Royal Enfield Hunter 350 - Is It Really Better Than A Classic 350?

Today we take a look at the new Enfield on the block the HUNTER 350. How's it really compare to its old stablemate the classic 350 Reborn

[@skotty1962]

I bought the second Hunter sold in Adelaide. The bar height is fine. The footpegs are fine. Seat is great. Rear shocks soften up after a couple of 1000kms. I love it. I like the slightly forward position and the way it loves corners. I'm 60 years old and 5'10" and ride 😅it to work almost every day. It won't win any races but I have a lot of fun. 😊

[@ridewithwarro]

see your happy with yours. my guess is no back pain or other health issues but i must admit at 60 i was still out doing the odd night park like the good old days when i was 20...lol ...not so now!

[@skotty1962]

But must admit will be buying a set of YSS or Hagon rear shocks ASAP because the stock shocks really are rubbish and too harsh. Look it's not a BMW GS but for the money it's not bad.

[@ridewithwarro]

@@skotty1962 yeah like i said its a better all round bike than the classic 350-i was on the red/chrome today but i sort of like the classic's and prepared to put up with its minor faults. if they put that hunter ecu tune in a classic i still say what a ride...lol i would probably go hagon shocks. i ran vss piggy back in the ct125 trail and yss normal type on the xmax and my thoughts again....lol overpriced and not worth it. over the years ive heard very good reports on the hagon. i actually once ran then on a new 500 back in 014 probably cheaper too than the vss which come in here around $600 a set or more for the piggy back style all the best!.

[@paulstoker7650]

The most honest review on KZbin. I had similar complaints about the Interceptor, over the years I've sorted them out, bar end mirrors, adjustable levers, suspension upgrade, the bike wasn't bad, I spent the time and money making it perfect for me. That's part of the hobby. Ride safe

[@ridewithwarro]

yeah i think it doesnt matter what bike you buy there always extra money to be spent. it will be interesting how the triumph 400x goes straight on the dirt not long to find out there. good to hear you enjoyed the mini review

[@McRcFly]

Smashing it Warro 👍 Really enjoying the vids.

[@ridewithwarro]

Thanks 👍

[@lears6169]

Thanks Warro. The straightforwardness and to the point, HONEST assessment is refreshing. For others it’s peaches and cream. Yet all of the sudden, 20 elements of the bike get changed out..

[@ridewithwarro]

its a good little bike but really not suited for me. might be if say i was dare i say 40 years younger or had a better back...lol

[@vasilisbeginit7067]

Hello Warro, I have also a HNTR and I thing you make the best describe about it and the small dislikes list! I had testride both of them also the classic and I preffer the HNTR for the better feeling in the city and the easier handling. The look is matter of taste but I love to have it in my garage!! It give you a smile when you see it!!

[@ridewithwarro]

Well said!

[@McRcFly]

Royal enfield would have to be the most interesting brand out there these days. They really are doing great things. All the models to chose from. From cruiser to off road adventure they have a bike for all. I loved my classic 500 peggy and i love my interceptor 650 👍

[@ridewithwarro]

yeah they have come a long way over the past 10 years. in fact really sprung alive over the last 5 years

[@McRcFly]

@@ridewithwarro yeah i agree. They really stepped up.

[@copper6600]

Thanks Warro very interesting and useful honest information🍀🍀🍀

[@ridewithwarro]

it was a risky clip to do. done it about a month back. but i thought i'd give it a shot

[@findingneutral]

Great ownership tutorial on this RE model. Good points.

[@ridewithwarro]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@peterwillis4239]

Well done for being honest Warro. It's a good looker, not really a keeper. Thanks for the video.

[@frankfeely9235]

I got rid of the Classic for the Hunter, it fits me better, no adjustment required, it is definitely "sportier" and for a different ride I bought the Meteor 350, also fits better than the Classic. From the three of them I would keep the Hunter, no doubts.

