Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Review: Timeless Thump Meets Modern Engineering at ₹1.73 Lakh
Royal Enfield’s icon returns, fusing 94 years of heritage with contemporary tech. The 2025 Bullet 350 debuts at ₹1.73 lakh (ex-showroom), packing a fuel-injected 349cc engine, modern suspension, and classic styling that dominates the ₹1.5-2L cruiser segment.
💥 Launch Essentials: Price & Variants
| Variant | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Black | ₹1,73,900 | Halogen lights, single seat |
| Military Red | ₹1,81,200 | Dual-channel ABS, pillion backrest |
| Chrome | ₹1,89,500 | Tripper navigation, hazard lights |
On-road Mumbai: ₹2.04 lakh (includes ₹15,300 insurance + ₹15,900 RTO)
⚙️ Engine & Performance: Thump Perfected
349cc J-Series Engine:
- Power: 20.2 bhp @ 6,100 rpm
- Torque: 27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
- Tech: Fuel injection + oil-cooling
- Mileage:
- ARAI: 41.88 kmpl
- Real-World: 35-38 kmpl (city) / 40 kmpl (highway)
Key Upgrades:
- 5-speed gearbox (smoother shifts)
- Reduced vibrations by 30% vs older models
- 0-60 kmph: 5.3 seconds
🎨 Design: 94 Years of Heritage
- Classic Elements:
- Teardrop fuel tank
- Spring-loaded solo seat (Black variant)
- Enfield script badge
- Modern Touches:
- LED taillight with classic casing
- Digital-analog combo instrument cluster
- Euro 5 compliant exhaust with deeper thump
(Image: Side-by-side comparison with 1950s Bullet)
⚡️ Ride & Handling: Urban King, Highway Cruiser
- Suspension:
- Telescopic forks (130mm travel)
- Twin gas-charged shock absorbers
- Brakes:
- 300mm front disc (ByBre calipers)
- Dual-channel ABS on Military/Chrome variants
- Ergonomics:
- 805mm seat height (accessible for 5’6″ riders)
- Upright riding posture (less fatigue on long rides)
💰 Ownership Costs: 5-Year Breakdown
| Expense | Annual | Total (5 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (8,000 km/yr) | ₹16,800 | ₹84,000 |
| Service | ₹3,500 | ₹17,500 |
| Insurance | ₹3,200 | ₹16,000 |
| Total | ₹23,500 | ₹1,17,500 |
Resale Value: 72% after 3 years (highest in segment)
⚖️ Comparison: Bullet 350 vs Rivals
| Feature | Bullet 350 | Jawa 42 | Honda CB350 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹1.73L | ₹1.91L | ₹2.11L |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 27.05 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Mileage | 41.88 kmpl | 37 kmpl | 45 kmpl |
| Service Network | 1,800+ centers | 350 centers | 600 centers |
⭐️ 5 Segment-Unique Strengths
- Timeless Resale Value: Depreciates slower than rivals
- Customization: 200+ RE Genuine Accessories (ex: vintage panniers)
- Ride Feel: Unmatched low-end torque (ideal for city traffic)
- Community: 500+ RE Rider Groups nationwide
- Warranty: 5-year package (₹7,999 extra)
⚠️ 3 Limitations to Consider
- Weight: 195kg – parking maneuvers require strength
- Tech: No Bluetooth connectivity (even on Chrome variant)
- Vibrations: Still noticeable post-80kmph
🧭 Target Buyer Profile
Perfect For:
- Heritage enthusiasts craving authentic thump
- City commuters needing traffic-dominating torque
- Tall riders (6ft+ comfort)
Not For:
- Speed seekers (top speed: 110kmph)
- Tech-focused riders
- Budget buyers under ₹1.5L
❓ Owner FAQs
Q: Service interval?
A: First at 500km, then every 6 months/5,000km
Q: Pillion comfort?
A: Military Red’s backrest recommended for long rides
Q: Highway stability?
A: Confident up to 90kmph; crosswinds affect post-100kmph
Q: Customization cost?
A: ₹15,000-₹50,000 for classic cafe racer look
🏁 Verdict: The Undisputed Heritage Champion
At ₹1.73 lakh, the Bullet 350 isn’t the fastest or most tech-rich – but it delivers unmatched road presence, bulletproof reliability, and 90+ years of legacy. While the Honda CB350 offers better refinement, no bike matches the Bullet’s cultural cachet. As AutoCar India notes: “This isn’t transportation – it’s heirloom engineering.”
Booking Tip: Opt for the Extended Warranty – RE’s J-series engines show minor oil leaks after 40,000km.
(Infographic: Heritage timeline from 1931 to 2025)
Sources: Royal Enfield Brochure, ARAI, Indian Motorcycle Forums.