Royal Enfield Bullet 350

Overview

The Royal Enfield Bullet, with a history spanning nine decades, has been a cornerstone in solidifying the Enfield brand's reputation. Its enduring legacy is firmly rooted in its authoritative road presence, driven by an iconic engine known for its distinctive exhaust note. The Bullet undergoes a generational transformation, introducing a fresh chassis, engine, and an array of enhancements geared towards boosting its standing in the vintage roadster segment. Yet, the pivotal inquiry persists: has Royal Enfield effectively retained the core essence and allure of the Bullet amidst this evolutionary journey?

Design

Across generations, the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 has consistently commanded the road with its robust presence. The latest rendition of the Bullet 350 keeps this unique charisma intact while introducing subtle enhancements. At first glance, the design might appear familiar, reminiscent of the UCE Bullet.

However, upon closer examination, notable updates come to the fore. The new chassis, a sleeker top part of the rear fender, a reimagined taillight section, and a unified seat contribute to a more fluid and rejuvenated look.

Furthermore, the exquisite paint job, accentuated by elegant pinstripes and the enduring Bullet insignias, elevates the bike's aesthetics to new heights.

Engine, Mileage & Performance

One of the most noteworthy upgrades in the new Bullet 350 is the 349cc air-cooled, counter-balanced single-cylinder J-series engine, boasting an output of 20.2PS and 27Nm. The refinement of this motor becomes evident within just a few minutes of riding.

This engine shines in delivering abundant low-end and mid-range torque, ensuring exceptional maneuverability at low speeds. Whether you're navigating the urban jungle or enjoying a leisurely cruise on the highway, the engine's performance injects a sense of excitement into your ride.

In comparison to its predecessor, the UCE Bullet 350, the new engine exhibits significantly reduced vibrations. These vibrations start to make their presence felt on the footpegs and handlebar around the 60kmph mark. It's worth noting, however, that these manageable vibrations contribute to the timeless appeal of the Bullet, enhancing its classic charm.

Furthermore, in terms of preserving its character, the exhaust note, while more refined, maintains that distinctive bassy thump and growl, particularly if you lend a keen ear.

Handling & Ride Quality

The brand-new chassis has significantly improved the balance and agility of the fresh Bullet 350, rendering it highly responsive to abrupt changes in direction across diverse road surfaces. This chassis design adeptly manages the bike's 195kg kerb weight, rendering it exceptionally nimble in traffic and instilling added confidence when navigating winding routes.

While the 300mm front disc brake impressively brings the bike to a halt, it could benefit from enhanced initial bite and feedback regarding the braking progression. Nevertheless, this minor point doesn't pose a major concern. In contrast, the 270mm rear disc brake delivers sharp and responsive braking, effectively communicating the evolution of brake pressure. The combination of this brake setup with dual-channel ABS harmonizes perfectly with the overall riding experience.

Comfort

The 41mm telescopic fork, offering 130mm of suspension travel, effectively soaks up road imperfections like bumps and potholes, allowing the front-end to remain stable and well-connected without excessive rebound. On the other hand, the twin rear shock absorbers, with a slightly firmer tuning, in conjunction with the sturdier single-piece seat, do transmit some of the road's irregularities and undulations to the rider's lower back. However, this remains within manageable bounds.

Features

Regarding its features, the Bullet 350 is outfitted with an analog speedometer complemented by an LCD inset, elevating overall user-friendliness. However, a minor disappointment surfaces concerning the layout surrounding the instrument console. To clarify, on the left side of the console, you'll encounter the keyhole. On the right side, a circular RE logo is positioned, devoid of any practical function—it essentially acts as a decorative filler. This design decision appears somewhat incongruent when juxtaposed with the otherwise well-considered design of the motorcycle.

Should you buy the Royal Enfield Bullet 350?

The incorporation of the new J-series platform, improved suspension, gearbox, and the addition of vintage paint choices showcase Royal Enfield's adeptness at preserving the iconic essence of the Bullet nameplate while aligning it with the modern era. These modifications have propelled the Bullet 350 to a stage where it retains its authoritative road presence while offering enhanced performance and improved ride comfort. It has not disappointed, and we are genuinely impressed by these transformative enhancements.