Royal Enfield recently unveiled the Bullet 350, and we're in awe of this longest-running production motorcycle. It challenges the industry's conventions by not being the fastest, most high-tech, or nimble motorcycle, but it's perhaps the most back-to-basics motorcycle in production right now. Plus, it's got the style to wow anyone that looks upon it; expect a lot of "what year is it?" when riding this motorcycle.
The Bullet 350 may not seem like much on paper; it's got an underpowered engine, a basic chassis and suspension setup, and in terms of tech, it's got less electronics than a doorbell. Still, if you consider the bike for what it is, it's got many things going for it. Despite the criticisms, the Bullet 350 has chugged along for nine decades. It will probably chug along until an electric motor replaces the ICE. And while we may have a few complaints about it, we've got ten things we love about the Bullet 350.
10 Easy On Your Pocket
Royal Enfield hasn't brought the Bullet 350 to the States just yet, but it soon will, and considering the price tag of other J-Series Enfields, Hunter and Classic, it's not far-fetched to think of the Bullet having a price tag under $4,500. The Bullet has always sat under the Classic in terms of pricing, so if the latter goes for $4,599, the former should be even cheaper! Apart from the affordable price tag, the engine is also quite economical, the parts are cheap, and it's a relatively easy bike to maintain. This should be a perfect city bike for someone who doesn't want to spend so much on a bike!
9 The Sweet J-Series Engine
Having ridden multiple versions of Bullets, from a 1976 iron horse to a 2017 rust bucket, the engines always had one thing in common: vibration. The long-stroke thumper gave the bike a sweet character at low revs — it made the entire bike thump along with it — but anything over 3,500 rpm, and you're sitting on a massage chair on two wheels. Fortunately, the new J-Series engine fixes that. It's still a relaxed thumper, but thanks to counterbalancers, it doesn't vibrate as much and gives a smoother riding experience. And the engine will be sweet to ride, like it is on the Classic 350 — slap it into a higher gear, let it settle on low revs, and putter around in the city enjoying the soothing exhaust note and the unhurried ride. Just don't wring the throttle; it's still a Bullet that no longer "goes like a bullet."
Bullet 350 Specifications
| Engine Displacement | 349cc J-Series |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC, 4 stroke |
| Fuel Delivery | Electronic fuel injection |
| Chassis | Twin downtube cradle frame |
| Brakes | 300mm front and 270mm rear disc brakes with ABS |
8 Comfort And Approachability Of An Old Friend
Like the Hunter and Classic, the Royal Enfield Bullet will be a fantastic beginner motorcycle. It is expected to be predictable, approachable, and comfortable for novice riders. The engine is linear and easy to operate, the frame may not be the most agile, but it is expected to be stable and composed, and the suspension plush. Plus, the ergonomics seem natural and comfortable, making it easy for beginners to maneuver the bike at low speeds. It's a stylish way of learning how to ride!
7 The Bullet Is Finally Modern — Kinda
The Bullet 350, in its nine decades of production, has seen a few upgrades. A single version tends to run for a couple of decades, which means the previous iteration was not the most modern. The most 'tech-savvy' component on the outgoing model was the fuel injection and mandated ABS, but the newer Bullet 350 finally feels modern… Kind of, but who's complaining? It's got a digi-analog instrument cluster with an optional navigation unit, trip meters, a fuel gauge (the carburetor models didn't have one), a USB charger, hazard lights, and three trip meters. Yes, it doesn't sound like much, but for a back-to-basics retro motorcycle that can barely cross 60 mph, what more do you need?
6 A Long List Of Accessories
Royal Enfield allows you to make Bullet 350 truly yours with a ton of accessories — all for a cheap price, too! You can upgrade the mirrors, oil filler caps, and the headlight visor, and if you want more, you can slap on a touring windshield, panniers, a seat cover, a sump guard, and an engine guard. Since Royal Enfield Bullet is so prevalent in India and the UK, expect the aftermarket support to flourish as well, bringing aesthetic and performance upgrades — potentially endless. The Bullet 350 is an underrated blank slate of the motorcycle.
5 Improved Build Quality
We've ridden multiple Royal Enfield Bullets of the yesteryears, and their biggest problem was the build quality. They were rust buckets with leaky fuel tanks, sweaty engine gaskets, finicky switchgear, and electrical systems with a mind of their own. Fortunately, Royal Enfield has upped its game in the last few years, and the Bullet 350 is finally on par with its rivals in terms of fit and finish. Given its price tag, it may still face a few problems here and there, but it will no longer feel like a compromise.
4 Enough Colors To Suit Everyone
Most motorcycles come in one or two color options that hover between black and brand colors, but Royal Enfield has always given its bikes more color options than performance, and the same is true for the Bullet 350. Whether you are a fan of the basics or don't care about color, you can pick the base model with a colored tank and nothing else. On the other hand, if you like the fancy retro styling, pick the top-end variant with a dual-tone tank, 3D badging, golden pinstripes, and a blacked-out engine. And expect this bike to get special edition paint schemes in the future!
Color Options And Variants
| Top | Matte and gloss black, dual-tone tank with 3D badges, golden pinstripes, and blacked-out engine |
| Mid | Maroon or black with body-colored fenders, chrome engine, mirrors, and badges |
| Base | Military black or red single-tone tank with black fenders |
3 Authentic Retro Character And Style
Most retro motorcycles of 2023 are essentially street bikes in retro clothing, but the Bullet 350 is not — it's a through-and-through retro motorcycle. Thanks to its relaxed, under-stressed engine and classic styling, it should offer a character you'd usually find in older bikes. Sure, it may not be the fastest or the most nimble, but that's not what this bike is about. To ride a Bullet is to go back to the basics of motorcycling — puttering around low revs as the engine thumps under you. And mind you, hardly any bikes look as cool as this one — it's got massive fenders, shiny paint, pinstripes, and a shiny single engine. If performance is no concern, the Bullet 350 is the retro bike to get.
2 Hand-Painted Pinstripes
When you think of hand-painted pinstripes, a Rolls-Royce car comes to mind. But what if we told you a beginner retro motorcycle comes with hand-painted pinstripes, too? That's the Royal Enfield Bullet with pinstripes on the fuel tank, as seen in the video above. Since 1957, Royal Enfield has entrusted a few master artisans with painting the Madras stripes on the tanks. When you come across a Bullet, look closely at the pinstripe — it will have a few imperfections because they're hand-painted, and each pinstripe is unique. We'd pay $4,000 just for this, but we're getting an entire bike with it.
1 A Legacy Which Pre-Dates Most Motorcycle Manufacturers
The Royal Enfield Bullet has been in continuous production since 1932 — it has chugged along through nine decades despite many ups and downs. It began its life as a British military motorcycle, quickly finding its way into the Indian Army's radars. Given the massive order from the Indian Army, Royal Enfield opened a plant in India. While the British plant stopped producing bikes, the Indian plant kept producing Bullets for the military and civilians.
In Britain, it is a niche motorcycle with its roots in World War II, and in India, the motorcycle moniker has a cult following. It's the most recognizable bike in the country. It is still the go-to choice for military personnel and many touring enthusiasts, and you'll still find Bullets tackling the roughest terrains the Himalayas have to offer. As Royal Enfield puts it, the Bullet symbolizes strength, resilience, and fortitude.