Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Long Term Review: 1200km Highway Report

Good Things

Be it the Hunter’s low seat height, its linear and relaxed throttle response, or the comfortable ergonomics; these are positives that make it a likeable and accessible machine on the daily commute.

Not surprisingly, these attributes also make the motorcycle an agreeable companion on longer rides. For instance, no matter how much we piled into the tail or saddle bags, the Hunter's low stance meant it was still easy to swing a leg over. And this is from a person who is five-nine, in boots.

The engine felt relaxed but involving. It sat comfortably at an indicated 100kmph for extended periods with just a hint of vibrations that could be felt on the tank and the handlebar. And when it came to overtaking, even though it does require dropping down to fourth for quick execution, it was not a bother.

Plus, after 10 hours of brisk riding, the bike’s mild vibrations left me with slightly tingly fingers, which is more than acceptable. Especially if you consider I typed this out on my phone less than half an hour after I got off the bike.

Now, the Hunter might push maybe another 10kmph over 100kmph. So, the lack of wind protection should not be a problem. Neither was the motorcycle’s city-friendly seating ergos. It’s not as upright as some ADVs - so you need to straighten up from time to time - but you are not slouched over either to give your upper body a reason to ache.

Not So Good Things

There are two, and both put a big dent in the Hunter’s touring credentials.

First is the ride quality. We know the rear suspension runs stiff springs. But in the city, though the ride quality is not the most comfortable, it does not get jarring, and one can learn to live with it. However, the Hunter is difficult to get along on less than perfectly surfaced highways at 80kmph or over.

Over undulating roads, road patchwork, bumps, flyover joints, and especially the mild but sudden troughs, it jars your back relentlessly. So much so that I spent most of my riding time standing up on the pegs over such roads. Drop the speed by 20kmph and it is not so much of a bother. But, who would want to cruise at 60kmph on four- and six-lanned highways?

The second, of course, is the seat. It is too soft, and its design pushes you closer to the tank even though you want to sit in the middle. Now, we did complain about it even in our city report. And that was only after an hour or so of commuting. You can only imagine what happens after 10 hours of riding. So, when I was not standing up on the pegs because of the rear suspension, it was because the seat was doing its thing.

What's Next?

Overall, we won’t classify the Hunter 350 as a touring-friendly bike, mainly because of its rear suspension and seat design. The latter is an easy fix, and the former is a more expensive alteration. But, if these two bits can be worked on, there is a friendly, willing tourer waiting to break free.

Bike Stats

Odometer- 2622km

Kilometers ridden this month- 1200km

Fuel Efficiency- 31.3kmpl