The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is the lightest, most urban-focused motorcycle in the RE lineup — a 349cc roadster at 177 kg that handles city traffic with none of the weight and bulk of the Classic or Meteor. It brought a new buyer segment to Royal Enfield: younger, urban, smaller-framed riders who wanted the RE engine without the traditional cruiser commitment.
A reader from Pune had wanted a Royal Enfield for years but had never bought one — the Classic 350 felt too heavy (191 kg) and too retro, the Meteor 350 felt too cruiser-committed for Pune's traffic-and-ghat mix. The Hunter 350, when it launched in 2022, was the first RE that fit: 177 kg, upright roadster ergonomics, a seat height of 800mm that allowed confident footing, and the J-series 349cc engine's characterful exhaust note without the Classic's weight and seating position. She bought the Dapper Chrome variant. After 18 months and approximately 22,000 km across Pune city commuting and four Sahyadri ghat rides, she described the Hunter as "the Royal Enfield I always wanted — before Royal Enfield made one." The Hunter 350 is not a performance motorcycle; it is not a touring machine; it is not a retro icon. It is a well-engineered, characterful, manageable 350cc roadster for urban Indian riders who want a motorcycle with personality rather than a premium commuter. This guide covers all August 2026 prices, all variants, and who should and should not buy one.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 price (August 2026): Ex-showroom ₹1,49,900 (Retro base) to ₹1,73,900 (Metro Rebel top). On road Delhi approximately ₹1,71,000–₹1,99,000. Engine: 349cc J-series single-cylinder OHC, 20.2 bhp, 27 Nm. Gearbox: 6-speed. Mileage: 36.2 kmpl ARAI (real-world 30–36 kmpl). Variants: Retro (₹1,49,900), Retro S (₹1,55,400), Metro (₹1,61,400), Metro S (₹1,66,900), Dapper (₹1,65,900), Dapper Chrome (₹1,73,900), Metro Rebel (₹1,73,900). Key rivals: Honda CB350 (₹2,00,000–₹2,20,000 ex), Jawa 42 (₹1,85,000–₹2,00,000 ex), RE Meteor 350 (₹2,09,000–₹2,35,000 ex). Best variant: Metro S for value, Dapper Chrome for best looks.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Price — All Variants (August 2026)
| Variant | Ex-showroom | On Road Delhi (approx) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retro | ₹1,49,900 | ~₹1,71,000 | Base — single-channel ABS, halogen headlight, simple instrument cluster |
| Retro S | ₹1,55,400 | ~₹1,77,500 | Dual-channel ABS, turn-by-turn navigation ready instrument cluster |
| Metro | ₹1,61,400 | ~₹1,84,500 | Dual-channel ABS, LED headlight, Tripper navigation pod (turn-by-turn) |
| Metro S | ₹1,66,900 | ~₹1,90,700 | All Metro + additional colour options, chrome accents |
| Dapper | ₹1,65,900 | ~₹1,89,600 | Dual-channel ABS, LED, Tripper, dual-tone colour schemes, wire-spoke wheels |
| Dapper Chrome | ₹1,73,900 | ~₹1,98,800 | All Dapper + chrome fenders, chrome exhaust, premium finish |
| Metro Rebel | ₹1,73,900 | ~₹1,99,000 | Top — blacked-out engine, exhaust, and accents, dark urban aesthetic |
All prices ex-showroom India, August 2026. The Hunter 350 ranges across three visual themes: Retro (classic, simple), Metro (urban, LED), and Dapper (premium dual-tone). The Metro S and Dapper Chrome are the recommended mid-range picks. The Retro base at ₹1,49,900 is the most affordable Royal Enfield 350 in India. On road Delhi prices add approximately 14–15% for registration, insurance, and handling.
Hunter 350 Engine — The J-Series 349cc
The Hunter 350 uses Royal Enfield's J-series 349cc engine — the same unit that powers the Classic 350, Meteor 350, Scram 411 (detuned), and Guerrilla 450 (evolved). The J-series represented RE's most significant engineering advance in decades when it launched in 2021: a fully OHC (overhead cam) design replacing the old UCE pushrod engine, with a longer stroke that produces the characteristic low-rpm thump without the harshness and vibration of the older units. At 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm, the Hunter 350 is not a fast motorcycle — 0-100 km/h takes approximately 10–12 seconds and the top speed is approximately 114–120 km/h (real-world). The engine's strength is character: the J-series' long-stroke OHC design produces a specific quality of exhaust note (a deep, rhythmic thump at idle that becomes a mechanical burble at cruising rpm) and a smooth low-rpm tractability that makes city riding pleasant without requiring frequent gear changes. The 6-speed gearbox is precise and well-defined — shift quality on the J-series is significantly better than the older UCE gearboxes that RE used until 2020. Real-world mileage: 30–36 kmpl in city use, up to 38–40 kmpl on highways at 70–80 km/h.
