When it comes to choosing a versatile motorcycle that blends style, performance, and comfort, the Hunter 350 by Royal Enfield has emerged as a strong contender in India’s mid-range bike segment. With its compact dimensions and retro-modern styling, the Hunter 350 has caught the attention of young riders, city commuters, and even weekend tourers.
But one important question remains—Is the Hunter 350 truly good for both city and highway riding? In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how this popular Royal Enfield motorcycle performs in daily urban traffic as well as on open highways. We’ll examine its design, comfort, power delivery, and real-world practicality to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your riding needs.
Overview of the Hunter 350
The Hunter 350 is one of the newest additions to the Royal Enfield family and is built on the same J-series platform as the Classic 350 and Meteor 350. However, the Hunter 350 is positioned as a more youthful, urban-focused motorcycle that combines agility with classic Royal Enfield charm.
It comes with a 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine that delivers 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, paired with a smooth 5-speed gearbox. With a kerb weight of around 181-190 kg (depending on the variant), the Hunter 350 is also lighter than its siblings, making it more nimble and city-friendly.
City Riding: Agile, Comfortable, and Stylish
1. Perfectly Suited for Urban Commutes
In city conditions, the Hunter 350 shines with its compact frame and responsive handling. The shorter wheelbase and upright riding posture make it a breeze to maneuver through traffic, narrow lanes, and crowded junctions. Riders transitioning from scooters or commuter bikes will find the Hunter approachable and easy to control.
Its low seat height of 800 mm also adds to the comfort, especially for shorter riders. You can easily place both feet on the ground at stoplights, which builds confidence, especially during slow-speed navigation or in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
2. Smooth Engine for Daily Use
The Hunter 350’s engine is tuned for linear torque delivery, meaning you get a steady and smooth pull right from low RPMs. This makes it ideal for stop-and-go traffic, where frequent gear shifts and throttle inputs are required. The gear ratios are city-friendly, and the clutch is light enough for prolonged use without fatigue.
Moreover, the silent start system ensures your morning ignition is smooth and noiseless—another advantage for urban riders.
3. Eye-Catching Retro-Modern Design
Looks matter in the city, and the Hunter 350 scores high with its neo-retro design, vibrant color options, and minimalist styling. It has a roadster appeal that stands out without being too flashy, making it popular among college students and young professionals alike. Whether you’re heading to the office, a café, or cruising through city lanes, the Hunter turns heads wherever it goes.
Highway Riding: Capable but with a Few Limitations
Now let’s address how the Hunter 350 performs when taken out on the highway. While it’s primarily designed for urban usage, it’s not afraid of long roads either.
1. Comfortable Cruising Speeds
The bike cruises comfortably at speeds of 80 to 90 kmph, with the engine offering stable and refined performance in this range. The vibrations are minimal compared to older Royal Enfield models, thanks to the J-series engine’s modern architecture. You can maintain highway speeds for longer stretches without feeling strained, making the Hunter suitable for weekend getaways or short highway trips.
2. Stability and Braking Confidence
Despite being lightweight by Royal Enfield standards, the Hunter 350 feels planted on highways. The 17-inch wheels, well-tuned suspension, and dual-channel ABS (in Metro variants) provide solid confidence even at higher speeds. The disc brakes at both ends offer effective stopping power, a must for sudden braking on highways.
3. Straight-Line Stability
The Hunter maintains decent straight-line stability, even when the roads get windy. While it’s not designed as a high-speed cruiser like the Meteor 350 or Interceptor 650, it still offers a reliable and balanced feel during highway runs.
4. Limitations for Long-Distance Touring
That said, there are a few limitations to consider. The lack of a windscreen means windblast becomes noticeable at speeds above 90–100 kmph, which can cause rider fatigue on longer journeys. Additionally, the seat, though comfortable for short distances, may not offer the plushness needed for extended hours in the saddle. There’s also limited luggage space and no stock provision for saddle stays or touring accessories.
So while the Hunter 350 can definitely handle highways, it’s best suited for short to medium-distance rides rather than hardcore touring.
Fuel Efficiency: City vs Highway
In terms of mileage, the Hunter 350 is fairly efficient for a 350cc motorcycle. In city conditions, it returns around 35 to 40 kmpl, depending on traffic and riding style. On the highway, it can go slightly higher—up to 42 kmpl—if ridden at consistent speeds.
The 13-litre fuel tank ensures a decent range of 400–500 km, making it convenient for both daily commutes and occasional long rides.
Real-World Rider Experience
One of the biggest reasons behind the popularity of the Hunter 350 is the positive feedback from real users. Riders often describe it as the perfect blend of classic charm and modern agility. Many owners use it for office commutes on weekdays and short rides on weekends, which shows its flexibility across riding conditions.
Users especially appreciate the refinement of the engine, the minimal vibrations, and the easy-to-handle nature of the bike. For many, it feels like a “Royal Enfield made for the city” without giving up too much on open-road capability.
Hunter 350 vs Other Royal Enfield Models
Compared to other Royal Enfield motorcycles like the Classic 350, Bullet 350, or Meteor 350, the Hunter 350 is lighter, sportier, and more youthful. It doesn’t carry the weight or cruiser feel of the Meteor or the upright stiffness of the Classic. Instead, it strikes a middle ground—agile enough for city rides, and capable enough for highway runs.
While bikes like the Meteor 350 offer better highway comfort due to the cruiser-style ergonomics and windscreen, the Hunter 350 wins the city battle hands down with its responsiveness and size.
Who Should Buy the Hunter 350?
The Hunter 350 is ideal for:
- Urban commuters looking for style, comfort, and fuel efficiency
- College students and young professionals wanting a bike that’s trendy yet practical
- First-time Royal Enfield buyers who want a manageable entry point into the brand
- Weekend explorers who enjoy short rides outside the city without needing a touring bike
If your riding routine involves 70% city and 30% highway, the Hunter 350 is perfectly tailored for your needs.
Final Verdict: Hunter 350 for City and Highway Riding
So, is the Hunter 350 good for both city and highway riding?
Yes, absolutely. While it may not be a purebred tourer, the Hunter 350 delivers an impressive balance of urban agility and highway capability. Its light weight, refined engine, attractive design, and accessible pricing make it one of the most versatile bikes in the Royal Enfield line-up.
For riders who want a stylish motorcycle for everyday use with the freedom to occasionally hit the highway, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 offers unbeatable value, especially at its current price point.
Whether you’re navigating city traffic or heading out for a quick weekend escape, the Hunter 350 is a companion that performs with confidence and character.
