When Royal Enfield launched the Hunter 350 in 2022, it was met with enthusiasm from buyers looking for a compact, affordable, and stylish alternative to the brand’s traditionally larger machines. Built on the same J-Series platform as the Classic and Bullet, the Hunter quickly became a bestseller. But for many riders, including enthusiasts who value refinement and ride quality, the motorcycle left room for improvement. The 2025 iteration of the Hunter 350 aims to fix that with a set of mechanical and cosmetic updates that finally bring this sporty 350-cc bike up to standard.
One of the most significant changes in the 2025 model is to the suspension setup. The twin rear coil springs have been reworked to address criticism about the bike’s harsh ride. The updated suspension offers more predictable compression and rebound, resulting in a ride that feels significantly more composed. Road imperfections are now absorbed with greater efficiency, reducing the jolts that previously reached the rider’s wrists and spine. While the comfort level is noticeably improved, it’s still not on par with the plushness of the Classic or Bullet, but the gap has narrowed.
Mechanically, the Hunter retains the familiar 349-cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine from the J-Series lineup. It continues to deliver 20 horsepower and 27 Nm of torque, maintaining a balance between accessible power and manageability. The engine’s performance is well-suited to urban and semi-urban usage, with a comfortable cruising sweet spot at around 80 to 90 kmph. The exhaust note remains a standout, arguably the best sounding among Royal Enfield’s 350 cc offerings.
Another welcome change is the introduction of a slip-and-assist clutch. This feature significantly reduces clutch lever effort, particularly beneficial in dense city traffic where constant gear shifts can become tiring. Gear shifts themselves, however, still feel somewhat clunky — a trait that persists across the brand’s 5-speed gearbox.
The Hunter 350 remains highly competent as a city motorcycle. Its compact footprint, upright seating posture, and improved handling make it a nimble option for daily commuters. A narrower seat and slightly revised suspension tuning contribute to a more confident and responsive feel in congested environments. Ground clearance has also been increased by 10 mm, now at 160 mm, thanks to a redesigned exhaust routing.
The seat has undergone some changes as well, with Royal Enfield claiming improved cushioning and foam density. However, during a real-world 400 km ride across varied urban conditions, the seat felt largely unchanged. It remains adequately padded and generally comfortable for medium-range commutes. In terms of fuel efficiency, the updated Hunter delivered a respectable 37.5 kmpl under typical city traffic.
Visually, the 2025 Hunter receives subtle updates. An LED headlamp is now part of the package, though its throw at night is average and leaves room for improvement. The updated lineup also includes new colour options that freshen up the motorcycle’s street presence. Additional features include a USB Type-C fast charger and the brand’s Tripper Navigation system. It’s important to note that many of these upgrades are restricted to the top-spec variant.
Pricing sees a minor increase across the range. The base model with single-channel ABS continues to be priced at Rs 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom), making it an accessible choice for new riders or budget-conscious buyers. The top-end variant, which includes dual-channel ABS and the new tech additions, is now priced at Rs 1.82 lakh (ex-showroom), reflecting a price hike of Rs 7,000.
The 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is not a ground-up overhaul, but it brings enough meaningful changes to improve its ride quality and daily usability. Royal Enfield has addressed the bike’s key weaknesses without altering its core identity — a city-focused motorcycle that’s nimble, stylish, and reasonably priced. Riders who previously dismissed the Hunter for its harsh ride may now want to give it a second look.
In a crowded 300-400 cc segment where comfort, performance, and features are becoming increasingly important, the Hunter 350 finally feels like it has found its stride. It may not yet be perfect, but it’s certainly much closer to delivering the all-around urban riding experience that Royal Enfield promised at launch.