Hi from Adelaide. Thanks. I own a Hunter as well and agree with all you said. I found the stock rear shocks too harsh for my 60 year old spine. A set of YSS Bravo shocks fixed that. Really nice. The stock front fork springs i found a little soft and divey under brakes, a set of Hitchcocks.uk 10% stiffer fork springs fixed that and both these mods have transformed the handling. Also the DNA air filter and intake cover give the bike a bit more mid range grunt. But its a great little commuter / weekend cafe run bike and you can service it yourself! Love it. Apart from the stock CEAT tires, they are a bit crap, tramlining a bit on our crap roads so they will be the next upgrade. Cheers.
Hey, I have the DNA plate and filter. It does make it a little more pleasant to ride, I found it was just a bit more responsive after changing gears and getting into power. But I haven't noticed any more power than the bike already had as far as getting say 0-100, which seems what people are always interested in! I just wanted the filter for the re-usability mostly. I haven't had issues with my CEAT tyres yet, I'm at 5000km on them of gentle riding. I do check my pressures every week. Though when these tyres are worn I'm looking to change them out for some 80/20 tyres, I'm looking at Shinko 705's, as I do some stretches and exploration on gravel roads. Perhaps with the front shocks it can be dependent on QC from the factory? if the oil or seals are good or not? I haven't found them divey, and I am a hefty bloke! So maybe I lucked out with them, but I have not had any issues mostly riding smooth roads. I would buy some YSS or Hagon shocks but they are a bit pricey for me at the moment, if I get the tyres upgraded and start doing more gravel and offroad I may get them then so they are less likely to heat soak. But that will all be in the future! probably not this year
@G-Man01 I was using a DJI action 2, with the heating enclosure and attached with the magnetic lanyard that it comes with. I also own a quadlock mount for it as well that I sometimes use for mounting on the bars. I actually captured the audio seperate to the action camera, using a rode smartlav+ microphone mounted in the chin of my helmet to my phone in my pocket. The action camera has a good mic, and it works well when I put 'wind shield' material over it's microphones to reduce buffeting, but I wanted to pick up my spoken audio specifically so I bought a separate lav mic.
I definitely want to get a set of bar risers from you when I get mine in the spring! Do you have sizes slightly larger and little more swept back for my T-Rex arms 😂😂😂…. Keep up the great work!
I like that rear luggage rack. Ive been in two minds about this bike, especially since the guerilla is around the corner. But seems sweet second bike, particularly after some mods. Have you considered a Beeline? I guess the only irritation for isoff centre dial. My main is a s1000rr '24. Wanted something chilled for work commute, groceries and post pickups. Look forward to some more casual ride vids. From sydney.
I bought the hntr in march last year, so the gorilla wasn't on the horizon at the time, but it does look pretty good. I've been riding now for 14 years, but I had a break for about 6 years and bought this bike to get back in to it mostly commuting around the city after my car grenaded (my missus still had a car so didnt make sense to rebuy a second one), so it was pretty perfect for my application and I was looking for something to tinker on, and the air cooled SOHC engine on this guy is extremely easy to wrench on. I have actually recorded a bunch of bits and pieces but not put together a video to upload. I live in Perth and actually have been flat out working FIFO/DIDO, and just haven't found the time to finish a video + edit. But in November my work obligations should be winding up, and my bike will be ready for its 10,000km service. So should have a video for that and then some casual rides as well more regularly. BMW 1000rr is a lot of bike, definately worlds away from a little rambler like the Hunter, but both types of riding have different delights. I was considering buying a sports bike again to be a bit of a trophy piece, the Yamaha xsr900gp, but we shall see. Cost of living is high. Ride safe!
i got the hunter too it is a sweet lovely bike but since i put a DNA airfilter , perfomance stage two cam (Kent) from Hitchcock UK , deleted the cat .converter , and put a Enfield precision free flow silencer on she got about 6 to 7 hp more what is significant for a little bike like this . i can stay in 5th gear up hill and head wind is no problem at all and overtaking is easier so also safer . for the 350 R.E. riders who want a bit more this is totally worth it to do . oh yeah i put also a Fuel X on because i don't want the bike running to lean .
