SO.... This just happened! Royal Enfield Hunter 350 - Shes a Saucy little Minx!
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Introduction of the long-ish term review bike. A Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and your chance to get involved with the format and content of the review!
PayPal Donations. threelittlefishes@live.co.uk
PATEON. / stuartfillingham
Пікірлер: 428
Fantastic looking bike! I am interested in Motorway capability, seat comfort for long rides, and handling. Thanks Stuart.
Interested to hear about the difference in overall feel, comfort, etc between the Hunter and the Scram!
@grahambarber2766
Жыл бұрын
Exactly what I was wondering. Are the two engines of similar design?
@tjmars37
Жыл бұрын
I requested this a well. Would make a great video
That's a good looking bike, can't wait to hear a more thorough review. Having recently been weened off my 125hp machine and converted to a 650 Interceptor, I've realised I don't need big horsepower to get big smiles. A 350cc bike is also beginning to appeal more and more - who needs to do 130mph? Maybe I'm just growing up, lol.
@TukaSlave
Жыл бұрын
When I were a lad, I had a Honda XL350, which the owner swapped for my Yamaha RD350 because he didn’t like kick starting a four stroke. I hated the RD because I was over two strokes by then, forty horsepower was too much temptation for my license, and the XLs twenty four horsepower was just right for New Zealand roads. I didn’t have a passenger more’s the pity, but if I could go back in time, and be young again, a nice girl who was just right asked me for a ride and I never followed up. I loved that bike and rode on many long rides, probably the best time of my life. Before I got a job and I gradually had the life sucked out of me, but that only happened when I got rid of my bike. Your bike is your life, hold onto it as long as you can, preferably with a nice shapely passenger.
@jimstenlund6017
11 ай бұрын
Thinking about ‘backing away slowly’ from my 140(?)hp FZ1, slow down as my commute changed and speeds limits lower now.
I've been riding my Hunter Retro for a month now. I love it, especially riding on the winding roads of the Western Ghats here. I am waiting to see what you think of this beauty. Keep going, Stu.
@skillfuldabest
Жыл бұрын
How tall are you?
Great idea, seat comfort and ergonomics for the taller rider, I'm 6'2" with 34" inside leg, hope that's short enough 😁
@SimonJohnNicol
Жыл бұрын
Please. Upper and lower limits and ideal.
@chidizzy6633
Жыл бұрын
You pinched my question 🤣
Their bikes just keep getting better and better. Both this and the classic look so good I wouldn’t know what to get
I'd be interested in how controlled the stock suspension and frame feels on the pot holed UK roads , cheers.
@thelayoffm965
Жыл бұрын
I've seen Hunters in some truly atrocious places including Himalayas. Think it'll be fine for you guys.
That looks cracking Stu , take care & ride safe , looking forward to your review
Love your content and how you present information loyal fans of your channel know how you respond to comments and what you would do and wouldn't do absolutely loving the look of the hunter 350 simply stunning definitely wasn't more content on this little beauty keep up doing exactly what your doing your true fans will be here supporting you
Damn, every bike RE releases is an instant success! Im kinda proud to be owning one now.
It just goes to show you how much respect and influence you have, when they rock up to your house with a bike to test. They're obviously watching your channel. The Hunter was on my shortlist for a second bike, I settled on a Himalayan. The Interceptor is feeling neglected because I'm running the new bike in. Ride safe
Good thinking Stu. Like your reference to the tool kit. Can it handle basic maintenance tasks (including preload adjustment etc)? Also interested in your views on benefits/tradeoffs between the 17" front vs the 19" of the classic/meteor. Is it like the scram / himalayan - so little loss of capability but bit more chuckable? Ha ha. So KZread is fast out of the blocks on closing your channel down to hurt feelings, but actual scammers, it'll be fine!
Would love to hear your thoughts about the Hunter vs Classic for inner-city riding! Love the Classic vintage look but does the reduced weight and chassis refinements make enough of a difference to opt for a Hunter?
Looking forward to making saddlebag mounts for this little beauty.
