For many Nepali riders, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has been the easiest gateway into the legendary RE family. It has always been the most affordable model in the lineup, bringing the classic Royal Enfield soul in a smaller, urban-friendly package. Now, it has received a major refresh in Nepal, and the excitement around it feels quite justified.
Royal Enfield has officially launched the updated Hunter 350 in Nepal with a BS6-compliant engine and a series of fresh upgrades. Unlike some updates that focus only on emission standards, this one elevates the overall riding experience. The new Hunter is now more refined, more feature-rich, and visually enhanced, yet it maintains the practicality and youthful energy that made it so popular.
Let’s dive into what’s new and whether this updated version truly raises the bar for Nepali buyers.
Design and Build
The Hunter 350’s compact roadster styling continues to be its strongest visual identity, sporty, youthful, and easy to handle. The update introduces new single-tone and dual-tone color schemes, offering improved customization and street presence.
With full LED lighting, the motorcycle now looks more premium and provides better illumination at night. The semi-digital instrument cluster strikes a fine balance between retro appeal and modern practicality, enhancing convenience for daily riders.
Another key improvement is local assembly in Nepal, which assures better parts availability and quicker after-sales support, an important factor for ownership experience in all regions across the country.
The ergonomics remain rider-friendly: low seat height, narrow body, and compact wheelbase make it especially approachable for new riders and effortless in Kathmandu’s traffic.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the update is the BS6-compliant 349 cc engine. It continues to deliver a smooth and linear power output, which is ideal for city commuting and occasional highway cruising. The engine produces around 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, enough grunt for overtakes while maintaining excellent refinement.
A notable enhancement is the slipper-assist clutch, which reduces clutch effort and ensures jerk-free downshifting. This makes the Hunter much more comfortable in stop-and-go Nepali traffic conditions.
The 5-speed gearbox remains well-geared for everyday usability, keeping the riding experience relaxed and predictable, perfect for both beginners and experienced commuters.
Ride Comfort and Handling
The Hunter 350 uses front telescopic forks and adjustable twin rear shocks to ensure a comfortable ride even on patchy roads. Combined with improved ground clearance, the bike feels more adaptable for Nepal’s mixed terrains.
Its relatively light kerb weight (around 181 kg) and compact geometry help retain its fun-to-ride nature, a true advantage over heavier 350-class tourers.
Braking performance has improved with the standard inclusion of dual-channel ABS, paired with disc brakes at both ends. This offers better stability and confidence under sudden braking, essential for unpredictable traffic situations.
Features and Technology
The new Hunter 350 moves beyond the basics with notable feature upgrades:
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Full LED lighting for better visibility and premium styling
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Semi-digital instrument console with essential ride data readouts
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Slipper-assist clutch for smoother shifting and reduced effort
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Dual-channel ABS for improved safety
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Alloy wheels with tubeless tyres for convenience and reliability
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Updated suspension tuning for better comfort and control
These additions transform the Hunter 350 from a budget-focused offering into a genuinely modern urban roadster.
Specifications at a Glance
|
Specification |
Details |
|
Engine |
349 cc, air-oil cooled, single-cylinder, FI |
|
Power |
Approx. 20.2 bhp |
|
Torque |
Approx. 27 Nm |
|
Transmission |
5-speed manual |
|
Frame |
Twin downtube frame |
|
Front Suspension |
Telescopic fork (41 mm) |
|
Rear Suspension |
Twin shocks with 6-step preload adjustment |
|
Front Brake |
Disc with ABS |
|
Rear Brake |
Disc with ABS |
|
Wheels & Tyres |
17-inch alloy wheels, tubeless |
|
Fuel Tank |
13 litres |
|
Kerb Weight |
Around 181 kg |
|
Seat Height |
790 mm |
|
Ground Clearance |
Around 150–160 mm |
|
Lighting |
Full LED setup |
|
Instrument Cluster |
Semi-digital |
Price and Availability in Nepal
Royal Enfield’s official distributor for Nepal, Alpha Automotive, introduced the updated Hunter 350 is priced at:
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NPR 495,000 for the single-tone model
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NPR 500,000 for the dual-tone model
The first batch has already been handed over to 11 customers during the launch event. The bikes will be built and assembled locally at Royal Enfield’s Nepal facility, which should help with parts availability and after-sales support. (As per local launch announcement)
Comparison With Competitors
|
Bike |
Strengths |
Best For |
|
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 |
Affordable, lightweight for a 350cc, modern features, stylish and city-friendly |
New riders, urban commuters |
|
Honda CB350RS |
More premium feel, strong torque, touring-friendly |
Riders focused on long highway rides |
|
TVS Ronin |
Very agile, good mileage, low running cost |
Daily commuters prioritizing lightness |
While the CB350RS wins in highway comfort and the Ronin excels in nimbleness, the Hunter offers the best all-round package and value for money in the mid-segment urban roadster category.
Conclusion
The updated Hunter 350 proves that small upgrades can create a big impact. It combines Royal Enfield’s classic legacy with the practicality and youthful performance modern riders expect. With BS6 refinement, better safety, more features, and localized assembly, all while holding onto its accessible pricing, this motorcycle now offers one of the strongest value propositions in Nepal’s 350cc segment.
For riders looking to step up into the Royal Enfield world or simply wanting a stylish, reliable, and fun city motorcycle, the Hunter 350 has never looked more attractive.