Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Performance Review: An Urban Explorer’s Experience
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 launched in August 2022 is designed as a modern roadster with a focus on urban riding. Here are some key performance aspects:
Engine and Performance
Engine Type: The Hunter 350 is powered by a 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, designed for reliable and efficient performance in city environments.
Power Output: It produces approximately 20.2 bhp at 6100 rpm, providing a good balance of power for city riding. This output ensures that the motorcycle is more than capable of handling the demanding traffic conditions often faced by city dwellers.
Torque: The engine generates around 27 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, offering excellent low-end power for smooth acceleration in urban areas. This is particularly beneficial when navigating tight spaces and stop-and-go traffic.
Transmission: Equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the Hunter 350 offers smooth gear shifts, contributing to an enjoyable riding experience. This manual transmission allows riders to fine-tune their acceleration and maintain control over the engine's power output.
Handling and Ride Quality
Chassis: The bike features a lightweight chassis, enhancing its agility and responsiveness, making it ideal for navigating urban layouts with ease. This design allows for quick maneuvers and precise handling, which is crucial in city environments.
Suspension: The front end is equipped with a telescopic fork, while the rear suspension consists of twin shock absorbers. This combination provides a comfortable ride on various road surfaces, ensuring a smooth and stable experience.
Brakes: The Hunter 350 is fitted with a front disc brake and a rear drum brake, with some models offering an option for a rear disc brake. In addition, some variants include dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety. This setup ensures that riders can confidently brake in varying conditions, including wet and slippery roads.
Fuel Efficiency
The Hunter 350 typically delivers good fuel efficiency, averaging around 35-40 km/l. This makes it an economical choice for daily commuting, especially for those who prefer not to frequently refuel.
Overall Performance
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is designed for urban environments, offering a balance of performance, comfort, and style. It caters well to riders looking for a manageable yet engaging motorcycle experience, particularly in city traffic. Its retro-modern design, combined with solid performance, has made it a popular choice among both new and experienced riders.
Disappointment and Troubles
While the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a capable bike, it is not without its challenges. My recent experience with the RR unit highlights some of the issues I have encountered:
RR Unit Woes: Within a short period, I encountered issues with the RR unit. After having it promptly replaced at a local service center, the problem persisted. This led me to seek a resolution at a Royal Enfield Showroom in Pune. Despite their assurances, the bike failed to start after servicing, indicating a deeper issue.
Manufacturing Defect and Contradictory Service Center Guidance: My attempt to highlight a critical manufacturing defect in the RR unit was met with conflicting advice from different service centers. Every showroom directed me back to my hometown, which is now 500 KM away from Pune, making it difficult to resolve the issue promptly.
Extended Warranty and Insurance Dilemma: Despite having extended warranty coverage, I was told to contact the original showroom for claims. Similarly, for my zero-depreciation insurance, every showroom insisted on claiming it at the point of purchase, adding to my frustration.
Frustration Beyond Measure: With only 7000 kilometers on the bike, I find myself spending significantly more time and money on Royal Enfield showrooms than enjoying the ride. Pushing the bike to start it in second gear is not exactly the rider experience I envisioned.
As an urban explorer, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 offers a lot in terms of performance, but the ongoing issues with the RR unit and service center guidance have made it a less-than-ideal choice for me. However, for those who prioritize reliability and enjoy a retro-modern design without the hassle of frequent repairs, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 remains a compelling option.