[@ridewithwarro]

i think it depends upon ones level of fitness. if no issues go hunter and if not its a classic or a suzuki 350 SX

[@anthilly2585]

Hi Warro, I agree with every word you said, after 800km I have sold the hunter and got a meteor. The higher bars and much better riding position suit me fine. I have modified the heel / toe gear change to the normal changer, bit of cutting and drilling and a conversion link, much better. Keep up the truthful reviews, much appreciated, been missled myself in the past. All the best, Mick.

[@ridewithwarro]

both are good bikes and it wouldn't cost much $$ wise to straighten it out and make it more suitable to ride. only real issue for me is i have that triumph 400x coming in jan plus im doing another deal too so rather than spend more ...keep it more simple. either way both are great bikes and in the end say if i was 100% healthy which i'm not i think the hunter would be a great round town carver and not bad on the open road either. but i do like the classic 350 reborn and thats mainly because it looks old scholl and the hunter is more the punk...lol

[@ikkim1985]

Thank you for the review. It's really helpful for Entry level rider (125cc rider) who is considering Classic 350/Hunter350 for next bike. All are going with Positive reviews but this type of reviews are also needed for me. After going throught lots of reviews it seems like Mirror and some minor items on Hunter really needs to be upgreaded or replaced with after-market items. I did test ride for both bikes few weeks ago, only thing I didn't like about Classic was not having Gear indicator. and Neutral position problem I've heard from lot of local riders- some times Neutrla light comes on, but is not properly set on Neutral position - having clutch off - power goes down. Anyway thank you for the review. 😊

[@ridewithwarro]

ive never had an issue with the neutral side on the classic 350 reborn even after owning 3 of them. in fact i just bought the red/chrome version a couple of weeks ago. now back to the hunter. if the riding style suits you its a very good ride to own. a bit on the firm side etc but apart from that a very good package and nice and easy to ride in traffic and very zippy compared to the classic 350 but unfortunately the riding position is not for me

[@ikkim1985]

@@ridewithwarro Neutral issue might be one that has occured for non-familiar riders. and Thank you for the points that you have mentioned. I do like to go easy off roads (gravel) and camping with bikes as well. but mostly that would be something about 20-30% of my rides, most would be in cities and on-roads. So just considering all options, and would decide soon which bike I would select. Anyway thanks for your advise 👍

[@den2ofoz]

Got my hunter rebel blue was breaking it in yesterday. Great ride. Now, thinking of buying the windshield. The handle bar mirrors replacement, a riser bar and exhaust.. As I was riding this yesterday I agree with your review. I haven't had issue with seat yet. Thanks. I preferred this than classic. Cheers!

[@ridewithwarro]

yeah the seat itself is fine in fact looks pretty good it was the way it pushed me towards the tank. apart from that a very lively and sporty little bike to ride really.

[@GapBahnDirk]

I appreciate your honest opinions on the Hunter Warro! 👍

[@ridewithwarro]

good bike really but i think not so for me

[@GapBahnDirk]

I like the styling, but I have not ridden one. @@ridewithwarro

[@antw3565]

I appreciate the honesty

[@ridewithwarro]

yeah its good to be able to compare both and tell it how you see it. some may like it other not.thats how it goes. all the best!

[@dondle2]

GOOD HONEST REVIEW AS USUAL.

[@ridewithwarro]

yeah sure...lol not all comment were great...lol if this keeps up i could end up with depression and next buy myself a new watch great idea warro-lets see how that goes...lol

[@dewittcheng4009]

Thanks for the caveats!

[@ridewithwarro]

Any time!

[@davericketts9101]

Always good to hear your honest opinion Warro. Obviously, everyone is different and some people will, no doubt, love it. That goes to prove that, whatever anybody`s opinion is, you should thoroughly test ride a bike before you buy it and you can still regret it, even then.

[@ridewithwarro]

yeah ive never actually test ridden any bike...thats why ive bought so many...lol anyway hunter is a nicely put together package but not for me. some of the comments are from guys who'd swaer they spent $25K on the bike it only cost $7700 or playmoney...lol

[@darylbates9953]

First and second things I did to my Hunter was put bar end mirrors and risers on the bars. I bought this for a strictly around town bike and am loving it.

