2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Launches April 26th: What To Expect
Royal Enfield is set to open a fresh chapter in its legacy with the launch of the updated Hunter 350 on April 26. Prices are likely to remain largely unchanged—Rs. 3,000-Rs. 7000 increases at best. This motorcycle, already one of the brand’s most popular offerings thanks to its retro styling, accessible price point, and easy urban manners, is now gearing up for a round of meaningful improvements. More than just a cosmetic tweak, this update reflects the brand’s response to rider feedback—and aims to make the Hunter even more attractive to younger and city-focused motorcyclists across India.
What’s New This Time Around
Two key aspects are at the heart of the updated Hunter 350: improved comfort and better visibility—both crucial for daily riders navigating Indian roads.
Image courtesy Overdrive
One of the main criticisms of the current model has been its stiff rear suspension. While the Hunter’s handling is nimble and city-friendly, the rear shocks often felt too firm, especially on bad roads or with a pillion. The 2024 version addresses this directly, thanks to revised rear suspension units that now feature progressive springs. The result should be a noticeably plusher ride, making everyday commuting and even longer weekend getaways more comfortable.
Another major upgrade comes in the form of the headlamp. The halogen unit on the current model is being replaced by a modern LED headlight—similar to what’s offered on bigger Royal Enfields like the Interceptor 650. This is not only meant to enhance night-time visibility but also brings the bike’s design up to date with modern expectations, giving it a more premium and contemporary presence on the road. On whether the new LED will prove to be more effective than the halogen headlamp is something that we have to wait and watch for.
Small Touches, Big Impact
Beyond the key mechanical improvements, the Hunter 350 is also set to receive several smaller yet practical enhancements that should appeal to the younger audience it targets.
Expect new colour options to be part of the refresh. The current Hunter already stands out with its bold paint schemes, and the upcoming update is likely to push the envelope further, offering even more vibrant choices that allow riders to reflect their personal style.
Another rider-friendly addition could be adjustable clutch and brake levers, again borrowed from the latest Classic 350. While seemingly minor, these improve ergonomics and offer better comfort for a wide range of riders, especially those with smaller hands or who ride frequently in traffic.
Hunter 350 Vs Competition
As for pricing, Royal Enfield seems committed to keeping the Hunter the most accessible entry point into its line-up. The current model is available in three variants—the Retro, Metro, and Metro Rebel—with ex-showroom prices ranging from ₹1.50 lakh for the base version to ₹1.75 lakh for the top trim. While official pricing for the updated 2025 model hasn’t been announced, it's reasonable to expect a marginal increase of around ₹5,000–₹7,000 depending on the variant. Even with this bump, the new Hunter is likely to stay well within the ₹1.55 lakh to ₹1.82 lakh ex-showroom band, still undercutting most of its direct rivals.
Those rivals include the RE Bullet 350, Honda H’ness CB350, Bajaj Dominar 250, and KTM 250 Duke. And while some of these bikes offer more power or feature-rich packages, none manage to strike the same balance between style, pricing, and everyday usability that the Hunter 350 does. The Honda feels more refined but costs significantly more. The Dominar and Duke lean heavily into performance but lack the Hunter’s retro charm and broad service network. The Bullet 350, while sharing the same engine, targets a different demographic with its heavier, more traditional personality.
Why the Hunter Matters So Much
The Hunter 350 isn’t just another model in Royal Enfield’s line-up—it’s a crucial one. It’s the company’s second-highest selling motorcycle after the Classic 350 and plays a vital role in widening the brand’s reach, especially among first-time buyers, students, and women riders.
Its affordable pricing makes it the most accessible Royal Enfield in the portfolio, and its low seat height, lightweight feel, and fun-to-ride nature make it less intimidating than some of its larger siblings. At the same time, it manages to carry forward the distinct Royal Enfield identity, offering a perfect middle ground between tradition and modernity.
The Lifestyle Push
Royal Enfield knows the Hunter 350 is more than just a mode of transport—it’s become a cultural symbol for many urban riders. To celebrate this, the brand is hosting the HunterHood Street Culture Festival in Delhi and Mumbai to coincide with the launch. This event is set to feature live music, dance, skating, street art, and immersive installations. It’s a clear indicator that the brand wants the Hunter to stand for more than just motorcycling—it wants to associate it with youth culture, individuality, and community.
The Rider’s Bike
From those who’ve spent time living with the Hunter 350, the verdict has been consistent: it’s a fun, nimble, and stylish ride. Its 349cc single-cylinder engine remains unchanged in the upcoming update—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Known for its tractable performance, decent pickup, and efficiency (expect real-world mileage around 30-35 km/l), this engine strikes a good balance for daily use.
The few sore points—namely, the stiff rear end and the basic headlamp—are being addressed now, which makes this update more meaningful than it might appear on paper. It’s not a revolution, but it’s certainly a refinement in the right direction.
Hunter’s Future
With this refresh, Royal Enfield is reaffirming its commitment to listening to its riders. The new Hunter 350 keeps the core formula intact—approachable, stylish, and community-driven—but now adds thoughtful updates to elevate the overall experience. It’s an evolution that’s likely to keep the bike at the top of consideration lists for India’s growing tribe of young motorcyclists.