Been riding for 30 years in the USA. Mostly small displacement but Ive had 450s and 650s. When it came time to replace my Yamaha XT-250 I considered the Triumph scrambler 400 and the Hunter 350 with off-road mods. I test rode both and liked both bikes a lot. But the Hunter won my heart. I'm 2000 miles into the Hunter 350 with mild off road mods (tires, fenders, brushguards, air intake, bash plate) and I'm very happy. Great on the road good enough for light trails.
Would definitely buy it...and I've been riding for 50+ years. As a smaller bike for running errands and daily usage it's almost perfect. Will definitely be giving this a test ride.
I own a Hunter 350 since March (it is my first motorcycle). I pretty much agree with everything you said. For me it serves the same purpose as a 125-150cc scooter (commuting, short trips), if it had those 5 additional HP it would be much more versatile (being able to overtake without planning, cruising at 120km/h on the highway). Good job on the review!
I bought one a few months ago, mainly for a second bike. My other bike is a 1200 Speed Twin, which I love, but riding it on wet roads means getting it very cruddy. I like my bike to be clean, but don't particularly like to clean it, so I purchased the Hunter. It's a cheap bike. Its all blacked out. Proper mudguards so very easy to keep clean, therefore easy to live with, meaning I can keep my Speed Twin in the garage in manky weather, but still get to ride. For a back road bimbler, it's got all the power you need, great fun, with good handling, but I agree its not meant for motorways. Keeps up with traffic on dual carriage ways OK, but I wouldn't want to travel mile after mile on faster roads. A very good cheap bike, lots of fun, also cheap to buy, run and own.
I bought one to get back into motorcycling after a 25ish year break (I'm 61). It's a great little urban commuter but yeah I'm looking at something with more power now.
I'm in the same boat, I'm in my 50's and after nearly 30 years away from riding, I'm getting back into it. Kids are mostly grown, cars and house paid off, so it's back to my former passion. I'm looking at the Classic 350, Bullet 350, Meteor 350 etc, because of that lovely exhaust note, but like you I'm not impressed with the power. Would you recommend a Kawasaki Eliminator at 450cc as a return to riding thing?
@jjstuartonwriting8150 oh hey. Not sure about the kawasaki. I'm not a cruiser guy. Go test ride one. But I learned to ride on dirt. Trail bikes. But the skills quickly come back. I just bought Himalayan 450. Loving it. So much fun. Love the fact you don't have to turn around if the bitumen runs out.
Bought myself a Hunter 350 brand new in 2023 . I have always had big bikes . Decided to go for a smaller bike . The Hunter is an incredible fun bike . All I want to do is ride it .
I own a hunter and I absolutely love it. Great for riding in the Peak District where I live. I've had mine 4/5 months now and zero issues. I have the same colour scheme as well.
I love what RE are doing with their smaller bikes, especially the colours. Problem for me is I’m slightly too tall at 6’4”, my hip flexors cramp up just sitting on them at the store. But for someone of more average height? Man, it’s a hard MC to ignore. It’d be perfect for a uni kid with an A2 as something to get to class.
All i can say is, You must be quite heavy? I'm at least 14 stone, on my Royal Enfield Hunter, Mind you, I have a DNA Air Filter, Powerage Silencer, a fuel X lite system, and a 16 tooth cog conversion, and mine will easily cruise at 70mph that's about 110kph All day if it wants, And the Fuel X Lite, Helps keep the engine cool, And less lean burn, Highly recommended for anyone who fits after market Silencer and DNA Air Filter ect 👍 I've also got an Interceptor with a Fuel X Lite System fitted and a 16 tooth cog Conversion, Cheers Paul 👍
G'day Paul, sounds like we are roughly the same weight. Those mods must make all the difference. She cruises at 70 ok, just not when there's anything that looks like a hill!
