2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350: All Issues Fixed & Smoother Than Ever!

The 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has arrived with a bang, addressing the key pain points that held back its predecessor. Launched in 2022 as Royal Enfield’s most affordable and urban-focused roadster, the Hunter 350 won hearts with its retro-modern styling and nimble handling. However, early owners reported issues like stiff suspension, heavy clutch operation, and limited features. For 2025, Royal Enfield has listened to feedback and rolled out significant upgrades, making the Hunter 350 smoother, more comfortable, and better equipped than ever.

At My Pit Shop, we’ve analyzed rider feedback, test rides, and expert reviews to bring you a detailed look at how these issues were fixed. Let’s dive into the solutions that make the 2025 Hunter 350 a game-changer for city riders and first-time buyers!

Key Issues in the Previous Hunter 350

When the Hunter 350 debuted, it was praised for its lightweight design, affordable price (starting at ₹1.50 lakh ex-showroom), and approachable 349cc J-series engine. However, several recurring complaints emerged from riders and reviewers:

1. Stiff Rear Suspension: The linear rear springs caused a bouncy, jarring ride, especially on India’s pothole-ridden roads or over-speed breakers.
2. Heavy Clutch Operation: The clutch was cumbersome, particularly in stop-and-go city traffic, leading to rider fatigue.
3. Limited Features: The base variant lacked modern features like LED headlights, Tripper navigation, and fast-charging ports, making it feel basic compared to competitors.
4. Braking Feedback: Some riders noted intrusive ABS and underwhelming brake performance, reducing confidence during sudden stops.
5. Low Ground Clearance: The 150mm ground clearance led to scraping on tall speed breakers, a common issue in urban India.
6. Seat Comfort: The seat lacked sufficient cushioning, making longer rides uncomfortable for both rider and pillion.

These issues, while not dealbreakers, made the Hunter 350 less appealing for riders seeking a smooth, hassle-free experience. Royal Enfield’s 2025 update tackles each problem head-on, transforming the Hunter into a more refined urban roadster.

How Royal Enfield Fixed the Hunter 350’s Issues in 2025

Royal Enfield has taken customer feedback seriously, introducing targeted upgrades to address the Hunter 350’s shortcomings. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the fixes and how they enhance the riding experience.

1. Smoother Ride with Revised Rear Suspension

Issue: The original Hunter 350’s linear rear springs resulted in a stiff, bouncy ride, especially on uneven roads or speed breakers. Riders reported discomfort over potholes and a jolting experience that was particularly noticeable in city conditions.

Fix: Royal Enfield replaced the linear springs with progressive rear suspension units featuring longer travel and optimized spring rates. These new shocks absorb bumps more effectively, offering a plush, controlled ride.

• Impact: Test rides reveal a dramatic improvement. The 2025 Hunter 350 glides over potholes and speed breakers without bottoming out, even when ridden two-up or with luggage. The suspension feels softer when static and more predictable on the move, making it ideal for urban commuting and occasional highway cruises. While not as plush as the Classic 350, the ride quality is no longer a dealbreaker.
• Retrofit Option: Existing Hunter 350 owners can upgrade to these progressive springs, ensuring older models benefit from the improved ride.

2. Effortless Clutch with Slip-and-Assist Technology

Issue: The heavy clutch lever was a major pain point, especially in traffic-heavy cities like Delhi or Mumbai, causing finger fatigue for new riders and commuters.

Fix: The 2025 Hunter 350 introduces a slip-and-assist clutch, a first for Royal Enfield’s 350cc lineup. This reduces clutch effort significantly, requiring only two fingers for operation.

• Impact: The lighter clutch transforms the urban riding experience. Riders can now navigate stop-and-go traffic with ease, making the Hunter 350 more approachable for beginners and those upgrading from scooters. The slip-assist mechanism also ensures smoother downshifts, reducing rear-wheel hop during aggressive gear changes. This upgrade will soon roll out to other 350cc models like the Classic and Meteor, but the Hunter leads the way.
• Retrofit Option: Like the suspension, the slip-assist clutch can be retrofitted to older Hunter 350s, offering a cost-effective upgrade for existing owners.

3. Enhanced Features for Modern Riders

Issue: The base Hunter 350 lacked premium features, such as LED headlights, navigation, and fast-charging ports, making it feel outdated against competitors like the Honda CB350.

