@@adityanrvarier7406 hunter gonna have a upper hand in sales jus because it's RE but Ronin is way better than hunter. TVS provides much better stuff than what RE is doing at the same price.
Not really. In India it's expensive for their salaries, in other countries the prices go up cuz... well they have to sell it to market price to make money ( more than one body is involved and everyone wants a slice thus you end up paying).
As an American Meteor owner, I love my bike, especially the engine; it's a gem! For a thumper, it's smooth; it's smooth for any engine, really. The fuel economy is awesome; even all day rides don't cost you that much. As for the Hunter, I LOVE IT! I can't wait for it to arrive in the US. Unfortunately, that won't be until Q1 of next year... :(
You should definitely tell this to Yammie Noob. That guy really seems noob to me, probably has never been to Newyork or LA or any crouded US city for that matter.
I think that one will sell too. Probably be their best seller if they don't mess it up. But they will take a hit from being later than RE that's for sure.
A Bajal or Triumph alternative is fine by me but a collaboration is a turn off, let's face it, it's a money saving convenience relationship. The Hunter is authentic and that means a lot to me, it's my £ that l've worked for and l don't spend it on things that don't have a decent residual value for when l may come to sell, cars, motorbikes, watches etc My guess is that the residual value of the collaboration bike will be way less than the Royal Enfield.
Royal Enfield are really establishing themselves, they seem to be much more organised in getting their bikes out to market. They’re also doing an incredible job in supporting motorcycling with affordable, stylish and fun bikes for newer bikers to continue to enter the market. I have an interceptor, which I prefer to my r nine t, which cost twice as much. RE are doing a masterful job at making their brand desirable
I do agree with stylish and affordable but i am not sure about fun. I wouldn't get the fun factor from this bike. I would see it as a perfect commuter for the city worker and i think this is the market it is aimed at. Its a 20 HP bike, there are 125's that match this bikes performance
Your prediction is spot on, at least in India anyway. The Hunter sold over 18,000 units in it's first month after release here, just a tad less than the Classic. Sure to be the top seller for RE in the second month. I've bought a Hunter Retro and I love it. I'm 66 years old and it's great fun riding again.
I fell in love with this the first time I set eyes on it. I currently have a 2007 650 V-strom, an absolutely brilliant bike, but I'm 66 now and due to health reasons will likely have to downsize in a year or two to something lighter and with a lower centre of gravity: I think this bike will be ideal as a local runaround, at home on the small roads of West Cork, SW Ireland.
@@nervotica7991 Prior to the Interceptor, yes. But nowadays? I disagree. Why do you think a lot of people are raving about this brand ever since the interceptor? Having said that, I own an old bullet 500 and I won't ever think of selling it.
MC A few years ago I owned a 650 V-Strom and I agree with another comment in this thread that it is a fantastic machine, but ..... me being in my mid 70s now, and vertically challenged ( just under 5' 8"), I found the high centre of gravity of the bike wasn't helpful when getting it out rearwards from my shed (no problem when riding obviously). To enable me to have a better feet down experience I even lowered the suspension slightly. I've experimented with other 'bikes since (Bonneville, Motoguzzi V7 and Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor) but in June of this year (2022) I downsized from the Interceptor to a Royal Enfield Meteor. My riding nowadays is just pleasure riding in the lanes of Hampshire. One day, when doing an overtake of three cars on a short straight prior to a few nice bends (which I wanted to enjoy and not be baulked by the cars which would inevitably slow down) it occured to me that should one of the cars decide to do an overtake, and pull out without doing a mirror check, I would have nowhere to go, other than the offside hedge. I carried out the overtake with an extra twist of the throttle and reflected on this overtake later when at home. Old bones don't mend as quickly or as well as young ones so I wondered what I should be riding that I would enjoy, but that wouldn't encourage high speed overtakes. Long story short ... I went to my nearest Royal Enfield dealer and took out an R/E 350 Classic demo and then a 350 Meteor. On looks alone (and me being of a certain age) the Classic would have been my choice, but, much to my surprise I found I felt more at home on the