Hunter 350 vs Classic 350 vs Meteor 350 — Which RE?
| Model | Price (ex) | Weight | Seat Height | Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter 350 | ₹1,49,900–₹1,73,900 | 177 kg | 800 mm | Urban roadster — upright, agile, light | City riding, shorter riders, first RE, urban commute |
| Classic 350 | ₹1,93,600–₹2,32,750 | 195 kg | 805 mm | Retro icon — heritage styling, mid-weight | Heritage aesthetics, weekend leisure riding, icon buyers |
| Meteor 350 | ₹2,09,000–₹2,35,000 | 191 kg | 765 mm | Relaxed cruiser — low seat, highway comfort | Touring, highway, taller riders who want low seat |
| Scram 411 | ₹2,24,000–₹2,29,000 | 187 kg | 835 mm | Scrambler — upright ADV character, 411cc | Light off-road, ghat roads, more power than J-series |
Hunter vs Classic 350: The Hunter is 18 kg lighter and approximately ₹40,000–60,000 cheaper than the Classic 350 at equivalent specifications. The Classic wins on heritage visual appeal — its retro styling is the RE identity most associated with the brand globally. The Hunter wins on city manageability, weight, and price. For buyers who primarily ride in cities and occasionally on ghats: Hunter. For buyers who specifically want the Classic's retro icon aesthetic: Classic. The engine and riding experience are very similar — both use the J-series; the difference is entirely in ergonomics (Hunter more upright, Classic more relaxed-low) and styling.
Hunter vs Meteor 350: The Meteor is heavier (191 kg vs Hunter's 177 kg) and more expensive (₹2,09,000 vs ₹1,49,900 base) and designed for relaxed highway cruising with its low seat height (765 mm), forward foot peg position, and windscreen-compatible design. The Hunter is designed for city agility. For daily urban commuters who occasionally tour: Hunter. For primarily highway/touring riders who want RE character: Meteor.
Hunter 350 vs Honda CB350 — The Main Rival
| Spec | RE Hunter 350 | Honda CB350 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (ex) | ₹1,49,900–₹1,73,900 | ₹2,00,000–₹2,20,000 |
| Engine | 349cc J-series, 20.2 bhp | 348.36cc, 21 bhp |
| Weight | 177 kg | 179 kg — similar |
| Seat height | 800 mm | 800 mm — identical |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Instrument | Analogue-digital (Metro: adds Tripper) | Analogue with Bluetooth connectivity |
| Service network | RE — 2,200+ outlets | Honda — 6,000+ outlets |
| Exhaust note | RE J-series thump — distinctive | Honda single — smoother, less character |
| Price advantage | ₹50,000–₹70,000 cheaper | — |
The Honda CB350 is technically the more refined motorcycle — Honda's build quality, service network (6,000+ outlets vs RE's 2,200+), and smoother engine character give it a premium feel. The Hunter 350 is ₹50,000–₹70,000 cheaper at equivalent specifications and delivers the RE exhaust character that CB350 buyers don't get. For buyers who specifically want the Royal Enfield's sound and character at a lower price: Hunter 350. For buyers who prioritise Honda's reliability track record and service network density: CB350. Both are excellent motorcycles in this class.
Which Hunter 350 Variant to Buy?
The Metro S at ₹1,66,900 is the recommended Hunter 350 for most buyers — it adds dual-channel ABS (vs single-channel on Retro), the LED headlight (significantly better night visibility than the Retro's halogen), the Tripper turn-by-turn navigation pod, and the chrome accent detailing that elevates the Metro's appearance. At ₹1,90,700 on road Delhi, it sits under ₹2L on road — the psychological sub-₹2L on road threshold that many buyers set. The dual-channel ABS is the most important addition over the Retro: it provides rear wheel braking control during emergency stops. For any regular road use, dual-channel ABS is the minimum recommended safety specification. The Tripper navigation pod (which shows turn-by-turn directions from the RE app on a small pod attached to the handlebar) is useful for unfamiliar city routes. Metro S: the Hunter that gives you everything necessary without the Dapper Chrome premium.
