When you stand at the edge of Bomerano, the mountains spill down into the Amalfi Coast in a tangle of winding asphalt and postcard views. It’s the kind of place that humbles even the most confident rider. This little Italian village, perched high above the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea, has a way of exposing both rider and machine. It’s not a racetrack. It’s not an endless straight. It’s a living road, tight, unpredictable, breathtaking in every sense.
That’s where I met the 2025 Royal Enfield Bullet 350.
And no, I didn’t expect much.
When I hear “classic single-cylinder retro” I usually think: lovely to look at, maybe good for a gentle Sunday coffee run, but on serious roads? A handful. Yet there I was, strapping on my helmet, the Amalfi air smelling of lemon groves and sea spray, wondering if this humble Indian-built thumper could handle the same spirit it’s shown in the Himalayas. If a bike can haul you through Ladakh’s cold, thin air and still smile about it, surely it could find its rhythm on Bomerano’s cliff-hugging turns. The real question was, could it do it without becoming a chore?
First Impressions , Retro by Heart, Modern Where it Matters
The Bullet 350 looks exactly like what it is, a direct descendant of a machine with almost a century of history. From the moment you walk up to it, you see those timeless lines: teardrop tank, upright bars, metal fenders, chrome touches that catch the sun just enough to make you pause.
But there’s more here than just nostalgia. The paint finish is neat, the tank badge feels like it belongs on a machine built to last, and the switchgear, while clearly cost-conscious, has been updated to a friendlier, more ergonomic layout. There’s even a discreet USB port tucked away, because even retro riders sometimes need Google Maps.
Swinging a leg over, I noticed how natural the seating felt. Upright posture, knees comfortably bent, feet a touch forward but still in control. It’s a small thing, but it matters. This bike doesn’t want you to “fit” it; it fits you.
The Engine , A Slow Beat that Grows on You
Underneath that classic tank beats the heart of the new J-series 349 cc single-cylinder engine. On paper, it’s modest: 20.2 horsepower at 6,100 rpm, 27 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. In a spec sheet comparison war, it wouldn’t make the opening cut. But numbers never tell the full story, especially with a Bullet.
Starting it in the cool Bomerano morning, the single settles into a slow, steady thump. Not the rattling shake of old Bullets, but a more refined, confident beat. At low speeds, the torque feels generous enough to flow through traffic without fuss. Up the mountain roads, I quickly learned that this wasn’t a rev-happy engine begging to be thrashed. It’s a glider. It prefers you shift early, ride the torque, and let it settle into its own calm rhythm.
And once you surrender to that rhythm, it’s strangely addictive. The vibrations are present but measured, enough to remind you this is mechanical, alive, but never so harsh that you want to back off.
Technical Specifications
The specifications listed are officially published by the Royal Enfield’s official website. We ensure accuracy by relying on the latest manufacturer data.
| Specification | Royal Enfield Bullet 350 (2025) |
| Engine Type | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke |
| Displacement | 349 cc |
| Power | 20.2 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Length | 2,110 mm |
| Width | 785 mm |
| Height | 1,225 mm |
| Weight (kerb) | 195 kg |
| Brakes | Disc front & rear, dual-channel ABS |
| Seat Height | 805 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13 litres |
| Special Features | USB port, updated switchgear, redesigned chassis |
Handling , A Pleasant Surprise on Italian Asphalt
Here’s where I was expecting trouble. Classic-style bikes often show their age on twisty, uneven roads, soft suspension, vague steering, and brakes that feel more like “requests” than commands.
But the Bullet 350? It didn’t embarrass itself.
In fact, it impressed me.
The redesigned chassis feels more planted than you’d expect from a machine that weighs just under 200 kg. Sure, you’ll scrape the footpegs earlier than on a sportbike, but this isn’t about chasing lean angles, it’s about finding a smooth, flowing line. The steering is steady, predictable, and confidence-inspiring, even on the uneven paving stones that sometimes pass for roads in southern Italy.
The brakes are the one area I’d call out. The dual-channel ABS is modern and reassuring, but the lever feel is soft. You can stop the bike just fine, but there’s a lack of precision that makes trail-braking into tight corners less satisfying. That said, in the real world, city streets, scenic backroads, the occasional highway sprint, it’s more than adequate.
Riding Bomerano , Where the Bullet Finds Its Flow
Leaving the village, the road immediately drops into a series of switchbacks. Between each hairpin, you get only a short burst before you’re back on the brakes. Normally, this is where a slow-revving single would feel out of place, but the Bullet 350’s low-end torque made it easy. Roll on, shift up, settle in, simple.
About halfway through the climb, I realized I wasn’t thinking about lap times, apex speeds, or lean angles. I was simply riding. The Amalfi wind in my face, the scent of the sea mixing with pine, the occasional Fiat 500 buzzing past in the opposite lane, it was all just part of the rhythm.
By the time I reached the top, the bike felt less like a test subject and more like a companion. Not a machine to be mastered, but one to be enjoyed.
Weaknesses , The Honest Truth
No bike is perfect, and the Bullet 350 is no exception. The brakes, as mentioned, could use a firmer bite and better feedback. The engine, while charming, isn’t for riders who crave speed, it builds power patiently, not urgently. And yes, some of the hardware still betrays the fact this is a budget-friendly motorcycle.
But these aren’t deal-breakers. They’re part of the trade-off that allows you to have a well-built, character-rich motorcycle for a fraction of the price of most modern retros.
Living with the Bullet 350 , Practicality and Everyday Use
After a few days of riding, I began to see how this bike could easily slot into daily life. It’s easy to handle in town, the clutch is light, and the gearbox, while not razor-sharp, is smooth enough to make stop-and-go traffic a breeze. The seat comfort is genuinely good, even after hours in the saddle, and fuel economy is predictably frugal.
It’s the kind of bike you could commute on during the week, take out for a Sunday coastal ride, and even load up with soft panniers for a weekend away.
Conclusion , A Classic That Earns Its Keep
The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 isn’t trying to be everything. It’s not the fastest, the most powerful, or the most advanced bike out there. What it is, is honest. It delivers exactly what it promises, a comfortable, character-rich ride with just enough modern touches to make it easy to live with.
On the roads of Bomerano, it didn’t just survive; it thrived. It made me slow down, not out of frustration, but out of choice. It reminded me that sometimes the best rides aren’t about speed or lean angle, they’re about connection. To the bike. To the road. To the place.
Is the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 good for beginners?
Yes. Its manageable power, low seat height, and predictable handling make it a very approachable bike for new riders.
Can Royal Enfield Bullet 350 handle long-distance touring?
Absolutely. While it’s not a high-speed tourer, its comfort, fuel economy, and relaxed nature make it ideal for scenic, unhurried journeys.
How does Royal Enfield Bullet 350 compare to the Classic 350?
They share the same engine and platform, but the Bullet’s styling is more traditional, with subtle differences in ergonomics and finish.