Meteor, despite the mid placed footrest position. I opted with a slight feeling of trepidation to get the Meteor. I've done a little over a 1000 miles now, and owning the 'bike has been a revalation. It is the most comfortable ''bike I've ever ridden and the character of it is such that I don't get frustrated at all by the lower high speed potential (The 350s are electronically limited to a whisker over 70MPH). R/E advise running in for 1250 miles (a real pain to adhere to the recommendations, but worth it in the long run), so I'm only just entering the time when I can make more use of the available rpm range, which the engine enjoys. I do believe that, in moderation, it is better to make use of the gearbox resulting in higher rpm than to let the engine labour in a higher gear. (last mpg check = 108 mpg). For what it is, the Meteor handles the 'twisties' really well. The engine is a peach with very little vibration. Yes, steep hills involve a down-change of gear, but the gearbox has an excellent action, and the old saying is that it is better to ride a low powered motorcycle well and near to it's capability, than to have a more powerful machine that the rider hasn't the natural ability to take advantage of (and of course innevitably run the risk of getting a speeding ticket !). In retrospect I am not the least bit disappointed with my purchase. If, in the future, and depending on what you would use your replacement 'bike for, you decide to investigate the Royal Enfield 350cc singles, my guess is that none will disappoint (I've seen in a short review of the Hunter that the footrests are placed a little higher than the two existing 350's, so may not suit someone with a slightly restricted hip movement). I, like many other owners, wasn't a great fan of the heel and toe gearchange (although I did master the technique) but I've replaced the OEM gearchange with a more usual 'toe only' conversion marketed by Tec Bike Parts - money well spent. Gear-changes even smoother ! I hope the above owner experience is helpful to you MC. Stay safe. NP.
@@nearlypastit2385 , thanks for sharing your story and your experiences with what is shaping up to be a great little series of Enfield bikes! I'm tempted to get the Hunter, but maybe hang on to the V-Strom for a while longer. I'd then enjoy the V-Strom on any slightly longer rides on the smoother main roads, i.e. getting away from the local roads which are extremely bumpy and becoming painful to my arthritic shoulders. The Hunter, with its reputedly soft front suspension would then be ideal to soak up the local potholed roads. (As for hauling the bike backwards out of the shed onto my dirt driveway, that feels like pulling my arms out of their sockets, so I fully understand your own problems with a top heavy bike). PS, I also lowered my V-Strom, front and back. I also put a larger sprocket on the front of the chain to make the gearing longer, with 6th then more like an overdrive. However, nowadays, after the covid lockdown and with the need for release, the madness has set in and I like to occasionally keep the bike 'on the boil', riding in the higher rev range... Take care and be well, Alex
I have a beautiful green classic 350, and find the power delivery of the engine very rewarding. I don't actually think it needs more power in the real world. Depending on your speed limits. I have relativly low speeds around where I live.
@Sebastian W People often confuse usable power at 6000 rpm with some wallowed out peak power at 10500 rpm. For long hauls the long stroke low rpm power delivery can be very consistent for very long time. Longer stroke also allows for more cooling fins which ultimately combined with lower rpms constitute for a really long engine life which is also assisted by closed passive cooling systems. Overall if the speed limit of 120 KMPH is good enough for you, this would be an ideal engine configuration.
Great looking machine, especially in the blue and white. Having just bought a Classic 350, I can see this being a big seller there and a reasonable seller here in the states. The platform is really excellent and very versatile. The chassis is well sorted and the engine is brilliant for a small capacity bike. Very nice character.
A few weeks ago when I first saw the "Hunter" I thought the same thing...."This thing is going to sell" Personally I think it's a beauty, that short up-swept pipe is bad-ass. The tubeless tires sold me. If RE doesn't come up with the accessories the aftermarket will fill whats not available from them for sure. BRAVO! Royal Enfield
Similar performance to the top spec Japanese 125cc but with the extra torque will hold its speed far easier and at lower rpm. Likely priced in the UK at £500 below said 125`s. Whats not to like. I`ve added one to my Christmas list.