[@ridewithwarro]

great torque for around town and city running. very quick off the mark. great cruiser at 100 kph/60 mph too

[@lears6169]

Really great point about the loaners. Several have tested the H110 cc bike out in Cali. One would run out and buy if you were to believe it all.

[@ridewithwarro]

Great point! all the best!

[@dertechniker8867]

I also like the Classic more but the Hunter has really a lot of advantages - It's much more easier to clean (especially the engine), the weight is 15 kg less, better handling, plastic parts (less rust), more lively, gear indicator, alloy wheels (easier to fix when you have got a flat tire), much cheaper. I agree that the handlebar is to sporty. In my opinion your risers look like cheap aftermarket stuff - and they are. Take the handlebar from the meteor (you need the clutch cable from the meteor as well). For a daily commuter I would prefer the Hunter. For the weekend and if you like to polish your bike a lot I would recommend the Classic. I'm not tall 5,65 (170 cm) with 29 inch inside. The Hunter fits better - I can nearly flatfood. For the classic the lower seat option would be perfect. Lovely greetings from Germany to Australia.

[@ridewithwarro]

yeah its a hard call as the hunter is a pretty nippy bike. i wasn't expecting the lean over to be quite that sharp or the pressure on the wrists. i had same issues with the enfield 535gt/ktm390 duke so its really not the bikes problem there...more so mine. but those rear shocks are pretty shocking around my run of roads. severe on the dirt too. but its a nice bike on smooth surfaces and very engaging with good mid range torque its a coin toss which way to go and i think that depends on the fitness of the rider. enfield has done well on both bikes there. cover nearly all bases

[@Ian-ReHunter]

Hi Warro, I’m a Hunter fan. A few mods including Hagon shocks & it’s a brilliant bike. And I’m older than you!

[@ridewithwarro]

@@Ian-ReHunter well unfortunately in my case money can buy bikes quiet easy but can't buy good health...lol

[@mike70s]

Thanks Warro, love your channel and content. Looking at 3- Classic, Meteor and Huntr. The Classic pulls my heart Meteor leans me towards feel and Huntr feels a good all round potential for a cafe racer platform. Hopefully make a decision in next week or 2

[@ridewithwarro]

sort of a hard call there and in the end its more just personal choice and go with the heart. all 3 have great motors but the hunter is the more lively of the bunch

[@mike70s]

@@ridewithwarro thanks for your reply Warro. I appreciate your feedback. Yep, think the heart I will follow, the Classic 350 are pretty awesome.

[@ridewithwarro]

@@mike70s well ive had both hunter and classic so both are excellent choice but for me i couldnt handle the bar position or very stiff ride on the hunter. saying that it steered quick and performed better but classic is more relaxed there. if id been 30...lol id gone hunter with no issues there but not the case. missed it by nearly 42 years....lol

[@mike70s]

@@ridewithwarro 😄, yep, I here you there. I'm turning 49 this year and a nice relaxing ride sounds right up my ally

[@ridewithwarro]

@@mike70s gotta go classic as its a real relaxed ride plus more importantly the view of a classic 350 when you get off and look back is sheer character. that alone is near impossible to beat

[@MrCombfoot]

I enjoy my hunter 350, I'm keen to get back on it around Christmas, been out for a while after snapping my wrist at work. I've gotten through my run in and did the first service myself. I agreeThe hunter is not as comfy as classic but is still good for light touring. Definately a sportier bike. I got my hunter because it's a bit cheaper, and is a great platform for customisation. Made some videos of installing OEM accessories but once I'm recovered I want to start fabricating parts, so if you still have the hunter in the new year I'd love to see more content on how you would 'fix' the hunter, give me some idea on parts to change or replace! 😂

[@ridewithwarro]

always something to think about good luck on the wrist too. my next project is the triumph 400x so no plans for new rides till then all the best

[@tpv59]

I do wonder How the Triumph Scrambler 400X will 'fit in' in all of this. Time will tell of course. I CANNOT wait!!!

