When I was in college, just the sound of a Royal Enfield Bullet 350 passing by would make me stop and stare. Like many youngsters, I used to dream of owning this bike. It was a symbol of status, power, and style. But as I grew up and started understanding motorcycles better, my perspective changed. Today, with more experience and technical knowledge, I feel it’s time to ask a bold question:
Is the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 overrated?
This article is not written to offend any Bullet lovers, but to give an honest and detailed analysis of why the Bullet 350 may not be as great as people believe it is. Let’s explore the negative points one by one, with simple explanations anyone can understand.
1. Too Heavy for Practical Use
Weight: Approx. 191 kg (Kerb weight)
Why it’s a problem:
Not easy to handle in city traffic.
Hard to park or move in tight spaces.
Difficult for beginners or those with short height.
Causes fatigue on long rides, especially in hilly regions.
Other bikes in the 350cc segment are much lighter and more agile.
2. Outdated Design & Technology
Design feels old-school:
Some people love the classic look, but many find it outdated compared to modern 350cc bikes.
No advanced features like:
Full LED lighting
Digital instrument cluster
Ride modes
Bluetooth connectivity
3. Vibration Issues
This is the most common complaint.
At higher speeds (above 70 kmph), the engine starts vibrating a lot.
You feel it in the handlebar, foot pegs, and seat.
Long rides become uncomfortable.
Hands and legs feel numb after 100+ km rides.
Smooth engines are now standard in this price range, but Bullet still struggles here.
4. Poor Mileage
Claimed Mileage: 35–40 km/l
Real-World Mileage: 28–33 km/l (depends on traffic & ride style)
This might have been acceptable 10 years ago, but not now. With fuel prices rising, low mileage makes the Bullet an expensive bike to run.
Other 350cc bikes like Honda CB350 and Jawa offer better fuel efficiency.
5. Expensive Maintenance
Royal Enfield parts and service charges are costly.
Oil changes, clutch cable, chain-sprocket replacements – all cost more than average bikes.
Frequent visits to service center needed due to engine noise, vibration, or oil leaks.
Owning a Bullet is not just a one-time expense—it’s a long-term financial commitment.
6. Not Beginner-Friendly
Due to its weight and old-school braking feel, new riders often struggle.
Gear shifts are not smooth.
Clutch is heavy.
It’s not a forgiving bike for new riders making errors.
Bikes like Yamaha FZ-X, Honda CB350, or even the TVS Ronin are much easier to learn on.
7. Low Top Speed & Performance
Top speed is around 110 kmph (real-world)
Struggles to maintain speed on highways.
Engine feels stressed at high RPM.
Overtaking on highways becomes risky.
For a 350cc bike, this is disappointing. You expect better highway performance.
8. Heating Issues in Traffic
Engine gets hot quickly in slow-moving city traffic.
You can feel the heat on your legs, especially in summer.
Air-cooled engine takes time to cool down.
Modern bikes use oil-cooling or liquid-cooling to solve this issue.
Bullet’s air-cooled engine shows its age here too.
9. Lack of Modern Safety Features
ABS is single-channel in many models (only front wheel).
No traction control or cornering ABS.
Braking distance is longer than expected.
Rear brake feel is weak.
For a heavy bike, safety features should be top priority—but Bullet lags behind.
10. Not Ideal for City Commuting
Bulky design makes lane-splitting hard.
Weight becomes a burden in stop-and-go traffic.
Turning radius is large.
Takes more effort to move through tight roads or parking.
Smaller commuter bikes are much better suited for daily use.
11. Too Much Focus on Sound, Not Ride Quality
Many people buy Bullet for its “dug-dug” sound. But:
The sound is not everything.
Ride quality matters more in long-term usage.
Suspension feels stiff on bumpy roads.
Seat comfort is average.
Many riders regret focusing only on the sound after a few months.
12. Long Waiting Periods for Delivery
Even today, Bullet 350 has a long waiting period in many cities.
You pay a premium price.
Then wait 1 to 3 months to get delivery.
Other bikes are available faster with better value.
Waiting for an average bike with premium pricing? Think again.
13. Overhyped Image in Media & Movies
Movies and social media show Bullet as a “macho” bike.
Many buy it only for the style or status symbol.
Real performance doesn’t match the hype.
Emotion-based buying leads to regret later when issues arise.
Conclusion: Is It Truly Worth It?
If you still love the sound, the feel, and the “Bullet look”, go for it. But don’t expect a comfortable, fuel-efficient, or modern motorcycle experience. For the same price or even less, you get better options today.
Sometimes, a bike becomes popular not because of quality, but because of emotion, nostalgia, or branding. The Bullet 350 is a perfect example of that.
About the Author