Also, big displacement with less power puts lesser stress to the engine and I think RE had it in mind when they designed this bike and I'm glad they made that choice.
Indian 125 cc bikes like the TVS Raider or Pulsar 125 would produce similar or even more power, with better economy and they are way more refined than even some of their Japanese counterparts...but Royal Enfield perhaps wanted to make a more stable and composed bike
I just test rode the hunter today. It’s so much easier to ride in city as compared to meteor. Even fun I would say. Especially with my wife as pillion.
The Hunter 350 with spokes and drums rear brakes , slightly sleek tyres [130] is a retro version . The others are metro version with alloys , Dual disc, Abs etc also called as the Metro version . The Retro will be sold only in indian market whereas the Metro version will be sold worldwide.
The Hunter 350 should be a huge hit, both in the UK and EU. I hope it comes to the US, and at a price a bit under the Meteor. If it does, I think they’ll sell every one they send over here!
As someone who's not ridden in 11 years, I'll be getting one. I just wish they did a white colouring without the "RIDE" and "PURE" nonsense on it, like the Factory White in India. Rebel Black will have to do.
@@snipemobile1908 The on road price in Madhya Pradesh is 1.98L and I took zero depth insurance+road side assistance+fly screen+sump guard at the price or 2 lack 5 thousands full payment.
For my use as a somewhat retro relaxed country lane bike, I am waiting for the Honda CL 500 and the Baby Triumph. Both will be for sure 1,5k to 2k more expensive, but should be in the 40-50 bhp A2 class.
@@teteakhiangte6015 No CB 350Rs in Europe. And it has also only about 20 hp power which is not quite enough for the traffic Here. Of course you can ride longer trips with 20 hp, but most riders want more power.
This is a total miss not only for Triumph but also Yamaha, they could just put R3/MT03 engine and put it on XSR frame and called it XSR300 and it will sell like ice creams on summer days
I’d buy one tomorrow if they did. I’ve got an MT 03 and it’s a brilliant all round bike. A classic appearance would make it even better. I’m not sure it would sound the part though as mine sounds like an angry bee !
@@user-rf9me7xm1w Absolutely agree. The big Japanese manufacturers look to milk profit instead of giving people what they want. This is why enfield is gaining ground
@@mattdog1982 it's same in India both Honda and Yamaha fails to read tne market. There is a huge demand for lower CC Honda CBR's, Yamaha XSR, Yamaha R3 and MT03 yet they wont launch these in India.
The re-emergence of theHonda CB 350. What was a good design in the past is still good. My first street bike was a 71 CB 350. I have owned over 60 motorcycles and would definitely consider buying one of these.
Somewhere I feel the Enfield is setting a benchmark in every category in the current competition. They have also started working on the new Himalayan which is based on 450cc engine with much better power and torque figures. I think this would take the market from ktm adv 390 and bmw 310gs at least in India. At the same time Enfield is working on their 650s the super meteor and shotgun 650 which is also headed in the right direction as the MD himself is testing those motorcycles Hoping to see Enfield give the best output with the upcoming motorcycles and show what the Indians are capable of doing
Here in ohio my local dealer cant keep 350 classics in stock.they sell in transport before they arrive.meteors not so much.i see this bike being a hit as well being a smaller option to the interceptor.
Honda have a beautiful CB350, for their home and Indian markets etc. They’re missing a trick not bringing it to the UK; as this RE, will sell in spades
The Hunter looks like a winner. As a senior rider I am looking for a light manageable machine. This could be it. I am done with heavy slow handling machines that cost $2K when they fall over in a parking spot.
