Royal Enfield Bullet 350

The Royal Enfield Bullet has been the longest-running production bike in the world and has played an important role in establishing Royal Enfield as one of India’s most popular motorcycle brands. The Bullet has always been known for its strong presence on the road and its iconic ‘thump’. And in 2023, Royal Enfield gave it some much-needed updates. But the big question is: did they keep the essence and charm of the Bullet intact? Let's find out.

The Royal Enfield Bullet 350, across the generations, has consistently been a bike with commanding road presence and the latest-genBullet 350 is no different. At first, the design may appear unchanged from the previous-gen UCE (Unit Construction Engine) Bullet, but if you look closely, the updates are evident. The new chassis, a less boxy top portion of the rear fender, a redesigned tail light section and a single-piece seat give it a refreshed look that goes well with the overall design of the bike. Moreover, the beautiful paintwork, along with the classy pinstripes and iconic Bullet logos make the bike look even better.

The new 349cc air-cooled counter-balanced single-cylinder J-series engine is the most significant update in the new Bullet 350. It is the one that we’ve previously seen on the Classic 350, Hunter 350, and Meteor 350, and produces 20.2PS and 27Nm. This engine is a lot smoother than the previous UCE (Unit Construction Engine) and it has good low- and mid-range torque, making it very easy to ride in the city. There is so much torque that you can slot it in higher gears at lower speeds and the bike still has enough grunt to execute quick overtakes. Now, while there are vibrations, especially post around 60kmph, these are bearable and add to the overall old-school appeal.

The all-new chassis has truly worked wonders in ensuring that the Bullet 350 feels planted on most road surfaces. Though the bike weighs 195kg kerb, all that weight is very well-balanced, which makes the Bullet 350 feel very easy to ride through the traffic and inspires confidence through the corners as well.

While the 300mm front disc brake performs admirably in bringing the bike to a stop, it could use a better initial bite and feedback.  But this is not a deal-breaker. On the other hand, the 270mm rear disc brake provides sharp and responsive braking, providing good feedback. The combination of this brake setup with dual-channel ABS complements the overall riding experience excellently.

The 41mm telescopic fork, with 130mm travel, absorbs bumps and potholes effortlessly, which ensures the front maintains its stability and grip without bouncing too much. Meanwhile, the twin shock absorbers at the rear are on the firmer side, and in combination with the stiff single-piece seat, transfer some of the road's bumps and undulations to the rider's backside, though at a manageable level.

The Bullet 350 has a seat height of 805mm which may require shorter riders to tip-toe a bit, but isn’t a major challenge. The bike has a 195kg kerb weight, which requires a bit of effort to move around in parking lots and tight spaces.

The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 comes equipped with a semi-digital instrument cluster. The analogue part shows the speedometer whereas the fuel gauge, odometer, trip meter and basic telltale lights are displayed on the LCD screen. The arrangement of the instrument console design feels a bit out of place. The keyhole is on the left, and a non-functional RE logo is on the right that serves as a space filler on the Bullet 350. However, if you choose the optional Tripper pod, the RE logo is replaced by a Tripper navigation pod, which looks better and supports smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.

Thanks to the new J-series platform, enhanced suspension, smooth gearbox, and retro colour schemes, Royal Enfield has maintained the old-school charm of the Bullet 350 while making it modern, just enough to be relevant in 2024. These updates have brought the Bullet 350 to a point where it continues to have a commanding presence on the road, now with refined performance and improved ride quality. The Bullet 350 has lived up to the expectations, and we are genuinely impressed by these changes.