New 2022 Royal Enfield HUNTER 350! how well does it cope on the motorway & dual carriageways?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 พ.ย. 2022
- Part 1, in a series on the Hunter 350. In this video I discuss the general behavior of the bike, comfort, and its ability to cope with heavy traffic situations and motorway use.
Royal Enfield UK Hunter 350. www.royalenfield.com/uk/en/mo...
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PATREON. / stuartfillingham - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
As a 76 year old former police bike cop, the Hunter is a brilliant little bike. Love mine, try one, buy one.Stuart is spot on with his opinion of the Hunter.
Stu, my guess is that the reason for Royal Enfield's lack of snatchiness when opening and closing the throttle is because they fit decent weight flywheels, unlike other manufacturers who are obsessed with performance, and fit light flywheels so that the engine revs quickly. This is why RE are so successful, they make bikes for the real world, and know their market.
I think a soft state of tune also helps with soft power delivery.
I think they have the fuel injection dialed in also via the computer..
And cause there is no accellerator pump 😁
It's a 350! Asking how fast can it go is being obsessed with performance.. like the MC reviewer out of Portugal that gave the Interceptor thumbs down for not being a rr-rocket.
They also dial in the ECU to work well with the stock components. The moment you change them, say to a high flow bellmouth (airbox intake) and DNA filter, the throttle and engine vibes both get rougher; I know, because I fitted a DNA filter and bellmouth to my Meteor 350, and I noticed the change. Man, talk about JERKY! My Meteor was no longer smooth coming off low or idle throttle. Talk about secondary vibes; I couldn't manipulate the emergency flashers, because my hands were numb! I ultimately returned the bike to stock configuration (i.e. the way RE sent it from the factory), and my Meteor was smooth once again.
Having just moved 300 miles away from New York City traffic mayhem (pretty much precludes bike ownership), I now find myself in rural New Hampshire (US), a part of New England. For the most part there are 30/40 and 50mph speed limits. Presumably to protect the wild Moose, and save the commuter from collision damage: they are huge beasts. So, as a UK-ex pat, now 60... RE has the perfect bikes to get back in the saddle. The REborn 350 for me. Thank you Royal Enfield.
Same situation with me. We moved up from Long Island to rural upstate NY three years ago. A small town area where 55 is the top speed on roads and most are 35 or 45. So, although I had expected to not do any more riding (I was 71 at the time), I was seduced by the Classic 500. So, I bought a 2020 C5. A perfect bike for this environment. It feels as lazy as I am but gets the job done. Reminds me of the BSA I owned in 1968. Good stuff.
Great. Another New Yorker is off to infest another state after extracting their own state for all its worth
I’m in MA but camp up in the white mountains. I’m curious how this would fair on i93
Also in NH. I worry about hitting deer all the time.. Moose are pretty sparse in southern NH, but deer are everywhere.Anytime after sunset, I am constantly on the lookout. Which is funny, because I've slowed down for tree trunks near the road, that I thought were deer.
I’m getting mine Mon I too live in NH
The Hunter being lower, shorter, thinner, nimbler and quieter (compared to RE's other 350cc's) is a proper 350cc for urban commuting.
A real world bike at a decent price. Its not the poor relation to anything else, so you can ride it with pride to, because it is what it is. Lovely styling, great paint.
I'm enjoying the more philosophical aspects of these reviews. A lot of us older blokes have been there and done that and are now much wiser and more thoughtful in the way we ride and in how we spend our money on bikes. We're not taken in so much by advertising, and don't feel the need for the latest tech - unless it adds value. It's more about slowing down to smell the roses - or the two stroke, whichever you prefer. Thanks for the videos, beautifully shot as usual. 👍🇦🇺
Great first impression, RE seem to just keep getting things right, their 350 stable now caters for all - Cruiser/Classic/Modern. Considering these bikes were all very much designed for the Asian market they seem to have an almost cult following over here in the UK.
This bike is certainly on my short list. My days of riding everywhere at silly speeds on heavy hyper bikes are now over as I’m approaching the big 60. I’m sure the RE range has something more suited to me, likewise I like “shiny” things. Thanks for a informative insight much appreciated.
Llla
Classic 350
Please test a Himalayan. Am 62, riding since 1976. The Himmi is an engaging machine, very capable and huge grin factor.