Its crazy to me that this is considered a "middleweight bike". 250 to 300 cc I always remember being called small with 500cc somewhere in between 600 to 750cc middelweight bikes. With anything over 900 or 1000cc being big bike category. I guess because of how big the big bikes have gotten its sort of stretched the scales a bit. Moving on...I love the paint schemes of this bike and its a wonder that more bike brands haven't done something similar. They usually stick to their brand's color if you will with just a few modest variants for each model. That red and white and that beautiful blue and white are killer color combos! Really starting to enjoy what this brand is becoming!
What do I think? You're probably right. Would like about 10 bhp and nm more, but will accept the current output as a 'happy' and easy to luve with option. Way to go RE.
Love the look: wish they had this out a couple of years ago when I bought my interceptor, although it would need the interceptor engine in it for me in the U.S. (just being able to barely hit 70 gets you in serious danger on the highways here).
Triumph could easily made something similar with a twin cyl 500c A2 compliant a called it a real baby bonneville. Instead , from the latest spy shots seems RE have done a far better job with this Hunter. Triumph totally missed the mark .
@@ripmax333 a lot of parts are shared between the KTM 390 duke range namely the wheels, brakes, suspension,… and the engine is also rumoured to be around 400cc, KTM 390 engine is used in the Duke & RC 390 as well as Husqvarna 401 two models. Looking closely at the entire KTM-Husky-Bajaj platform it seems like Triumph is going to be another rebadge in the making but obviously the styling and probably chassis is going to be bespoke to the Triumph range. If anything Triumph really takes pride in their chassis development.
@@nihvl well that's no bad thing. The KTMs are great. Why blow millions on developing a new engine when you can buy someone else's and keep prices down
@@stevec6427 I didn’t meant it as a bad thing I just shared my observation if anything the 390 motor is a gem if the alien styling of the KTM and the contemporary modern aesthetic of Huskies are not your cup of tea a simpler cleaner looking Triumph with all the bells and whistles from the 390 platform would be fabulous to have
Rode the bike, it is crazy nimble, weight is cantered and low , very very flickable, switchgear is better quality , fit and finish is better than before, the bike feels peppy and is very very comfortable and at home as soon as you get on it , it is not one bit intimidating and very easy to ride. You will be smiling automatically while riding this. Fuel tank is very correctly sized and grips perfectly between the legs. Brakes are decent and suit the package, it is a fun fun motorcycle , I think it is so confidence inspiring it could be a lot of peoples first bike , I think.
With 20 hp I won't be in the queue. 50 years ago the Honda CB350 K4 ( actually 325cc),admittedly a twin but it developed 34 hp and could comfortably cruise at 75mph , that is the type of retro I'd be in a queue for.
Love my Rebel Blue Hunter 350. It is simply a pleasure to ride. A well behaved and polite bike that invites you to have fun and enjoy a ride down a country lane, or zipping around town. Well done RE.
I am from Darjeeling India and simply love your vlogs . It’s on the spot , clear voice , excellent predictions. Wish Enfield makes a Hunter 650 in the near future . Thanks MotoBob!
My second Bike was an Enfield Super Star . It was a limited production bike . Must have been 25 years ago . Enfield under the new CEO .. Siddarth has come a long way. I used to in my early 20’s at that time always used to dream of Enfield with a twin engine ( 😂) .. they have done it and feel so proud of it . I am an auto enthusiast and love Superbikes and cars.
It is definitely gonna be a smash. RE knocked it out the park with this bike. I live in US and in NY and this would be a perfect bike for city riding and I even have a dealer not too far from my house. Wish they sold it here. Would buy it. Getting an interceptor next year though.
Best looking RE bike of late with styling 'inspired' by the 900 Triumphs (presumably with the aid of sheet of tracing paper), but if you never stray more than 30 miles from your city-centre residence this looks to be an absolute winner.
