Royal Enfield Bullet 350

The Royal Enfield Bullet 350, spanning generations, has consistently been a bike with a robust and commanding presence on the road. The latest iteration of the Bullet 350 maintains this distinctive aura while incorporating subtle refinements. At first, the design may appear unchanged from the UCE Bullet.

However, if you look closely, notable updates become evident. The new chassis, a less boxy top portion of the rear fender, a redesigned taillight section and a single-piece seat contribute to a more fluidic and refreshed appearance. 

Moreover, the exquisite paintwork, complemented by classy pinstripes and the enduring Bullet logos, elevates the bike's aesthetics to new heights. 

The new 349cc air-cooled, counter-balanced single-cylinder J-series engine is one of the most significant updates in the new Bullet 350. It produces 20.2PS and 27Nm. The refinement of this engine becomes immediately apparent after just a few minutes of riding.

This engine excels in providing ample low-end and mid-range torque, ensuring exceptional tractability at low speeds. Whether you're navigating the city's streets or cruising leisurely on the highway, the engine's performance adds a sense of fun to your ride.

Compared to its predecessor, the UCE Bullet 350, the new engine come with significantly reduced vibrations. These vibrations begin to make their presence felt on the footpegs and handlebar around the 60kmph mark. However, it's worth noting that these manageable vibrations contribute to the timeless appeal of the Bullet, adding to its old-school charm.

Furthermore, in terms of retaining its character, the exhaust note, while more refined, still maintains that distinctive bassy thump and growl, especially if you listen closely.

The all-new chassis has truly worked wonders in enhancing the balance and manoeuvrability of the new Bullet 350, enabling it to respond smoothly to sudden changes in direction on various road surfaces. This chassis design effectively handles the bike's 195kg kerb weight, making it highly manageable in traffic and instilling greater confidence when tackling winding roads.

While the 300mm front disc brake performs admirably in bringing the bike to a stop, it could benefit from improved initial bite and feedback in terms of progression. However, this is not a deal breaker. On the other hand, the 270mm rear disc brake provides sharp and responsive braking, effectively conveying the progression of brake pressure. The combination of this brake setup with dual-channel ABS complements the overall riding experience excellently.

The 41mm telescopic fork, with 130mm suspension travel, adeptly absorbs bumps and potholes, ensuring that the front-end maintains its composure and grip without excessive bouncing. Meanwhile, the twin shock absorbers at the rear are slightly on the firmer side, and in combination with the more rigid single-piece seat, they transmit some of the road's bumps and undulations to the rider's backside. However, it is still at a manageable level. 

In terms of features, the Bullet 350 comes equipped with an analogue speedometer with by an LCD inset, enhancing the overall convenience. However, what was somewhat dissatisfying was the arrangement surrounding the instrument console. To be specific, on the left-hand side of the console, you'll find the keyhole. On the right-hand side, there's a circular RE logo with no functional purpose—it essentially serves as a mere space filler. This design choice stands out as somewhat out of place when compared to the overall well-thought-out design of the bike.

Thanks to the new J-series platform, enhanced suspension, gearbox, and vintage paint options, Royal Enfield has skillfully preserved the iconic aura of the Bullet nameplate while adapting it for the contemporary world. These alterations have brought the 2023 Bullet 350 to a point where it continues to have a commanding presence on the road, now coupled with refined performance and improved ride quality. It has lived up to the expectations, and we are genuinely impressed by these changes.