Royal Enfield Hunter 350 - Better Late Than Never - Was it worth the wait?
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- čas přidán 13. 10. 2023
- A visit to Cambridge and Royal Enfield at Haywards. At last a Royal Enfield Hunter, or HNTER, to ride. It’s been a tough year for Haywards with the impact of Royal Enfield’s structural changes in the UK but I finally get a chance to ride the bike that looks like a baby Triumph. Was it worth the wait?
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Test rode the Classic and Hunter back to back in the summer and ordered a Hunter on the spot after the rides. Brilliant bike, re-discovered so many back lanes where I live and had so much fun. Can't see me going back to big bikes again although they are great fun when conditions allow - the Hunter is just fun all time 🙂
Marvellous 😁 did you think it is quicker, sharper than the classic? 😁 thanks PI 😁
@@TAYM The Hunter throttle response seemed a little sharper and the overall feel of the bike is just more nimble and flickable than the classic. The hunter, for me, is exactly how a single cylinder bike should feel, ride and sound. Now if a J 500 appeared I may revise that last sentence 🙂
@@paulirving989 😁 yes, that would be marvellous 😁
The Hunter 350 is solidly in The Fun Bunch category of bikes!
And that paint scheme… 😍🤩❤
Definitely 😁 thanks PW 😁
Classic, Bullet, Hunter, Meteor.. Classic, Bullet, Hunter, Meteor.. What a hard choice, they are all marvelous, each one in it's own way. Happy for you mr. TAYM, that you have the opportunity to try them all out.
Thanks Stefan 😁
First time watching you,my interest was spurred on by the fact it was a hunter you test rode,I tested one back in march and ordered one there and then,never looked back ,I have had so many big bikes over the last 52years and this little fellow is now giving me so much fun,I am adding many accessories as it’s my toy and fortunate I live on the edge of the Lake District so many lanes to explore, I follow lanes explore on here who lives not far from me ,he has 2 of em ,so yes your spot on I love em,thanks for your time
Ted
Thanks Ted 😁 yes the perfect bike for exploring and the perfect region to explore in 😁 love @lanesexplorer 😁
Nice one TAYM, great little bike, love the red and black paint job....
Thanks H 😁 looks pretty doesn’t it 😁
Just loved the toffee apple !... You make me chuckle 👍
😁😂😂😂 thanks D😁
Wonderful ‘little’ bike mr.TAYM.What great sound,also good to see the Cone again.👍🏍️
Thanks BR 😁 yes, the cone loved the Hunter 😁
Thank you for another entertaining review.
I’m pleased that you enjoyed the HNTR, I expected that you would - it’s a motorcycle.
My ‘Ashley Hunter’ developed into a wonderful ride after about 1k miles, I love it.
Marvellous 🤩
Thanks GE 😁 yes, I imagine it is a cheeky little monkey when run in 😁
What a marvellous little bike, you're long wait to try one was certainly worth it in the end. "Possibly one of Royal Enfield's best sounding exhausts" I agree I'd go even father and say possibly one of the best stick exhausts I've heard on any bike, at least in recent years. It sounds much meatier than you'd have thought its capacity would reflect. Your audio was spot on by the way, sounded as though you were using a two mic set up 👍😀😀 Brilliant 😀😀
Thanks GW 😁
Sat on one at the nec show . Felt perfect and the build quality was right up there . Getting one in March
Excellent 😁 have a fantastic New Year 😁 roll on Spring 😁
Another winner from Royal Anvil 👍. I think that it looks great and it would be my choice of the R.E. 350s. I could happily ride it in stock form. Perfect for around the lanes or in the city. Thanks for your take on it; it was worth the wait.
Thanks GBD 😁 yes, it took a mile or two to get into it but loved it😁 much sharper than the others😁
I love the blacked out look and the red is beautiful on this or the meteor. Great bike and review. I do think a commuter may be in my future. Not this year though.
