The Hunter 350 has been the undisputed king of affordable Royal Enfields since its launch. But the upcoming Bullet 250cc is set to change the game by offering a lower price point and a brand-new engine platform.
Let’s compare these two to see where your money is best spent.
1. The Design: Classic Soul vs. Urban Cool
- Bullet 250cc (The Purist): This bike is for the nostalgic. It keeps the “Old School” charm alive with its tall stance, iconic teardrop tank, and heavy use of chrome. It’s built for those who want to feel like they’re riding a piece of history.
- Hunter 350 (The Rebel): The Hunter is short, compact, and punchy. It’s a “Roadster” designed for the city. With its 17-inch alloy wheels and modern colors, it looks like a contemporary bike that just happens to have a Royal Enfield badge.
2. Performance: High Torque vs. Hybrid Tech?
- Hunter 350 (Proven Power): It uses the famous 349cc J-Series engine. It’s smooth, reliable, and has that signature low-end grunt that makes city overtakes a breeze.
- Bullet 250cc (The Innovator): Rumors suggest a new 250cc platform (co-developed with CFMoto) that might even feature mild-hybrid technology. This means while it has less raw power than the Hunter, it will likely be much more fuel-efficient—perfect for the budget-conscious rider.
The Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Hunter 350 (Available Now) | Bullet 250cc (Expected 2026) |
| Engine | 349cc J-Series | 250cc New ‘V’ Platform |
| Price (Approx) | ₹1.38 Lakh – ₹1.75 Lakh | ₹1.05 Lakh – ₹1.30 Lakh |
| Mileage | 36 – 38 kmpl | 45 – 52 kmpl (Hybrid?) |
| Wheelbase | Short (Agile for City) | Standard (Stable for Cruising) |
| Weight | 177 kg (Lightest RE) | Expected to be even lighter |
3. Ride Quality & Handling
- Hunter 350: Because of its smaller wheels and lower center of gravity, the Hunter is the most “flickable” Royal Enfield. It handles like a dream in heavy traffic but can feel a bit stiff on really bad roads.
- Bullet 250cc: Expected to follow the classic Bullet suspension setup—softer and more “plush.” It’s designed to soak up bumps and offer a relaxed, upright riding position that won’t tire you out during a long commute.
4. The “Wallet” Factor
This is where the Bullet 250cc might win. If the expected price of ₹1.05 Lakh holds true, it will be the most affordable way to join the Royal Enfield family. It will also be cheaper to insure and likely cheaper to run (petrol-wise) than the Hunter 350.
The Final Verdict: Which One is for You?
Go for the Hunter 350 if…
You want a bike today. You love the modern-retro look, you live in a crowded city, and you want a proven engine that can also handle occasional highway trips. It’s the perfect “first big bike.”
Wait for the Bullet 250cc if…
You are on a strict budget but won’t settle for anything less than a Royal Enfield. If you care more about mileage than top-end speed and you prefer the “Classic Bullet” look over the modern roadster style, waiting for late 2026 might be worth it.