@@onthebackwheel Yes, I would agree, even with my mods, If it is windy or you have to slow up for some reason, your realistically looking at 60/65 mph, but 20 hp keeps the insurance companies at bay, and good mileage per gallon or kilometres, And realistically in the real world, for a 350cc Motorcycle it's very good indeed i feel 👍
@@onthebackwheel I'd be really interested to see a Himalayan 450 review, especially as to how it compared to your KLR650. They are so close in power/specs and price
I see RE makes a Classic 350/Bullet 350 as well. Kind of the full on retro option with spoked wheels etc. Look really cool, enough to make you forget the power issue maybe 😁
As a Redchrome Classic owner, regard this bike as a more comfortable chopper. At 70mph the wind pressure isn't comfortable without a windscreen anyway and at 60-65mph you'll love the ride more than it's destination. I'm by far not interested in overtaking cars just enjoying the view on the left and right side of me😅 It is an eye opener if you are willing to accept it's 70mph limmit. But keep in mind, the engine runs out at a very healthy 4500rpm. Use ceramic coating to keep the bike and engine pristine and consider a belt drive. As the reviewer noted, He likes to take over at highway speeds with the Hunter where the Classic or Bullet has a different mindset. For this reason the Classic650 isn't an upgrade for 350 owners IMO. The Classic looks weird with alloy wheels where the Bullet looks much better with them and the Bullet has the thickest stock seat of them all. I'm considering the Bullet seat over the optional Classic touring seat. The Bullet might be the best choice of both if I'd buy one again.
I bought one to get back into motorcycling after a 25ish year break. (I'm 61). It's a great little urban commuter and back road bike. But yeah I'm looking at something with more power for my next bike. Shotgun or Himalayan 450 maybe. Decisions. Cheers. 👍
Well presented crazy man Curtis! Definitely a great little bike for running around towns. Had a classic 350 Signals edition & it just lopes around but was a lot of fun Probably now looking at the interceptor but im still in love with the 8S....
@@onthebackwheel are you thinking of getting back into road riding again? The 8R seems to be also gaining traction. My old busted body suits the naked bikes. I was going to get the 450MT, but I'm sort of done with the dirt & sand. One more fall & I'll be toast. Keep up your great work! Hopefully, you get to ride an Interceptor
@@stevesane800 I'd love to, but not going to happen, plus people seem to prefer me on adv bikes. Naked bikes are my favorite by far, so much fun and still wish I had my Tuono
I'd consider one for the type of riding you mentioned, in town commuting. It'd be cool as a second bike. Something to ride as a after work decompression short trip bike.
Great thoughts on the bike. I agree as far as owning it, I’d rather have the 411 scram. I had thought about the 350 Hunter for my gal, if she’d want to take up riding. I’m not gonna force that one though.
Looking at one of the 650s to be my upgrade from a drz400. The aircooled 270 degree twin is the best sounding engine imo. Saw one in person the other day and it looks straight out of the 60s.
As a commuter and short coffe shop runs it's hard to ignore. Are there any aftermarket performance mods that might allow you to pick up that extra 5hp?
Good review. Good looking bike however for the price „not great brakes” „slow acceleration” and low top speed don’t sound appealing given that eg KTM/Bajaj 390 thumper range show how this can be done at a similar price point.
I own one just completed my 5000 mile service. I think this is a great bike. I have been riding for 60+ years. This is all the motorcycle I need its my daily commuter and my gentle weekend back road fun
I'm planning to get my first bike and I really want The Hunter 350 to be it. But I still have some doubts like is it good for daily use? I wanna use it as my daily commune bike from my home to my office but not sure if it will perform good in currently where I live cause we just got 350 cc allowed in our country and don't know how it will perform in the roads. Can anyone hit me up with some advices???
Been riding for 30 years in the USA. Mostly small displacement but Ive had 450s and 650s. When it came time to replace my Yamaha XT-250 I considered the Triumph scrambler 400 and the Hunter 350 with off-road mods. I test rode both and liked both bikes a lot. But the Hunter won my heart. I'm 2000 miles into the Hunter 350 with mild off road mods (tires, fenders, brushguards, air intake, bash plate) and I'm very happy. Great on the road good enough for light trails.
