Royal Enfield Bullet 350 2024 Launch Review

As the current global leader in the mid-size (250-750cc) motorcycle segment, Royal Enfield knows how to build a dependable motorcycle. While its range of approachable bikes continues to evolve, the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is a true custodian of Royal Enfield’s ‘pure motorcycling’ mantra.

First appearing in England in 1932, the Bullet is now the longest-running motorcycle in continuous production in the world. In the 1950s the Bullet 350 was chosen by the Indian armed forces to patrol the country’s borderline thanks to its versatility and off-road competency. This led to production being established in Madras at the end of 1955, and the Bullet becoming the king of India’s roads.

An enduring tradition throughout the Bullet’s history is the distinctive ‘Madras pinstripe’, which Mr Krishna Kumar hand painted on the fuel tank of every Bullet for 35 years. Fortunately his nephews, Jaya and Kishore Kumar, have continued the tradition, blending the precise shade of gold by hand in the factory every morning.

Minimally extravagant, the faithful Bullet has already stood the test of time, humbly improving through the years, and the 2023 Bullet 350 brings a touch of modernity to its subtle evolution.

The Standard Black and Standard Maroon examples of the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 will set you back $7890 ride away, while the Black Gold variant, which gets a matt/gloss combination tank with a copper/gold 3D badge and blacked-out components costs $8050 ride away. While affordable, there are similar motorcycles that are competitively priced. One example, the Honda GB350, offers slightly better performance and comes in at $6990 plus on-road costs.

The history, sturdiness and majestic styling of the Bullet 350 go a long way to justify the price tag.

The 2023 Bullet 350 utilises the J series engine platform, which has asserted its status as a trustworthy powerplant for the Royal Enfield Meteor, Classic, and Hunter. The air-cooled 349cc single-cylinder engine gives off a distinctive thump that is reminiscent of the old-school British OHV singles.

Fuel injection refines the power delivery while a primary balancer shaft helps minimise engine vibration. The optimised five-speed gearbox assists with the smooth delivery of the claimed max power of 20.2hp, which peaks at 6100rpm, and the maximum claimed torque of 27Nm at 4000rpm.

Tipping the scales at 195kg dry, the Bullet 350 isn’t falling for any crash diet trends, but it sure projects a meaningful presence with its all-steel construction and distinctive teardrop fuel tank.

The chassis has been upgraded for 2023 with a twin downtube cradle, providing more rigidity than previous Bullets, and the new 41mm forks have gained some extra girth while still offering 130mm travel. Wider-section tyres (100/90-19 at the front and 120/80-18 at the rear) help make the Bullet 350 feel planted, and the spoked wheels are versatile and aesthetically original. Mudguards and the single bench seat have been redesigned, subtly enhancing the proportions of the Bullet 350.

Bringing a modern touch to the classically styled Bullet 350 is the new digi-analogue instrument cluster, housing an LCD information panel, with a USB charging point mounted below the handlebar. Dual-channel ABS rounds off the braking package, which comprises a 300mm front disc with Bybre caliper and rear 270mm disc.

After admiring its regal stance, I perch myself atop the Bullet 350 for the first time, and the thing that strikes me the most is how much it looks and feels like an original vintage bike that has been meticulously cared for or restored.

The all-steel construction feels rock solid, and my view from the cockpit consists of the elegantly crafted fuel tank that has been pinstriped by hand, as well as the ‘casquette’-style headlight housing with the signature ‘tiger eyes’ pilot lights that have been featured on Royal Enfield motorcycles since 1954.

A small, round Royal Enfield Bullet 350 insignia is nestled amongst the dash next to the small LCD display. The upper fork legs, rotary switch cubes and mirrors on the handlebars add simple, classic appeal, while the gorgeously styled signature bench seat provides exceptional comfort.

Rolling off into the hustle and bustle of inner-city Melbourne, the afternoon rush ensures plenty of stopping and starting. Though frustrating, it's a good opportunity to test the Bullet’s low-speed agility, and I am blown away by how well-balanced and nimble it is, and how the upright riding position feels nice and spacious.

Some glimpses of freedom allow me to push the Bullet through faster sweeping corners and I am equally impressed with how planted and stable it feels. Clutching and shifting through gears is effortless, and there is plenty of low-range torque on offer as the J series powerplant delights my ears with its signature thump.

The brakes are adequate, pulling the hefty little Bullet 350 up without issue in a timely manner, and the ABS is very capable in emergency braking situations. All controls are user-friendly, and the classically shaped mirrors provide decent visibility.

Striking a neat balance between chrome and glossy metal, the Standard Black and Standard Maroon variants are classic to the bone. Slightly pricier and more contemporary, the Black Gold option is mostly matt black and enjoys a stunning matt/gloss combination tank with a copper and gold 3D badge, copper pin striping, and a plethora of blacked-out features such as the engine, upper forks, and exhaust.

There are around 37 accessories available and nine that are specifically tailored to the Bullet 350, including a black or silver airfly engine guard, sump guard, aerovisor, low ride dual seat, touring dual seat, commuter pannier, deluxe footpegs, and black touring mirrors.

The 2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 has all the appeal of a vintage motorcycle yet with the reassurance of modern manufacturing processes and the backing of a three-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance.

If it’s a mid-size motorcycle you’re seeking there is a plethora of options, including four 350cc motorbikes in the Royal Enfield range alone. While each has its own unique appeal, there is no denying the Bullet’s regal charm. Hats off to Royal Enfield for successfully retaining the essence of the iconic Bullet after a whopping 91 years.

ENGINE
Type: Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder
Capacity: 349cc
Bore x stroke: 72mm x 85.8mm
Compression ratio: 9:5:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection
Lubrication: Wet sump, forced lubrication

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 20.2hp (14.87KW) at 6100rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 27Nm at 4000rpm
Claimed fuel range: 450km

TRANSMISSION
Type: 5-speed, constant mesh
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-plate

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Twin downtube spine frame
Front suspension: 41mm telescopic fork, 130mm travel, non-adjustable
Rear suspension: Twin tube emulsion shock absorbers with six-step adjustable preload
Front brakes: 300mm disc with twin-piston floating caliper
Rear brakes: 270mm disc with single-piston floating caliper
ABS: Dual channel
Wheel type: Spokes
Tyres: 100/90-19 front, 120/80-18 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Ground clearance: 170mm
Weight: 195kg (wet)
Seat height: 805mm
Wheelbase: 1390mm
Width: 785mm (without mirrors)
Height: 1125mm (without mirrors)
Length: 2110mm
Fuel capacity: 13L

OTHER STUFF
Price: Standard – $7890 ride away; Black Gold – $8050 ride away
Colours: Standard Black, Standard Maroon, Black Gold
Warranty: Three years/unlimited kilometres plus roadside assistance