The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a maneuverable, agile bike from India with simple technology and equipment.
- Good handling
- Decent chassis
- Very simple equipment
Royal Enfield ‘s reasoning behind the launch of the Hunter 350 was apt: you can’t experience a motorcycle more intensely than in the bustling Thai city of Bangkok, where you have to scan the sometimes stalled, sometimes flowing lines of cars for loopholes every second and then use them decisively. Yes, the Hunter 350 is a manoeuvrable, agile, very handy motorcycle. Of course, you shouldn’t be taller than 1.85 meters or heavier than almost 100 kilos, otherwise the proportions are no longer right given the compactness and delicacy of the naked bike .
Spartan equipment
The small bike is as simple as motorcycles in Europe were in the 1960s: lighting switch on the left of the handlebar, a lever for starting on the right. In keeping with the times, there is a USB socket hidden under the clutch lever for powering the smartphone and, for an additional charge, a second, smaller round instrument that offers arrow navigation with the help of the Royal Enfield app . An easy -to-use hazard warning system is also part of the standard equipment. The Indian manufacturer, however, has dispensed with a tachometer; the easy-to-read analogue speedometer with an integrated LC display for the fuel level and the display of the five gears has to suffice.
In the test: 21-hp engine
The long-stroke engine, homologated to Euro 5, develops its strengths at medium and fairly low speeds. Although the maximum 14.9 kW/20.2 hp is only measured at 6100 rpm, the more important thing is the pleasant elasticity and the pulling power of 27 Nm at 4000 rpm. The fact that the 349 cubic centimeter two-valve single-cylinder engine turns at a maximum of 7000 rpm shows its potential. However, the Hunter 350 does not have high-speed characteristics: according to the manufacturer, it runs at a maximum of 114 km / h .
Driving reports, events, tour tips: Motorcycle information from ADAC
But if you are not too deep asleep at the traffic lights, you will be the first to reach the other end of the intersection and will not have to give up the lead until the next red light. We do not yet know whether the small single is good for fuel consumption records. The homologated values speak of 2.76 liters per 100 kilometers , the tank holds 13 liters. During the six years of development of the Hunter, Royal Enfield has taken great care to ensure that the new world motorcycle is not too heavy . The engine has a load-bearing function, as the steel frame is open at the bottom. No component is made to be clumsy. The reward for the effort is a ready-to-drive weight of 181 kilograms, and the payload is 179 kilograms. The chassis impresses with unexpectedly good comfort and is stable in curves.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Technical data, price
All tech info comes right from Royal Enfield’s official site so it’s accurate and trustworthy.
| Manufacturer’s Components | Specifications |
|---|---|
| engine/transmission | Air-cooled single-cylinder engine, two valves per cylinder, SOHC, petrol injection, displacement 349 cc, power 14.87 kW/20.2 hp at 6100 rpm, max. torque 27 Nm at 4000 rpm, balance shaft, 5 gears, chain |
| performance and consumption | Top speed 114 km/h, standard consumption 2.76 liters/100 km |
| chassis | Twin-tube steel frame open at the bottom, load-bearing engine, front telescopic fork, ø 41 mm, spring travel 130 mm; rear steel box swing arm, two spring struts (preload adjustable in 6 positions), spring travel 102 mm; front single-disc brake ø 300 mm with two-piston brake calipers; rear single disc ø 270 mm with single-piston brake caliper; light alloy cast wheels; front tires 110/70-17, rear tires 140/70-17 |
| assistance systems | two-channel ABS |
| dimensions and weights | Wheelbase 1370 mm, seat height 790 mm, ground clearance 150 mm, weight ready to drive with full tank 181 kg, permissible total weight 360 kg; tank 13 liters |
| Price | 4700 euros |
Conclusion: Basic but charming
No image, no sparkling temperament, no high-tech. The Hunter doesn’t even have an LED headlight, just an old-fashioned H4 bulb. At least there is an LED rear light. The Hunter 350 is basic, but still charming in an inscrutable Asian way. A full-fledged motorcycle for the price of an e-bike or cargo bike – that doesn’t sound bad.