Loved the cone wearing your crash helmet. Safety first. 😂
Ride safe. LJ
😂😂😂😂 thanks LJ 😁
Morning Mr TAYM. The RE 350’s are addictive, and I thoroughly enjoyed my ride on the Hunter too. Can’t wait to take it out for an extended blast, but wanted to wait until it had a few more miles on the clock, so I could rev it a bit more. It has the makings of being fun. I also found that it felt that it just wanted to “GO”. Doesn’t feel as restrictive as the others. Maybe down to that lovely exhaust ? Great review of an ideal winter bike for you.
Absolutely 😁 glad you agree 😁 it feels much freer than the others 😁 thanks Ian 😁
I do love my Hunter. Dapper grey. Ride it to work nearly every day.
Thanks S😁
I’ve really been looking forward to your review of the Hunter and I just knew you were gonna love it! I had a go on my mate Paul’s Hunter when we were in Skye back in July and I loved it so much so that I went out and …. 🤫 😂 brilliant review 👍🏻
😂😂😂😂 thanks MM 😁
Steady on there Dave.... 😂
@@Lanes-Explorer5733I’m fit to burst with excitement Peter 😂😂
@@MerciaMoto 😂😂😂
It's a really neat looking bike, and very apt that you parked next to that gunmetal classic which is the what I have, it gave me the opportunity to see how the Hunter would look as a stable mate next to mine in my garage! 😅😅
Nice one, enjoy your weekend 👍
I am sure it would 😁 thanks M 😁 you too 😁
I have the gunmetal Classic too Melfzs. Really love it. Coming down from much bigger bikes, I've simply no idea what I'd do with all that wasted performance these days 🤔😂
@@PhilipBallGarry yes I really enjoy riding it, I've had numerous large capacity bikes XJR1300, 1200 Bandit , Fireblade and others in the past , but at the present I have a 2014 650Vstrom and a I restored a 2000 SV650 this year, I enjoy them both I've done 61,000 miles on my Vstrom from buying it second hand with 400 miles on it , but since I bought the classic I go out on that at every opportunity it just puts your mind into another time and place ,it's weird and enjoyable! 🙌👍
I live in the USA and my hunter has side panels that actually say hunter on them. If you want panels with hunter on them order the ones made for the USA
Excellent idea 😁 thanks OW😁
Lovely bike mr.TAYM! A mini bonneville for sure.
Thanks BR 😁
Morning TAYM. As a 'mature' returning motorcyclist I bought a Meteor in July 22 but I didn't really 'gel' with it. I wasn't keen on the riding position and it felt quite ponderous. I traded it in for a new (black and silver) Hunter in May 23. Very quickly felt at home on it and agree with your review. It's now done about 1,000 and has loosened up nicely - I've also fitted the DNA air filter kit. It's happy cruising at 60-65 but has a bit more to give. I particularly like the combination of torque, ideal for country roads, and it's ability to pick up and go when required. Oh, and the sound! Very happy with it and it seems excellent value.
Thanks CP 😁 yes, overall, a well balanced motorcycle 😁
Morning Taym, this is the perfect winner bike, cheap as chips, very reliable and no chrome to keep clean 😊 marvelous and I think she tastes like treacle toffee 😂 ta ta 👍
Thanks AR 😁 yes, toffee that’s gone hard around an apple 😁😂😂😂😂
Nice review. Love that Enfield put centre stands on their bikes. Often they are extra on Japanese bikes and the new Guzzi does not have one at all.
