Low fuel efficiency isn’t due to my riding style as I used to get 40+ with my previous motorcycle, a Honda Hornet 160R.
BHPian Carpainter recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
So it has been more than two months now since I got this bike and after riding it for around 1200kms here are my short observations:
Pros
- The engine is ideal for cruising at legal speeds. It feels punchy at 70-80 speed levels and has ample torque to ride on. Being lighter than the Classic 350 this should be an easy motorcycle to ride on hilly terrains.
- The seating position is neutral with little rear set footpegs but set almost in the ideal position making a comfortable riding triangle. In the initial days of ownership, I felt wrist pain but once my body got accustomed after a week, there is no pain in the wrist or shoulder or anywhere else. In fact, this riding position is actually more comfortable for me than my previous bike Hornet 160R.
- Stability on the straight line is good and crosswind doesn’t unsettle it. I haven’t taken it on highways yet.
- Apart from the mirrors, there is no noticeable vibration anywhere unlike previous gen RE bikes.
- Engine heat is manageable as it doesn’t get too hot in city traffic.
Cons
- Low mileage is the biggest negative I’m facing with this bike. I don’t know what the issue is but I’m consistently getting a mileage of 25kmpl. I’ve heard people getting over 30 and some even say 36-37 which should be really good for this motorcycle but this is the biggest problem I’ve got. It’s not because of my riding style as I used to get around 40+ with my previous 160cc commuter which is par for that bike. I’ve experimented with low gear high rpm and high gear low rpm but nothing worked. I’m using normal petrol though and I’m thinking of trying the premium petrol for a month.
- The bike is very difficult to put on center stand. I think RE didn’t design the center stand for this bike separately and since this has lower ground clearance than Classic 350 it becomes difficult.
- Even the side stand is too straight and you can’t park on the side stand even if there is the slightest inclination on the road.
- Rear suspension is very stiff and you’ll feel every undulation on the road. RE service center has advised me to change it to nitrox one but I want to ride it out a few thousand kms before investing in a new suspension. Also since the ground clearance is low, a softer suspension might cause it to touch the ground too often.
- Fuel gauge is not very accurate and some models including mine don’t have the mph marking in the speedometer.
- Ground clearance of 150mm is on the lower side for our roads and although you won’t scrape it every now and then if you’re riding with a pillion, there is a chance you might kiss those unscientific speed breakers (more like footpath in the middle of the road).
Neutrals
- This has the least weight among all the RE bikes. When you ride it, it feels more nimble and agile than even a 150cc commuter but you’ll feel the 180kg weight when you move the bike manually like in and out of parking slots.
- The seats are comfortable and even though it looks small, it can comfortably accommodate a pillion. But if you want to carry two people illegally then it’s not possible.
- The exhaust note is nice at low rpm and has some nice growl to it but at higher rpm the silencer becomes silent.
- Headlight is halogen and not LED but the throw is nice and I’d take it over a poor LED any day.
- Mirrors vibrate at various degrees at different speed levels and the size should have been bigger to reduce blind spots but it gets the job done for now.
- Fit and finish is not at Honda or Yamaha level with some squeaking noise here and there but the paint quality is top-class. There is even a lacquer coating on the stickers.
- The clutch is on the heavier side but with ample torque, you don’t have to change gear too often.
- Fuel tank capacity is 13 litres but low fuel warning comes on at 4 litres. So you’ll see low fuel warning quicker than usual.
- RE offer many accessories to customize your bike as per your liking. I just wish the tripper navigation was standard.
Hope prospective buyers will find this useful.
Keyword: 20 observations about Royal Enfield Hunter 350 after 2 months & 1200 km