Interceptor 650 or shortly Metior 650 is also expected to come ..all for you only, so if you start feeling like 40-45 in the middle of your trip you can go back to that age too. 😄
Thank you Stuart. The more I look at these the more appealing I find them. Would make a great urban commuter and weekend cafe bike. Waiting for them arrive in Australia so I can see one in the flesh . . . or metal, as it were.
The nearest motorway to me is 4 hours drive away so motorway performace is not really important to me. :-) As long as the bike will sit at the speed limit (100km here in Aus) on other roads thats all I need and my Meteor with that same engine will do that happily. Anything over that and my age related self preservation reflex cuts in, also helps me not get speeding tickets. The RE 350 J series engine is all I need.
Good Morning Stu thank you for first part of the Hunter 350 , take care & ride safe
Really looking forward to test riding this at my local dealer in New Zealand soon! Thanks for your frank and open review 😊
Looks like a great new little bike. Thank you for all your work I do appreciate it so much.
You brought back some memories there. I used to work around Hull as a Heating engineer. It was very nostalgic to see the approach from the Preston end of town and various buildings and vehicles of places I knew. Thanks for the memories 👍
Morning Stu. Great video. It looks a nice little bike. I love your reviews. They are so impartial and honest. Have a great weekend.
Stuart,sorry for a 24hour late comment, I just love the way you describe your passion ! For these bikes.
Your reviews are always informational and entertaining. You never 'sugarcoat' anything, just honest opinions from your riding experience. I think your viewers appreciate you more for that! Thank you for your time and effort putting these reviews out, it's very time consuming. Cannot wait for your follow-up. Cheers Sir!
Great interactive review! You answered my questions, and It sounds like Royal Enfield has another winning bike.
Stuart, many thanks for answering my question about handling in a gusty crosswind on the open road. Glad to hear the Hunter did so well. I'm waiting to hear from Ecosse Motorcycles in Dundee that their demonstrator has arrived and to fix a test ride.
Thanks for addressing the pillion question. I did not know the reasons u explain, but u at least addressed it
Such a good review 👏 not rushed no snap judgements no following of other people's reviews. Look forward to the next part . Thanks 👍
Thanks Stu, really enjoyed today's edition and had a couple of my questions answered. I understand about the pillion restriction. Hopefully you will get some really good, windless weather for your trip to the countryside.
For me you are the 1st page I vist for anything RE or bike related,great unbiased, informative reviews and advise. Well done Stuart!!
Thanks for your remarks about pillions and clarifying why it is rarely commented on. Interesting what said about being able to hold 70 without stress.
There's no doubt about it Royal Enfield have rediscovered what the Britsh motorcycle industry knew in the 50's and early 60's but since forgot as the all powerful American Market demanded bigger more powerful engines which sucked the industry into the bigger and faster the better. A 350 single is simple, economical and can be maintained by the owner with reasonable aptitude , knowledge and a minimum of tools. They would carry their owners to work and back, rain or shine, have enough power to enjoy weekend rides and even pull a sidecar for the family man. In today's real world motoring of congested roads, increasingly restricted speed limits and the proliferation of speed enforcement 350's once again make perfect sense. I've gone full circle from being hauled around as a nipper in the 50's in Dad's RE 350 Bullet and Sidecar to owning my own, bigger faster better ( the latter dubious) motorbikes and I'm now back on a RE Classic reborn 350 which is all the motorcycle I ever need, ( though I have a few old BSA singles to keep it company). Thank you Stuart for bringing home the message about the versatility, practicality and above all motorcycling pleasure these simple, charming and exceptionally well built machines can bring the owner. Keep up the good work. Brilliant!
Good Stuff Stuart! Concise, informative and interesting.
Good review Stuart, I like the fact that you didn’t watch any other reviews beforehand.
Looking forward to mine arriving 😊
Morning Stuart, great first review, been looking forward to it since Wednesday, glad to say exactly what I was expecting, cheers 👍
Thanks for your first ride mini review, definitely going to book a test ride 👍
Stewart , I took one of these beauties for a test ride from our local RE dealer down here and mate !! I was impressed with the little bike , great styling , smooth , stable and went quite well for a 350cc , they deserve to sell well .
Again thanks for the review and look forward to the next one of this bike .
I took my test ride on mostly ' Twisties ' and loved it .