Thanks RE 😁 yes, it’s crazy really when they are crucial for home maintenance 😁
Looks a bit like my street twin but a slightly smaller version , as you said maybe a good winter bike . Thanks TAYM
I thought so too 😁 thanks GCK😁
The bikes alright but the Cone is what made it for me:) I sat on a Hunter not long ago and thought it was a lovely very light weight bike
Thanks WM 😁 thank heavens you sat on the Hunter and not the cone 😁😂😂😂
Mrs PGB and I tried one before settling on the Classic. The riding position though not sporty as such felt a good deal more sporty than the Classic - as was the suspension which felt a bit too firm. The seat didn't give quite as much pillion room either. The exhaust did sound different - a bit "lawnmowerey". But a good quality lawnmower 😊. It did like to corner though and could be flip-flopped at will. A bike perhaps for a younger customer and ideal for getting young'uns into biking. I'll bet the full "Hunter" sticker can be bought from India? After all, whilst RE can't call it a Hunter - we certainly can. Lovely looking little bike too 👍😁
Brilliantly put 😁 thanks PGB 😁
Hey Mr Taym I’ve seen how a lot of people love their Enfields so I’ve decided to go for the Classic 500 trials replica. I love the look so here goes 😀😀
Marvellous 😁 fancy one of those myself 😁 hope you enjoy it as much as I do Bertie 😁 thanks V 😁
It's the perfect bike for Postman Pat just add the word mail under the Royal on the tank and Pat could be a biker. 🤣
😂😂😂😂😂 brilliant 😂😂 thanks Mike 😁
Morning TAYM l loved the old Honda CB 250/350 from the 70s does the Hunter compare to them, quite like the idea of one for winter commuting maybe 👍
Not quite up to the heady days of the 70’s and 80’s 250s but pretty good 😁 thanks MP 😁
Great little bike m8 and really smart looking. I bet you wanted to give it a handful 😄😁😆
They reckon it does 80mph ringing out & 65mph all day.
I would have liked to let it go on a bit 😁👹 it definitely feels more sporty 😁 thanks IT 😁
Is it lighter than the others I wonder 🤔
@@TAYM About 10kg lighter 190kg.
Baby Speed Twin Triumph Speed 400 170kg 39hp 37Nm so should go on.
I like having a rev counter on my bikes, not that i red-line them. Thinking back the last bike i had which probably didn't have one was my old Honda CG125. My first ever road-legal bike at 16 was a Yamaha DT50MX. I've seen those go for around £2000 these days, seems crazy for a bike that weren't that great at stopping with its drum brakes. (Had an Italjet 50cc when i was around 5 years old, and an old Honda CB100N and Honda Express to ride around my nans garden as a kid.)
Thanks P 😁 Great memories I bet 😁
I do like it, and am considering one, but a wee bit apprehensive, as am a 68 year old who maybe returning after about 10 years off the bike after much continental and UK touring on a VFR & big BM tourers with the missus, it looks great for me to poodle about on around the East Sussex country roads, oh, but I'm in classic car mode at the moment, so interesting, I have an itch to scratch.😁
But that colour scheme I'm not too keen on, it reminds me of a Royal Mail telegram boys bike from years back, remember the Bantam? So would have to go for another colour scheme. Thanks..😊
Thanks DL 😁 have you considered the new triumph 400 😁
Of the Royal Enfield 350s this HNTR seems to be the most practical commuter, but the Classic's styling tempts me to pay that little extra.
I know what you mean 😁 thanks SB 😁
Like every other reviewer you obviously really enjoyed the bike. Small details catch the eye such as the fork gaiters which would look good on the Meteor too I think.
Thanks SC 😁 not sure about the gaiters 🤔 but I did notice it had a fender extender, if this is standard, why not make the mudguard longer🤔😂😂😂
Agreed Simon. The fork gaiters really 'make it' I think.
@@TAYM Good idea on the longer mudguards.
Indeed! I have actually added a mudflap to make it even longer - I really don't want any crap over the front of my engine! And the gaiters do have a practical use - I can't understand why all bikes don't have them!
@@sheilabiker1169 Even some of the big Harleys have them and they look ok.
