The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 - My Sort of Bike!

[@timboharty7325]

Royal Enfield can’t seem to put a foot wrong , I have an interceptor , a classic 350 and now it looks like a hunter is going to have to join the crew ! Keep up the great work 🙂

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

That's going to be quite some collection you've got there, Timbo. What colour Hunter most appeals?

[@timboharty7325]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 we are only here once , so may as well enjoy it ! It would be easier to say which one I didn’t like ! , I’ll pop in to my nearest dealer this week , ( 2 hours away ! ) and see what colour options they do here , I too am a street scrambler fan and I doubt it would stay standard , if you compare my green T500 scrambler to a standard T500 you’ll see why , I like making stainless exhausts , I’ve made hundreds for the T500 and sent them all around the world

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@timboharty7325 I agree 100%, Timbo. If you feel something is right then do it!

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@dennisvillacorte4122 He certainly will! Or sell one to make room 😳

[@KevinofWessex]

Just bought one of these ... in this colour... happy days...

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Oh great news. And whilst I'm biased I think you have made a perfect choice 😊. Wonderful rides await!

[@Paul.Gascoyneuk]

Just last week purchased a Hunter myself and so far covered a little under 80 miles and love it , not too fond of the road salt at present but as you say the bike cleans up with relative ease , thanks for sharing your thoughts and ride safe 👍

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Great to hear from you Kwacker5. Enjoy your new Enfield. Very pleased you're getting out on it despite the conditions. Ride safe 👍

[@martinehulme8743]

Great to hear your thoughts, keep us informed re panniers, 👍🏼 I'm currently saving for my Hunter 😀

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Lovely to hear from you, Martine. Yes the panniers fitted quite easily from the Meteor - which has now been part exchanged for... another Royal Enfield. - I don't think you'll be disappointed in my choice though you may think it a bit odd!! More details to follow in March when she arrives. I'll be thoroughly road testing the pannier set up on the Red Hunter and then fitting them to the 'other machine'. Exciting times for you as you anticipate your own Hunter. I'm wondering what colour you'll choose 🤔. I've a new friend, Jane, also working in the medical profession, in New Zealand who has a lovely Rebel Blue. Unlike yourself she's just beginning her riding career. She loves it. Peter

[@martinehulme8743]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 hi ya yes I'm having the blue 💙

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@martinehulme8743 Beautiful! Jane's looks gorgeous and she adores her 'Lucinda'.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Panniers taken out for a ride (along with the bike 😊) for a 3 hour run and all was fine. My only real concern was the exhaust affecting the underside of the right hand one. Stayed cool throughout so all's well. I'll do an update soon.

[@JW-ym5yb]

Nice take on the Bike. I had been wondering how they were able to call the bike “Hunter” thanks for clarifying that. I went and looked up the Red Hunter and thought it was a rather handsome looking bike as well. I like the looks of the bike as it has a “sporting” look to it in the classic term like the Cub and other scrambler type bikes of the era. The styling of the Hunter, and most particularly the paint, is second to none.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Yes if I was in the market for a classic single from the late 50s the Ariel Red Hunter would be a good choice. Sammy Miller's Ariel 500T was the trials version.

[@jonathandeeley6276]

If you want your painted black bits such as engine and wheels to sparkle use GT85 (if you already don't) brings them up to new standard, although yours looks pretty good as is. 👍

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Yes I do use gt85. I have ACF 50 but keep that for any areas beneath the bikes that are attacked by road spray.

[@hughphillips1427]

Interesting video Peter, rev counter will be a good addition.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Hope so Hugh. It's fitted now so we'll see how well it works in practice as soon as I get a drier day! Seems to sense the rpm at tick over OK at least.

[@MirchiBoy]

This is my favorite color scheme. I think the bike needs red accent in at least one other spot but it might also throw things off.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Hello Rishi. I must admit to adding a little more red and gold accents in the form of two thin stripes around the front of the headlight to match the joining line on the fuel tank which is gold. I felt it needed some hint of red and gold to relieve the black just there. Other than that I think it is a case of 'less is more' 😉 Peter

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

May I suggest checking out Tripmachine leather luggage. I’ve just ordered a tank/tail pack satchel type bag that can either be magnetted to the tank, tied/strapped to the tail, or carried like a satchel. They do all sorts of stuff too. I first saw them on Bullet Wanderer’s channel here on KZbin.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Thank you Stephen. I'll take a look at what Trip Machine have. I know Stuart Fillingham uses their products. Peter

[@BMCMOTOUK]

I'm currently looking into getting one of these. Might need to have a test ride on one on my next day off 🤔