@stuartfillingham
Жыл бұрын
Ah just remembered I need to get back to you on that email!
@the.longride
Жыл бұрын
@@stuartfillingham ah! I promise it wasn't a trick to get your attention, we're genuinely excited about the Hunter, but while you're here, I'll take the opportunity to let you know that our mounts for the Classic 350 will be out very soon too if interested.
@stuartfillingham
Жыл бұрын
@@the.longride of course!
@RobertTripp
Жыл бұрын
@@the.longride A lot of us are interested!
@the.longride
Жыл бұрын
@@RobertTripp hey Robert that's good to know, thank you!
Stuart, I would like to say your videos are very helpful ,so much that I’ve place an order on this very same motorcycle ,and should have the bike on the road from 1/march ,your reviews are just what you need when looking for a new motorcycle.stay safe .🇬🇧👍
A very nice looking bike! Looking forward to the review on this one. For me, real-life mpg please.
Thanks for opening up the conversation Stuart, my question is about the characteristics of the J platform: now that you've ridden 3 separate bikes with the same engine yet different mappings, what's your take on this engine? Which one of these bikes takes full advantage of the new J engine and which is your personal favorite?
A question I often see being asked in the comments of bike reviews concerns the suitability for taller or shorter riders. Is there any chance you could get some biking buddies around the 5ft and 6ft marks to demonstrate how they get on with the Hunter? As a secondary, could you say if RE provides any options for the bike aimed at shorter or taller riders?
@spenserwalker7768
Жыл бұрын
That's my concern as well (I'm 6''3) - I mean the suitability . At the moment I can't find any Hunter to ride . Testing bikers say that it's ''a compact bike''. Hope it rides as it looks.😁
“saucy little minx” - love it ! I’m hoping it’s as good as this suggests !😅
What a little beauty,ok I know lot of folk don't like the tubeless cast wheels ..however I think they look fab ..OK question what is this bike like for a pillion ?
Royal Enfield are really showing up the fact that all other well known motorbike manufacturers, are charging far too much money for their bikes.
I can see RE have got their marketing spot on. I love the look of this new Hunter 350 and have to admit, I'm tempted! Love the mag wheels, they will make on the road punctures fixable at the side of the road without the need for carrying tyre leavers around too.
How about these for a review ? 1. Looks, colour options 2. General specifications 3. Tools, features (tool kit, adjustable suspension) 4. Performance - Gear shift quality, speed, handling, braking etc 5. Fuel efficiency - Tank range, city, highway figures 6. How does it compare against Classic 350 and Interceptor 650 - like what are the plastic components on this bike, weight, performance etc 7. Accessories for the bike 8. To whom this bike is for ? 9. Price - what are the bikes available in the price range compared to this bike ? 10. What could have been done better ? 11. Issues, glaring omissions 12. Can this be used for touring - is it easy to tie luggage on this bike ? 13. Since the bike has smaller tyre compared to Classic 350 but same engine, how does it handle, performance etc 14. Headlight performance
As teenager, I was obsessed by old British iron, those old oily lumps tugged at my heartstrings. Prices in the 80s and 90s excluded me from my hobby, and I gave up riding. I got back to it on a Mutt Mastiff, which looks like a BSA in my mind, then bought a meteor. Its like riding the bike that the British bike industry should have built years ago. Its a really civilised motor in these three variants and I cant believe how it captures the feeling of the past with a foot firmly planted in the present. Once again the Hunter seems to fill a nice niche, to me it seems happy to be what it is, not trying to give the customer a feeling of a bigger bike, which I can't help feeling other brands do with their small to mid range machines (if indeed they build on!). Its not a little interceptor, its not a stripped down classic or street styled meteor. It has its own character. I'm going to test ride one just for the hell of it, so I can rub my chin and look wise when I talk about it. RE, are they ever going to get it wrong?