Fix: The 2025 Hunter 350 (Metro variant) now includes:

• LED Headlight: Borrowed from higher-end models like the Classic 650, it improves nighttime visibility and reduces power consumption.
• Tripper Navigation Pod: Standard on Metro variants, it connects to the Royal Enfield app for turn-by-turn navigation, perfect for urban exploration.
• USB Type-C Fast Charging: A modern addition for charging devices on the go, keeping riders connected.
• New Color Options: Three new shades—London Red, Tokyo Black, and Rio White—join the existing palette, adding urban flair.
• Impact: These additions make the Metro variant (priced at ₹1.77–₹1.82 lakh ex-showroom) feel premium and competitive. The base Retro variant retains the halogen headlight and lacks the Tripper pod, keeping costs low at ₹1.50 lakh. Riders now have options tailored to their budget and needs.

4. Improved Braking Confidence

Issue: Some owners reported that the ABS was overly intrusive, and the brakes lacked bite, especially during sudden stops.

Fix: While Royal Enfield hasn’t explicitly reworked the braking system, the 2025 Hunter benefits from the revised suspension and increased ground clearance, which improve overall stability during braking. The 300mm front and 270mm rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS remain, but the smoother suspension reduces the jarring feedback that previously affected braking confidence.

• Impact: Riders report a more controlled braking experience, especially on uneven surfaces. However, some still find the ABS slightly intrusive, suggesting that riders adjust their braking technique for optimal performance. For city commuting, the brakes are now more reliable, though not class-leading.

5. Increased Ground Clearance

Issue: The original 150mm ground clearance caused the bike to scrape on tall speed breakers, a common issue in Indian cities.

Fix: Royal Enfield rerouted the exhaust piping to increase ground clearance to 160mm, making the Hunter 350 more capable of handling urban obstacles.

• Impact: The extra 10mm ensures fewer scrapes on speed breakers and rough roads, boosting rider confidence. This is particularly beneficial when riding with a pillion or luggage, making the Hunter more versatile for daily use.

6. Enhanced Seat Comfort

Issue: The original seat was criticized for its lack of cushioning, causing discomfort on rides longer than an hour.

Fix: The 2025 Hunter 350 features a revised seat with denser foam cushioning, designed for better comfort during extended rides. The handlebar is also slightly angled toward the rider, creating a more commanding, elbows-out riding position.

• Impact: The updated seat makes city commutes and short highway trips more comfortable for both rider and pillion. While not ideal for cross-country touring, it’s a significant improvement for urban riders. Adding a pillion backrest (available as an accessory) further enhances comfort for two-up riding.

How These Fixes Make the Hunter 350 Smoother Than Ever

The 2025 Hunter 350’s upgrades work together to create a more refined and user-friendly ride:

• Urban Agility: The lighter clutch and agile handling (thanks to 17-inch wheels and a shorter wheelbase) make weaving through traffic effortless.
• Comfortable Commutes: The progressive suspension and cushioned seat reduce fatigue on pothole-filled city roads.
• Modern Appeal: LED headlights, Tripper navigation, and new colors align the Hunter with modern expectations, appealing to younger riders.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 349cc J-series engine retains its 36.2 kmpl mileage, with real-world figures of 30–35 kmpl in city conditions and up to 40 kmpl on highways, making it economical for daily use.

These changes come at a modest ₹7,000 price increase for the Metro variant, which is justified by the Tripper pod (₹5,000 as an accessory) and other upgrades. The base Retro variant remains unchanged at ₹1.50 lakh, keeping the Hunter 350 the most affordable Royal Enfield.

Tips for Hunter 350 Buyers

• Choose the Right Variant: Opt for the Metro variant (Dapper or Rebel) for LED headlights and navigation, or the Retro for budget-conscious buyers.
• Test Ride: Experience the smoother suspension and lighter clutch firsthand at a Royal Enfield dealership.
• Accessorize Smartly: Consider adding a pillion backrest or aftermarket brake pads for enhanced comfort and braking.
• Maintenance: The Hunter 350 requires standard servicing (every 3,000–5,000 km), with owners reporting low maintenance costs.

FAQs About the 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350

The 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a testament to Royal Enfield’s commitment to listening to riders. By fixing the stiff suspension, heavy clutch, and other niggles, the brand has made its most affordable roadster smoother, more comfortable, and more modern than ever. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned rider looking for an urban companion, the Hunter 350 delivers at a competitive price. Ready to ride? Book a test ride at Royal Enfield and experience the difference!

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Publish Date: July 7, 2025
Last Updated: July 7, 2025

Source: 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Review