KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- New vibrant colors: Rio White, London Red.
- Slip-and-assist clutch enhances smoother rides.
- LED headlight improves illumination, modernizes look.
- Retuned suspension, increased ground clearance boost comfort.
- Tripper navigation now standard on premium variants.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Old Vs New: Royal Enfield has refreshed its entry-level motorcycle, the Hunter 350, for 2025, introducing a series of updates aimed at enhancing its appeal to new riders and young enthusiasts. Launched in India at a starting price of Rs 1,49,900 (ex-sh,Delhi), the 2025 Hunter 350 brings subtle yet meaningful changes to its design, features, and ride quality. Below, we explore how the new model differs from its predecessor, highlighting the key updates that set it apart. More details below, but before sliding down, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive updates.
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Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Old Vs New: Design
The 2025 Hunter 350 retains its signature retro-modern aesthetic, characterized by a sleek fuel tank, minimalist body panels, and a blacked-out engine and alloy wheels. Royal Enfield has chosen to keep the core design unchanged, preserving the bike's approachable and stylish look that resonates with younger riders.
However, the color palette has been revamped. The 2025 model introduces three new paint schemes: Rio White, London Red, and Tokyo Black, replacing older options like Dapper Ash, Dapper White, Rebel Red, and Rebel Black. The new colors aim to give the Hunter a bolder, more contemporary vibe. The base variant's Factory Black scheme remains untouched, continuing as a classic option for budget-conscious buyers. While the new colours are vibrant, some may argue that the outgoing Rebel Red had a more striking presence compared to the London Red.
Engine: Same Heart, New Clutch
Powering the 2025 Hunter 350 is the familiar 349cc single-cylinder, air- and oil-cooled J-Series engine, which delivers 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The engine is now compliant with OBD-2B regulations, ensuring it meets the latest emission standards, but performance figures remain identical to the older model.
A significant upgrade is the introduction of a slip-and-assist clutch on the mid and top variants. This addition enhances the riding experience by making downshifts smoother, reducing the risk of rear-wheel lockup, and easing clutch lever operation. The slip-and-assist clutch is a first for the J-Series engine lineup, marking a notable improvement for the Hunter 350's accessibility and refinement.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Old Vs New: Comfort in Focus
Royal Enfield has addressed one of the primary criticisms of the older Hunter 350 - its stiff ride quality. The 2025 model features several updates to improve comfort:
| Revised Handlebar Position | Adjusted for a more relaxed riding posture, reducing strain on long rides. |
| Enhanced Seat Cushioning: | The seat now offers better padding for improved rider comfort. |
| Retuned Rear Twin Shock Absorbers | The rear suspension has been softened to better absorb bumps, addressing the harshness of the previous setup. |
| Increased Ground Clearance | The ground clearance is now 160mm, up by 10mm, thanks to tweaks in the exhaust routing and suspension. This makes the bike slightly better suited for tackling uneven roads. |
The core chassis remains the same, with a double cradle frame and 17-inch wheels at both ends. Braking duties are handled by a 300mm front disc and 270mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS on the mid and top variants, while the base variant retains a front disc and rear drum setup with single-channel ABS. Tyre sizes also remain consistent, with the base variant using slimmer tyres on spoke wheels and the higher variants sporting wider 110-section front and 140-section rear tyres on alloys.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Old Vs New: Features
The 2025 Hunter 350 gains a few feature upgrades, primarily on the mid and top variants:
| LED Headlight | Replacing the older halogen unit, the new LED headlight offers better illumination and a modern look. |
| USB Type-C Charging Port | A faster and more convenient charging option for smartphones, exclusive to the mid and top trims. |
| Standard Tripper Navigation | The Tripper navigation pod, which supports smartphone connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation and call/SMS alerts, is now standard on the mid and top variants, up from being an optional accessory. |
The base variant, however, misses out on these upgrades, retaining the halogen headlight and lacking the Tripper navigation feature. The semi-digital instrument cluster remains unchanged across all variants, providing essential information in a clear layout.
Pricing: Marginal Hike for Added Value
Here's how the pricing of the 2025 Hunter 350 compares to the older model (all prices ex-showroom Chennai):
| Variant | 2025 Price | Old Price | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base (Factory Black) | Rs 1,49,900 | Rs 1,49,900 | No change |
| Mid (Rio White, Dapper Grey) | Rs 1,76,750 | Rs 1,69,656 | +Rs 7,094 |
| Top (Rebel Blue, London Red, Tokyo Black) | Rs 1,81,750 | Rs 1,74,655 | +Rs 7,095 |
The base variant's price remains unchanged since the Hunter 350's launch in August 2022, making it a compelling option for budget buyers. The mid and top variants see a price increase of approximately Rs 7,100, which is justified by the addition of the LED headlight, slip-and-assist clutch, Tripper navigation, and comfort-focused updates. These enhancements add tangible value, making the premium variants more appealing.
Verdict
The 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 impresses with vibrant new colours, a smoother slip-and-assist clutch, and enhanced ride comfort, making it a compelling choice for young riders. While the price hike on premium variants stings, the LED headlight, Tripper navigation, and refined suspension justify the cost. It's a stylish, accessible retro bike that's tougher to beat in its class.
