2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350: The Bullet ricochets

Story: Jim Scaysbrook • Photos: UMI

Just like Triumph and Bonneville, or Ducati and Monster, Royal Enfield and Bullet just go together. Or at least they did until 2020, when the company’s most venerable model name, introduced in 250, 350 and 500 form in 1931, was quietly shelved. The much-loved 350 was just resting however, unlike the 500 Bullet that has breathed its last.

The new 2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 shares the J-series engine, a long-stroke 2-valve air/oil cooled single with chain-driven single overhead camshaft, with the Royal Enfield Meteor, Hunter and Classic models, which have been around for a couple of years, but the unit in the Bullet has come in for some factory fettling. To gain a broader spread of performance, the Bullet engine uses different ignition timing and fuel mapping, and in this form produces 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm with 27Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. It also just sips petrol, returning 2.63litres/100km on highway running. The five-speed gearbox has an overdrive top gear which makes motorway riding a lot more enjoyable and economical.

It’s no featherweight however, tipping the scales at 195kg with the 13 litre fuel tank full. But it is built to last, and to be able to handle just about any road condition – even India’s. The tubular steel twin-loop frame is all-new, developed by Royal Enfield’s subsidiary Harris Performance in the UK, although the Bullet does share the wheels, brakes and suspension with the new-generation Classic. Up front is a set of Gabriel forks with 41mm tubes offering 130mm of travel, with good old twin shocks at the stern, offering 102mm travel with six-way adjustment for load.

In the saddle, which is 805mm from the ground and very comfortable, everything seems to be where it should be, and background work on the engine mapping pays off with a very smooth spread of power, right up to the top speed of around 120km/h. Inside the engine is a gear-driven balance shaft which practically eliminates the vibrations associated with a single-cylinder engine, even at peak revs. Apart from the single digi/analogue speedo, there’s not much to distract you from the riding experience; no tacho, no fuel gauge, no engine modes to swap, although there is a USB port for charging gadgets. Bybre calipers (Brembo’s subsidiary company in India) look after braking front and rear – the former having a twin piston caliper and the latter a single-piston caliper. The brakes are entirely adequate for the package, especially once you remember to use them together.

My chance to sample the new Bullet was at the Australian launch in Melbourne, where our group of six trundled around, swept along in the city’s interminable traffic. There was a short stretch of road through a parkland where one could engage in a bit of snappy cornering, and this was fun. Some criticise the standard CEAT tyres, but I found no complaint with them.

Around town you’ll have little use for that tall top gear, but the engine enjoys fourth gear in traffic, or when you haven’t had the opportunity to crank it up prior to a hill. Because of the long stroke and comparatively heavy flywheel, gear changing, especially from first to second, while smooth, needs to be done with a degree of patience, as the revs need to reduce before the clutch is released to avoid a bit of a lurch. Once you get the hang of it, no problem.

Royal Enfields have gained a reputation for quality finish, and the new Bullet continues that tradition, right down to the hand-painted gold tank striping, and the model comes in a choice of three colours. Out of the box, it displays excellent manners, and is exceptional value for money. Naturally, there’s a whole catalogue of accessories and optional extras available, including Royal Enfield’s Tripper TBT/Turn-by-turn navigation device, several seats of different shapes and heights, handlebars and so on. If you want to look the part as well, there are Royal Enfield helmets and clothing in various styles and colours.

There’s little doubt that the new Bullet 350 will be lustily welcomed back into the fold – RE expects to sell around 15,000 per month just on the home market. In India, the Bullet enjoys iconic status and its own slogan amongst the innumerable devotees; Bullet Meri Jaan (This Bullet is my life). And while the degree of fervour may not be quite as clamorous in these parts, the Bullet has a history second to none and a reputation that can only be enhanced with the latest incarnation.

Specifications: 2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350

Engine: Single cylinder OHC air/oil cooled.
Capacity: 349cc
Fuel supply: EFI
Max power: 20.2bhp @ 6,100 rpm
Max torque: 27Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Ignition: Digital electronic
Gearbox: 5-speed
Frame: Tubular steel twin cradle
Tyres: Front: 100/90 x 19 tube type Rear: 120/80 x 18 tube type
Wheelbase: 1390mm
Weight: 195kg wet
Fuel capacity: 13 litres
Seat height: 805mm
Brakes: Front: 300mm single disc twin-piston Bybre floating caliper ABS
Rear: 270mm disc single-piston Bybre floating caliper. ABS
Colours/prices: Standard Black $7,890 ride away
Standard Maroon $7,890 ride away
Black/Gold $8,050 ride away