Hello from the States, Missouri, I have one in the Blue Rebel as well. The barend mirrors are fantastic if you were to consider them. Very polite and well mannered motorbike. I sometimes think the bike would benefit from a bit of a diet. The stock weight is not bad at about 400 pounds, but if it were 365-475 pounds, that would be really sweet, especially since I am not going on a diet.
The bar end mirrors I know are a big favourite amongst most owners, but for me I'm just not interested in them. I've done a lot of riding on agricultural, dirt and duel sport bikes and I know how much even mouse ear mirrors break. I think bar ends look cool, but I don't want someone going passed or trying to park near me or knocking over my bike to cost me having to replace bar end mirrors. I do a decent amount of gravel road and track riding on my 350, so too much of a risk. If I had the bike just for suburban and weekend riding, bar ends might be more considered. I have actually designed and manufactured bar end lever protectors instead, which aren't compatible with bar end mirrors, from carbon fiber that I have fitted to my bike, to protect my bars and my custom carbon fiber levers as well. I'm still working on making videos showing off the carbon fiber parts and their installation, but I've been extremely time-poor lately due to work and family obligations. Hopefully soon!
I also have a Hunter and the only modification I have made so far is a mirror extension from Hitchcock’s. I agree that the rear suspension is far too harsh. I have heard from Indian TH-camrs that the shock absorbers from the Classic 350 fit without any modifications and make a big difference. Has anyone tried this upgrade? I also agree that the tyres are rubbish.
Yes, you can direct fit the classic reborn suspension which doesn’t come with the nitrox canisters but it will be hard for you to find. the other option is you can fit the new classic suspension but have to cut one bolt part of the chain cover.
I don't think it is digitally limited,20 hp for its weight are just enough for 120 ,no more.I used to own a Yamaha XT 350,it was 34 hp,135 kgs and it would do 145/150 km/h.That sums it up
I would imagine the Hunter is a lot better at doing this Highway cruising than the Classic Reborn or Meteor in my opinion, I own a Royal Enfield Hunter, and have just fitted a DNA Air Filter, Powerage Silencer, Sump guard, Royal Enfield Screen, and a 16 tooth cog conversion to it, Solo, I find it absolutely brilliant, I also own an Interceptor, Which I've fitted the 16 tooth cog conversion to, And that's better as well, I'm loving my Hunter 👍 I'm from Yorkshire Great Britain, I agree with you about the Mirror's, And I'm 5' 7" Great video, Cheers Paul 👍
I haven't had to fit a silencer, I find the HNTR stock to be pleasant and not too loud. Though something more compact might be better from a silhouette consideration. It protrudes a decent amount, and I worry about it interfering with something as I go passed. And worst case, if the bike slides it will grind up the exhaust. Sounds like you have a well kitted hunter. I found the DNA kit made my bike a bit more pleasant to go through the gears, as power is not delayed after changing gears and getting back on the throttle. The gearing differs from the classic and meteor, better IMO, so I didn't mess with the sprockets. But if I do more highway time I may consider gearing to lower my highway RPM. 3.5L/100 is by no means bad for highway economy, but relative to 2.8 when going under 80... I wish 5th was a bit more overdrive or it was equipped with a 6th. But then the power perhaps couldn't keep up then. For what it was designed for, seems perfect, and I'm just being greedy haha It was a big toss up for me between the int650 and hntr 350 when I was purchasing. I ended up with the 350 because I figured it could do what I needed, and the extra cash in my pocket would pay for a good amount of petrol. I like your position that the best approach is just to buy both haha, unfortunately that wasn't an option for me at the moment. Once my business is busier, I may be able to afford a second bike. Why do all the reviews point out if the mirrors vibrate?! I just want to know if they are large enough haha
Hi. I also have a Hunter 350. I’ve been thinking about getting the fly screen and was wondering how much of a difference it made. It sounds like you like it. I’m 6’ tall and right now without any screen, I find the airflow to be at least even and tolerable. I would like a little relief, but I don’t want the air to be turbulent and bouncing my helmet all over the place. What do you think? Would it work for me?
