upgrade that this makes it a five. I'm six two and lanky, so swapped for the bench seat which lets me move back a bit and stay comfortable. Added bar risers for £20, sump-guard £70 and rubber knee pads £20. Have also bought the after-market cam and other performance bits, but actually I'm in no hurry to fit them, as the original set up feels really well sorted.

Buying experience: GV Bikes Taunton. Vast RE knowledge, friendly, patient and efficient family-run business. Highly recommended.

4 out of 5 Hunter 350 the perfect commuter.
19 June 2023 by Jimbotrucker

Year: 2023

Annual servicing cost: £180

Bought as a commuter bike to get to work. It's lightweight and nippy, ideal for filtering through traffic, very good on fuel. It does feel like it is struggling flat out around 70. So doing a distance run could be hard work.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Suspension would be a good upgrade especially if you carry a pillian.

Engine 5 out of 5

Seems quite a reliable and proven engine as it has been used in other models.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

It is an ideal platform to alter to your own taste, I don't think it will be long before the aftermarket parts are freely available.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

First service was 180.

Equipment 5 out of 5

It's simplicity make's you smile every time you ride it.

Buying experience: Bought from my local dealer in Stoke, and is the third Enfield I have owned.

5 out of 5 Royal Enfield Hunter
30 May 2023 by Alan

Year: 2023

Interesting, enjoyable bike to ride. No worst features, very manouverable. Picks it's feet up but don't expect sports bike performance, but then again it's not meant for track days. just enjoyable layed back riding.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Brakes are fine, Dependng on where you are riding depends on when you want to take a break, but it's comfortable for most journeys.

Engine 5 out of 5

Don't expect go fast sports bike performance, but it isn't designed as a sports bike. Power delivery is fine and adequate and it picks its feet up well enough.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Equipment is basic, but functional

Buying experience: Bought from KD Motorcycles in Accrington. First class service.

4 out of 5 Enfield hunter 350
27 March 2023 by Jimbotrucker

Year: 2023

Annual servicing cost: £150

A fun commuter bike, perfect for the run to work, very nimble and easy to filter between traffic. Cheap enough to use as a platform to design your personal bike. The only downside I can find is as the bike is a new model, their aren't too many add one yet. But I am sure that will change soon.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Very nimble and very small to throw around. Brakes are good enough. I feel that better tyres would be a good upgrade.

Engine 5 out of 5

Fuel efficient and capable of reaching the speed limit, you do have to plan overtaking though.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

So far no problems, but I do winter prepare the bike.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

First service is at 300 miles at a cost of around £150. Running costs are brilliant, if you ride sensible you will get around 90 to 100 per gallon. I can get work and back for a fortnight on a tank full.

Equipment 4 out of 5

The tyres are good but there are better to choose as a replacement.

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