Upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Our Wishlist

[UPDATE: The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has been spied without camouflage at a dealer yard, check out the new details in our report]

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 as we know will be a sportier offering from the classic bikemaker, one with an urban mindset. Yes, its design looks retro-modern, and the personality of a roadster. But, from the Hunter, we expect a bit more than what we’ve seen RE do so far. So here are a few things we hope Royal Enfield does differently on the new Hunter 350. 

Sportier engine tune:
Fact, RE’s new J-series platform has helped reimagine the Classic 350 experience. The same platform has also given us the sportier Meteor 350. And it is with this knowledge that we are hoping RE perks up the Hunter’s engine for an even sportier experience. The 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine with a quicker throttle response would make the Hunter an absolute hoot on the streets.   

Lighter, plusher and grippier:
Given the Hunter is being looked at as an urban roadster, we’re really hoping the kerb weight is kept in check. If the Hunter weighs around 10kg less than the Meteor’s 191kg (kerb) heft, it would remarkably improve its agility. Mate that with a pair of pliant suspension and grippy rubber, and the Hunter would be all set to take on the urban jungle.     

• Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Price
• Upcoming Royal Enfield Bikes
• Royal Enfield Scram 450 Incoming

Affordable with a compromise:
We know that the Hunter could be RE’s most accessible J-series motorcycle. It will serve as a step up for 150-200cc motorcycle owners without burning a hole through the wallet. Hence to keep the price in check, the Hunter will likely give features like the tripper-pod and LED headlights a miss.

Variants:
But we’re sure it will pack a range of vibrant colours and be offered in two variants - with and without a rear disc. Dual channel ABS will be offered on the dual-disc option and single channel ABS on the rear drum version.  

Expected pricing and launch timelines: 
We are expecting the Hunter to be priced at Rs 1.7 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), and the official launch is expected to take place in the first week of August. While that might be a long wait for the roadster, but it’s a motorcycle that we are eagerly waiting to ride for sure.