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Hello BMC MOTO UK. Yes I read your comment on Derek's MOTO UK's channel today. (any relation? 😂) that you were thinking of a Hunter or 125 for commuting /riding in the city. (Birmingham?). It seems demo Hunter's are a bit thin on the ground - things should get better once RE take over the importing and dealer network in April. I certainly hope so. The Hunter certainly seems amazingly popular with everyone I've spoken with on my channel. From first time riders to those with years of experience riding sports machines and then, like me, returning after some years away. Let me know what you think after your demo ride. Peter

[@BMCMOTOUK]

@LanesExplorer cheers Peter, Derek and I aren't related but we are friends with each other. I'm up in Scotland (just outside Edinburgh) and Derek is coming up here in April to do a tour. I'm not in a rush to buy as I currently have a CB650R and I'd like to add a Hunter to the fleet to use on the commute as Edinburgh is very congested due to the climate change loonies restricting and closing the streets down and I'd rather keep my 650 for longer/ faster runs. Loved your review when I watched it today so I definitely think the Hunter is the bike to go for. All the best. Sean

[@markfraser6307]

Can’t make my mind up between the hunter or the meteor had a test ride on both

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Yes it's a tough call! Both great bikes. Not sure I could choose, which is why I have one of each. 🤔 If I was pushed I'd keep the Hunter I think, but so much depends on the sort of riding you intend doing. Most of mine is on country roads which the Hunter is perfect for - the Meteor seems better suited for A and B roads, although before I got the Hunter I used it for all types of riding. Good luck with the decision.

[@andersbarfodsvaneskolan9378]

I think all three bikes share the same gearbox with the same ratios. It would make sense. That gearbox have been heralded as being really good in the meteor and classic 350..

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Hello Anders. Are you my very first Scandinavian viewer, I wonder? Yes I would think that the internal ratios are identical. It would only perhaps be the gearbox output sprocket that on the Hunter possibly has one tooth less than either Meteor or Classic but I haven't checked this. The gearbox on both my Meteor and the Hunter are excellent. No false neutrals, smooth change, close ratios and quiet. Incidentally all three machines rear sprockets have 42 teeth. Meteor has done around 5000kilometers so it's nicely run in now and the gearbox is SO smooth. Peter

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Since I wrote that, Anders I've measured the gearbox sprockets on the Hunter and Meteor and they are identical at 15 teeth which believe is the same as the Classic. Peter

[@Ainsworth-Rider]

Really enjoyed this little chat 😃👍

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Pure self indulgence on my part, James 😂

[@Ainsworth-Rider]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 for our benefit 👍

[@WyreForestBiker]

I think we all sometimes make rather tenuous connections between things ... both with things we like and those we don't. Theses 2 are not even in the same class as one is an off-road machine and the other very much designed for on road use! They are both singles with a traditional twin shock layout (as are dozens of other machines) but that's as far as the similarity goes. The important thing is if it speaks to you and your love of a bike you knew in your childhood that's all that matters.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Ah yes, David. I'm a great one for the tenuous connection 😂. My Hunter will be used a lot on trails so I felt I could justify connecting the two just a little.

[@WyreForestBiker]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 I must say though the Hunter would make an IDEAL basis for a homage to the little Cub ...a single seat, trials type exhaust and some work on the side panels and you would be half way there ...maybe a project for you to consider?😁😁 I'm absolutely certain it would be hugely popular as a KZbin video series.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@WyreForestBiker haha you must be a mind reader, David. Very, very tempted to do exactly that!

[@discoveror9576]

I agree: while the 'Classic 350' appears nice, I'd rather spend my time riding than polishing chrome! Might I ask you to measure the foot-peg to seat height? Thanks in advance.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

As accurate as I can measure it's 20.5 inches or 520mm. from the top of the footrest to the top of the seat, vertically.

[@discoveror9576]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 Thanks SO much - for taking the time/trouble to measure that, Peter; I DO appreciate it. The reason I asked is that I'm trying to figure out which, if any, bikes might allow me to stand up off-pavement with my 34" inseam; it's hard to stand, starting out from a greater than 90* knee-bend. I think that this omitted specification is all important, as it defines that 90* knee-bend angle. Several dealers pointed out to me that dirt bike frames are pretty similar, typically ONLY 18" peg-to-seat, as I measured a few (!!!), though the ground clearance varies. So, I started adding peg-to-seat and handle-bar mount to seat (which pretty much define the 'cockpit' roominess) measurements to my comparison spreadsheet. FYI, the Kawasaki KLX300 and Honda CRF300Rally also measure about 20.5". I only measured ~19" on a Himalayan !!!

