I guess that’s technically HNTR 350, or so it said on the side cover. While I was ordering up a rear tire for the Interceptor 650, I got a chance to hop on a Hunter 350 for a few minutes last week. This is the latest offering using the J-engine from Royal Enfield, who seem to be bringing out a new model every two days or so. Unlike the Classic, which evokes the 1940/50s messenger bikes, and the diminutive Meteor 350 cruiser — both of which I’ve ridden and really liked — the Hunter is more of a modern standard. It’s obviously targeted for new riders and commuters that don’t want anything too much, but something that is nippy in town and gets good gas mileage.

Well, this is it.

The bike is small, approachable, and not in any way intimidating. This is a perfect grab for the MSF courses, and for beginners. Seat height is supposedly 31.1″ but it felt lower; I have a 32″ inseam and I was firmly footed. The saddle is comfortable, if a bit soft for my taste. It’s light — 400 pounds topped off. It runs on tubeless tires and cast 17″ wheels, which makes this thing very nimble. I’m reminded of my old Buell Blast, minus the jumpy “thumper” character of that bike. The engine is smooth, sounds decent for what it is (but the Classic sounds better), and it’s not going to scare you with acceleration. It’s not slow, but it’s really not fast. The build quality is on par with anything the other companies are putting out in the cheap simply transport range, and it slightly better than the Enfield 650s.

The J-type engine turns out 20hp at the top end and 20ish ft/lbs of torque at the mid-range. I got up to 60mph on a surface street quick enough for the traffic. I didn’t hit the highway, but it’s supposedly a bit taller on power than the Meteor and Classic, and those both hit 70mph reliably (and 75mph on most level or downhill runs). It you don’t live out in the American Southwest, you’re probably good for most highway/dual carriageway/whatever you call it roads.

Around town, this thing was fun. It was quick enough to scoot from lights, but it wasn’t going to be winning any races against a lead-footed minivan mom. I got up to fourth gear fast, but only used fifth once. It turns very well and it confidence inspiring. The ride isn’t plush, but it’s not jarring; it’s perfect for commuting and maybe some fun time in the twisties out of town, but a long run might have that soft seat causing some discomfort. The brakes are good enough for what the Hunter is. They’ll stop you, but you’re unlikely to be pulling off stoppies at the lights. The lights are LED and the headlamp a halogen — something the bigger 650s don’t get (or didn’t — I haven’t looked at the new ones, recently.)

The gauge is a simple single unit with analog for the speedometer, LED fuel gauge, gear indicator, and odometer. It was visible in full sunlight without issue.

So is it worth it? At an MSRP of $3,999 (so let’s face it, the dealers are gonna stiff you to the tune of $5000ish) yes. If you want a little pop-around bike that gets almost 100mpg, looks good, and is fun to ride without giving you the urge to murder yourself at high speed, this is an excellent machine. If you’re a beginner, it’s an excellent machine that you will probably outgrow in a year or two. Otherwise, you might want to look at the similarly cheap 650 series. They’re superb all-around machines that you can mod the hell out of and no outgrow.