2-up rider and pillion experience report from a 2 hour round trip (1 hour out to a destination, 1 hour back via a different route of course) excursion around the best backroads of your district. Is Mrs Fillingham amenable to being shoulder-tapped for the job? I'm mindful though that at this time of year the air temps will be about to take a precipitous plummet so it'll be understandable if she says 'thanks, but no thanks' 😀
Hi stuart, I believe the chassis angles have sharpened for this bike. I would be interested how it handles on the lanes around town and in a straight line. Great work! Keep it up.
Stuart I’m a Classic 350 owner so would like to hear how differently the two ride given they’re derived from the same platform cheers, Dave 👍🏻
Looking forward to your in-depth review on this Hunter 350! Really love your channel Sir! Cheers from Texas, USA!
Yes there is something I would like tested properly. Do a 200 mile motorway ride on it so we really know if the odd motorway trip is okay or not please.
@Staromil
Жыл бұрын
If you are ok with staying in the slow lane with trucks 60-65 mph then why not. I did it on my 9kw 125cc scooter..Will you or the bike be happy on a motorway? Most likely not.
@alancrane4693
Жыл бұрын
🤣 that's definitely a dare 😂
Can you test it's night time headlight capabilities?
@anthonylobb4013
Жыл бұрын
I'm interested in how accommodating it is for 2 fully grown adults say 80 to 85 kg each.
I'm interested to know, what is the fun quotient of this bike? And how does it compare (in the fun quotient department) with the meteor and the classic 350, given that they are similarly priced?
Looks like another amazing bike from RE. Cant wait to see the forthcoming videos. :)
Great idea uncle Stu. I'm not in the market at the moment but a review of a bike with real world questions from riders will make for a great review.
This is a lovely looking bike. What would I like to know to know about it? Range - mpg - Service intervals - Suitability for different sorts of roads - Quality of finish - Ease of cleaning - Non-obvious snags of ownership - Quality of ride - Grin Factor
Hi stu , I would like to know about the size of the bike , like is it full sized or is it 125cc size as I’m interested in down sizing but I don’t want a small machine just a small engine , thanks
Fascinating idea Stu. I'll be watching with interest...
It amazes me how RE has so many models that compete with themselves really. Scram, Himmy, Classic and now the Hunter. Bit like British Leyland in the 1970’s. They must believe the market can absorb them all. Love the wheels on this one.
@stuartfillingham
Жыл бұрын
I think they are just offering different bike to cater for different tastes!
@paulmessenger1006
Жыл бұрын
Disagree. If you look at their promo vids this is obviously aimed at younger generations that meteor and classic may not. I predict it will be their biggest seller. Even im thinking about one, but non of the others you memtion appeal to me.
@Trevor_Austin
Жыл бұрын
I’m not so sure they are competing. To me it looks like they are just blanketing/carpet bombing the smaller capacity end of the market, one that exists all over the world. This means a simple single cylinder engine of 250-500cc, relatively lightweight, highly functional, really good value for money, classic/retro looks with minimal body panels etc. So like when you go shopping for milk, pasta, potatoes, meat or carpets - there is always a vast range products within a particular category. Motorcycles are no different.
@Ashley.D
Жыл бұрын
Even if they are competing in the UK market, it shouldn't really matter to them. They sell so many units in the domestic market that they can justify each unique one. The downsides of competing with yourself are outweighed by the benefit of consumer choice when you're selling millions.
@ballagh
Жыл бұрын
If they were selling uk numbers it might be overkill but when you consider a home market of over a billion people variety does become the spice of life. The tactic may not have worked for British Leyland back in the day but the VW Audi Skoda Seat method of taking very similar car’s marketed with different badges, equipment levels, and body shape tweaks seems to work well for them.
Saucy lil minx! Couldn’t have come across a better title on KZread! Classic Stuart and a brilliant video as always.
Would love to see how it rides on UK motorways. There’s been plenty of vids on it’s city performance with 20hp, but is that enough on the motorway?
Maybe a weekend away - luggage options - with some motorway miles to test it for lightweight touring?
Hey Stu, would you buy this bike and add it to your garage. Like to know how is it compared to the classic 350 engine.
