If ever there was a motorcycle that has stood the test of time, it is the legendary Royal Enfield Bullet. The bike was first unveiled in 1932 and since then has been in continuous production winning the hearts of many motorcycle lovers. It was radically updated in 1948 and its 2010 reinvention, with Royal Enfield’s seminal UCE engine, ensured it continued to be aspirational, as both a motorcycling and a cultural icon. And now in its long journey, this motorcycle has hit another important milestone, with the arrival of new 2023 Bullet 350.
The 2023 Bullet 350 is released in three distinct editions, all handcrafted with a premium finish. The Bullet Military Red and Military Black are equipped with single channel ABS, rear drum brake and finished with single solid-coloured tanks and classy decals. The Bullet Standard in Black or Maroon are fitted with dual channel ABS and rear discs, and are finished with elegant hand-pinstriped body-coloured tanks and components as well as chrome and gold badges. The Bullet Black Gold is finished with a striking combination of matt and gloss black tank, copper and gold 3D badge, copper pinstriping and on-trend, blacked-out engine and components, and comes with dual channel ABS and rear disc brakes.
All three editions are built with a 13-litre, teardrop tank and the traditional Royal Enfield casquette that houses a new headlamp along with the signature ‘tiger eyes’ – pilot lights – a feature seen on Royal Enfield motorcycles since 1954. More contemporary touches include the new digi-analog instrument cluster that houses an LCD information panel and a USB charging point mounted below the handlebar that is standard across variants. The bike also gets 37 genuine accessories, including nine designed and developed specifically for the Bullet. These include comfortable touring and low-rise seats and touring handlebars.
The 2023 Bullet 350 is powered by the same 349cc air-oil cooled single cylinder engine that also powers the Meteor, Classic and Hunter. Fuel-injected, it produces 20.2 bhp at 6100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm which according to the brand, results in strong, low-end grunt, super smooth linear power delivery and a ride that’s both refined and invigorating. A primary balancer promises to shaft cuts down vibrations while 5-speed gearbox has been optimised too to ensure better shifts, Royal Enfield says.
The chassis is designed for predictable handling and manoeuvrability and it is more rigid than on previous Bullets. You get large diameter 41mm front forks and wider section tyres, a 100/90 -19 at the front and 120/80 -18 at the rear as compared to past Bullet versions. The motorcycle has a new take on the single bench seat, and that, combined with the suspension ensures a more comfortable and plush ride. Mudguards are also redesigned and help in better proportion, stance and aesthetic balance of the motorcycle along with evolved styling. The bike has a 300 mm disc brake fitted at the front and with 270mm disc or drum brake options at the rear.
Prices for the new Bullet 350 start at Rs. 1.73 lakh for the Military Black and Red, Rs. 1.97 lakh for the Standard, and Rs. 2.15 lakh for the Bullet Black Gold, all prices ex-showroom. The bike will be available in Europe by the next quarter and will be launched across SARRC, APAC and Americas in a phased manner.
The author is a Senior Editor at carandbike.com.