Hi Stuart! Thank you for your videos. I purchased my first motorcycle today in large part because of material you have provided. While I purchased a used Honda and provided this becomes something I really enjoy, a RE Int650 is on my wish list. I have to say though the Hunter is good looking bike. Thank you for all the great content. 👍
Well Stuart that's covered all my query's (except jumping cars). The Daughter will definitely be riding one of these in the very near future.👍
Thanks for letting us know about the pavilion situation 🙂. Very good advice 👍 Me and my wife went to a motorcycle dealers they were informed about wanting to test ride motorcycle with pavilion. Motorcycle came with a single seat the dealership installed twin seat and passenger pegs. We tried the bike loved it and bought one 😃.
Another winner from RE. RESPECT to the designer of the gearboxes, beautiful on all the new models. With moderate power you are stirring the box a lot, with these bikes it's a delight.
I really enjoy this format Stu and look for the next. I learnt from this, thank you 👍
Another success for Royal Enfield, thanks Stu.
Great concise reveiw again Stuart, reminds me of a little Suzuki I had a few years ago Dl 250 great bike for everything however a little wheezy on the motorways. It would be nice if you did with the meteor and gave us a comparison of all three with your new experience, I still think the classic 350 is a winner just on looks, but I'm sure you'll put me right.
Thank you again Stuart.
Thanks for the great video Stuart. We only have 1 RE dealer in Ireland, 200 kms away 🙄. I need to test ride the Hunter, the Scram and the interceptor, decisions, decisions.
Very interesting Stuart. Looking forward to the full review.
Morning Stu, great video, really like this RE, looks awesome, take care.😊😊😊😊👍🏻
Great vid, Stu. thanks for answering my questions on the throttle and abruptness (if that's a word?). I am a rider "of a certain age" and was going to get a under 400 pound/300 cc scooter but this bike checks all the boxes for me.
No offense to others but I just don't see my self on a scooter. I'm a biker. Also the tubeless tires always work for me. I can't wait to test ride this little puppy and the price looks right also. Thanks again..mitch
Like the look of these, having had my KTM Duke 390 written off when a car pulled out on me recently, was considering one but decided it would be underpowered for my 11 mile motorway commute plus18 miles further each way in London traffic. This video has made me reconsider.
Great review as always Stuart looking forward to more. Thanks' have a great weekend.
Brilliant video as always Stuart and I really think this little beauty will be in my stable - soooon 😃👍🏻
Hi Stu, I’ve got a meteor 350, done 6k miles and love it. Really interested in a non cruiser 350 so looking forward to your videos before a go for a test ride
When I got my classic 350 few weeks ago, the clutch felt in the middle, not heavy, not light. But when I change the handlebar with taller one, the clutch cable needed a little bit of re-routing and I manage to get it more free easy moving then the original setup. The lever angle is extremely important for the comfort too
Hi Stu; a very nice & detailed review. I especially like this comment of yours, "If you're a safe, responsible rider that is observant, chooses his moments carefully, and possesses good judgement, this bike is fine on fast commuting roads or on the motorway." You succinctly stated all the important qualities of a good rider.
Enjoyed the short review and looking forward to a more in depth one when you do it.
Hi Stuart ..have to congratulate you on your attire you certainly look the part of a gentleman on a gentleman's motorcycle ..just my observations...
That was a very good and comprehensive video. Although I know everyone prefers great weather for riding, spending time in high crosswind weather is a true test of the bike and its habits. Be good, stay safe and enjoy the ride.
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88k subscribers only ? Jeeez Stuart, you're a legend in the making. Top tier review. I am a fan. Also, cheers for responding to my query in the video (i was wondering why you wouldn't respond to me). Fantastic work mate, keep it up!
thank you for these thoughtful presentations. please be sure to discuss fuel efficiency and tank range at some point in your review process.
Thank you Stuart, really nice video! 🤍
Sounds like a great bike. Great review, as always.
This really is an attractive bike. From a person who is not an RE fan. Mind you, you have to see them 'in the flesh' to really know. 😄It does sound like the perfect city bike. Nice slightly offset dash, too.
Comprehensive first review, Stuart.
Thanks! Good, sensible testing & communicatio n Stuart, Just what I have come to expect!!
Glad you enjoyed it! and thank you!
For crying out loud Stu, will you please stop giving me a headache? I've fallen in love with Royal Enfield bikes & what happens you give me ANOTHER ONE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH LOL! If this bike don't sell by the bucket load I don't know what bike would! For me when it comes to a bike for commuting & all round fun it's a toss up between the Hunter & The Scram! Watching your video was a joy seeing how this little Gem handle everything in its path! Look forward to more on this little beauty,great video Stu thanks! Now we're did I put the paracetamol!