@@ontheway4034 im only 5'7", and for me i feel like it help smooth out my rides air and put it up to my helmet. It may not direct the flow enough for yourself to get it up and over, but could consider getting a clip on windshield extension? Otherwise there the Givi windshield which i think Is a bit taller and looks alright. There's some other taller ones around but some do look a little goofy, but have a look around yourself, as the OEM one i think may be a bit short for you. It looks good though!
@@MikeMcRoberts could be right. I've never tried for a top speed, I just assumed it was limited to 120 like the other J series. That had been what the dealer told me when purchasing, but could have been some misinformation. Mine was one of the first shipped to WA so the salesman may have just expressing old information from the previous models. Even if it's not limited, I don't think it would have much go passed 120. The power and gearing just aren't for it.
I've heard others complain about the back shocks, and a lot of people replace them. But I've had no issues with them, and no complaints. Maybe I have a lucky unit, or maybe I've just dialled my ones in correctly, or maybe I just have a hard backside. I don't have panniers, there was no official ones available when I bought my bike and none of the ebay options were great. I think there are some now. But I installed a rear luggage rack in a previous video and I use that to carry stuff on the rear, on long trips I take a jerry. I Attach a milk crate if I'm taking a lot of items. So I cant really comment about any panniers for the bike.
Not bad, not great. Limited power, so if you are slowing down on a hill or picked the wrong gear, it will be an issue. That said, I've driven in up and down hills no problem, visiting dams and watching subsets. Bit of experience to maintain speed and predict rises and its fine. Good torque to tractor hill starts too, but will take time to get up to speed. Maybe I'll make a video next week going up some hills to demonstrate?
"You shouldn't ride one handed." lol My dad told me that same thing. Actually he said "can't." That was 1992. Bought my first bike a few weeks later. Been riding motorcycles with one hand ever sense.
Hi from Adelaide. Thanks. I own a Hunter as well and agree with all you said. I found the stock rear shocks too harsh for my 60 year old spine. A set of YSS Bravo shocks fixed that. Really nice. The stock front fork springs i found a little soft and divey under brakes, a set of Hitchcocks.uk 10% stiffer fork springs fixed that and both these mods have transformed the handling. Also the DNA air filter and intake cover give the bike a bit more mid range grunt. But its a great little commuter / weekend cafe run bike and you can service it yourself! Love it. Apart from the stock CEAT tires, they are a bit crap, tramlining a bit on our crap roads so they will be the next upgrade. Cheers.
Hey, I have the DNA plate and filter. It does make it a little more pleasant to ride, I found it was just a bit more responsive after changing gears and getting into power. But I haven't noticed any more power than the bike already had as far as getting say 0-100, which seems what people are always interested in! I just wanted the filter for the re-usability mostly.
I haven't had issues with my CEAT tyres yet, I'm at 5000km on them of gentle riding. I do check my pressures every week. Though when these tyres are worn I'm looking to change them out for some 80/20 tyres, I'm looking at Shinko 705's, as I do some stretches and exploration on gravel roads.
Perhaps with the front shocks it can be dependent on QC from the factory? if the oil or seals are good or not? I haven't found them divey, and I am a hefty bloke! So maybe I lucked out with them, but I have not had any issues mostly riding smooth roads. I would buy some YSS or Hagon shocks but they are a bit pricey for me at the moment, if I get the tyres upgraded and start doing more gravel and offroad I may get them then so they are less likely to heat soak.
But that will all be in the future! probably not this year
Boy does the HD processing take longer than I thought on youtube videos! already been live for half hour with no 1080p....
Can I ask what your camera setup is? Seems great for motorbike.
@G-Man01 I was using a DJI action 2, with the heating enclosure and attached with the magnetic lanyard that it comes with. I also own a quadlock mount for it as well that I sometimes use for mounting on the bars.
I actually captured the audio seperate to the action camera, using a rode smartlav+ microphone mounted in the chin of my helmet to my phone in my pocket.
The action camera has a good mic, and it works well when I put 'wind shield' material over it's microphones to reduce buffeting, but I wanted to pick up my spoken audio specifically so I bought a separate lav mic.
I definitely want to get a set of bar risers from you when I get mine in the spring! Do you have sizes slightly larger and little more swept back for my T-Rex arms 😂😂😂…. Keep up the great work!