its unusual in that I've never seen a Hunter in the wild here in Cambridge whereas i've seen all of the others. even passed a Super Meteor on my cycle ride back from Bottisham this morning
Oooo, that reminds me, bottisham car and bike show tomorrow 😁 thanks Y😁
Before I had the Classic 350 and Bullet 500 test rides I was seriously considering one of these. Being lighter and more nimble I thought it would suit me better than the Classic and it probably would, but within a few miles of riding the Bullet I knew it would be coming home with me 😊. I'd still like to try the HNTR though, just to satisfy my curiosity. I need to be carful though, my wallet can't take any more punishment and I'd like to stay married! 😃
😂😂😂😂 brilliant 😁 nothing compares to the 500 feeling 😁 but this is a good little bike 😁 thanks 5dT 😁
Nice bike, I would like if you could make a comparison between the hunter and the classic 350, thanks. (great video)
I shall do that 😁 thanks A 😁
@@TAYM thanks
Earlier this year I sold my ‘22 Classic to buy a KTM 390 Adventure. I soon discovered that I don’t enjoy adventuring as much as I once did. So the KTM had to go. A friend contacted me about a used Hunter with only 240 miles! I’m loving this bike! I love the sound and the feel. The 17” wheels and lighter weight are both a plus. The only shortcoming is the rear shocks. I’ll be looking for a better set. Hagons maybe?
The rest of the world calls it a Hunter😁. We got the INT650 instead of the Interceptor.
Thanks BRR 😁 I like my Hagon shocks on the 500 Classic, much better than stock. The name thing just irritates me 😂😂😂
I found that the shocks soften up on the hunter after a while….. or my back and arse did😂
@@mattdog1982 😂😂😂
The best looking of the RE 350's in my opinion. Very similar looking to the new Triumph 400.
Thanks SB 😁 incredibly so 😁
I've owned a dapper grey hunter since January and i went to see the new triumph 400s today, test rides are not available till January, but have too say what a fantastic looking bike, the build quality fit and finish is several levels above Royal enfield, and the speed 400 is incredibly light, if triumph can maintain the price I think enfield will have something to worry about, I'm seriously considering part exing my hunter next year for one, I was that impressed
I think you're spot on. I saw a Triumph 400 last week. I thought it was a Speed Twin at first. Lovely fit and finish.
@@hunterrider349 that fantastic to hear😁 thank you 😊
@@hunterrider349 Interesting comment. I have a deposit down on the new 400x but the high revving of it is starting to make me rethink towards the Hunter. I suspect the 400 will want you to thrash it where the Hunter seems like you'd just want to poddle, which is what I'm after.
Really fab bikes, those HNTR 350's, just a shame i'm not able to ride one comfortably, at 6ft 2, 32" inseam i'm just too big to be comfortable on it :(
Thanks HB 😁
I really fancy a Toffee Apple now... remember TAYM you used to get them when the Fairground came to Town..
The Hunter would be my Choice of the 350s
& Some Company Could Make a Replacement
Side panel Sticker that Spelt HUNTER?
I Remember when Kawasaki made Bikes
Called Zepher & they got Sued by the
Ford Motor Company !
Thanks JL 😁 I didn’t know that 😁 I shall have to have a look at that 😁 I love a bit of copyright and trademark law 😁😁
I think someone should start a channel riding one of these slowly down country lanes .. or even better 2 of them in different colours .🙂
Brilliant idea🤔 sit of explore the lanes and stuff 🤔 they would need an awful lot local knowledge and about history 🤔😂😂😂😂 thanks DJ 😁
I bet that road through Madingly gave the suspension a good work out ? i do like the look of it and i am sure its lovely to ride ,but when you can afford only one bike that bike needs to do every thing including back road bimbles and the occasional motorway sprints so i could not consider buying one . Thats where the CB500X comes into its own .
Yes, with only one bike you are restricted on real choice and the 350 just doesn’t have enough power for everyday, all year, short and long commuting on fast roads 😁 thanks M 😁
A Hunter always looks best in red .
😂😂😂 brilliant 😁 thanks DF 😁
The solitary clock being offset to the left rather than located in the centre would irritate me.
Yes that did play with my ocd 😁 but thought it might just be my problem 😁😂😂 thanks SB 😁
Lovely little machine probably all anyone needs...I'd love one but I'd probably have to grow a hipster beard, it would be real grey tho unfortunately more Harley old blokes beard. Thanks TAYM.
😂😂😂😂 thanks DT 😁
Hope RE bring back the 500
That would be marvellous 😁thanks BW 😁
I tried the HNTR a couple months ago and found it to be no good for me.