It’s really great bike. I have got one 15 days before. It’s already growing on me. Really feel like a small bike and wonderful for daily commute. It handles like 200 cc bike through the traffic which we all know how it is in India. No vibrations of any kind at all. Let’s see how you feel.
I'm looking forward for your point of view on this nice, little bike. One thing I'd like to know, as most reviewers don't even seem to bother about in these days: does it have some (small) storage capacity, maybe under the seat? Most modern bikes seem to lack that while all the older bikes (20+ years) I owned so far (Yamaha XJ600, Suzuki GS500E and now a Honda CB500S) have that. I like to keep a small first aid kit and a high-vis vest in that comparment. Never needed these things so far (knock on wood) - but as my luck goes: I would need that stuff in that moment that I don't have it with me.
I love the way that RE keeps things accessible for routine maintenance. So many manufacturers put too much plastic shrouding on their motorcycles and thusly, the aesthetic is driven by the form of said plastic instead of the actual motorcycle. I’m a big fan of wire-spoke wheels but completely understand that having tubeless tires on cast wheels is almost always preferable. That being said, I think wire-spoke wheels would look wonderful on this machine. I look forward to this series, Stuart. This is a great idea but, I don’t imagine that it will be easy for you to pick and choose the content since there will be so many questions and comments. Carry on, my friend!
@ChrisJohnson-pd4hh
Жыл бұрын
Keeps things accessible for routine maintenance??? If it's like the Meteor/Classic 350 (and it appears to be) then it is a bit of a palaver having to remove the seat, tank, electric connections just to get access to the head. My old Z650 was way easier.
Probably my favourite RE. It looks particularly attractive in blue/white. Made for the huge Indian market, so it's cheap due to economies of scale, I'd imagine. Not produced using cheap parts. It's a little heavy for a 350. I'd be interested in how it pulls from low down the rev range in a high gear. I can't test ride one in Chiang Rai as Triumph Chiang Rai has dropped Royal Enfield.
Good morning Stu 😊. Aha, homework eh? Excellent idea 👍. I'm really looking forward to your long(ish) term review and what others might ask of you. Right then, engage grey matter and think... (imagine me sitting cross-legged, fingers on temples) "Ommmm" 😁
That lovely engine crackle finish. How easy to clean back to showroom look once UK road spattered with grime ? Thanks Uncle Stu.
Is the Hntr 350 suitable for tall riders requiring leg room and would it be feasible to lower footpegs and raise the seat? Thanks, Nick
Brilliant video as always Stuart that Is a very, very pretty little bike indeed 😃👍🏻
thanks, where I live the road out climbs555mtrs in 19 miles, listed as 5%. I'm wondering if the hunter could keep up with traffic, or would i need a scram to cope. the 350 is more my style, but it is no use if it can not cope with such a hill. your opinion would be appreciated, I have a high opinion of your opinions, always downright sensible in a world lacking sense, common or otherwise
Thank you Stuart, a cracking looking machine, i think all my questions have been answered in previous vids?
Nice one Stuart, great looking bike and love the colour...
I'm interested in the seat. Comfort on long rides, can you flat foot it, would a pillion be able to squeeze on if I was carrying a few lbs. How does it go on the motorway for those short hops I have to do to get to the coast. How does its performance compare to the classic and meteor.
If it does the same classic 350 thing where it turns the headlight on after starting the engine, make sure to point it out.
How's it performing in heavy traffic i.e filtering and tight turns ? How accurate is the MPG claims? Thanks really enjoyed all you videos 😃👍
How many miles to the gallon does it get in real world round town type use? Does it prefer E10 or E5?
@petejones1957
Жыл бұрын
If it's any help, my classic 350 (same engine) prefers E5 I think, only put in a couple of gallons of E10 when no E5 was about, maybe I was imagining it, but I think It didn't run quite as well Just calculated mpg over the last 318 miles, came out at 98mpg ( mainly riding in the Peak District which is very much "up and down" bike's done 1500 miles 😃
Had a test ride on hunter, brilliant waiting for mine to arrive.
