Royal Enfield Hunter 350 : In the world of motorcycling, few names evoke as much passion and nostalgia as Royal Enfield. Known for their classic designs and thumping engines, Royal Enfield has been a favorite among riders for decades.
With the introduction of the Hunter 350, the brand has once again proven why it remains a top choice for enthusiasts, especially those who love long rides.
Let’s delve into why the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is considered by many as the best option for extended journeys on two wheels.
The Hunter 350 is a masterful fusion of Royal Enfield’s timeless design philosophy and modern engineering. At first glance, the motorcycle exudes the classic charm that the brand is known for – a round headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and a simple, uncluttered silhouette. However, look closer, and you’ll notice the modern touches that make it a thoroughly contemporary machine.
The retro-modern design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s functional too. The upright riding position, coupled with a well-padded seat, ensures comfort during long hours on the road.
The handlebars are positioned just right, allowing for a relaxed grip without putting undue stress on the wrists or shoulders – a crucial factor when you’re covering hundreds of kilometers in a day.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Engine: The Heart of the Matter
At the core of the Hunter 350 is a 349cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This powerplant is a refined version of Royal Enfield’s tried-and-tested J-series engine, known for its reliability and smooth power delivery. For long-distance riding, these characteristics are invaluable.
The engine produces a modest 20.2 bhp at 6100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. While these numbers might not seem impressive on paper, they translate to excellent real-world performance.
The torque is available low down in the rev range, meaning you don’t have to constantly work the gearbox to maintain speed or overtake on highways.
What sets this engine apart for long rides is its refinement. Unlike the vibration-prone engines of old, the Hunter 350’s powerplant is remarkably smooth.
This means less fatigue for the rider, even after hours in the saddle. The engine’s character is such that it settles into a comfortable cruise at around 80-90 km/h, which is ideal for covering long distances efficiently.
Fuel efficiency is another strong suit of the Hunter 350. With a claimed mileage of around 36 km/l, you can expect to cover significant distances between fuel stops. This is particularly advantageous when traversing remote areas where petrol stations might be few and far between.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Chassis and Suspension: Comfort Meets Control
Long rides aren’t just about straight highways; they often involve diverse terrains and twisty mountain roads. This is where the Hunter 350’s chassis and suspension setup truly shine.
The motorcycle is built on a twin downtube spine frame, which provides excellent stability at high speeds while also being nimble enough for city maneuvers.
The suspension consists of 41mm telescopic forks at the front and twin tube emulsion shock absorbers at the rear. This setup strikes a fine balance between comfort and handling.
It soaks up road imperfections well, ensuring that the rider doesn’t feel beaten up after a long day’s journey. At the same time, it provides enough feedback and control to inspire confidence when the roads get twisty.
The 17-inch wheels, shod with tubeless tires, offer good grip and stability. The choice of 17-inch wheels also means that you have a wide variety of tire options available, allowing you to choose rubber that best suits your riding style and the kind of long-distance touring you prefer.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Braking: Safety on the Go
When you’re covering long distances, reliable braking is non-negotiable. The Hunter 350 comes equipped with a 300mm disc brake at the front and a 270mm disc at the rear.
These are further enhanced by dual-channel ABS, which provides an additional layer of safety, especially in wet conditions or on loose surfaces.
The braking setup offers good feel and progression, allowing for confident stops from high speeds. This is particularly important when you’re fully loaded with luggage for a long trip.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Ergonomics: Designed for Distance
One of the most crucial aspects of a motorcycle intended for long rides is its ergonomics, and this is where the Hunter 350 truly excels.
The seat height of 800mm is accessible for riders of various heights, and the narrow waist of the motorcycle allows for easy flat-footing at stops.
The seat itself deserves special mention. It’s well-contoured and adequately padded, providing support in all the right places.
This means you can spend hours in the saddle without developing aches or numbness – a common issue with many motorcycles not designed for touring.