Good review Stuart, I think this is the best version of Enfield's 350, with less weight and a low c of g, especially for short or lady riders. As an aside, I see you've painted your garage door in a fetching shade of magnolia. I've done the same, left over house paint. Misters Thrift and Scrooge can easily be recognised when out motorcycling, always in top gear as soon a poss, to avoid undue petrol consumption.
As usual a nice balanced review...I will have to try one .....don't they look really smart !
Another great Goldilocks report Stuart. Just the right amount of information.
Hi Stu,
Enjoyed your latest video on the 350 Hunter,and look forward to your next indepth review.Hopefully the 350 will tick a lot of boxes for me as I consider whether to buy one.
One thing I noticed with the Scram, that I've not had for a long time with new bikes was that the engine and gearbox felt tight until properly run in, loosening up nicely at around 1,500 miles.
On the subject of pillions, I used to ride an Ariel Red Hunter 350 and carried pillions easily enough. This bike will be fine, just adapt your riding accordingly, which you should be doing anyway.
Thanks for the info uncle Stu I'll have to give the hunter a look
Nice review again! 😉 I like this concept of bike but I like my meteor design more and the foot shifter on the Meteor is awesome. Never dirty shoes again on top of it.
And for me. I just went for the Meteor because it sit-position is more relax than the classic and it doesn't give me the feeling to drive it fast. When you sit on top of the bike, I got that feeling that it must go harder. Strange but it's a personal feeling.
Thanks Stu. “Adequate” on the dual carriageway! Like my classic 350. 👍👍 (cheeky but could you swing by North Ferriby on one of your rides sometime? I was born there but now live at the other end of the country. Be nice to see it!)
Love your reviews Brotha !!
RE clutch weight and action is on a par with the best - Triumph. This is because they head-hunted the people at Triumph responsible. Along with designs, specifications, designers, other experts, and testers. Along with the pricing, it’s no wonder they’re taking such massive market share. 👍
Cycleworld did a review in Bangkok that tracks perfectly with your review.. Great bike
Looking forward to full review. Unlike you I am only 5'4" but generally find I fit most R.E.s . The question of pillions on test rides, the only one I have found was Bolton Motorcycle,s on a Benelli TRK.
Hi Stu, spoke to them at DW who said they know you. Completed its run-in service (300m) which enabled me to try it at faster speeds. It rides beautifully at 60 and has as much power as I will ever require. Sods law going up Staxton Hill was slow because of a tractor and solid white lines but fast cornering as you say is comfortable and I felt very safe. The exhaust sound is something which I haven't been able to appreciate until now.
The only downside for this motorcycle is its servicing intervals every 3000 miles which makes the average running costs rather more than the average £150/annum. I think as this model increases in popularity, the retail price could increase so it will hold its trade in value for longer.
Thank you very much for your Honesty😇 I really like your reviews..
Another great video stu. This video has me thinking if a scram 411 should be my next bike. I really enjoy my B5 bullet 50p but have been wondering if the Scram has more to offer
I love my RE 350 classic and also my BMW R1250r. So different but both so much fun. Its not all about speed.
Great riveau Stuart, thanks.
Another great video. Enjoy your weekend.
Ah Thanks again Nathen!
They really got the looks of this bike right and with the scrambler version of the 650 interceptor motor following down the same path Royal Enfield are a manufacturer to watch
Thanks for answering my motorway questions.
Seat wise I wondered if it would be big enough for a passenger. I think I'll have to have a look in person. The meteor looks a bit of a squeeze with the back rest on but luckily my Mrs is much smaller than me.
I had heard the seat sloped and was a bit slippy but I'll have to check that out for myself.
Meteor two up with a small Mrs works fine if you are not too gigantic yourself. I wouldn't think about taking mine on a fast moving freeway ... not enough spare speed/power for flexibility. Long runs on dual carriageway can also be a bit stressful.
The 350 series give the impression of being ideal bikes for reasonable adults. What a refreshing approach for a manufacturer to adopt😉👍
Great initial review Stu……I’m considering selling my Bonneville for one of these 🏍
The Hunter 350 is just less than 4K, how do they do that?
Lovely machine, thanks for the review so far
I went down to my local Enfield dealer for a sit on this bike as I liked the looks of it, I’m 5’10 with reasonably long arms but found that the riding position had me leant forwards with a fair amount of weight on my wrists, probably why I’ve heard of some people after fitting the Meteor bars on to it, I found the clutch nice and light but it was a slightly longer pull to the bars than my other bikes.