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@discoveror9576 Ah I see what you mean. I was going to suggest the Himalayan until I read to the end of your reply. Difficult one. Hope you find something that really suits you. Peter

[@PAGallagher]

It really is a great looking bike, Peter, and, to me, that engine does look so much bigger than a 350 (remember the old BSA B40 😊) ........ at least a 500cc 👍I know what you mean about the wheels, I do prefer traditionally spoked wheels, but the spokes on the Hntr are very slender and look just right. By the way, thank you for explaining the spelling of 'Hntr' ........ I thought it was just a typo by Royal Enfield 😊

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Hello again, Phil. Yes RE have designed some lovely wheels here and I like the idea of having tubeless. Hope not to need it but I carry a plug kit with me - easier than removing the tube and tyre as I've done a few times before. Usually in the wet! I was once tempted to get one of the ex - WD B40s in the early 70s when they sold them off but finances didn't really allow for 3 bikes 😂. This J series engine with its heavy finning does look like a 500, I agree. So much low end torque from the long stroke engine. 'Chuggability' 😊

[@PAGallagher]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 Yes, Peter, you can't beat a bit of 'Chuggability' 😊I'm just looking forward to trying one when a demo becomes available. I know the engine isn't a carbon copy of an old BSA, far from it, but somehow, as you say, it seems to embody the spirit of the old 60's engines so well, either in the polished finish or the black finish. That little round inspection plate secured with 3 machine screws, on the right hand engine casing, is just where the points cover was on both my C15 and A65 ....... it does it for me anyway 😊I guess that the points on your C15 might have been located on top of the crank casing, behind the cylinder barrel ....... in the 'mushroom' 😊

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@PAGallagher yes my c15 had that 'mushroom'. My A65 was a 'star' like yours. A 1963 model I think originally, bought as a 'cardboard box job' to which I fitted twin carbs, hc pistons and spitfire cams. It was fast - a bit too fast for me so eventually I put it back to standard. Reliable though.

[@PAGallagher]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 My A65 was quite reliable too (once I rebuilt it), it was a '64 model in metallic blue. It was fairly economical too, as I recall, it used to return about 65mpg. I'm guessing the Spitfire cam might have been similar to the Lightning, that was a nice machine 😊

[@economicalrides]

Thanks for giving us a long hard look at the Hunter Peter, it does look nice in Red and Black like that. The black finish is excellent, my Meteor Fireball comes up clean so easily and the finish seems to be pretty hard wearing. I am a massive fan of RE's matt black finishes ! I meant to mention, have you looked at tail packs ? With that one piece dual seat and the grab handles, you should be able to mount most tail packs to the pillion part of the seat easily enough. Obviously you might have a problem "getting your leg over" 😊 but it would mean that you no longer need to carry a backpack. I find that wearing a backpack gives me neck and shoulder ache after a couple of hours, however little weight I have in it. I much prefer to have everything on the bike rather than on me, a backpack really is my least favourite solution. Cheers Peter, Garry & Ruby

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Yes I am now, for sure. Someone has suggested gt85 as a good rejuvenating spray. I have a tail pack and am working on getting it to work for me! 😘

[@economicalrides]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 If I recall correctly you have quite a big one and have trouble getting your leg over. 😇 For carrying the essentials a small one might be sufficient but then I do realise that you would probably carry more about with you than I do. I would have one on my Classic if I still had the rear seat on. A small tail pack would most likely be enough for me. Cheers Peter. Absolutely no double entendres in this comment and anybody who finds one must have a filthy mind 😛

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

It's quite alright Garry I know what you mean 😂. The rear of the dual seat is quite high which means my current bag is awkward for getting onto the bike and it's actually quite difficult to work out how to attach it conveniently as the grab rails aren't like the Meteor. I'm going to try attaching the rucksack which is a lot thinner yet holds all I require for a long day's ride. I'm also going to try and count the gearbox sprocket teeth on both bikes this afternoon - rev counter works fairly well now I experimented with the engine type settings. Settles to around 800 rpm at tick over. It may add interest to viewers on a ride but otherwise is of little benefit to me. P

[@economicalrides]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 Yes, some bungees of more or less exactly the right length with a nice thick plastic coating on the hooks to lash the backpack to the rear seat would be a very convenient solution. Or some luggage straps, although they are a bit more of a faff than appropriately sized bungees. 👍🏻

[@manuelferreira3744]

