Royal Enfield Bullet 350: The Royal Enfield Bullet 350, it’s not just a motorcycle — it’s a legacy! The bike has been an icon of rugged dependability and old-school charisma on Indian roads for decades. The Bullet 350 bids farewell to the old and is introduced in an all-new era with its 2023-24 update.
But even though it remains good-old traditional, the latest edition does feel more refined therein, as it now perches on the new J-platform engine too, series production hadn’t even begun in the Japerese homeland.
In this article, we will ascertain whether or not the new Bullet 350 continues to have its roots very much intact while developing into something that may be able to appeal to a new breed of riders.
Design and Classic Aesthetics
The Bullet 350 retains the classic design with round headlamp, teardrop fuel tank, hand-painted pinstripes and lots chrome.
It immediately takes you back and its something you easily end up missing. But this time, subtle refinements raise the level of finish—better paint, tidier welds, more consistent panel gaps.
Even though the profile hasn’t been altered much, changes like new switchgear, better seating and minor upgrades on the instrument console indicate Royal Enfield is trying to bring the bike to the future while still retaining its classic charm.
Engine and Performance
The greatest of these changes is the upgradation to the 349 cc, a single-cylinder, air-oil cooled J-series mill that is already doing duty on the Classic 350 and the Meteor 350.
This powerplant makes 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm, and 27 NM of torque at 4,000 rpm with 5-speed gearbox.
the J-plant motor feels considerably smoother and more composed than the older UCE motor. Vibrations are minimal, particularly at cruise.
Throttle response is smooth, so it’s not hard to navigate through city roads or cruise on highways.
It’s not very quick, but the new Bullet 350 can cruise between 80-90 kmph and that’s all most riders will expect from a bike of this kind.
Ride and Handling
And there are significant improvements on the chassis and suspension, from what Royal Enfield is saying.
The new double down tube frame is designed with just right geometry for stability and nimbleness. The telescopic front forks and twin shocks in the rear are tuned for comfort, especially on rougher roads.
The seat comfort has also been enhanced, and the riding stance is upright and relaxed – perfect for extended rides.
Although the bike weighs in at 195 kg when filled with fuel, the natural balance of the machine was improved which has made the machine easier to manage, even for shorter riders.
Braking duties are done by a 300mm front disc and 270mm rear disc, with single-channel ABS on the base model and dual-channel ABS on the higher variants. The braking feel and bite are enough for leisurely riding.
Features and Practicality
The Bullet 350 has a spartan but effective feature set. It’s a semi-digital instrument cluster, which pairs an analog speedometer with a small LCD screen for odometer, fuel level and trip meters.
There’s no Bluetooth, or navigation, but for old-school riders that might not be a dealbreaker.
Machine also provided touring with halogen all around and a kick-start plus electric start for good measure—so they don’t forget from whence they came.
It may not have modern technology, but it helps keep maintenance easy and vitally reliable.
Pros
New design with Better workmanship
More polished and refined engine
Smooth riding, both in the city and on the highway
Fantastic road presence and high street cred POV’s:Good.
Better construction quality and more solid seats
Cons
Heavy as before and still ponderous in traffic
Doesn’t have some more modern features such as LED lights/app connectivity
It’s sluggish to perform, not sporty; meant for cruising
Price is slightly higher than that of the competition
60,000 more will only get you single-channel ABS on all variants except the top-ender may feel restrictive
Royal Enfield Bullet 350: Verdict
The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 has managed to adapt and evolve without losing its charm or character. Now it can appeal more to younger riders who will no longer perceive it as an ’old man’s’ bike.
It’s not for someone hankering after performance or technology but if you want a bike that connects you with legacy — with character, for its thump, for pride — the new Bullet 350 does it better than ever.