The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has quickly gained popularity among urban riders, but how well does it perform on long-distance journeys? This review delves into its comfort, touring capabilities, mileage, and overall performance for long rides.
Hunter 350: Built for City or the Open Road?
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is designed as a compact, stylish roadster with nimble handling and an engaging riding experience. While it excels in city conditions, many riders wonder if it can hold its own as a long-distance touring motorcycle.
Comfort and Ergonomics for Long Rides
One of the most crucial factors for long trips is rider comfort. The Hunter 350 features an upright riding position, a slightly forward-leaning handlebar, and mid-set footpegs, which help reduce fatigue over extended rides.
🔹 Seat Comfort: The stock seat is moderately cushioned, but for extended rides, many riders opt for aftermarket touring seats for extra padding.
🔹 Handlebars & Riding Stance: The slightly aggressive stance keeps the ride engaging but may cause wrist strain over very long distances.
🔹 Suspension Setup: The telescopic front fork and twin shock absorbers provide a firm ride, great for stability but slightly stiff on rough roads.
Highway Performance: Can It Cruise Comfortably?
The 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil-cooled engine delivers 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, offering a smooth but not overly aggressive power output.
🚀 Cruising Speed: The Hunter 350 can comfortably cruise at 80-90 km/h on highways, though pushing beyond 100 km/h results in noticeable vibrations.
⚡ Top Speed: The bike reaches a top speed of approximately 115 km/h, but it’s best enjoyed at moderate cruising speeds.
⛽ Mileage: Expect around 35-40 km/l on highways, making it fairly fuel-efficient for long-distance travel.
Touring Capabilities: Luggage, Accessories, and Customization
For long rides, the Hunter 350 benefits from a few touring accessories to enhance practicality and comfort.
🔹 Windshield: A small flyscreen or touring windscreen helps reduce wind blast at higher speeds.
🔹 Luggage Options: Since the bike lacks built-in touring features, adding saddlebags or a rear luggage rack improves its touring convenience.
🔹 Aftermarket Seats & Hand Grips: Investing in gel seats and padded grips makes longer rides significantly more comfortable.
Final Verdict: Is the Hunter 350 Good for Touring?
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a fantastic urban machine with decent highway capabilities. While it may not be a full-fledged touring motorcycle like the Meteor 350 or Classic 350, it can still handle long rides with the right modifications.
Pros ✅
✔️ Lightweight and nimble for easy handling
✔️ Decent cruising speed for highway rides
✔️ Fuel-efficient for longer journeys
Cons ❌
❌ Stiff suspension can be uncomfortable on bad roads
❌ Limited wind protection at high speeds
❌ Stock seat may feel firm on long rides
Would you consider taking the Hunter 350 on a long road trip? Let us know in the comments! 🏍️✨
