The present Bullet 350 sits on Royal Enfield’s J‑platform and runs a 349cc single with a 5‑speed gearbox, delivering a torquey, tractable character suited to relaxed, old‑school riding. Ex‑showroom prices typically span roughly ₹1.60–2.02 lakh across variants in India, positioning it as the most affordable gateway into the brand’s heritage lineup.
Retro design
A timeless silhouette with long mudguards, bench seat, and upright stance preserves the Bullet’s aesthetic lineage while subtle tweaks improve overall proportion and stance for a more balanced look. The semi‑digital cluster with an analogue speedometer and a small LCD, along with an integrated USB charging port, adds discreet modern functionality without disturbing the vintage vibe.
Engine and platform
The air‑oil‑cooled SOHC single makes around 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm, tuned for low‑end torque and smooth delivery over outright performance, which suits the Bullet’s laid‑back brief. The 5‑speed transmission, fuel injection, and BS6.2 compliance bring the mechanicals up to contemporary standards while retaining the thump‑focused riding feel.
Mileage reality
ARAI mileage for the Bullet 350 is listed at 37 km/l, and owners generally report real‑world figures between 30 and 40 km/l depending on traffic, terrain, and riding style. With a 13 L tank, the theoretical range works out to roughly ≈468 km on the ARAI figure, though actual distance per tank varies with load and pace.
Features and hardware
A semi‑digital instrumentation setup, USB charging, and dual‑channel ABS on higher variants offer a sensible mix of essentials for touring and daily use, with base variants featuring single‑channel ABS and rear drum brakes. Tyre sizes have been updated versus older generations to a 100/90‑19 front and 120/80‑18 rear, improving grip and stability within the classic chassis format.
Variants and pricing updates
The lineup includes multiple trims, with equipment and brake configurations stepping up as prices rise; ex‑showroom pricing bands around ₹1.60–2.02 lakh capture those tiered choices. In 2025, Royal Enfield discontinued the Military Silver colour variants and implemented a modest price hike in mid‑June, reflecting periodic portfolio refreshes.
Ergonomics and practicality
A kerb weight of about 195 kg, 805 mm seat height, and the long wheelbase contribute to a planted highway feel and calm city manners, prioritizing stability over flickability. The updated bench seat and suspension tuning on the J‑platform aim for better comfort on mixed Indian roads while preserving the relaxed Bullet posture.
Performance character
Peak outputs of roughly 20.2 bhp and
27 Nm translate to unhurried acceleration and a cruising‑friendly midrange rather than high‑rev antics, which aligns with the model’s touring‑leaning ethos. Typical tested top speeds in community and media circles hover near the 110–120 km/h mark, adequate for national highways but clearly biased to steady 80–90 km/h cruising.
Rivals and positioning
Direct competitors include the Honda CB350 and Jawa family, where the CB350’s efficiency can stretch higher on paper, but the Bullet counters with heritage appeal and the distinctive RE thump. Against alternatives like the Hunter 350 and Meteor 350 in‑house, the Bullet remains the most traditional choice, emphasizing retro purity over urban agility or cruiser plushness.
Should this be the commuter pick?
If frugality is the absolute priority, compact commuters still return significantly higher mileage than the Bullet’s typical 35–37 km/l, but few match its torque‑rich feel and road presence at this price. For buyers seeking an everyday classic that can comfortably tour on weekends without chasing performance numbers, the Bullet 350 hits a sweet spot of character and usability.
Verdict
Royal Enfield’s Bullet 350 retains the time‑tested retro charm while the J‑series underpinnings modernize reliability, ergonomics, and everyday convenience in meaningful ways. Expect realistic economy near the ARAI 37 km/l mark with a usable tank range around ≈468 km, rather than sensational claims like 78 km/l, making it an honest, characterful single for Indian roads.