Interesting that you've gone an off-road capable set up. Very cool
I went from a Honda cb125e 2015 and upgraded to a Hunter 350, perfect bike for beginners and daily usage
Good to hear mate. Enjoyed my time with it
Would definitely buy it...and I've been riding for 50+ years. As a smaller bike for running errands and daily usage it's almost perfect. Will definitely be giving this a test ride.
Should be perfect for that. Looks great too
I own a Hunter 350 since March (it is my first motorcycle). I pretty much agree with everything you said. For me it serves the same purpose as a 125-150cc scooter (commuting, short trips), if it had those 5 additional HP it would be much more versatile (being able to overtake without planning, cruising at 120km/h on the highway). Good job on the review!
Thanks mate. Good to hear I'm on the right track. I like it, been perfect for commuting and going out to dinner etc
I bought one a few months ago, mainly for a second bike. My other bike is a 1200 Speed Twin, which I love, but riding it on wet roads means getting it very cruddy. I like my bike to be clean, but don't particularly like to clean it, so I purchased the Hunter. It's a cheap bike. Its all blacked out. Proper mudguards so very easy to keep clean, therefore easy to live with, meaning I can keep my Speed Twin in the garage in manky weather, but still get to ride.
For a back road bimbler, it's got all the power you need, great fun, with good handling, but I agree its not meant for motorways. Keeps up with traffic on dual carriage ways OK, but I wouldn't want to travel mile after mile on faster roads.
A very good cheap bike, lots of fun, also cheap to buy, run and own.
Sounds perfect for what you've said. A fair few people now have commented on how cheap it is to run and maintain
Would have liked something like this when I was 14. Looking forward to the Himalayan review.
It would be a great starter bike. Keen for the Himi too mate
I bought one to get back into motorcycling after a 25ish year break (I'm 61). It's a great little urban commuter but yeah I'm looking at something with more power now.
I'm in the same boat, I'm in my 50's and after nearly 30 years away from riding, I'm getting back into it. Kids are mostly grown, cars and house paid off, so it's back to my former passion. I'm looking at the Classic 350, Bullet 350, Meteor 350 etc, because of that lovely exhaust note, but like you I'm not impressed with the power. Would you recommend a Kawasaki Eliminator at 450cc as a return to riding thing?
@jjstuartonwriting8150 oh hey. Not sure about the kawasaki. I'm not a cruiser guy. Go test ride one. But I learned to ride on dirt. Trail bikes. But the skills quickly come back. I just bought Himalayan 450. Loving it. So much fun. Love the fact you don't have to turn around if the bitumen runs out.
Bought myself a Hunter 350 brand new in 2023 . I have always had big bikes . Decided to go for a smaller bike . The Hunter is an incredible fun bike . All I want to do is ride it .
Good stuff mate, lots of love in the comments for the Hunter
Thanks for honest the review. Would love to see you get that Himalayan to try!
Would love to try it
Don´t know what´s the design studio in Royal Enfield.... but that bike is an 11/10. So incredible beautiful.
Great detailed review. Always liked the look of the Hunter!
Thanks!
I own a hunter and I absolutely love it. Great for riding in the Peak District where I live. I've had mine 4/5 months now and zero issues. I have the same colour scheme as well.
Good to hear mate. How many kms so far?
@onthebackwheel 2,500 approx so far. It's getting a bit cold here in England so probably not many more this year.
I am buying a new Hunter 350 (my first bike) which i believe it will perfectly fit for me and give good experience. Thanks for the review.
Enjoy mate, you'll love it
I love what RE are doing with their smaller bikes, especially the colours. Problem for me is I’m slightly too tall at 6’4”, my hip flexors cramp up just sitting on them at the store. But for someone of more average height? Man, it’s a hard MC to ignore. It’d be perfect for a uni kid with an A2 as something to get to class.
For sure, it's bloody cheap motoring. It would be funny to see you ride one though 😆
@@onthebackwheel Oh aye, well funny. Like an adult riding a monkey bike.
