Royal Enfield hunter 350 an owners honest review
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- This is a personal view of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, after living with it for 10 months. What i like and what i don't. In fact there's very little i don't, it's more of what could possibly improve it. i hope you enjoy this short video.
@theartisanrider472 come to the channel to see more bike reviews and relevant motorbike content.
Oh hello from Adelaide Australia. I have one in Dapper Grey. Just over 5000km now. Great commuter. Great fun for the price.
hi all
just thought id do a block comment covering as many of you fabulous comments.
the pannier racks are from ROYALSPAREPARTS they are in new Delhi India and are listing on ebay, ive put the details on the accessories video round up so hopefully that helps. they appear to be good quality and i had no issues fitting them, meaning everything lined up perfectly yay, so no number 4 hammer required lol. id just add that 've bought a few items from India, and never had a post problem, everything has turned up in superfast time.
people have mentioned the brakes, regarding efficiency etc, as i noted on this video, these brakes are incredibly good. i'm not sure if that is the exception to the rule, but i'm staggered at how good they are. the bike has now done around 2000 miles so they are well bedded in and conditioned, i think its always worth noting that when reviewers test ride new bikes , its worth taking into consideration that the brakes will be very green and will need a few miles to bed down and condition. we are used to cars brakes being perfect from new, but motorbikes don't have the benefit of powerful servos to assist in most cases. The levers on this bike really do make a difference, the shape and width of the contact area is the best i've come across, you only need to use a lever from older classics to see the benefit. thin metal pushbike type levers are woeful and somewhat painful to transfer decent pressure to discs or drums.
ive just got home from a wet cold ride on the hunter and am always impressed at how well it can deliver its modest power to propel me along at regular traffic type speeds. Major A roads and dual carriageways are always ridden without fear. i was so enthused i treated it to a long overdue wash LOL. im going to do a short trip out with the hunter, all loaded up for camping.{when the weather permits} to see how it handles the luggage and camping kit, keep an eye out for that episode later in the spring.
but above all, thanks for watching and the comments, this channel is a long-term project that will take on many subjects around biking as we go forward. ride safe and see you next time.
They already have an interceptor 650.. looks veryyy similiar to a speed twin.. and they also have a continental gt 650 cafe racer
Im still riding a 20hp Honda XL250S from 1981. I can get to places that friends on 130hp Beemers and KTMs can not. Compared to what, is always the best angle to base answers on. I do feel the urge to upgrade at some point from woefull 6v electrics, i just need to get a ride on a Himmy and a Hunter to decide. I hear a Hunter 450 is due out, that will tick a lot of boxes.
Hi, good review. I don't think you mentioned the high quality of build. I got my Hntr about the same time and done a similar mileage. Made me fall in love with singles again. I love the connection with the engine its almost alive. I use it for my short commute and for chugging around the Blackdowns. I reckon replacing the street tyres which are not suited to muddy country lanes and it would be useful green laner. With that in mind I've ordered a 400 x so I will be selling mine but that's not really because there is anything wrong with it just that the 400 x will mean that I'll be able to be a bit more adventurous when the road surfaces are bit dodgier.
I‘m debating between the Hunter and the 400x. 20hp extra won‘t hurt and being 6 ft tall I feel the Scrambler will fit me better…
It’s great to see you enjoying your bike. For me rather than a 650 twin I would rather see a 500cc single with 35/40hp and it would be perfect. Interesting you praising the brakes, there’s another post currently on RUclips where the guy says they are terrible. Did yours “bed in”? - he was reviewing a new bike.
There is 450 single with 40 hp, liquid cooled.
I find the brakes 'ok' on my hunter they need a good squeeze to stop quickly...its good to know the brakes are there but would like a bit more initial grip from them...still love the bije though
Today's motorcycles are a collection of government regulations on 2 wheels.