Great real world review, thanks.
I think this is a good bike for wahetever you want. If anyone wants this bike to go to the end of the world, this is a good bike for it. I ride a 125cc ( S. Vanvan) after 50 years riding bikes, and use her in motorways, small roads, dirt roads, etc. I do long touring, small touring and commute with her. You have to understand the bike you ride, and treat her and the road with respect. That said, thanks for the video, always good to hear your words.
Stuart love your accent and would love one of these 🙏🌲
Hi Stuart, I am really enjoying your videos - after a 35 year break from 2 wheels I am looking to get back in the saddle while I still can, and your considered reviews tell me far more about what riding these bikes feels like than the other channels. So much so that I have a test ride of the HNTR booked this weekend, with a view to buying one should I find it as good as all the reviews suggest.
As part of my research I tested a Honda CB300R (very competent, didn't like the LCD screen, hated the styling, and the bike well, just lacked soul.) Anyway, the clutch was stupidly light. It felt like all I was pulling against was the cable return spring, so that kind of experience could well be where the "heavy clutch" comments came from.
Thanks for the video! The clutch being heavy was mentioned by few yt reviews from India, that's the origin. Maybe those were some early models or something?
I found that useful. Thank you.
Nice one Stuart.....
Sounds like you enjoyed the Hunter uncle Stu trouble is I am a chrome lover !
Good, I think I got the answer to my question. Would be interesting to know how it compares to the Scram, also as that is the next one up in RE:s line of bikes. From where I live I have over 500km to the swedish distributor, where also the best possibility is to ride these things. It was on my "go to" list this last summer but the time somehow slipped past me so I´ve yet to do it for real. Meanwhile I´ll settle for your excellent rewievs.
Good video dear Stuart Sir
Lots of top tidbits any prospective owner will want to know - brilliant, thank you.
I'm sure it's no big deal but I wonder whether that lumpiness you mention at 40-50mph could be tuned out without much of a compromise...
Nice review
Your comments and feeling echo mine. Myself i find that i enjoy life more on the 350 Meteor than on the Interceptor. Just a different pace of life and a lot different from my H2 750 kawasaki triple days. In a nutshell. More satisfaction in the saddle on the smaller bike.
I understand completely what you say in reply to my question about pilions. Thanks for clearing that up. It just occurred to me as you pulled the bike out of your garage and I saw what looked like really good grab rails! It just looked like a great little bike to take the Mrs or girlfriend out for those coffee shop runs on a weekend 😉
Definitely worth contacting Royal Enfield dealer and asking if you can try one out with a pillion.
I have the meteor 350 and it runs great with a pillion, had both the daughter who is on the larger side and the young lad who is thirteen stone and about 5 10, no problems whatsoever.
I test rode both the 650 Interceptor and 350 classic 2 up from Cambridge dealer Haywards, I'm not the only one, they were quite happy for me to do that. I bought the 350, it's hardly affected at all by a pillion, just needed to wind the rear shocks up to mid way to compensate for the extra 9st on the back, 20hp no problem must be all that torque. I've never been told I can't test ride anything 2 up. As far as I can make out the engine and frame are identical (apart from colour) on all the 350s, I think the clever thing is bolting different sub parts on to change the feel of the 3 bikes.
Thank you everyone for the help and comments! 🙏
No matter how much I enjoy riding my RE 350 Classic, whenever my son let's me ride my old Honda GB500 Clubman, everything feels so right. And the ton is still a goal that is not easily achieved.
For me all the 350 versions are too similar, they are all built more or less for the same purpose.
What I would like to see is a cafe racer version (or a kit), possibly developed with support from Harris Performance. Pretty much like the Continental versus the Interceptor.
Great video, thank you!
As a recent convert to RE, I would definitely have considered this for commuting duties if I didn't have my Scram. I think the bike looks great, even though at 60, I am probably not in the bikes' target audience?! I would have been happy to have one of these as a step up from a 125, 30 odd years ago, although the Kwak 750 that I did have, was good but a steep learning curve?
I like both this Hunter and the new Classic 350 but as I would be riding mostly with a pillion, the question is would it cope. Perhaps someone who has ridden two up might give their opinion on this. Excellent video. 👍
Answered my questions. I'm thinking I might prefer this bike to a 650 Interceptor. Looks like fun.