Good Peter; There's a fellow TEU on KZbin stuart fillingham who also has a HNTR with a side bag, which looks great, don't apply anything irons on the HNTR that gets corny, that's for indians. We Europeans want is something sober beautiful, and this moro is BEAUTIFUL with nothing that fills except this side bag. With respect to the name of Hunter or Hntr, in Europe will have to be HNTR, in the rest of the world is Hunter, because of what you describe about the name being registered in another motor vehicle. Are you in love with YOUR HNTR? I'm and I'm waiting for my Grey. Good turns. Hug.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Hello Manuel. Yes I agree about adding anything extra to the Hunter which really doesn't need it. I've seen Stuart Fillingham's Trip machine sidebag/rucksack /satchel and am thinking about it although I think my smaller rucksack will be fine for what I intend the Hunter for. And it's black with red trim 😂. The information about Bandidos and their Legundary pannier carrier was really for one of my viewers who wishes to commute on her Hunter so needs to be able to carry change of clothes and refreshments. The trip machine bag may well suit her. I may mention that in the next video. You should get your Hunter very soon now 👍 Peter

[@stup1299]

The gear ratios are exactly the same as the Classic 350. It's the smaller 17" rear wheel (18" Classic) that makes it feel a bit lower geared. The only thing I don't like about the HNTR is the offset speedo. I'd rather it be central to the steering head or paired with a similar sized tacho. Probably getting OCD in my old age 🙂

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Ah thank you for the information about the gearing, Stu. I think the speedometer is offset like the Meteor to suit the Tripper which could be useful in city riding. I'd rather a rev counter personally but I'll see how much I value this cheap digital one I've just fitted. Peter

[@jonathandeeley6276]

Looking forward to seeing the addition of a rev counter and the comparison of revs against the Meteor. Is your Meteor in standard factory spec or has it been modified in any way. I fitted the DNA air filter kit to both my Meteor and Classic 350 and it does make a marked difference with acceleration and moreso on the Meteor.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@jonathandeeley6276 Hello Jonathan. Both Meteor and Hunter are completely standard. I think it would only be a tooth smaller on the gearbox sprocket on the Hunter if anything. I'll let you know the results. Peter

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Hello again Stu. Since replying to you I have measured the sprockets front and rear on both Meteor and Hunter and they are the same. 15 gearbox, 42 rear. I believe the Classic is the same. So the Classic is a little higher geared due to the larger rear wheel as you say. Peter

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Gearbox and rear wheel sprockets are the same on the Meteor and Hunter at 15 t gearbox, 42t rear.

[@petetull]

I’ve just bought a Hunter 350, and I just love it. I’m 63 and after a life of super fast latest greatest bikes, I’ve gone back to the nearest thing to my first ever bike (BSA Starfire) which got me into bikes in the first place. The circle is complete. I’m a back lanes rider now, and I absolutely adore it. Love your channel, big thanks!

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

That's such good news, Pete. Yes I know exactly what you mean about the the BSA Starfire and the Hunter being a sort of modern equivalent of that peppy 250. 63 years young 😂. You'll love the way the Hunter handles. What colour did you choose? Very pleased you enjoy what I do and the sort of exploration of back roads I love. Peter

[@petetull]

Thanks Peter. I went for the Rebel Blue from Mounts in Port Talbot, South Wales

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@petetull I was torn between the blue, grey and red! Decisions... 😂

[@fairlawnrider8030]

Well Peter there was me trying to keep a low profile ! It would be good to get in touch with you more directly but I am not sure what's the best way to do this in a less public way, what would you suggest? Regarding the bike, you touched on most of the aspects that had already gone through my mind, durability of finish (very maritime /salt laden air where I am now), adequacies of mudguards, ease of mounting luggage, etc. Regarding tachometer, is yours going to be mechanically or electrically driven? Could do a simple basic check by removing the plug, selecting 1st gear turning back wheel by hand and seeing how many revs/degrees it moves for two strokes of the piston. As others have said, the gearbox ratios are probably the same across all three bikes, but the chain sprockets might just be different, perhaps you could count the teeth on each. In all likelihood though it's just going to be down to the smaller wheel size and the revised EFI calibration that makes it feel more peppy at low speeds. Strange the long and winding path I took to meet up with you here. Started out with an interest in the then new RE Himalayan, then via that Dutch lady with the uncomfortable boots, a man living in Wiltshire, uncle Stew, a thrifty sun loving ex pat with a sausage eating dog, and many others. Finally the magic of the KZbin algorithm pointed me towards the LanesExplorer, several months later, not really recognizing your voice, the penny finally dropped! Bye for now, Mike

