Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Review: Full Of Character!

The Bullet 350 is Royal Enfield’s second most affordable bike. 

• The Bullet is still powered by the 346cc UCE engine making 19.1PS and 28Nm. 
• Prices for the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 begin from Rs 1,93,679 (On-road Delhi). 
• Rivals for the Bullet 350 include the Honda H’ness CB350 and the BenelliImperiale 400.

The success of the Bullet 350 can be attributed, in part, to its ability to evoke nostalgia and a sense of timelessness. The teardrop-shaped fuel tank, retro-styled bodywork, and vintage finishes all contribute to its unique charm, making it stand out from the crowd in the competitive motorcycle market.

And now in an era where innovation and modernization are rampant, does Royal Enfield's commitment to preserve the Bullet 350's visual identity make sense? Or does the Bullet 350 feel a tad bit dated? Here’s what we think: 

Royal Enfield Bullet 350: Design & Features

The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 has gracefully maintained its classic design across generations, providing riders with a relaxed and comfortable riding posture. Its timeless appearance evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of old-school British motorcycles, which appeals to enthusiasts seeking a vintage experience.

The bike's retro charm is further accentuated by its round headlight unit enclosed in a gleaming chrome nacelle, reminiscent of the past era. The iconic "tiger lamps," classic-styled fuel tank adorned with hand-painted pinstripes, and a contoured single-piece seat all contribute to its enduring allure. A sturdy metal grab handle for the pillion and a prominent long chrome exhaust complete the picture of a true classic.

Royal Enfield Bullet 350: Engine

The comparison between the Bullet and the Meteor reveals that the Bullet offers a more laid-back riding experience. The new model showcases significant improvements over its predecessor, with a noticeably crisper throttle response. 

One standout feature is its higher cruising sweet spot, which now sits around 95-100kmph, compared to the previous version's 80kmph. This enhancement translates to better roll-on acceleration from 30 to 50kmph, resulting in quicker overtakes and a more brisk and confident feel for the Bullet on the road.

While the differences might appear marginal in city riding, they make a significant impact on the highway. However, some riders might desire a lighter clutch. Sport riders accustomed to clutch-less shifts by briefly closing the throttle for upshifting will notice that, in the higher gears, the clutch doesn't engage or disengage smoothly, leading to jerks and pulses from the engine. As a result, shifting conventionally becomes the preferred method for smoother gear transitions.

Royal Enfield Bullet 350: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

At first glance, the fork sleeves might not reveal the changes, but a closer look shows that the new Bullet 350 features larger 41mm forks (compared to the older 35mm) while retaining the same 130mm travel as before. However, the rear shock absorbers have undergone a significant update, now offering 10mm longer travel, resulting in improved comfort, especially while riding with a pillion or carrying luggage. Royal Enfield's thoughtful adjustments extend to the ground clearance as well, raising it slightly to tackle tougher roads with ease.

Royal Enfield Bullet 350: Dimensions

The kerb weight of the new Bullet 350 remains within a similar range as its older counterpart. Despite making some weight-saving changes to the chassis and certain components, the overall weight has been maintained due to the inclusion of sturdier suspension components in the latest model.

Royal Enfield Bullet 350: Price

The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 offers two distinct variants: Kick Start and Electric Start, each presenting a range of appealing color options. In the Kick Start variant, riders can choose from three shades: the classic Black, the elegant Bullet Silver, and the sophisticated Onyx Black, priced at Rs 1,84,104 onwards. 

On the other hand, the Electric Start variant provides riders with three color choices as well: the bold Jet Black, the striking Regal Red and the distinguished Royal Blue: prices starting from Rs 1,93,679. 

Verdict

The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 was already a strong performer in terms of sales, owing to its rich heritage, thumping feel, commanding riding position, and charming styling. However, the 2021 model took a smart approach by retaining these cherished qualities while addressing several crucial issues.

Now, without a doubt, we can confidently assert that the new Bullet 350 successfully blends nostalgia with modern relevance. If you're looking for a pair of wheels that embodies the best of both worlds, the Bullet 350 undoubtedly fits the bill.