91 is a big number. $91? That’s almost a week’s grocery. 91 MPG? That’s a solid fuel efficiency. 91mph? That’s high enough to get you a speeding ticket. And 91 years? That’s an age most people don’t even live to see on their birthday cakes. But why are we going gaga over this number? Well, because it’s how long the Royal Enfield Bullet has been in the market, making it THE oldest motorcycle in continuous production. That’s an applaud-worthy achievement right there and the Indian bikemaker has made the retro cruiser better than ever to mark the occasion. Here’s what all the new Bullet 350 now boasts.
The New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Oozes Old-School Charisma
The retro aesthetic has been the Bullet moniker’s USP for decades, and the new generation takes the torch forward. It’s instantly recognizable, thanks to the carry-forward elements such as the curvy fuel tank, long fenders, and chunky fork covers. Yet, the design is more premium now, as RE has thrown in new lights all around (pilot lamps, headlight, turn signals, and tail lamp). No, these aren’t LEDs, and we support the move since that would ruin the old-school aesthetic.
Also new is the set of color options. In typical RE fashion, you can get the Bullet in several finishes, namely Military Red, Military Black, Maroon, Black, and Black Gold. These are spread across three variants - top, mid, base. Here are the aesthetic differences between them -
| Variant | Styling Elements |
| Top | Matte and gloss black duel tone tank, 3D badges, golden pinstripes, blacked-out engine |
| Mid | Body-colored fenders, chrome engine, chrome mirrors, chrome badges |
| Base | Single-tone tank, black fenders, no pinstripes or 3D badges |
The New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Has An Updated Cockpit
Once you swing a leg over, the Bullet 350 continues to feel fresh. Credit here goes to the new instrument cluster with an analog dial for the speed and an LCD for the rest of the readouts. Quick side note, the latter is a first for the Bullet in its 91-year-long life. The instrumentation is a direct borrow from the Classic 350, which is why we already know it has a service reminder, fuel gauge, three trip meters (1,2, F), and an ‘Eco’ light. Likewise, you now get RE’s staple rotary switchgear, a USB charger, and hazard lights. Dual-channel ABS is also present, although only on the top and mid variants (the base has a single-channel setup).
What remains identical to before is the riding triangle. You still get a single-piece saddle, complete with mid-mounted footrests and an upright handlebar. RE does claim the seat is wider and longer than before, but we’ll wait for the first ride to make any solid comments.
The New Bullet 350 Boasts Royal Enfield’s J-Series Engine
This is perhaps the biggest update here. The Bullet bids adieu to its previous engine and welcomes the 349cc, single-cylinder J-series mill found on the Classic, Hunter, and Meteor 350. It produces 20.2 horsepower (at 6,100 RPM) and 19.9 pound-feet (at 4,000 RPM), all sent to the wheel via a five-speed gearbox. We experienced the engine on the Hunter 350 recently, and we’re happy to report it was a delectable experience. So you can expect the Bullet to feel better than ever as soon as you twist the wrist. Just don’t daydream about freeway touring.
The engine is nestled inside an updated double-cradle chassis, identical to the Classic 350. It suspends on 41 mm telescopic forks and dual shock absorbers, attached to 19/18-inch spoke wheels that wear 100/120-section rubber (F/R). The wheels and forks are both a size up from the outgoing bike’s 90/110-section rubber and 37 mm units, respectively. Likewise, the front disc brake has grown to 300 mm (from 280 mm) for extra stopping power. All of it together should mean better stability, safety, and fun for you on the go.
The New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Will Debut In America Soon
We know the updates make you excited about the retro bike, so you’ll be happy to know the wait won’t be too long. Royal Enfield has already started production in its India plant and suggests the cruiser will reach European markets by November/December 2023. America will follow soon after, with the Bullet being a 2024 model here.
What about the price, you ask? Well, as is the case in India, the Bullet will slot right between the $4,599 Classic and $3,999 Hunter. That means a near-$4,200 starting MSRP, which should make it unmatched value in the market. So would you consider the new Bullet? Tell us in the comments!