Hi Stu, I love the look of the stock seat. But how is it for long ride, is it comfortable for atleast couple of hours? I have booked one and wanted to know is it ok or I need to opt the accessory bench seat available.
With the Mag wheels and much larger rubber I would be interested, of course, in the handling aspects of this bike. I just bought a new Chrome Bronze C 350 but being a M/C racer at heart I would love to see this as a much sportier version and consider it as my next purchase.
Ok Stuart, your mission if you choose to accept it for the Hunter is to pack whatever you need for a two night adventure ( including a tyre plug kit and inflator) let us know what you’ve used to hold you pants etc ( tail tidy or soft panniers) and report back on is suitability for such…. Like a road test on steroids.
Hi Stuart, I put a deposit down on one the exact same colour last week, don’t know when they’re going to be in the dealers. Start riding it and get those videos posted 😊
Is this bike suitable for the occasional 2-up use at around 100-110 Kph please? 🤔 As always, love your videos 😊
Yeah that thing is beautiful! Just looks like good old fashioned FUN 😍
Hi Stuart, I'd love to know how the tank decals have been applied (under vs over the top coat). I'm looking to get a Dapper White version and want to remove the 'PURE' and 'RIDE' stickers, but wouldn't feel comfortable messing with the top coat. If they're not stickers you can just peel off with a hair dryer I'd have to choose one of the other colours.
@stuartfillingham
Жыл бұрын
They are lacquered over to seal them.
Just got mine in Rebel Blue, so far it the best handling bike I’ve owned. Can’t wait to discover more about it.
How does the Hunter feel and perform 2 up? How comfy is it for a pillion?
I'm so glad you have the bike to review. As others have said real life MPG would be great, you can even do KPL and ill do the math. :) Not sure anyone else will do this request but I'm curious if this can handle 75ish mph on a motorway for 11 miles, I know that's' a little specific but that is the motorway part of my commute. I have a Honda 250 back in the day that could do it, but with the current emissions controls I don't know if the current models can.
@TukaSlave
Жыл бұрын
Don’t ride on the motoway. Don’t go to work. Skive off for the day and get to know your motorcycle. Work is boring. Riding is fun. Go on, you know you want to. Tell yourboss to get stuffed, life is too short.
Can the front footpegs of the Meteor be transplanted to this bike? I am tall, the Meteor has the good footpegs but the bench seat on the Hunter means you can sit more in the middle instead of being forced to sit in the front.
How does the ride feel - seating triangle, suspension, engine response, comfort - compare to (or differ from) the Classic 350?
Can I carry additional luggage or bags for few days of road trip? Is this bike suitable fo road trips?
How are the *vibration and fuel mileage* at *70mph* , and how do they compare with those at *50mph* ?
How's the engine for smoothness? Any vibrations coming through at a particular revs?
Some reviewers have stated the clutch lever is heavy, your opinion would be appreciated as my LH grip is not what it used to be, and on the subject of weight, even though this is the lightest of the 350 range it still seems overly heavy for what it is. I would be interested to know whether it has a low centre of gravity and how manageable and easy to maneuver it is? Thanks.
Is the clutch light like on meteor and classic? Is there more vibration than nanmeteor and classic due to the lack of the lower part of the frame? Is the retro more comfortable than the metro because it has a taller tire?
Hi Stuart, I am really in doubt if I schould go for an hunter 350 or a triumph scrambler 900 which costs twice as much. And would you prefer a hunter over a 350 classic? Thanks . I enjoy your video’s
Could you comment on what it's like 2 up, specifically roominess and comfort for the pillion but also how it performs with another person on it. I'd also like to know what it feels like if you take it on a motorway and do a fair few miles at 70, does it cope or does it feel like you are ringing its neck?
Is the stock suspension good enough as is, or will it need changing in the long term?
Really curious about the differences between it and the other 350s. Comfort, maneuverability, throttle response, etc
How does the handling and riding position compare when ridden back to back w the Classic 350? Is it similar enough that owning one or the other is enough unless appearance is most crucial?