Likely a big hit in India 🇮🇳 but I don’t believe this is a “home-run” in the Uk. 🇬🇧 Sure, they’ll sell a few here but not outrageous levels. It’s a fact that many new riders today are looking at the 600cc + arena for a first bike, and you can’t blame them. It’s currently a great area to be in for motorcycle manufacturers! Another fine video! 👍🏻
These smaller, less expensive bikes make a lot of sense. The long straight 4 lane roads with a 70 mph speed limit are best avoided anyways, for 2 lane more curvy roads with a 45 to 55 mph speed limit.
I’m 62 , I prefer the classic in halcyon gray . This now bike is cool though and I can vouch for the engine/chassis and gearbox , - smooth- this is a great bike in general
I'm 61, and just got a Halcyon Grey (blue!) FANTASTIC bikes! Most fun I've had since I started out in ~1971. No pretense, just good solid fun. Ride Safe 🙏🏼
Excellent overview thanks. Like the look of this, it sorts out the Classic 350's minor downsides of weight and lack of gear indicator. Hopefully the new chassis will put the footpeg in a better position for gearchanges too.
RE Marketing looks to cover the bases of the riders preferred style.. first out the box Himalaya, then the Scram.. Conti or Inter 650.. 350's, Meteor, Classic and now Hunter, all something different for appeal and by design.. a winner.. yep.. name up there RE on models.. had I the space, likely Hunter, complement the Himalaya which is faultless all round and the bench mark. Cheers.
It's a fun, affordable, good looking motorcycle that is reliable and affordable. I'm 60yrs and I'm going to buy one! Royal Enfield, keep up the good work. By the way, l live in Michigan. J.
I would love to own this bike in America but with our crazy infrastructure it just won't be enough power wise for a commuter bike. Especially for those of us where the highway system is unavoidable. I think a lot of manufactures are banking on that alone. With that said RE is putting out some amazing looking bikes.
Great video can't wait for the Hunter to be available in the UK I may just buy one as its what I am looking for, if anyone knows when and where please let me know?
Its a cracking looking bike and will sell ...due to PRICE . the arthritic 20 bhp engine wont be a deal breaker to many people . You get what you pay for .
As a Meteor owner, the 20hp isn't bad; with the down low torque, you don't really notice the lack of power. Also, since I mainly cruise the city, ride along the river, or hit the country lanes/back roads, the Meteor is more than enough. Plus, I'm 60 years old, and 60 mph is fast enough for me on two wheels these days, TYVM... :)
@@markymarknj I can get where you're coming from, although I'm 62 and still want at least 50 bhp just to keep things interesting and not be slogging up hills etc.
@@WyreForestBiker the extra power would be nice, but, for 90% of my riding, I don't miss it. One good thing about the Meteor is that you can really work the throttle and clutch, all while remaining LEGAL! You won't get in to trouble on a modestly powered bike like this, even if you're aggressive with the throttle and clutch... :)
It's a shame in the west you don't get the Honda long stroke cb 350 highness and the RS. They are the same recipe, just a better dish than every single cylinder RE.
I test rode it today, is a great and cute motorcycle, very easy to handle. (Edit) felt more vibrations than on the new classic or the meteor. Retro black looks soo good only if it come with dual abs and better a meter console😑😅.
The 350 Honda put both the British and American builders almost into the grave. If this bike can prove its reliability, such as the Honda CB 350, it will succeed. Here in America, the price point and reliability are king. Potential young riders were put on two wheels during the 60s and 70s by Honda because of this. The college aged do not have the cash to afford bikes due to crippling student loan debt. The Japanese were keen to tap the sweet spot early on and are the top in engineering. However, their prices are a no go for young riders !
Very snappy bike. I’d test one with a view to seeing how well it would do the things I needed it to for a commuter. Why spend more on rego/insurance if this does the job. This v a Scrambler. I’d like a dark green painted tank with white part over the back. Don’t forget the BSA 650.
Love the vids, keep ‘em coming! However, I’d like to comment that I for one would appreciate it if you incorporated a wider range of superlative adverbs alongside the word “super”.