The ergonomics were horrible, in particular when braking all the stress went right into my wrists and shoulders.
Peppy little thing though.
Quick and agile.
BTW, the Super 650 has arrived on our shores and I'll be trying that soon.
Might just be my next motorcycle.😊
That sounds exciting 😁 you’ll like the SM650 😁 thanks JT 😁
I’d like one of these to replace my scooter but don’t like all black at all and as I keep moaning😂😂😂😇twin clocks. Retro looks and horrid clock. Sounds lovely. Still get a 2nd hand cb300. There’s a new very handsome beautifully designed cb360 but not sure for uk. £4k gets u a nice 2nd hand bike. I’ve not ridden one so what’s coming out my mouth is just how I feel looking at it. I think the classic is prettier. Thanks for another view. Got to admit RE knocking it out the park. The new himmy is coming
Yes, I am very jealous we don’t get the Honda over here 😕 that really would make for a competitive market, what with the triumph 400’s 😁 thanks Volt 😁
Add a flat handle bar and bar end mirrors, and you have a "Continental 350" café bike. 🤔😎
Excellent idea 😁 thanks KT 😁
Ooo just like my Spitfire 👍👍👍👍
Hoped you would see it 😁 thanks LE 😁
@@TAYM A very accurate assessment of the bike, TAYM. That HNTR thing is irritating and the prop stand holds the bike too upright so mine are 'fettled' for more lean. But that exhaust note is just "marvellous". The frame is different from the other two 350s which gives it the extra agility. Perfect for country road riding. 👌
@@Lanes-Explorer5733 brilliant😁
got got to know today the ones with MRF tyres are better gripping than the Ceat tyres
Very interesting, I shall keep an eye for that 😁 thanks HV😁
A baby Triumph ? Maybe so . I think RE took a few styling cues from Triumph when they penned the Hunter .
It's a very smart bike and sounds as good as it looks . This is a bike for those that want a 350 Royal Enfield but don't want to go the full " pipe and slippers " Classic or " born to be quite wild " Meteor cruiser route 😂.
Now , if they can't call it the Hunter , I wonder who owns the " Hunter" name ?
And isn't it a ridiculous state of affairs when you can't name a bike how you want ?
Triumph has a Thruxton now but in the past shared the name with a Velocette . Honda Interceptor etc etc .
The Hunter will be a smash hit with the cappuccino racers .
Marvellous !
😂😂😂😂 yes, I can’t get my head round it🤔 using my legal brain, I find it hard to believe it’s because of the Hunter car🤔 I’ve fought tougher trademark fights and this one is a ridiculous argument 😁 No, I think RE were just trying to be trendy, youthful or the like🤔 and all they ended up doing was pissing off buffoons like me 😂😂😂😂 thanks DS 😁
Got a t120 which is heavy ( new knee) so looking for a replacement aHunter 350 , new triumph 400, or sv, had one of these 20 years ago loved it , don’t know which bike to go for next,
As well as those you mention, have you tried the Z650RS 😁 thanks DG 😁
Nice bike yeah. But must be hard to give a fair test with only 10 miles on it yeah. Intersting to compare with triumph 400 yeah.
Yeah, no what you mean 😁 difficult yeah, but what can you do 😁 😂😂😂😂 thanks PM 😁
G’day Taym, I like it but the speedo annoys me that it’s not in the centre, it needs another round thing next to it. I think they left room for the tripper but didn’t put it on….otherwise it’s good 👍
I am the same 😁 yes, I think the tripper just didn’t work well 😁 thanks ABD 😁
Oh ABD I didn't have you down as a 'symmetry msn' 😂. I like a bit of offset - call me eccentric 😊
@@Lanes-Explorer5733 hahaha yeah I think they need a tripper to balance it out 😂
@@Lanes-Explorer5733 😂😂😂😂
@@aussiebikerdude6563 Live Life on the Edge, ABD. Go eccentric 🤣
Thats a nice looking bike for the price makes sence.👍bring on the Triumph 400 which may turn out to be a 🍋and overpriced!