The footpegs are neutrally positioned, neither too rear-set nor too forward. This allows for a natural knee bend, reducing fatigue during long rides.
The handlebar is wide and slightly pulled back, putting the rider in a upright and commanding position. This not only aids in comfort but also provides excellent visibility of the road ahead and surrounding traffic.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Features for the Long Haul
While the Hunter 350 isn’t loaded with high-tech gadgetry, it comes with features that enhance the long-distance riding experience.
The semi-digital instrument cluster provides essential information like speed, fuel level, and trip meters. It also includes a USB charging port, which is invaluable for keeping your devices charged during long journeys.
The LED taillight and indicators provide good visibility to other road users, an important safety aspect during long rides that might extend into the evening or night.
The halogen headlamp, while not as bright as modern LED units, provides adequate illumination for night riding.
Luggage carrying capacity is often a concern for long-distance riders. While the Hunter 350 doesn’t come with built-in luggage options, its simple design allows for easy fitment of aftermarket luggage solutions.
Whether you prefer hard panniers, soft saddlebags, or a top box, there are plenty of options available in the market that can be easily adapted to the Hunter 350.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Reliability: The Royal Enfield Legacy
One of the most significant advantages of choosing a Royal Enfield for long rides is the brand’s legendary reliability.
The Hunter 350, despite being a relatively new model, benefits from decades of Royal Enfield’s experience in building robust motorcycles.
The simplicity of the Hunter 350’s design means there are fewer things that can go wrong during a long trip. In the unlikely event of a breakdown, the widespread availability of Royal Enfield service centers across the country (at least in India) means help is never too far away.
This peace of mind is invaluable when you’re planning extended journeys.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Fuel Tank Capacity: Going the Distance
The Hunter 350 comes with a 13-liter fuel tank. While this might seem small compared to some dedicated touring motorcycles, it’s actually quite adequate given the engine’s fuel efficiency.
On a full tank, you can expect a range of around 400-450 kilometers, depending on riding conditions.
This range is more than sufficient for most day-long rides, and with some planning, it’s enough for multi-day tours as well.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Customization: Making It Your Own
One of the joys of owning a Royal Enfield is the vast aftermarket support and customization options available. The Hunter 350 is no exception.
From performance exhausts that enhance the engine note to comfort seats for even longer rides, there’s a plethora of accessories available to tailor the motorcycle to your specific long-distance riding needs.
Royal Enfield itself offers a range of genuine accessories for the Hunter 350, including different seat options, windscreens, and luggage solutions.
This allows you to transform the Hunter 350 from a city-friendly runabout to a capable touring machine with relative ease.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 The Community Factor
Choosing a Royal Enfield for long rides isn’t just about the motorcycle; it’s about becoming part of a community. Royal Enfield has one of the most active and passionate rider communities in the world.
This means access to group rides, touring tips, and a network of fellow enthusiasts who are always ready to help out a fellow rider.
For long-distance riders, this community aspect can be incredibly valuable. Whether it’s getting advice on the best routes, finding motorcycle-friendly accommodations, or just sharing experiences, the Royal Enfield community adds an extra dimension to the joy of long-distance motorcycling.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Conclusion: The Perfect Balance
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 stands out as an excellent option for long rides due to its perfect balance of classic charm and modern functionality.
It offers the reliability and simplicity that Royal Enfield is known for, coupled with performance and comfort features that make it well-suited for extended journeys.
While it may not have the outright power or high-tech features of some more expensive touring motorcycles, the Hunter 350 compensates with its approachable nature, fuel efficiency, and the sheer joy of riding that Royal Enfields are famous for.
It’s a motorcycle that doesn’t just get you to your destination; it makes the journey itself a memorable experience.
For riders looking for a motorcycle that can handle their daily commute as well as weekend getaways and longer tours, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 presents a compelling package.
It’s a testament to Royal Enfield’s understanding of what riders need – a reliable, comfortable, and characterful motorcycle that’s always ready for the next adventure, no matter how far the horizon.
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