The various colour schemes seem to be "matched" with changes in the front mudguard. On some shots the guard is short. On others, it extends down below the front axle. If you are interested in all weather protection, the longer guard is better. It has to be very cheap to justify the very low power output.
There is no question that this Hunter 350 is a good bike, a great bike even but there will be a problem with this bike in Manila. There is a rule here in the Philippines that you will need a 400cc bike to be able to ride the Expressways. If this Hunter 350 from RE is near the price of 400cc bikes in the market, only very few riders will buy them because they will just opt to spend money for bikes that can legally ride the Expressways. The only way I see this Hunter 350 to sell aggressively here in Manila PH is if this will be tagged with a very competitive price. The most affordable 400cc bike here in Manila is $4,000 USD. If RE will price the Hunter 350 at a maximum of $3,200 it stands a chance of getting a big bite of the market.
Thanks Rob. Saw it in the flesh at the NEC recently and really liked it. Did you notice on the pics of the "Metro Hunter", the rod-operated rear brake and lack of abs rotor on the front disc? For these reasons I don't think we'll see it over here in Europe?
Saw another review this morning, i like the spoke wheel option if its tubeless, but drum rear only, not that i have an issue with that. I love the new "classic", but i reckon one of these with a set of knobbies will be a little better on gravel with less weight. 17in wheels, more fickable than the classic in town. Not keen on any of the colour options though......
Cracking little bike although not sure about the paint jobs. In May I bought a new Supernova... Love it, lots and lots of fun for not an awful lot of money... Good video..
Beautifully proportioned bike, I think you’re right about it being a sales hit at first, but it just doesn’t have enough power for American roads. I foresee these flooding Facebook market for the same reason the Himalayans have
I want one!The Hunter in black does it for me!350 will do me very well"i hope!With my arthritic knees:both of them!Really like the idea of the fork gaitors!And 85/100mpg too!What more do you need for the kind of riding i want to do!Which is country road riding!On a late summer"s day!Been quite a few years since i rode a motorcycle,a bandit 600!!Miss those days!I'm 68!
Best of the j series bikes from a styling perspective for me but 20hp is just too limiting. You get so much more of a usable motorcycle if you can stretch to the twins
Yes I'm convinced it will be a fantastic seller, the new Triumph when it comes will be nowhere near the price of the Hunter and will not compete in the same price conscious market. As for the complainers regarding that 125s are faster, just watch me cruise past you on any incline while your crouching to try and get up to 45mph. It's all about the torque that will make it so use able. In any case all those lovely 60mph A & B roads will be down to 50 in the very near future, as long as the un elected woke are in charge.
So true, l downsized to a VanVan RV125 for my commute, l loved it but on steep West York hills l'd have to wring it's neck & be flicking gears to stop holding up traffic.
I'm not so sure. I've put 10k mikes on a Himalayan, and ridden every other bike beside the Scram(himalayan 2) and Hunter. The Classic was super fun, but the ergonomics was weird, leaning forward but on a cruiser? The INT and Continential 650 were the most fun because of the giddyup that engine has, but the Hima has infinite utility and COMFORT. IMO they should make a 650 Himalayan and fix the idle problems that it has. I keep seeing a demo bike photo for a Hima 450 and they did SOMETHING to the tank and styling and I hate it. The hunter LOOKS cool, I'd say out of all of the bikes it looks most "neutral"(???) but having a 350 engine makes it less powerful, forcing you to backroads or cities exclusively. If RE wants to be massive in the states, they need to make highways accessible for us. I can make my Hima go 75....but it's screaming at 5.9k rpm. lol...
we have already got them here in India and ihave taken a test drive bike is fantastic only problem ihave with it is it is very compact and small looking mind you iride a classic 350 but the hunter is great just a little small
Basically, I agree you. It seems a simple but modern model. Of coure, Speed Twin 900 is a reference, but sometimes isn't affordable in price. If 350 engine is reliable, the new bike will be a hit. In fact, I was thinking to wait it, instead the RE Classic 350 or the Brixton Crossfie 500.