I like that rear luggage rack. Ive been in two minds about this bike, especially since the guerilla is around the corner. But seems sweet second bike, particularly after some mods. Have you considered a Beeline? I guess the only irritation for isoff centre dial. My main is a s1000rr '24. Wanted something chilled for work commute, groceries and post pickups. Look forward to some more casual ride vids. From sydney.
I bought the hntr in march last year, so the gorilla wasn't on the horizon at the time, but it does look pretty good.
I've been riding now for 14 years, but I had a break for about 6 years and bought this bike to get back in to it mostly commuting around the city after my car grenaded (my missus still had a car so didnt make sense to rebuy a second one), so it was pretty perfect for my application and I was looking for something to tinker on, and the air cooled SOHC engine on this guy is extremely easy to wrench on.
I have actually recorded a bunch of bits and pieces but not put together a video to upload. I live in Perth and actually have been flat out working FIFO/DIDO, and just haven't found the time to finish a video + edit.
But in November my work obligations should be winding up, and my bike will be ready for its 10,000km service. So should have a video for that and then some casual rides as well more regularly.
BMW 1000rr is a lot of bike, definately worlds away from a little rambler like the Hunter, but both types of riding have different delights. I was considering buying a sports bike again to be a bit of a trophy piece, the Yamaha xsr900gp, but we shall see. Cost of living is high.
Ride safe!
Good info well presented. Thanks.
Thank you for avery detailed review, cheers
excellent video
i got the hunter too it is a sweet lovely bike but since i put a DNA airfilter , perfomance stage two cam (Kent) from Hitchcock UK , deleted the cat .converter , and put a Enfield precision free flow silencer on she got about 6 to 7 hp more what is significant for a little bike like this . i can stay in 5th gear up hill and head wind is no problem at all and overtaking is easier so also safer . for the 350 R.E. riders who want a bit more this is totally worth it to do . oh yeah i put also a Fuel X on because i don't want the bike running to lean .
Deleting the cat converter increases hp?
Hello from the States, Missouri, I have one in the Blue Rebel as well. The barend mirrors are fantastic if you were to consider them. Very polite and well mannered motorbike. I sometimes think the bike would benefit from a bit of a diet. The stock weight is not bad at about 400 pounds, but if it were 365-475 pounds, that would be really sweet, especially since I am not going on a diet.
The bar end mirrors I know are a big favourite amongst most owners, but for me I'm just not interested in them. I've done a lot of riding on agricultural, dirt and duel sport bikes and I know how much even mouse ear mirrors break. I think bar ends look cool, but I don't want someone going passed or trying to park near me or knocking over my bike to cost me having to replace bar end mirrors. I do a decent amount of gravel road and track riding on my 350, so too much of a risk. If I had the bike just for suburban and weekend riding, bar ends might be more considered.
I have actually designed and manufactured bar end lever protectors instead, which aren't compatible with bar end mirrors, from carbon fiber that I have fitted to my bike, to protect my bars and my custom carbon fiber levers as well. I'm still working on making videos showing off the carbon fiber parts and their installation, but I've been extremely time-poor lately due to work and family obligations. Hopefully soon!
I also have a Hunter and the only modification I have made so far is a mirror extension from Hitchcock’s. I agree that the rear suspension is far too harsh. I have heard from Indian TH-camrs that the shock absorbers from the Classic 350 fit without any modifications and make a big difference. Has anyone tried this upgrade? I also agree that the tyres are rubbish.
Yes, you can direct fit the classic reborn suspension which doesn’t come with the nitrox canisters but it will be hard for you to find. the other option is you can fit the new classic suspension but have to cut one bolt part of the chain cover.
look at mine
th-cam.com/video/jp4nEE8zEnY/w-d-xo.html
Diablo adjustable rear shock + michelin pilot street radial
I don't think it is digitally limited,20 hp for its weight are just enough for 120 ,no more.I used to own a Yamaha XT 350,it was 34 hp,135 kgs and it would do 145/150 km/h.That sums it up
I would imagine the Hunter is a lot better at doing this Highway cruising than the Classic Reborn or Meteor in my opinion,
I own a Royal Enfield Hunter, and have just fitted a DNA Air Filter, Powerage Silencer, Sump guard, Royal Enfield Screen, and a 16 tooth cog conversion to it,
Solo, I find it absolutely brilliant,
I also own an Interceptor,
Which I've fitted the 16 tooth cog conversion to,
And that's better as well,
I'm loving my Hunter 👍
I'm from Yorkshire Great Britain,
I agree with you about the Mirror's,
And I'm 5' 7"
Great video,
Cheers Paul 👍
I haven't had to fit a silencer, I find the HNTR stock to be pleasant and not too loud. Though something more compact might be better from a silhouette consideration. It protrudes a decent amount, and I worry about it interfering with something as I go passed. And worst case, if the bike slides it will grind up the exhaust.