The Dapper Chrome at ₹1,73,900 is the most visually distinctive Hunter 350 variant — chrome fenders, chrome exhaust heat shield, wire-spoke wheels (versus alloy on other variants), and dual-tone paint schemes that give the Hunter a more premium café-racer-adjacent aesthetic. The wire-spoke wheels require tube-type tyres (tubeless tyres are not compatible) — a practical limitation that means puncture repair requires tube replacement rather than instant tubeless sealant. The chrome elements require more maintenance care than the painted finishes on other variants. For buyers who want the Hunter 350 to be noticed: Dapper Chrome is the correct choice. For buyers who prioritise practicality over aesthetics: Metro S saves ₹7,000 and avoids the tube-tyre limitation.
✓ Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Buying Tips
- Always buy dual-channel ABS — avoid the Retro base: The Retro at ₹1,49,900 ex has single-channel ABS (front wheel only). On a 177 kg motorcycle that most riders will occasionally brake hard in city traffic, single-channel ABS is an inadequate safety specification. The Retro S (₹1,55,400) adds dual-channel ABS for ₹5,500 more — this is the absolute minimum recommended Hunter 350. The ₹5,500 for dual-channel ABS is the most valuable safety expenditure in the Hunter lineup
- The Hunter is 14 kg lighter than the Classic 350 — test-sit both if you are undecided: 14 kg is a significant difference on a motorcycle you handle in city traffic, push out of parking, and balance at stops. At 177 kg vs Classic's 191 kg, the Hunter is noticeably easier to manage at low speeds. Taller or heavier riders may not feel this difference as strongly; shorter or lighter riders will. Test-sit both at a RE dealership and push each off the sidestand before deciding
- The Tripper navigation pod is genuinely useful — prioritise Metro over Retro for it: The Tripper pod (available from Metro variant upward) shows turn-by-turn navigation arrows from the RE app on a handlebar-mounted pod. In unfamiliar cities, it eliminates phone mounting on the handlebar — the navigation instruction comes to the instrument cluster. It is a small feature but improves daily urban riding. The ₹12,000 step from Retro S (₹1,55,400) to Metro (₹1,61,400) adds LED headlight and Tripper — worth it
- RE's service network at 2,200+ outlets is strong but not Maruti-dense — check your city before buying: Royal Enfield has significantly expanded its service network since 2018 — 2,200+ authorised service centres across India cover most tier-1 and tier-2 cities well. In smaller cities and towns, verify service centre proximity before buying. The J-series engine's service intervals are longer than the old UCE (6,000 km vs 5,000 km) and the engine is significantly more reliable — but a service centre within reasonable distance remains important for any motorcycle ownership
- See our Classic 350 price guide for the heritage aesthetic alternative and our Yamaha MT-15 guide for the performance-focused alternative at a similar price
✗ Hunter 350 Buying Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the Dapper Chrome without understanding the tube-tyre implication: The Dapper Chrome's wire-spoke wheels require tube-type tyres — they cannot run tubeless. In India's city riding conditions (nails, glass, potholes that cause punctures), a tubeless tyre's greatest advantage is that it deflates slowly rather than instantly, giving you time to pull over safely. A tube-type tyre goes flat immediately. Additionally, tubeless tyre punctures are repaired quickly with sealant at most tyre shops; tube-type requires the wheel to be removed and the tube replaced — a longer, more expensive repair. The Dapper Chrome's aesthetics are superior; the tyre system is a genuine practical limitation. Make this trade-off consciously, not accidentally
- Expecting the Hunter to be a performance motorcycle: The Hunter 350's 20.2 bhp and 177 kg produces a 0–100 km/h time of approximately 10–12 seconds and a real-world top speed of 110–118 km/h. It is slower than the Yamaha MT-15 (19.3 bhp but lighter at 138 kg, 0–100 in approximately 7–8 seconds) and significantly slower than the KTM Duke 390 or the Bajaj Dominar 400. The Hunter's character is not performance — it is the J-series engine's thump, the upright riding position, and the RE brand's specific appeal. Buyers who want cornering performance, quick acceleration, or highway speed capability should look at the Yamaha MT-15 or Honda CB300R
