After 91 years, the oldest-running production bike has achieved its maturity. The Bullet 350's 2023 model has aged well, yet still continues to wow you with its signature thump while maintaining its image as a no-nonsense, pure classic bike that has all the attributes that make it the supreme retro offering.

Royal Enfield has finally introduced the much anticipated 2023 Bullet 350 in India after a long wait. It seems like the Bullet first of a host of updates to existing RE models and there couldn’t be a better bike to kickstart this process. Although the updated trim has similarities with the current Bullet in terms of appearance, there are significant upgrades that allow the motorcycle to be on par with other models in the company's lineup. Here is everything we know about the 2023 Royal Enfield Bullet 350.

Related: How The Royal Enfield Bullet Has Survived For 90 Years

An All-New Refined Engine

The addition of the brand-new 349cc J-platform engine is the new Bullet's most notable upgrade. It is believed that this engine, which is already used in the likes of the Classic 350, Hunter 350, and Meteor 350 models, will produce 20.2 horsepower and 20 pound-feet of torque. We must admit that this engine gives this aging bike a brand-new heart and an entirely new lease of life. Compared to the older Unit Construction Engine that the earlier Bullet 350 featured, it is far more refined.

It continues to thud along without any complaints even when the RPM is pushed beyond its comfort zone. It can maintain a stress-free speed of 55–65 mph throughout the day, much like the Classic 350. The fourth gear is the ideal cog if you are looking to ride effortlessly on the highway, while the fifth gear is good from 50 mph and above. The initial three gears are sufficiently long to maintain pace if you are inside the city limits. The relatively soft clutch, which is far superior to the one on the Hunter 350, makes gear shifting even more manageable. Additionally, the shifts are neat, accurate, and clunky-free, unlike those of the predecessor. Although hardcore aficionados will regrettably have to do without the renowned kick-start lever.

The Refreshed Underpinnings

The updated Bullet will use the same chassis as the current Classic 350 variant. This means that it uses a double downtube frame, a pair of dual shock absorbers for suspension setup, and a traditional telescopic fork. This is a 41mm fork that is 6mm thicker than that on the outgoing model giving you exactly the right kind of feel about what is going on beneath you in addition to absorbing bumps. However, the rear dual emulsion shocks with 6-step preload adjustment felt a little firmer, which may have been a result of the new, contoured single-piece seat's relatively firm padding. Even though this seat is 5mm taller (805mm), the front end of the seat is sufficiently narrow to allow shorter riders to securely plant their feet.

Expect the wheel and tire sizes that are identical to those of the Classic model too, with the front measuring 100/90-19 and rear measuring 120/80-18. Improved handling and a more composed and enjoyable ride will result from this setup. The braking setup is hit-and-miss on the new Bullet - it is undeniably more tactile than the earlier Bullet's ever-so-wooden components. The stopping power is far better with a 20mm larger front rotor, and the lever also seems progressive. However, the lever feedback isn't the most interactive. The 270mm rear rotor does have a tendency to bite hard and this sets off the ABS far too much.

Old Style, New Appeal

Ultimately, design will always be a matter of opinion. However, it's vital to understand how significant the charm of Bullet's old-school design is for its target market, thus Royal Enfield has succeeded in maintaining the bike's straightforward yet endearing classic lines. The new Bullet 350 retains the retro appearance of the previous model while receiving styling upgrades akin to the new Classic 350. The single-piece seat, the absence of a cowl over the headlamp, and a redesigned tail lamp design are the sole variations from the Classic model.

Then, it also gets a Classic 350-derived semi-digital instrument panel which has an analogue speedometer, alert indicators, and an electronic insert that displays the fuel gauge and dual trip meter readings. On the right flank of the console, there is a prominent Royal Enfield emblem that may be swapped in favor of the Tripper Navigation pod for some extra bucks. The bike manufacturer has also updated the switchgear to what is found on all of its traditional cruiser models.

Related: 15 Great Entry Level Cruisers And Retro Bikes

Price And Availability

The new Bullet 350 urges you to take a break and appreciate the journey rather than merely reaching your destination in an age of decreasing attention spans and quick-paced travel. Depending on the model, Royal Enfield is offering the Bullet 350 in five different colors. Military Red and Military Black colors will be available for the base Military version. The Standard version, in the meantime, will be available in Standard Black and Standard Maroon. Last but not least, the Black Gold version lives up to its moniker by sporting a blacked-out paint job with gold pinstripes.

The much-awaited Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is now officially available in India for an initial price of ₹1.73 lakh. We assume a US price of a little upwards of $4,000 could make this an enticing affordable option for those who love themselves a raw, vintage charmer. As for availability, the Bullet should arrive in European markets by the end of this year, according to Royal Enfield, whose India plant has already begun production. This means an early 2024 American launch seems likely for the all-new Bullet 350.