@@903lew a gorilla fucking a pineapple? 🍍 😂
I honestly think Royal Enfield has the nicest line up of bikes
All i can say is,
You must be quite heavy?
I'm at least 14 stone, on my Royal Enfield Hunter,
Mind you, I have a DNA Air Filter, Powerage Silencer, a fuel X lite system, and a 16 tooth cog conversion, and mine will easily cruise at 70mph that's about 110kph
All day if it wants,
And the Fuel X Lite,
Helps keep the engine cool,
And less lean burn,
Highly recommended for anyone who fits after market Silencer and DNA Air Filter ect 👍
I've also got an Interceptor with a Fuel X Lite System fitted and a 16 tooth cog Conversion,
Cheers Paul 👍
G'day Paul, sounds like we are roughly the same weight. Those mods must make all the difference. She cruises at 70 ok, just not when there's anything that looks like a hill!
@@onthebackwheel
Yes, I would agree, even with my mods,
If it is windy or you have to slow up for some reason, your realistically looking at
60/65 mph, but 20 hp keeps the insurance companies at bay, and good mileage per gallon or kilometres,
And realistically in the real world, for a 350cc
Motorcycle it's very good indeed i feel 👍
@@paulfoster5432 I agree, great runabout. That 650 though is mighty tempting 😋
Far out this review is well done. nice one
Thanks mate 👊
@@onthebackwheel I'd be really interested to see a Himalayan 450 review, especially as to how it compared to your KLR650. They are so close in power/specs and price
@@godfreytomlinson2282 I'm working on it mate
Going to order a Hunter 350 tomorrow and watching this video now. Seems like I made a great choice. Btw Im going with the dapper gray colour.
Just looked up the colour, beautiful
@ thank youuuuu ❤️❤️
I see RE makes a Classic 350/Bullet 350 as well. Kind of the full on retro option with spoked wheels etc. Look really cool, enough to make you forget the power issue maybe 😁
I've always loved the look of the classic
As a Redchrome Classic owner, regard this bike as a more comfortable chopper. At 70mph the wind pressure isn't comfortable without a windscreen anyway and at 60-65mph you'll love the ride more than it's destination. I'm by far not interested in overtaking cars just enjoying the view on the left and right side of me😅
It is an eye opener if you are willing to accept it's 70mph limmit. But keep in mind, the engine runs out at a very healthy 4500rpm. Use ceramic coating to keep the bike and engine pristine and consider a belt drive.
As the reviewer noted, He likes to take over at highway speeds with the Hunter where the Classic or Bullet has a different mindset. For this reason the Classic650 isn't an upgrade for 350 owners IMO.
The Classic looks weird with alloy wheels where the Bullet looks much better with them and the Bullet has the thickest stock seat of them all. I'm considering the Bullet seat over the optional Classic touring seat.
The Bullet might be the best choice of both if I'd buy one again.
I bought one to get back into motorcycling after a 25ish year break. (I'm 61). It's a great little urban commuter and back road bike. But yeah I'm looking at something with more power for my next bike. Shotgun or Himalayan 450 maybe. Decisions. Cheers. 👍
There are some good options out there, very lucky ATM
Well presented crazy man Curtis!
Definitely a great little bike for running around towns. Had a classic 350 Signals edition & it just lopes around but was a lot of fun
Probably now looking at the interceptor but im still in love with the 8S....
I was looking at the 8S recently, so nice!
@@onthebackwheel are you thinking of getting back into road riding again? The 8R seems to be also gaining traction. My old busted body suits the naked bikes. I was going to get the 450MT, but I'm sort of done with the dirt & sand. One more fall & I'll be toast.
Keep up your great work! Hopefully, you get to ride an Interceptor
@@stevesane800 I'd love to, but not going to happen, plus people seem to prefer me on adv bikes. Naked bikes are my favorite by far, so much fun and still wish I had my Tuono
@@onthebackwheel I do too otherwise I wouldn't call you crazy man Curtis for nothing 😉
@@stevesane800 haha thanks mate
I'd consider one for the type of riding you mentioned, in town commuting. It'd be cool as a second bike. Something to ride as a after work decompression short trip bike.