Great review, the Hunter really is a marvellous bike, like yourself I have a real affinity with my Hunter it never fails to put a smile on my face when I ride it. 👍
Great overview of the bike, I do like the J series platform in general with some cracking bikes to suit different riding styles. Maybe still a shame they didn't do a 500 single as I much prefer a single thump than a twin. I'm on the verge of purchasing a Classic 350 as mine will be a weekend toy and I love the older styling. I originally gave up riding 9 years ago as the modern sports tourers I was used to were too competent and at legal speeds just became dull to me. I had a test-ride on an RE 350 and it's enough power to have fun and a nice relaxed chug through the countryside without it egging you on to break speed limits just to get some sensation that the bike is doing something.
you nearly got what you wanted with the 650 - they are doing the 452 guerilla 🙂
The clutch engagement point on my Hunter (correct free play) is super narrow. I have 4 other bikes (Hondas) and when riding the Hunter I have to really re adjust my clutch operation. The levers are at the far end on "natural" reach and I do have large hands. The bars are bit too forward or/and low for my frame, I feel my wrist after an hour or so. At 75 kg, the rear shocks were way too stiff. After first service (done twice by me to double check) there is a slight valve tick at certain rpm/load. It is a hoot to ride, listen to and in my rebel blue, joy to look at. From sunny Indonesia.
hi, yes i noted the bars were just a bit to low for me, so i fitted bar risers, although they were a different width to the original bar clamps. other than that its been a great fun companion to live with, il be doing odd other changes soon which il film. thanks for watching. ride safe
It should have hydraulic valve adjustment like the 500, a Kickstarter and a belt drive so much cleaner than a chain. In India the RE 350 comes with a Kickstarter. Not on the export models. Why?
Great review, you have described it nicely.
Mine is just under a year old (23) and I have covered 2,700 miles. I love it, it starts extremely easily, the headlight is good along with the brakes which are very responsive. It corners very well to the point of my boots scraping the road. It would be nice to have a bit more acceleration but driving it in eco mode returns me a very respectable 90/105mpg. What I have noticed is it now cruises at 70mph up from the 55/60 after completing the running in process. I feel very safe on it with it having a low seat and centre of gravity.
I have found 3 small negatives, puncture in rear tyre but the wheel is surprisingly easy to remove and refit, the 2 exhaust leg protector plates are showing signs of rust spots and it's mirrors tend to vibrate at speed. Would I have another? Yes but a bit more power would be nice.
Hi Sir!
Can you kindly share the link of the saddle stay. I really like the placement of the bags on your bike.
Needs a 500cc version perfect then!!.
wouldn't that be just epic, id love a slightly bigger twin or the 500 would be awesome without doubt.
Thanks for this honest review. Most reviews are marketing, nothing else.
Could you add a link to where these pannier racks can be ordered? and the panniers?
Does the small wind screen do anything, is it of any use?
What I like is you're my age and posture, I can see how I would look like on this bike. ;-)
thx!
It's strange how at the same time it can sound like a lawnmower yet also sounds quite characterful and charming
ha yes, it actually reminds me of some youth riding a 125cc with no baffles, sort of annoying yet cool.
Its a pity you didnt say the front brake's a "true" anchor. Cool vid, thnx.
I got the blue colour as well. Subbed and Cheers!
Hello!
Did you notice any difference in wind protection with the flyscreen? I found that around 80-90km/h it starts to be unberably windy and I'd only gouge out the asking price (which is hefty) for the screen, if it actually works. With it being this small, doesn't it just throw the wind right up to your head?
Cheers from Hungary
hi
I would say it makes a difference, on two fronts, it protects the instruments plus it does deflect a good portion of the wind. ive fitted the same screens to my triumphs over years and am convinced they make a difference. i think it does add something to the looks as well.
It needs the 450 engine
Spot on review. I’m enjoying my 350 just the same 😌
Love My Rebel Blue Hunter 350 ❤
best colour by far
Am considering this but am drawn to the Triumph speed 400 just think it will be a bit more practical on faster A roads, have you test ridden the Triumph at all?
hi anthony, ive tested the scrambler, my first two episodes on the channel and the engine is the same as the speed, as you say. the triumph out performs the hunter without question performance wise. the speed is priced really keenly. the hunter outscores the triumph on the accessory front though. the after market parts for the enfield is extensive and cheap. the triumph struggles to match that. but if i did sell the hunter, i think the triumph would be top of the list to replace it.
