Let’s be honest—in India, “Bullet” isn’t just a bike; it’s an emotion. For decades, the dug-dug-dug sound has been the background score of our streets. But the old UCE engine is gone, and the 2026 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 now runs on the refined J-Series platform.
Has it lost its soul in search of refinement? I rode it for 500 km—through choked city traffic and open highways—to find out.
The Price Tag: It starts at approximately ₹1.63 Lakh (Ex-showroom, Military Red/Black) and goes up to ₹2.04 Lakh for the ‘Black Gold’ variant. It sits perfectly between the Hunter 350 and the Classic 350.

1. QUICK SPECS TABLE
| Parameter | Specification |
| Engine | 349cc, Single Cylinder, J-Series |
| Power | 20.2 BHP @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed Manual |
| Kerb Weight | 195 Kg (It’s heavy!) |
| Fuel Tank | 13 Litres |
| Seat Height | 805 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm |
2. EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE
The Bullet 350 still looks like it rolled out of a time machine from 1950, and that is its biggest strength.
- The Tank: The teardrop fuel tank with the iconic hand-painted Madras Stripes (on Standard & Top variants) is pure art. You don’t get stickers here; you get craftsmanship.
- Metal Everywhere: Unlike modern plastic bikes, the fenders and side boxes are solid metal. It feels like a tank.
- The Stance: It retains the upright, commanding “Raja” riding posture. When you stop at a signal, people still look.
- Changes: The tail lamp is new (integrated into the mudguard), and the pilot lights are tiger-eyed style, borrowed from the Classic.

3. COMFORT, ERGONOMICS & FEATURES
This is where the “New Gen” changes are visible.
- The Seat: The single-piece seat is wider and has better foam density than the older model. I spent 2 hours in the saddle without a break, and my back didn’t complain.
- Switchgear: It uses the rotary-style switches from the Classic/Meteor. They look premium but can be fiddly to use with gloves on initially.
- Instrument Cluster: It’s a mix of old and new. You get a classic analogue speedometer (which wobbles slightly, adding to the charm!) and a small digital LCD inset for the fuel gauge and odometer.
- Missing Features:
- No Gear Position Indicator (A big miss for beginners).
- No LED Headlight (It’s still Halogen, though the throw is decent).
- Alloy Wheels: Only available as accessories; standard comes with spokes (Tube Tyres).

4. ENGINE PERFORMANCE & RIDING DYNAMICS
The City Drive
The new J-Series engine is a gem. The clutch is feather-light compared to the old Bullet. You can crawl in 2nd or 3rd gear in traffic without the engine knocking. The low-end torque is fantastic—twist the throttle, and it pulls cleanly.
The Highway Cruise
The vibrations are gone. Yes, you read that right. Until 90 kmph, the mirrors stay clear.
- Sweet Spot: 80-90 kmph is where this bike sings.
- Top Speed: It struggles past 110 kmph, but this bike isn’t built for racing.
- Suspension: The telescopic front forks and twin-shock rear setup absorb Indian potholes easily. It doesn’t crash through bumps; it glides over them.
Does it still Thump?
The violent “dug-dug” is replaced by a refined, faster “purr”. Purists might miss the old noise, but for a daily rider, this new sound is less tiring.
5. SAFETY
Safety has been upgraded, but it’s still basic compared to modern rivals.
- Braking: You get a 300mm Disc at the front. The bite is progressive, not sharp.
- ABS:
- Base Variants: Single-Channel ABS (Rear Drum brake).
- Top Variant: Dual-Channel ABS (Rear Disc brake).
- Stability: The 195 kg weight works in your favor on highways; crosswinds don’t unsettle the bike easily.
6. REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)
Don’t believe the brochures blindly. Here is what our test cycle delivered:
- ARAI Claimed Mileage: ~37 kmpl
- Real World (City Traffic): 32 – 34 kmpl (Stop-go traffic reduces efficiency).
- Real World (Highway): 36 – 38 kmpl (Cruising at 80 kmph).
Tank Range: With a 13-litre tank, expect a realistic range of about 400-450 km on a full tank.
Read More : Harley-Davidson X440T
7. THE COMPETITION: Bullet 350 vs Rivals
We let the auto-detection analyze the segment. The biggest threats are the Honda CB350 and the Jawa 350.
| Feature | Royal Enfield Bullet 350 | Honda CB350 (H’ness) | Jawa 350 |
| Engine | 349cc, Air-Cooled | 348cc, Air-Cooled | 334cc, Liquid-Cooled |
| Power | 20.2 BHP | 20.8 BHP | 22.2 BHP (Highest) |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 30 Nm | 28.1 Nm |
| Weight | 195 Kg (Heaviest) | 181 Kg (Lightest) | 194 Kg |
| Tech | Basic Analogue | Bluetooth, Traction Control | Basic Analogue |
| Vibe | Authentic Classic | Modern Classic | Sporty Classic |
The Verdict on Rivals:
- Choose Honda CB350 if you want technology, a lighter clutch, and zero vibrations at high RPMs.
- Choose Jawa 350 if you want more power and a 6th gear for highways.
- Choose Bullet 350 if you want resale value, easy spare parts availability, and that “King of the Road” feel.
8. FINAL VERDICT: Should You Buy It?
Score: 8.5/10
The 2026 Bullet 350 is no longer a mechanic’s best friend—it’s reliable. It bridges the gap between the old-school charm and modern reliability perfectly. It isn’t the fastest or the most tech-loaded, but it has the most character.
Buy it if:
- You want a comfortable city commuter with excellent low-end torque.
- You love the retro aesthetic and metal build quality.
- You want high resale value and a service center in every corner of India.
Skip it if:
- You want to cruise consistently above 100 kmph.
- You need modern features like LED lights, Bluetooth, or a Gear Indicator.
- You find heavy bikes (195 kg) difficult to manage in parking lots.
9. FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q: What is the on-road price of the Bullet 350 in 2026?
A: Depending on your state taxes, the on-road price ranges between ₹1.85 Lakh to ₹2.35 Lakh.
Q: Is the Bullet 350 good for long rides?
A: Yes. The new seat is comfortable, and the engine is refined. However, stick to speeds of 80-90 kmph for the best experience.
Q: Does the new Bullet 350 have a kick-start?
A: No. The new J-Series Bullet 350 comes with an electric start only. The legendary kick-start is gone.
Q: Which variant is the best value for money?
A: The Standard Black/Maroon variant. You get the iconic hand-painted stripes, chrome finish, and the true Bullet look without overpaying for the ‘Black Gold’ aesthetics.