[@ridewithwarro]

i think it will be an interesting bike with a good run of power. well 40hp and some say 160 kph at the top end. thats 60 kph over what i require so my guess is it should pull the hills very easy

[@edwardkaminsky8142]

Harley Davidson 440X is coming also at 27 HP. Competition for RE. Was at eurocycle here in Vegas yesterday and 27 triumph 400 scrambler's have been ordered. Not me. My Himalayan does what THEIRS does ...for a lot less.

[@arthurbraddock5235]

Your right mate have got one . suspension hard as out go over a fly u can feel it . Mirrors vibrat all time 😊

[@ridewithwarro]

must be something wrong with your. maybe defective like mine. others say here no issues on any of my points...lol i should just pull the clip and issue an apology on my next clip...lol

[@neilfields5914]

It must have a few fans in its first year it’s become RE’s second best seller after the classic with 19000 units compared to 22000. I rather like mine I like the light weight and handling. But then I don’t go on rough or off roads. It reminds me of my old bonnevilles and bsa lightenings back in the 70’s when they were the same size as the hunter.

[@ridewithwarro]

i must admit i got a bit of a workout on the hunter on the rough dirt tracks. the classic ran them better but the hunter was the more lively unit.

[@joetocchio9666]

You're exactly correct in your assessment of the HNTR. But that bike is NOT meant for people our age. It's clearly targeted to the 20 somethings. Good job 😊

[@ridewithwarro]

yeah i should have had more sense...lol i recall the same issues a few years back when i bought the lotus elise factory supercharged car. lots of $$$ involved and too hard to ride in. in fact the daughters drove it more than me.

[@joetocchio9666]

@@ridewithwarro that's funny about the car! In 1976 , went to buy a TRIUMPH TR6. 🤣🤣🤣🤣. Very uncomfortable 😂

[@ridewithwarro]

@@joetocchio9666 yeah in the '70's i always wanted a tr6 fi model. i also wanted an e type jag too. came very close too. year was 1970 and the jag was a navy blue roadster /black leather/chrome wire wheels. id say if i had got it ...id been wiped out in months...lol salesperson took me for a spin but couldnt decide if they want to trade my 3 month old valiant charger on the jag. i think a month later i traded the new charger on a 66 mustang coupe. by todays standards a mustang is no big deal but in australia in 1970 -it was a very big deal....... i certainly pissed of my mates with that machine...plus it had an 8 track stero too...lol

[@daintree2455]

Yeah Warro but it looks so good haha. Think like a beardy hipster. Great honest review mate.

[@ridewithwarro]

at least i dont have to go back to the dealer ...lol apart from that either bike is good depending uponwhat excites the buyer or how good his/her back is.

[@ruahinesrider]

Straight talking Warro that's why we like HIM.He'll tell you how it is no bull.

[@ruahinesrider]

Straight talking Warro that's why we like HIM.He'll tell you how it is no bull.

[@sammemrys8195]

Looks-wise it's the Classic for me. This one lacks personality in my view. Appreciate the honest review.😊

[@ridewithwarro]

all good there. the classic certainly looks old school next to it thats for sure

[@paulhayes4309]

Sorry you don't like the Hunter Warro, but most folk who own them here in the UK love them. It's a city bike not designed for dirt roads. It's dead cheap, very nippy, great handling and very economical. I love the way it looks. Probably horses for courses.

[@ridewithwarro]

not that i dont like it-in ways its a better bike than the classic.350. but i think it depends upon the riders health side and my back can't take it...lol

[@MrAndrew1953]

To be honest I’d probably go for a Hunter. How much would rear suspension,mirror ,handlebar spacer upgrades cost. I’ve always used a sheepskin seat to overcome problems in that area.

