The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has taken the motorcycling world by storm. It is compact, stylish, and perfect for the city. But the best thing about owning a Royal Enfield is that the bike you buy from the showroom is just the beginning. It is a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch.

Whether you want to turn your Hunter into a mini-scrambler, a café racer, or a comfortable long-distance tourer, this guide will help you choose the right accessories.

Why Customize the Hunter 350?

The Hunter 350 is designed as an urban roadster. However, every rider is different.

• Tall riders might need handlebar risers for better posture.
• City commuters might need crash guards for protection in traffic.
• Tourers will need better seats and luggage solutions.

Here is a breakdown of the best accessories available, categorized by their function.

1. Protection: Safety First

Before you make the bike look cool, you need to keep it safe. The Hunter is a sturdy bike, but a fall can damage expensive parts.

• Crash Guards (Leg Guards): This is the first accessory you should buy. You have two main options:
  • Compact Engine Guards: These are small and sleek. They look good but offer minimal protection for your legs.
  • Large Airfly Guards: These offer maximum protection for the engine and your legs during a fall, though they add a bit of weight.
• Sump Guard (Bash Plate): The ground clearance of the Hunter 350 is decent (150mm), but if you ride on rough roads or over tall speed bumps, a sump guard is essential. It protects the underbelly of the engine from stones and scrapes.

2. Comfort and Ergonomics

The stock setup of the Hunter is aggressive and sporty. If you plan on riding for more than an hour at a time, you might want to tweak the comfort.

• Touring Seats: The stock seat on the Hunter is stylish but can feel a bit firm on long rides. Look for the "Signature Bench Seat" from Royal Enfield’s genuine catalog. It is flatter, has better cushioning, and looks retro.
• Handlebar Risers: If you feel like you are leaning forward too much, handlebar risers will lift the handle by an inch or two. This allows you to sit more upright, reducing back strain.
• Pillion Backrest: The Hunter is a compact bike, and the pillion (passenger) seat is small. Adding a short backrest gives your passenger confidence and prevents them from feeling like they will fall off the back during acceleration.

3. Aesthetics: The Cool Factor

The Hunter 350 is arguably the best-looking bike in its segment, but you can make it look sharper.

• Bar End Mirrors: Replace the tall, round stock mirrors with bar-end mirrors. This instantly lowers the profile of the bike and gives it a sporty, "Café Racer" look. Note: Make sure you buy high-quality mirrors that don’t vibrate at high speeds.
• Tail Tidy: The stock rear mudguard is quite long. A "Tail Tidy" kit removes the plastic bulk and mounts the number plate closer to the seat. This exposes the rear tire and makes the bike look muscular.
• Fly Screen (Visor): A small tinted fly screen above the headlight adds to the roadster aesthetic. While it won't stop much wind at highway speeds, it protects the instrument cluster and looks fantastic.

4. Luggage and Utility

The Hunter is not a massive adventure bike, so you need smart luggage solutions.

• Commuter Pannier Rails: If you carry a laptop or office bag, install a single-side pannier rail. You can attach a soft canvas bag to the side.
• Tank Bag: For small items like your wallet, phone, and gloves, a magnetic tank bag is perfect. It sticks to the metal tank and is easy to remove when you park.

Buying Guide: Genuine vs. Aftermarket

When shopping for parts, you will face a choice: Royal Enfield Genuine Motorcycle Accessories (GMA) or Aftermarket brands.

Royal Enfield GMA (The Safe Choice)

• Pros: Perfect fit guaranteed, high-quality materials, and does not void your warranty.
• Cons: Usually more expensive than local market options.
• Best for: Electrical parts (indicators), seats, and alloy wheels.

Aftermarket (The Creative Choice)

• Pros: Cheaper, wider variety of designs, and unique styles.
• Cons: Quality varies significantly. Some parts may rust or rattle.
• Best for: Crash guards, saddle stays, and cosmetic stickers.

Important Tips Before You Buy

1. Check Compatibility: The Hunter 350 is different from the Classic 350 and Meteor 350. Ensure the part is specifically made for the Hunter (J-Platform).
2. Avoid Loud Exhausts: Changing the exhaust is a popular modification. However, free-flow exhausts can reduce your engine's life, void the warranty, and attract fines from the traffic police. Stick to the stock exhaust or authorized slip-ons.
3. Don't Overload: The Hunter is a light and nimble bike. Adding heavy metal guards and massive luggage boxes will ruin the handling and acceleration. Keep the modifications light.

Conclusion

Customizing your Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is about finding the balance between style and practicality. Start with protection, upgrade your comfort, and then finish with the style elements that represent your personality. Ride safe and ride in style!