Quite possibly 😁 can’t wait to find out 😁 interesting times ahead 😁 thanks TR 😁
Have to say TAYM this is the 350 I would choose to own and maybe one day I might 😉 not sure why they couldn't call it what it is the Hunter but I would be interested in being enlightened because I can't think of any good reason why not .Not so sure about the offset speedo though I think I would prefer it central but that's a small thing really everything else is super fine .So what about the new little Triumphs how will they compare I seen something on them being priced at $5,000 dollars can't remember where though 👌👍.
The reason is Chrysler still own the copyright of the name, years ago there was a Hillman hunter,and later on in the 70's a Chrysler hunter, so that's why in the UK they officially call it the hntr350, bit silly really isn't it 🤔
I have a feeling the baby triumphs will kill of the Enfield 🤔 at £4,995 they are cheap 😁 it will all depend on what they actually ride like but it is certainly going to be interesting 😁 thanks Crumb 😁
Thanks B 😁
@@TAYM I really liked the triumphs when I sat on them recently, but would have liked a centre stand! I've also seen some videos from India saying there having some problems already😯. Fuel pumps packing up, overheating problems and some electrical issues, one been you fill the tank up and the guage only shows half full which would be annoying! Their advice was wait a year before buying so these issues Will be corrected! Having said that with the wait is up to June 24 already,so it might be a year before you get one 😂. You certainly had a long wait for your Hunter test ride! I take it new stock is coming through from royal Enfield now instead of Moto GB stock?
@@bally632 👍Cheers for that but how crazy I know of the Hillman but not the other strangely enough. It's a little tight of Chrysler though .
Thanks for the video marvellous bikini. From what I can see the Classic looks better, but the Hunter has sportier handling. Is that your perception Mr Taym?
Pretty much spot on I would say 😁 thanks HP 😁
I am not a number, I am a free man 😉
😂😂😂 thanks SB 😁
Correct
@@jaysinhoffner2134 😂😂😂
and about time sorry,it is what it is,and it does what it does,and some times less is more,and keep it plain and simple it always works,and yes have ridden one,it did want to go,so i let it, lpvely,still waiting though,
😂😂😂😂😂 brilliant 😁 thanks RD 😁
Lower center of gravity with motor & has floating engine design so less weight than the other 350's.Fuzzy had it up to 80mph on one with a few kms on it.
That’s a lot quicker than the others😁 but it feels it is 😁 thanks RR 😁
@@TAYM I think 🤔 it has more aggressive map as well as being lighter & lower center of gravity.
Not sure if front tyre size is any different.Fuzzy was on run in bike
with rear can & only held 80mph for a little bit & liked 65mph all day easy as 350Classic is 55mph all day & Meteor 350 60mph all day.
Also a cam upgrade isn't a major job on these bikes being overhead cam & gives more upper rev range less low down but more top end.
@@ruahinesrider interesting stuff😁
The hunter is without any doubt a good little motorcycle. For my taste the colours should be more serious. Silver or black gloss without any other colour would be nice for my taste . And the side cover stickers are creepy.
I agree 😁 thanks DM 😁
Can you name a bike you really did not like? I think that is a hard question..
Hmmm 🤔 need to think about that 🤔 thanks WB 😁
Did not know it was rabbit season!?
😂😂 it’s always rabbit season round 😁😂😂😂
1st😂
Marvellous 😁😂😂😂
10th😮
😂😂😂😂
...oops, new excuse we in the Southern Hemisphere had 2 vote today...politicians will probably win tho...bugger. Initially auto correct had Southern Hemmaroids I was tempted to leave it, seemed appropriate on election day haha.
@@daintree2455Just whipped down to kitchen to get a ice cream Tip Top Rocky Road none of this Ausie crap so called ice cream with chunks of ice in it.That's my excuse.
@@daintree2455 Just push☝️them back up😲there😁😆😂🤣.
@@ruahinesrider I'd like 2 501 ours to NZ.