[@ridewithwarro]

you must have a very good spine as mine took a few very hard hits...lol

[@paulbear7511]

Is the classic 350 reborn a bit under powered? I have a Himalayan. Same they stopped making the 500

[@ridewithwarro]

its ok for what it it.good points far override the few bad.

[@Snapper2110]

Hiya Warro. No punches pulled eh! well done. Serious question, How do you like the Meteor 350, you didn`t mention the Meteor at all. Same engine really, just different riding position so is this as good as the re-born, do you think, cos I actually prefer it to the re-born for style. Just take a look at Exeter Riders Meteor, I`m liking that more than the re-born and the Hunter.

[@ridewithwarro]

yeah ive never ridden one or even looked one over up close. none about where i live and closest peek would be 500 klm round trip to nearest dealer.

[@Snapper2110]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I was re-watching one of your other clips, the re-born I think where you said you hadn`t ridden the Meteor, missed that originally. Never mind, thanks anyway.@@ridewithwarro

[@GrampsD63]

I do really like the Hunter but I have the Classic and another 350 doesn't make much sense. My dealer did just get a modded up Hunter from a performance shop to sell and it is really a nice kitted ride. Total cafe style with clip ons, mirrors, pegs and exhaust. But I can just dust off the CBR if I wanna go out and carve up the canyons.

[@ridewithwarro]

i'd sort stick with the classic 350 although the hunter has a better tune and more lively to ride. but riding position i think is better and more relaxed on the classic and also the suspension not quite as hard.

[@GrampsD63]

@@ridewithwarro I'm gonna go ride a Super Metor. My dealer just got a demo in. Like I said I have a sportbike

[@norsehall309]

G'day Warro, your not going have may mates down at you Royal Enfield dealership with your honest reviews, good on you mate, are you going to sell it now, cheers, Neil 🤠.

[@ridewithwarro]

well it doesn't matter that much after all i gotta pay full price on all the bikes. so it doesn't matter how many i buy..its retail for me....lol

[@ohshitnotanotherknob]

I like the look of the Scram 411, maybe a bit more of a grail bike?

[@ridewithwarro]

only ever owned the first carby version of the himalayan. pretty smooth rider on dirt if i recall correctly

[@mockbattles]

I’ve ridden both. For just a few hundreds dollars difference the Classic is a better bike in so many respects.

[@ridewithwarro]

it is in eye candy. i was out on the red/chrome today and parked it...looked back and must admit nice profile. bike looked good too...lol all the best!

[@richardeyers322]

different people different height,different weight we are not all the same,but still good write up,

[@ridewithwarro]

lets say for $300 enfield could have made a good bike a great bike. my thoughts any-one who disagrees with that pretty honest review ...so join youtube and the others doing bike reviews...lol i did say it was a better package than the classic 350. well for some but ride wise not for me

[@BlueRidgeRider]

I’m with Scotty 1962. The stock bars are fine. The stock footpegs are fine. I’m 67 and 5’ 9”. The 20 pound weight loss and 17” wheels making it much better handling. The seat is fine. The shocks are pretty bad but everyone says they get better. I have 1000 miles on it now and there is some improvement. The real difference is this bike doesn’t like to relax. I try to ride it like my Classic Reborn but soon find myself racing through the curves! Not better or worse, just different.

[@ridewithwarro]

yeah its a better package and i said that but not for me.....lol

[@mattdog1982]

I found the suspension on mine softened up after a 1000 miles or my back toughened up. 😂

[@ridewithwarro]

one or the other...lol all the best!