- Underestimating the Hunter's weight in urban traffic: 177 kg is lighter than the Classic and Meteor, but it is still a heavy motorcycle relative to the 110–140 kg Japanese 150–160cc nakeds. In Mumbai or Bengaluru peak-hour traffic with frequent filtering and U-turns, the Hunter's weight is perceptible. Riders switching from 125cc or 150cc motorcycles will notice the additional effort required at very low speeds. The Hunter's upright ergonomics and lower weight than the Classic make it the most manageable RE 350, but it is not as effortless in traffic as a Yamaha FZ-S or Honda CB200X
- Not test-riding on a road with moderate speed before buying: The Hunter 350's character — the J-series engine's low-rpm thump, the chassis feedback through the handlebar on imperfect roads, the exhaust note at cruising rpm — is not accessible on a dealership parking lot test. Insist on a 10–15 minute test ride on a public road with a section that allows 50–70 km/h. The engine's specific character (smooth below 4,000 rpm, building thump to 5,000 rpm) is the primary reason most Hunter buyers choose it — and it cannot be evaluated in parking lot slow-speed manoeuvres
⚠️ Disclaimer: Royal Enfield Hunter 350 prices and variant availability are subject to change. All prices listed are ex-showroom India as of August 2026. On road prices vary by state — Karnataka and Maharashtra on road prices are consistently higher than Delhi. Verify current pricing and variant availability at your nearest Royal Enfield dealership. Always ride with a BIS/ISI-certified full-face helmet and appropriate protective gear.
Retro S as Minimum. Metro S for Best Value. Dapper Chrome for Best Looks. 177 kg is the Right RE Weight. The J-Series Thump Is Worth ₹1.7L. Hunter Is the Royal Enfield That Most Indian City Riders Actually Wanted.
The Pune reader's 22,000 km across city commuting and Sahyadri ghat rides on the Hunter 350 Dapper Chrome covers the motorcycle's full use case — it is a city-comfortable, ghat-capable, characterful 350cc roadster that RE did not make until 2022. The Classic 350 is heavier and more expensive; the Meteor is heavier and more expensive and more committed to highway touring. The Hunter at ₹1,49,900–₹1,73,900 ex-showroom is the most accessible Royal Enfield 350, the most city-manageable, and the most appropriate first RE for the buyer who has wanted one for years without finding a model that fit. The Metro S at ₹1,90,700 on road Delhi — dual-channel ABS, LED headlight, Tripper navigation, chrome accents, J-series thump — is the most complete version of this motorcycle for most buyers. The Dapper Chrome is the version for buyers who want the Hunter to look like what the Hunter should look like.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 price in India (August 2026): Retro ₹1,49,900 ex; Retro S ₹1,55,400; Metro ₹1,61,400; Metro S ₹1,66,900; Dapper ₹1,65,900; Dapper Chrome ₹1,73,900; Metro Rebel ₹1,73,900. On road Delhi approximately ₹1,71,000 (base) to ₹1,99,000 (top). Engine: 349cc J-series single OHC, 20.2 bhp, 27 Nm, 6-speed. ARAI mileage: 36.2 kmpl. Kerb weight: 177 kg. Seat height: 800mm. Dual-channel ABS available from Retro S upward (single-channel on Retro base only). Available at all Royal Enfield dealerships. The Hunter 350 is the most affordable and lightest Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycle available. Verify current pricing at royalenfield.com or nearest dealer.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 vs Classic 350 comparison: Weight — Hunter 177 kg vs Classic 195 kg (Hunter 18 kg lighter — significant for city manageability). Price — Hunter ₹1,49,900–₹1,73,900 ex vs Classic ₹1,93,600–₹2,32,750 ex (Hunter ₹40,000–60,000 cheaper at equivalent specs). Engine — both use J-series 349cc, nearly identical power (Hunter 20.2 bhp, Classic 20.2 bhp — same engine). Ergonomics — Hunter upright roadster position, more city-friendly; Classic more relaxed mid-lean, better for leisure highway. Styling — Hunter modern roadster; Classic retro heritage icon (the more recognisable RE globally). Seat height — Hunter 800mm, Classic 805mm (nearly identical). Fuel tank — Hunter 13L, Classic 13L (same). City handling — Hunter noticeably more agile due to 18 kg weight saving. Verdict: Hunter for city-primary riders, first RE buyers, shorter or lighter riders, and budget-conscious buyers. Classic for heritage aesthetics, long-distance leisure riding, and the buyer who specifically wants the retro icon look. Same engine, same riding character — different weight and styling.