💯, perfect for that
Great thoughts on the bike.
I agree as far as owning it, I’d rather have the 411 scram.
I had thought about the 350 Hunter for my gal, if she’d want to take up riding. I’m not gonna force that one though.
I thought the same mate, be a great size for my wife and since she's 30kg lighter it would probably feel a bit zippy
Should review the scram 411!
Would fill the same roll with that 5 extra hp you were chasing 🤔
You know you might be right there
@@onthebackwheel great looking bike as well
Looking at one of the 650s to be my upgrade from a drz400. The aircooled 270 degree twin is the best sounding engine imo. Saw one in person the other day and it looks straight out of the 60s.
Ok now I'm searching for 275 twins 😂
@@onthebackwheel 270* degree whoops
@@FabStream41 ahhh yep. They do sound great
nice review!
Thanks!
As a commuter and short coffe shop runs it's hard to ignore. Are there any aftermarket performance mods that might allow you to pick up that extra 5hp?
There are some including an ECU upgrade, exhaust, filter and camshafts. Cost wise though...probably just worth getting a different bike
I Bought one to learn on. Was a bit put off by the weight on paper, but once in your hands it's not too bad.
It's been great so far.
Good to hear mate. I've still got it and been using it to commute, great fun
i like these simple, easy to maintain bikes .... i have an RE meteor 350, scram 411 .. looking forward to have the himi 450 soon ..
Just got the 450 to test, loving it so far
Looks a bit funny with shiny bits and mat finish bits but other than that it's a great looking bike
Which shiny bits mate? I thought it was pretty blacked out
Good review. Good looking bike however for the price „not great brakes” „slow acceleration” and low top speed don’t sound appealing given that eg KTM/Bajaj 390 thumper range show how this can be done at a similar price point.
Exactly. It's alone in its class and styling, but if you're willing to get something like you mentioned, there are some good alternatives
Ducks disease, ha ha. I totally have ducks disease never heard it called that before. I also agree with the review it's a great bike for what it is.
I heard it years ago and never forgot it 🤣
Love the look..but that bike will not do canadas highways no way ..sad😢
It would be a struggle!
I love the look but feel that these are going to be massively overshadowed now by the new Guerilla 450's coming out.
You might be right there
Thanks for the review. Would it take 2 people (11 stone ave) at around 50-60mph?
Cheers. Yes it would, but I wouldn't want any hills!
@@onthebackwheel Ok, I think a test is in order.....
Thanks
Also how's the solution for the busted fuel pump on your de coming along?
My fix didn't work so I ordered a new one. Minimum 4 week wait 😡
I own one just completed my 5000 mile service. I think this is a great bike. I have been riding for 60+ years.
This is all the motorcycle I need its my daily commuter and my gentle weekend back road fun
Good to hear mate. Any issues with the bike?
@@onthebackwheel Absolutely none, The tires are excellent too!
@@Fionna47 that's great mate. They've got a good reputation, but it's good to hear from a long term owner
I'm planning to get my first bike and I really want The Hunter 350 to be it. But I still have some doubts like is it good for daily use? I wanna use it as my daily commune bike from my home to my office but not sure if it will perform good in currently where I live cause we just got 350 cc allowed in our country and don't know how it will perform in the roads.
Can anyone hit me up with some advices???
It's tops for daily riding and cheap to maintain. Owners seem to be really rating it too
is this good for someone who is 6 foot 3?
You'll fit, but are definitely on the bigger side for the bike and it'll be very slow going
Hunter 350 or Yamaha XSR-125?
The xsr is a much lighter bike. Depends what you are after
In all 8 minutes video, we couldnt see the clutch pedal. Or the left side of the bike *face-palming
You mean the gear lever? I thought I left side in, I'll work on putting more of both 👍
Simple basic practical always the best solution!
💯
Great bike, but the Interceptor is superior
Yet to try it, looks like I'd enjoy it