What impact does the reduced weight have as compared other 350 enfields ?
I think you can be pretty sure that the very people who are complaining that you treated them patronisingly are the ones that will get stung ! I’m pretty switched on but you always need to acknowledge that you are vulnerable which stops you getting complacent. Love that model of hunter, beautiful wheels 👍
Great looking bike Stu! Is the knee bend as ‘severe’ as it looks on many of the other reviews? Is it something us older folk can endure for longer than a couple of miles? Cheers BB
@OatCakeProductions
Жыл бұрын
I was going to ask the same. After having my knees replaced the knee angle has to be less than 95 degrees to be comfortable on long journeys.
@BlazinBlades
Жыл бұрын
@@OatCakeProductions at 95 degrees I think your safest bet is the Meteor. I think even the Classic 350 is under 90.
As a meteor owner, I would love to know if it's also restricted to 70mph?
@lerx5799
10 ай бұрын
its not restricted...other than by the power of the engine
I have the new classic 350 for the upright position how does the riding position feel in comparison?
This is a fantastic Enfield. If I didn’t already have an Interceptor, I'd be on a Hunter. But with the optional bench seat.
I'm torn between this and the classic. How does the performance differ ? Does it have more to give at motorway speed once its topped out. Is it more relaxed at those speeds compared to classic ? Is it simply looks? Thanks
What a beauty! Hinkly triumph should have made a bike like this years ago . Us Kiwis loved the old XL350 Hondas . Silple , not too heavy, great fun . Thanks
The chassis on this bike seems to be missing the double cradle lower frame of the Meteor and Classic. How different is the chassis and how does the change effect handling and vibration.
@stuartfillingham
Жыл бұрын
That part on the classic is just aesthetic and serves no purpose.
Been looking at getting a Meteor/classics mainly for seat comfort, how would you compare this seat for long time in the saddle?
Uncle Stu! Would the Hunter 350 be alright to do long distance touring with a passenger and luggage?
How does it perform on a dirt track?
@stuartfillingham
Жыл бұрын
😉
How does it compare to your Classic? Also, actual mpg and what do you think to the tyres, as the UK motorcycle press were a bit critical of them? Thanks
Seat comfort and luggage wise what can be attached to the bike and how.
I have one: is it suitable for touring in mountainous territory? Has it enough umph to take a passenger uphill for a few miles?
What do you feel is minimum height for a rider? I'm 5'2". I don't expect to flat foot both feet at same time but would like to be safe and comfortable.
Ok. I have a question about the Hunter 350 for you when you've ridden it a bit Stu. Comparing it with the Classic 350, how do the changes to wheelbase and steering geometry affect it's handling and ride characteristics?
Is it suitable for a ride/short travel (a couple of hours) on seaside/hill with a passenger? Thank you 😊
My question: how much vibration comes through the handlebars? As someone who suffers from HAVS (AKA vibration white finger), this would be important to me.
Looking forward to listening to what you think of the 350 over a longer term. I'm not parting with my Classic 500 Chrome any time soon, but a new 350 might find it's way into my garage to keep her bigger chested cousin company😁😁😁
Been following for a while now, first time I'm commenting though. Terrific content, really enjoying it. I'd really appreaciate a somewhat detailed walk-around of the bike, for example seat and side panel removal, what's in the tool kit and how much thought has been put into attachment points for mods and accesories such as saddlebags. Also, how well does it keep up in motorways, will it be able to overtake in a 120km/h road? What about handling in gravel and dirt roads? I'm still figuring out if this bike is appropiate for me. Most of my riding is commuting in the city, but I'd love a retro bike in which I'll be confident taking it out scrambling and travelling at motorway speed. Does it meet that expectation? I currently have a Yamaha FZ 250, a modern small cc naked, which on paper has barely any difference in power and torque in comparison to the Hunter, so I'm not sure if it would be worth spending the extra money, having the two is not an option. Looking forward to whatever you have to say about the bike. Stay safe!