Sounds like you have a well kitted hunter. I found the DNA kit made my bike a bit more pleasant to go through the gears, as power is not delayed after changing gears and getting back on the throttle. The gearing differs from the classic and meteor, better IMO, so I didn't mess with the sprockets. But if I do more highway time I may consider gearing to lower my highway RPM. 3.5L/100 is by no means bad for highway economy, but relative to 2.8 when going under 80...
I wish 5th was a bit more overdrive or it was equipped with a 6th. But then the power perhaps couldn't keep up then. For what it was designed for, seems perfect, and I'm just being greedy haha
It was a big toss up for me between the int650 and hntr 350 when I was purchasing. I ended up with the 350 because I figured it could do what I needed, and the extra cash in my pocket would pay for a good amount of petrol. I like your position that the best approach is just to buy both haha, unfortunately that wasn't an option for me at the moment. Once my business is busier, I may be able to afford a second bike.
Why do all the reviews point out if the mirrors vibrate?! I just want to know if they are large enough haha
@@MrCombfoot
Yes I find that the standard mirror's are fine myself 👍
Yep!
Yep!
Hi. I also have a Hunter 350. I’ve been thinking about getting the fly screen and was wondering how much of a difference it made. It sounds like you like it. I’m 6’ tall and right now without any screen, I find the airflow to be at least even and tolerable. I would like a little relief, but I don’t want the air to be turbulent and bouncing my helmet all over the place. What do you think? Would it work for me?
@@ontheway4034 im only 5'7", and for me i feel like it help smooth out my rides air and put it up to my helmet. It may not direct the flow enough for yourself to get it up and over, but could consider getting a clip on windshield extension? Otherwise there the Givi windshield which i think Is a bit taller and looks alright. There's some other taller ones around but some do look a little goofy, but have a look around yourself, as the OEM one i think may be a bit short for you.
It looks good though!
According to Royal Enfield the Hunter does not have any kind of speed limiter on it at all. The other J series bikes do.
@@MikeMcRoberts could be right. I've never tried for a top speed, I just assumed it was limited to 120 like the other J series. That had been what the dealer told me when purchasing, but could have been some misinformation. Mine was one of the first shipped to WA so the salesman may have just expressing old information from the previous models.
Even if it's not limited, I don't think it would have much go passed 120. The power and gearing just aren't for it.
what about the back shocks and how does it behave with panniers?
I've heard others complain about the back shocks, and a lot of people replace them. But I've had no issues with them, and no complaints. Maybe I have a lucky unit, or maybe I've just dialled my ones in correctly, or maybe I just have a hard backside.
I don't have panniers, there was no official ones available when I bought my bike and none of the ebay options were great. I think there are some now. But I installed a rear luggage rack in a previous video and I use that to carry stuff on the rear, on long trips I take a jerry. I Attach a milk crate if I'm taking a lot of items. So I cant really comment about any panniers for the bike.
Are you using the DNA sports air filter?
Yes, I have the DNA plate and filter installed. Theres a video on my channel for installation if you're interested.
What is it like on hills?
Not bad, not great. Limited power, so if you are slowing down on a hill or picked the wrong gear, it will be an issue. That said, I've driven in up and down hills no problem, visiting dams and watching subsets. Bit of experience to maintain speed and predict rises and its fine.
Good torque to tractor hill starts too, but will take time to get up to speed.
Maybe I'll make a video next week going up some hills to demonstrate?
"You shouldn't ride one handed." lol My dad told me that same thing. Actually he said "can't." That was 1992. Bought my first bike a few weeks later. Been riding motorcycles with one hand ever sense.