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 mileage: ARAI certified 36.2 kmpl. Real-world city mileage: 30–36 kmpl (city stop-go traffic with AC ambient). Real-world highway at 70–80 km/h: 36–40 kmpl (the most fuel-efficient cruise speed for the J-series engine). At sustained 90+ km/h on highways, mileage drops to 32–36 kmpl. Running cost at ₹103/litre petrol and 33 kmpl average city: approximately ₹3.12/km. Monthly fuel cost for 1,200 km urban commute: approximately ₹3,745. The J-series fuel injection provides consistent warm-up behaviour and better cold-start efficiency than older RE carburettor models — no fuel wastage on warm-up. The Hunter's 13L tank gives approximately 430–470 km range at average city mileage before refuelling — adequate for 10–14 days of typical urban commuting at 35 km daily. The 36.2 kmpl ARAI is achievable at steady 60–70 km/h; city stop-go typically produces 30–34 kmpl.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 vs Honda CB350: Price — Hunter ₹1,49,900–₹1,73,900 ex vs CB350 ₹2,00,000–₹2,20,000 ex (Hunter ₹30,000–₹50,000 cheaper). Engine — Hunter 349cc J-series 20.2 bhp vs CB350 348.36cc 21 bhp (essentially identical power). Weight — Hunter 177 kg vs CB350 179 kg (similar). Seat height — both 800 mm (identical). Gearbox — Hunter 6-speed vs CB350 5-speed (Hunter marginally better). Service network — Honda 6,000+ outlets vs RE 2,200+ (Honda major advantage outside tier-1 cities). Build quality feel — CB350 has Honda's premium finish quality (better panel gaps, paint depth); Hunter has good but slightly lower finish. Exhaust character — Hunter J-series thump is more characterful; CB350 is smoother and quieter. Connectivity — CB350 has Bluetooth instrument cluster; Hunter has Tripper navigation pod on Metro variants. Verdict: Hunter 350 for the RE thump and ₹50,000 savings. CB350 for Honda's denser service network, premium build quality, and Bluetooth connectivity. Neither is objectively better — choose based on service network priority and brand preference.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 on road price in Delhi (August 2026): Retro (base, single-channel ABS) approximately ₹1,71,000; Retro S approximately ₹1,77,500; Metro approximately ₹1,84,500; Metro S approximately ₹1,90,700; Dapper approximately ₹1,89,600; Dapper Chrome approximately ₹1,98,800; Metro Rebel approximately ₹1,99,000. On road Delhi includes ex-showroom + registration (approximately 4% road tax for motorcycles above ₹1,00,000 in Delhi) + insurance (₹3,500–5,500 for a 350cc motorcycle) + handling charges. On road prices in Maharashtra (Mumbai) and Karnataka (Bengaluru) are approximately ₹10,000–20,000 higher than Delhi due to higher state road tax rates. Always get an itemised on road price from your Royal Enfield dealer before finalising — component breakdown (RTO, insurance, handling) should be provided on request.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 for long rides: The Hunter is capable of long rides but is not optimised for them. Advantages for long rides: the J-series engine's low-rpm torque makes highway cruising at 70–80 km/h relaxed; 13L fuel tank gives 430–470 km range; the upright ergonomics are comfortable for 3–4 hours before requiring a rest stop; suspension (41mm telescopic front, twin shock rear) absorbs highway surfaces reasonably well. Limitations for long rides: no wind protection (naked design — wind blast at 90+ km/h becomes tiring after 45–60 minutes); seat comfort deteriorates beyond 4–5 hours for most riders; no dedicated luggage mounts (aftermarket options available); pillion space is limited compared to the Classic or Meteor. For occasional long rides of 300–500 km: fully capable with appropriate rest stops and aftermarket windscreen. For regular long-distance touring of 500+ km: the RE Meteor 350 (highway-focused ergonomics) or Himalayan 450 (adventure-touring focus) are more appropriate. The Hunter's sweet spot is city-primary with occasional weekend ghat rides and 200–300 km leisure runs — not sustained multi-day touring.
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