Royal Enfield HNTR 350: classic lines, young character [ROAD TEST]

In introducing the new Royal Enfield HNTR 350 we talk about “pure motorcycling”. It is truly an experience of pure motorcycling that can be savored in contact with this specimen. It emerges from the technical evaluations of Andrea Parozzi, who tested the example for Motorionline on the occasion of the presentation to the press.

Vintage aesthetic

The motorbike, designed to be functional and easy to handle in a city and extra-urban context, has a compact and elegant appearance. L'retro aesthetic is enlivened by two-tone livery and also strengthened by the design of the various elements with the front light cluster, the circular analogue and digital instrumentation, the profiled development of the saddle and the LED rear light flanked by circular indicators. The die-cast alloy wheels fit large tubeless tyres.
Le variants in range they are two with various color choices, in a range of six options. The dashboard with digital and analogue instruments features various indicators regarding the total and partial odometer, the gear meter, the digital bar meter which indicates the fuel level with reserve warning, as well as the maintenance indicator light and the clock.
Compatibility with the Royal Enfield Tripper TBT navigation system, which can be ordered as an original accessory from the various options in the catalogue.

Technique and engine

The new Royal Enfield HNTR 350 it was developed by specialists working at Royal Enfield's technology centers in India and England and chassis experts Harris Performance. The geometry of the frame has been designed to obtain an optimal ratio between height and weight, as well as offering high level comfort with the adoption of a single and extended saddle, placed at 790 millimeters tall. In light of the revised steering and trail angles, the shortened wheelbase and the limited height of the saddle, a marked maneuverability is perceived on different routes. The braking system includes disc brakes 300 mm in front and from 270 mm behind with Dual channel ABS and there is also a central stand. The model variants are equipped with alloy wheels and tubeless tires from 110/70 x 17 inches in front and 140/70 x 17 inches in the rear area.
The model is equipped with a 350cc J-series engine linked to a Harris Performance chassis, in order to obtain functional agility on urban routes and lively ideas on extra-urban ones. The J-series powerplant is a 349 cc air-oil cooled single cylinder, recently launched on the Meteor and Classic 350 models. A heart equipped with injection fuel and primary balancer shaft to attenuate vibrations. This is associated with an optimized five-speed gearbox. The power reaches a peak of 20,4 horses at 6.100 rpm with a torque of 27 Nm at 4.000 rpm.

Driving sensations

The philosophy of is confirmed Royal Enfield which offers solid and essential examples, characterized by a vintage aesthetic and compact and reliable engines.
The instrumentation is simple and connected in a classic style, enriched by a digital display. The only thing missing is the tachometer. The chassis is contained and is welcoming for motorcyclists of medium height, while taller ones may be barely affected by the size, although in any case the well-shaped saddle rebalances the sensations of comfort, together with the contained vibrations. Considering the rearset footpegs and a wide handlebar with 25 degrees of fork inclination, the bike shows marked agility on city stretches and is quick to change direction. The suspensions are well calibrated, just as the fork and swingarm absorb bumps convincingly. The support of the wheels is also appreciated right from the start, which gives the rider confidence and composure along the trajectories.
The engine responds well to the stresses dictated through the accelerator knob and, given the 20,4 horsepower available, this compact 350 cc 4-stroke supports urban travel brilliantly thanks to a ready delivery, which offers the sensation of have 10/15 more horsepower. This is also due to the spacing of the 5-speed gearbox, which is on average short. Based on precise and rapid shifts, you move easily towards 80 km/h with elastic acceleration even in the highest gears. The braking system with ABS is slightly affected by the 185 kg weight of the bike, but overall it is adequate. The sound emitted by the exhaust is also appreciated with limited vibrations at every rotation speed. In summary, the new Royal Enfield HNTR 350 is suitable for those who wish to approach the world of two wheels and represents a valid alternative to a scooter or can also be a second motorbike for easy short and medium range travel.

Prices and colors

For specimens of Royal Enfield in Dapper White, Dapper Ash, Dapper Grey the suggested price is 4.300 euros; mind for the models in Rebel Black, Rebel Blue, Rebel Red the suggested figure is 4.400 euros.

Photo: Royal Enfield
Technical evaluations: Andrea Parozzi