2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Review: Peak Retro?
There is currently an abundance of options when it comes to retro bikes, but there is one that stands out as the ultimate choice. The Royal Enfield Bullet has been in production for almost a century in various forms. The original version, manufactured by Royal Enfield in the UK, first hit the roads in 1931. Surprisingly, even in 2024, you can still purchase a Bullet that looks remarkably similar to its predecessors. It doesn’t get much more retro than that, does it?
Furthermore, acquiring one of these bikes won’t break the bank. However, it’s important to note that the Bullet is not a high-powered machine, so don’t expect to reach your destination quickly.
The version we had the opportunity to test is completely new, and we took it for a ride on different types of roads in the UK.
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Bullet 350 pricing and availability
The Bullet 350 is available now in three different colours – Black Gold (as tested), Black or Maroon. The latter two are both priced at £4,629, while Black Gold is charged at a small premium, giving a total price of £4,709.
You can grab the keys on a PCP from Royal Enfield for a deposit of £525.75 followed by 48 monthly payments of £69.99 at 9.9 per cent APR, with an optional final payment of £1,990.
Bullet 350 engine, frame, and technology
The Bullet 350 is currently offered in three distinct color options – Black Gold (as tested), Black, or Maroon. The Black and Maroon variants are priced at £4,629 each, whereas the Black Gold comes with a slight premium, resulting in a total price of £4,709.
To acquire the keys to this motorcycle through Royal Enfield, you can opt for a PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) plan. This requires a deposit of £525.75, followed by 48 monthly payments of £69.99 at an APR (Annual Percentage Rate) of 9.9 percent. Additionally, there is an optional final payment of £1,990.
You may like it : Royal Enfield’s Classic Lineup Reigns Under 2 Lakhs in 2024
The new twin downtube steel cradle frame houses both the engine and transmission, a departure from the previous design. Unlike the standard practice of using upside-down forks, Royal Enfield has opted for a non-adjustable right-way up fork, providing 130mm of travel. At the rear, the twin shocks offer six levels of preload adjustment.
To ensure controlled deceleration, a single 300mm disc at the front is squeezed by a twin-piston calliper, while a single-pot calliper operates on a 270mm rear disc. As per legal requirements, the Bullet is equipped with ABS, featuring a simple twin-channel setup. The Bullet rides on large diameter but narrow wire wheels, with a 100/90-19 front tire and a 120/80-18 rear tire. The Ceat Zoom tires are inflated using inner tubes.
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What’s it like to ride?
Before swinging a leg over the Bullet 350, one might find themselves pausing for a moment or two to appreciate its beauty. It is truly remarkable that a brand new bike under £5000 can be so impeccably finished. The intricately designed Royal Enfield badges on the tank, along with the hand-painted gold stripes on this Black Gold version, add a touch of elegance. The bike is adorned with brightwork, further enhancing its appeal.
Once the admiration is over, you can settle into a comfortable seat with a reasonable height of 800mm. The classic forward leg position, supported by substantial pegs, adds to the overall riding experience. However, retracting the side stand can be a bit cumbersome due to its interference with the left peg – a common annoyance with Royal Enfield models.
Typically, Royal Enfield bikes are known for their lackluster suspension and brakes. However, this is not the case with the Bullet 350. The company seems to have made improvements in chassis tuning for their recent models, including the Shotgun 650 and this Bullet. While the damping is still on the softer side, there is a noticeable improvement in control during compression and rebound. The bike doesn’t simply bounce around when encountering rough terrain.
The brakes on the Bullet 350 also defy expectations. Unlike the usual spongy feel found in Royal Enfield models, these brakes engage nicely even with lighter pressure on the lever. However, when it comes to sudden deceleration, the brakes could benefit from a bit more stopping power.
It’s important to note that the Bullet 350 is not designed for rapid acceleration or high speeds. It comfortably maintains a speed of 60mph, but reaching 70mph requires a wide open throttle and a favorable downhill slope. Overtaking on single-carriageway roads may require some planning and patience.
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The acceleration and top-end speed of the vehicle are both slow. However, the torque is significantly higher than that of a 125, making the engine reasonably versatile. Despite the lack of power, the engine produces a strong exhaust note.
Additionally, the gearbox shifts smoothly. On the other hand, the bike feels agile in corners due to its thin tires, which make it easy to maneuver. Although thinner tires may compromise stability, it is not a concern for this type of bike that is not intended for aggressive cornering.
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Should you buy a Royal Enfield Bullet 350?
If you have a fondness for classic motorcycles but don’t want the hassle of maintaining one, the Bullet 350 is a highly attractive choice.
It effortlessly captures the essence of old-school bike riding in terms of appearance and the overall riding experience, all while providing the peace of mind of a comprehensive warranty and reliable performance.
#Royal #Enfield #Bullet #Review #Peak #Retro
2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Review: Peak Retro?