@theartisanrider472 You make a salient point Triumph are looking expensive for accessories, though the 10k/12m service looks a lot better, I have looked at nearly new Hunters but not many around the £3k mark where they begin to win the cost argument and of course not so many handy dealers nor is the dealer experience quite as slick.
Great review! How would it fit someone like me who is 6.1ft? Would I find it comfy do you think? Thanks
hi
i think with the standard seat you might feel craped but i fitted the signature seat now, there's a video on the channel about that, and that raises the height, so would make a big difference. ride safe.
@@theartisanrider472 Oh really? I will check out that video. Thanks, great info!
Where did you order the pannier mounts from? Can you provide a link? I’m looking for options for my Hunter 350. Trying to decide between a Tripmachine bag with no rack or something like you found.
Tripmachine looks solid, I was shooting for this bike but thinking of the Triumph Speed 400. Either way, Tripmachine for luggage. 🤙
hi
the racks were from royal spares in india, they were on ebay, fast delivery theres a copy of the listing on the accessories video i did. very impressive for the money.
The hunter with a 450 engine is the truth. I would love this. My hunter is just missing a bit of punch after 2 longer trips.
The episode where i look at my accessories and fitting a new seat will drop on the 10th, i give a run down in more detail of the extras fitted to the little hunter.
Ok!
Hahaha! The ending is classic!
Interesting…..thanks for sharing. I would have considered one but already own a Yamaha SRX 600 electric start, which is an absolute blast to ride. I think you’re right. A bit more power would significantly increase both the grin factor and the capability of the machine.
Buy an Interceptor!
got one , love it
The audio is only coming out of the left speaker
Hi all
thanks for all the comments, the hunter really has a decent following, its such a good looking almost retro classic style. enfield really have their finger on the colour schemes which far exceeds all other manufacturers. watch out for my upcoming video looking at the accessories I've added, which il put the suppliers up, I'm also about to fit the signature seat which will be the main feature of the video. the idea is to adapt the old seat by sculpting out the foam to make it easier for my partner to ride, fingers crossed that goes well LOL. There's a new episode this weekend on the triumph Bonneville 214 which i hope your enjoy. Ride safe
Hi, have you fitted the DNA air filter and cover ?
Excellent! Thank you.
I see your local to me just north of the South downs, I have a classic 500 and was thinking about the Hunter as a second bike , Barnham and District MCC.
hi graham
yes I'm only in Billingshurst, i was thinking about putting a post up to try and get some local Enfield riders together and film an episode on their experiences etc, what do you think. ?
More power than a scooter, mmm even a Vespa GTS300 has an extra 4ish hp ;) thanks for the review.
Thanks for watching! yes some of those scooters are little rocket ships.
Hi - just got one of these and love it but I find the tires follow every fault on our shocking UK roads - scary! Have you changed yours?
hi harry
that's such a timely comment, bizarrely, ive noticed this very thing on my new interceptor, it felt like the frame was flexing it was so noticeable. it must be the tires though as you say. i don't seem to get it on the hunter though. but its really annoying.
Were this bike bored out to 500cc with 40bhp it would be even better IMO!
its going to be interesting to see what happens to the hunter over the next couple of years, if enfield put say the himi engine in, itll certainly match the interceptor for pace, and i still think this bike looks fabulous. a 500 twin, now that would be stunning.
Subscribed for more Hunter 350 videos. Nice bike, will have to save up for it.
hi thanks for that, il be doing more episodes on the hunter, im going to fit a tail tidy soon which ive just ordered and also repairing some of those dam scratches i added. thanks for subscribing.
What do you call that one above the headlights? Are those call wind shiled
i think fly screen or bikini fairing.
really underpowered bike. Go for anything 650 instead.
have a new bike reveal this saturday stay tuned 😜
Its not underpowered...its fine if not hammering down motorways...I use the A82/83 quite a bit but also lots of B roads ...leaves most cars standing....cracking little bike
ok all that verry nice , but , the elekt problems see on you tube , relais for start and full pomp