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Hello, Mike. Well how about that... Fifty years on! As I've said in reply to other comments the rear sprockets are 42 teeth on all the 350s. Gearbox sprocket may be different by I tooth on the Hunter perhaps but it's a bit inaccessible. The rev counter is an inductive type which is wrapped around the ht lead and has a digital readout. Low cost solution. I've a feeling you may be living in another country now to judge by the time you are online? Canada possibly? Seattle perhaps... Yes, I can imagine you there 😊 Yes salt laden air is a problem with me too! 'Fairlawn Rider'.. Intriguing 🤔 We'll have to get our thinking caps on regarding getting in touch. Best wishes, Mike Peter

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Right Mike... Well I have the definitive answer on the gearing on all 3 bikes... Counted gearbox and rear sprockets. All the same! 15 t front, 42 t rear. P

[@blearyview2254]

Video and pictures do not do justice to the quality and finish of the Hunter © It is a beautiful little motorcycle 👍

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Yes, Alex it's really difficult to capture all of the qualities of the Hunter on film (can I say that even though no film is used?). It's a lot to do with lighting and at the moment we don't have much of that! This video was pure indulgence on my part 😂

[@blearyview2254]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 I am old school and film works well for me 📽🎞 At my time of life, motorcycles are a total indulgence and they bring such great joy to my R&R 😀I am looking forward to what you are going to do with to this bike and yeah more indulgence please haha.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

​@@blearyview2254 just a quick question for you, Alex. The cheap and cheerful inductive tachometer has arrived. I've wrapped the rather long lead around the ht lead as instructed. I was going to ask you if you thought I could cut off the excess length but actually I've managed to tuck it out of harm's way It seems to recognise tick over rpm fairly well but it is not unlike a lot of digital readouts in that it goes up and down a bit around the basic number. Bit too sensitive perhaps. An analogue display wouldn't give such accuracy but nor would it vary as much 🤔

[@blearyview2254]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 I would not know and will probably depend on how it was calibrated. Maybe you can vary the number of windings around the HT lead to see if that makes a difference. Is it using induction to measure voltage perhaps and converting to RPM? In my sparky days we used clamp meter to measure voltage running through the cable and if so then the number of windings may (or may not). Sorry I cannot be any further help.

[@blearyview2254]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 Maybe it was current it measured, it was so long ago hehe.

[@simongilbert2704]

i don't really like low horse power bikes ,, and i like chrome , --=- but this bike looks fantastic in that scheme ,, i am looking at the new harley breakout which is stunning , but this is close ,,, and the harley is 25 grand plus ;;;;;;

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Ha ha no contest for me then!!

[@graemelamb7395]

The more I see that bike the more I want one haha

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

I should have shares in Royal Enfield 😂

[@1990-t1j]

I think the Hunter is a very attractive bike, indeed. HNTR: so that's why. I hate chrome too. I have a 390 Duke, so I'm a singles man. I wonder if the Hunter is as strong as the 390 low-down. My 390 is my second bike in northern Thailand. I have an SCR950, and I'd rather like another air-cooled bike. Simplicity. I have subscribed.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Thank you for subscribing 1990. Good to hear from you. The 350cc J series Royal Enfield engine is a long stroke design with heavy flywheels, according to Royal Enfield, and certainly has a lot of torque at the bottom end. It has, what 'EconomicalRides' and myself have called 'Chuggability'. You can just open the throttle if you get to a hill, rather than change down a gear and it will pull up it easily. Try one out and see what you think.-let me know if you do have a go on one. Yes I much prefer air-cooled simplicity. Peter

[@1990-t1j]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 Thanks, Peter. I am about to watch another video of yours. A longer one. Nick

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@1990-t1j Hope you enjoy it, Nick. I see that the Duke is a KTM liquid cooled single. The MZs were really underrated two-strokes I think. A lot of expertise went into their design.

[@rejm41]

She sure is a looker Peter, but of course I’m biased.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Nothing wrong with a bit of bias, Jane. That's what this particular video is all about 😉 Plus pure self indulgence 😊

[@rejm41]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 I’m wondering whether I should invest in a sump guard Peter. What are your thoughts?

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@rejm41 I have one on order from Hitchcocks motorcycles here in the UK - they're the first point of call for all things Royal Enfield for us here It should be in the country next week apparently. So yes, definitely, Jane. It will protect the vulnerable crankcase(sump) area from stones but also make it much easier to clean after a run out. I think I'll go for the black version rather than the silver.

[@rejm41]

Yes Peter, it’ll be the black one for me too then. Much appreciated.

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@rejm41 Always here to help if I can, Jane 👍