There is currently an abundance of options when it comes to retro bikes, but there is one that stands out as the ultimate choice. The Royal Enfield Bullet has been in production for almost a century in various forms. The original version, manufactured by Royal Enfield in the UK, first hit the roads in 1931. Surprisingly, even in 2024, you can still purchase a Bullet that looks remarkably similar to its predecessors. It doesn’t get much more retro than that, does it?
Furthermore, acquiring one of these bikes won’t break the bank. However, it’s important to note that the Bullet is not a high-powered machine, so don’t expect to reach your destination quickly.
The version we had the opportunity to test is completely new, and we took it for a ride on different types of roads in the UK.
You may like it : Ather Rizta Bookings Open, Unveiling On 6th April
Bullet 350 pricing and availability
The Bullet 350 is available now in three different colours – Black Gold (as tested), Black or Maroon. The latter two are both priced at £4,629, while Black Gold is charged at a small premium, giving a total price of £4,709.
You can grab the keys on a PCP from Royal Enfield for a deposit of £525.75 followed by 48 monthly payments of £69.99 at 9.9 per cent APR, with an optional final payment of £1,990.
Bullet 350 engine, frame, and technology
The Bullet 350 is currently offered in three distinct color options – Black Gold (as tested), Black, or Maroon. The Black and Maroon variants are priced at £4,629 each, whereas the Black Gold comes with a slight premium, resulting in a total price of £4,709.
To acquire the keys to this motorcycle through Royal Enfield, you can opt for a PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) plan. This requires a deposit of £525.75, followed by 48 monthly payments of £69.99 at an APR (Annual Percentage Rate) of 9.9 percent. Additionally, there is an optional final payment of £1,990.
You may like it : Royal Enfield’s Classic Lineup Reigns Under 2 Lakhs in 2024
The new twin downtube steel cradle frame houses both the engine and transmission, a departure from the previous design. Unlike the standard practice of using upside-down forks, Royal Enfield has opted for a non-adjustable right-way up fork, providing 130mm of travel. At the rear, the twin shocks offer six levels of preload adjustment.
To ensure controlled deceleration, a single 300mm disc at the front is squeezed by a twin-piston calliper, while a single-pot calliper operates on a 270mm rear disc. As per legal requirements, the Bullet is equipped with ABS, featuring a simple twin-channel setup. The Bullet rides on large diameter but narrow wire wheels, with a 100/90-19 front tire and a 120/80-18 rear tire. The Ceat Zoom tires are inflated using inner tubes.
You may like it : 2024 Aprilia RSV4 India Price Leaked
What’s it like to ride?
Before swinging a leg over the Bullet 350, one might find themselves pausing for a moment or two to appreciate its beauty. It is truly remarkable that a brand new bike under £5000 can be so impeccably finished. The intricately designed Royal Enfield badges on the tank, along with the hand-painted gold stripes on this Black Gold version, add a touch of elegance. The bike is adorned with brightwork, further enhancing its appeal.
Once the admiration is over, you can settle into a comfortable seat with a reasonable height of 800mm. The classic forward leg position, supported by substantial pegs, adds to the overall riding experience. However, retracting the side stand can be a bit cumbersome due to its interference with the left peg – a common annoyance with Royal Enfield models.
Typically, Royal Enfield bikes are known for their lackluster suspension and brakes. However, this is not the case with the Bullet 350. The company seems to have made improvements in chassis tuning for their recent models, including the Shotgun 650 and this Bullet. While the damping is still on the softer side, there is a noticeable improvement in control during compression and rebound. The bike doesn’t simply bounce around when encountering rough terrain.
The brakes on the Bullet 350 also defy expectations. Unlike the usual spongy feel found in Royal Enfield models, these brakes engage nicely even with lighter pressure on the lever. However, when it comes to sudden deceleration, the brakes could benefit from a bit more stopping power.
It’s important to note that the Bullet 350 is not designed for rapid acceleration or high speeds. It comfortably maintains a speed of 60mph, but reaching 70mph requires a wide open throttle and a favorable downhill slope. Overtaking on single-carriageway roads may require some planning and patience.
You may like it : Best Bike in India
The acceleration and top-end speed of the vehicle are both slow. However, the torque is significantly higher than that of a 125, making the engine reasonably versatile. Despite the lack of power, the engine produces a strong exhaust note.
Additionally, the gearbox shifts smoothly. On the other hand, the bike feels agile in corners due to its thin tires, which make it easy to maneuver. Although thinner tires may compromise stability, it is not a concern for this type of bike that is not intended for aggressive cornering.
You may like it : Vida Advantage Package Worth Rs. 27K Offered For Free
Should you buy a Royal Enfield Bullet 350?
If you have a fondness for classic motorcycles but don’t want the hassle of maintaining one, the Bullet 350 is a highly attractive choice.
It effortlessly captures the essence of old-school bike riding in terms of appearance and the overall riding experience, all while providing the peace of mind of a comprehensive warranty and reliable performance.
#Royal #Enfield #Bullet #Review #Peak #Retro