[@stevesanelli90]

Hey Warro, telling it how it is👌 I do think these Hunters are primarily for a younger audience but not always. Some folks might prefer the modern look & cast wheels. It’s all a matter of personal preference. I don’t feel the classic 350 version being a heavyweight at 195Kg because it’s all down low & even moving it around the garage. Will 185Kg make it any different? I don’t know. I’m happy with what I have because I can ride it & I’m in no rush.🤙

[@ridewithwarro]

yeah i think they are for the younger crown. good bike overall but not for me. i think a better bike than the 535gt i had new back in 014 but way behind the duke 390 i had in 016 duke would wipe it out very easy ...especially in ones wallet when it calls it quits...lol either way this is a good budget bike but i still prefer the classic 350 for sheer old school looks alone

[@mantarayal]

...go in and snivel just to get a bike and go back and talk shit just to make them happy...mate...your channel is just pure gold. Thank you, and please don't stop entertaining and informing us. Love from NZ. Ride safe all. And if you are over the other side of the ditch, Warro has warned us about brown snakes at this time of year. So...I dunno...just ride or drive. Don't walk anywhere for god's sake.

[@ridewithwarro]

that would be a smart idea there...lol most people who get bitten by brown snake don't know they have been bitten.....so its a i think i will call it quits here. i spoke to a young guy fishing about a week ago. i said aren't you worried about snakes as i knew the area well. so he walked out of grass a good 4ft high and replied i didn't see any...lol i replied i wouldn't walk in there if the rainbows were leaping onto the bank and yelled pickmeup..lol

[@ruahinesrider]

Not like NZ 🇳🇿 walk,run through the long grass no worries.Wouldn't get me walking in the grass longer than a few inches in Ausie even brown dirt might be a Brown snake.

[@londo0]

I thought you sold it?

[@ridewithwarro]

spot on!

[@Bharatiya_WarLock]

Classic is classic no question which to buy from Royal Enfield , love from bharat ❤

[@ridewithwarro]

great to hear. all the best

[@ruahinesrider]

A mate was over st Philip Island for Gp & saw baby Triumph in the Triumph tent. Talking to HIM tonight went over to see the race & saw display bike said it looked good in the flesh.

[@ridewithwarro]

sounds good and i think it will be an interesting ride. i think the scrambler version is the way to go. plus it will be ok to try it out on some of the local dirt roads too.

[@ruahinesrider]

@@ridewithwarro Yes the Scrambler version makes the most sense to me too but the Speed 400 does look good.Scrambler be great out my way & is good size for adventures & not a heavy beast & easily load up for Moto camping & have good top end & 110kmh capable all day if have to ride main Highways to get out somewhere.

[@ridewithwarro]

@@ruahinesrider reviews coming out now put the street ahead of the scramble on the sealed roads handling side but i think i will go scrambler and if i dont like it then cash it and go street...lol thats what im thinking. i know if i go street and dont like it i bet i will be on a wait list to get the scrambler. i think the scrambler will be the hard unit to get so might as well take it and try it out. who knows i might like it...lol

[@ruahinesrider]

@@ridewithwarro Scrambler be better off road & on dirt roads down river etc & higher clearance.

[@Bugoutnow589]

Warro, good morning! Nice to here the truth about the Hunter. Great bike for bar hopping but other then that…. I find the Hunter to be an oddball. Rather ride a Vespa…

[@ridewithwarro]

well i suppose quite a few dislike vespas or scooters too. i was actually one of those....lol but i saw the light and tried out a scooter liked the experience and now enjoy the ride side too

[@mrnobodytheuser2950]

Hunter Looks easy to clean Classic looks nicer Meteor 350 looks like a Fonz bike.

[@ridewithwarro]

hard call in all areas really. never been on a meteor or not yet

[@simonchilli2088]

The rear shox on the little Enfields do seem to throw up some problems for quite a few owners it seems.

[@ridewithwarro]

yeah i think those rear shocks are a bit cheap and nasty. not only on this but on the classic 350 too i'd much rather paid a few $$$ extra and the factory fits them with a better upgraded shock system. afterall if they can design new j motor and frame a good set of rear shocks should be just a stroll in the park

[@himydad1499]

I just think this is aimed at a younger audience

[@ridewithwarro]

yeah your right what sort of idiot at near 71 would want to ride a young guys bike....lol i gave it a shot. didnt work for me so party over there. all the best!

[@richard2951960]

no mate no !!!👎

[@ridewithwarro]

that too...lol