Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Review

There are moments in a motorcycle journalist's life when you get off a test bike and are simply baffled. Not because of overwhelming performance or revolutionary technology, but due to a completely unexpected realization: I just rode a Royal Enfield Bullet 350 like a sportbike. As my hand still caresses the warm metal and the distinctive single-cylinder sound echoes in my ears, I seriously wonder: How on earth did this unassuming machine from India manage to surprise me so much?

What’s capable of tackling the Himalayas should surely handle our compact 1000PS Best Lap track in Bad Fischau. But let’s be honest: Classic motorcycles often feel like riding scrap metal on tight handling courses—spongy brakes and imprecise suspension. With the Royal Enfield, it was different.

The Bullet 350 is a hybrid that defies any categorical classification. Neither a purebred cruiser nor a classic naked bike—it’s a retro cruiser with a character of its own. The seating position feels relaxed, the upper body rests easily, and the knees find a comfortable angle. The feet are positioned more actively than on a traditional cruiser, yet more comfortably than on a naked bike.

The friendly emblem on the tank almost seems to smile at me, while the controls honestly reveal the price range we're dealing with. It’s hearty fare served here, not haute cuisine. The tank's paint job and the loving details bring genuine joy, and the engine, with its laid-back elements, exudes authentic coolness. However, the controls and the quality of the screws clearly reflect the more affordable price range.

Beneath the classic tank beats a 349cc single-cylinder engine that focuses on delivering usable torque in the lower rev range. It's not a sprinter, but a glider. After the initial laps on the Best Lap track, the engine settled in and revealed its true nature: Yes, it requires some acclimation. Yes, it doesn't rev sharply. But it has that certain something that strikes right at the heart.

The subtle vibrations are present, but they don’t irritate—they emphasize the character. The soundscape, the way it revs up, the entire character of this engine earns a genuine charisma bonus.

My biggest concern before the test ride was the handling. Classic motorcycles often prove to be a challenge on tight circuits—spongy brakes, imprecise suspension, limited lean angle. The Royal Enfield surprised me. Sure, the footpeg feelers touched down relatively quickly, as the limited lean angle is typical for this motorcycle category. But I quickly found my line and rhythm.

It turned into a relaxed glide. No sweat, low pulse, no adrenaline rush. The Bullet is definitely not an adrenaline machine, but it delivered a laid-back, respectable ride. The throttle response was good, and accelerating out of the corners was decent, albeit without any real snap.

The brakes have a somewhat indifferent brake feel compared to sportier motorcycles. This becomes a nuisance during sporty riding as it's difficult to precisely gauge the amount of braking force being applied. The braking power is adequate for everyday use, but I would have appreciated more feedback for precise corner braking on the test track.

The modern Bullet 350 comes equipped with dual-channel ABS, a USB port, and a new instrument cluster—features that bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. The newly designed seat provides ample space for good comfort.

Our 1000PS Best Lap track in Bad Fischau simulates realistic riding situations with its tight corners and short straights, akin to diverse Alpine roads. Unlike large racetracks, it's not about peak performance and top speed here, but rather handling, front-end confidence, throttle response, and controllable braking. After ten warm-up laps, each motorcycle gets a shot at the best lap time.

All test motorcycles are ridden with different tires at various temperatures, weighed when fully fueled, and subjected to fuel consumption measurements. The resulting database provides practical comparison values for motorcycles and tires. Onboard footage is captured with the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, data recording is done via the Ridelink Wingman, and everything is mounted using SP Connect motorcycle mounts. The recorded lap times can be found at the end of each Best Lap test video! Over 120 motorcycles and scooters have already been tested and timed!

• To the Ridelink Wingman
• Overview of SP Connect Motorcycle Mounts
• Onboard Recording: Insta360 Ace Pro 2
• NastyNils Apparel at Louis
• All 1000PS Best Lap Series Videos (You can find the recorded lap time at the end of the video. Sometimes, we release the videos a few weeks after the report is published!)
• Want to ride the track yourself? Book here!
• NastyNils on LinkedIn

The new 349cc single-cylinder engine of the Bullet 350 focuses on delivering ample torque at low revs, making it equally suitable for city and highway riding. The newly designed chassis enhances ride dynamics without diluting its classic character. Features include dual-channel ABS for modern safety, a practical USB port, and new handlebar controls with contemporary ergonomics. The engine produces 20 horsepower and delivers 27Nm of torque. The dry weight is 195kg.

Since 1932, the Bullet has shaped the motorcycle world, early on revolutionizing it with the introduction of the rear swingarm and gaining cult status through its military use by the Indian army. The current version preserves the soul of the original despite technical modernization and appeals to style-conscious riders with a penchant for tradition.