PHOTO: COLLECTED

SUKANTA HALDER

Bad news for bikers. Fans of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 will have to wait indefinitely for the updated 2025 version, as IFAD Motors, the authorised distributor and manufacturer of the two-wheeler in Bangladesh, is yet to complete the evaluation of the refreshed design.

“We are now carefully evaluating the right time to bring the new variant to Bangladesh. Our approach has always been to listen closely to our riders and align launches with what best suits local market conditions,” Taskeen Ahmed, vice-chairman of IFAD Group, told The Daily Star recently.

Ahmed said the Hunter 350 has been an incredible success story globally, and Bangladesh has been no exception. Among the four Royal Enfield models currently available in Bangladesh, the Hunter 350 is the most popular among young riders and also the most affordable.

It accounts for about 20 percent of the brand’s 13,000 units sold within a year of its launch in the country.

“Riders have responded enthusiastically to its design, agility, and approachable riding experience. It has truly struck a chord with the new generation of motorcyclists,” he added.

Royal Enfield entered the Bangladesh market in October last year through a partnership with IFAD Group, setting up a manufacturing and assembly plant in Cumilla. IFAD officials said they received nearly 3,000 purchase orders in the first 10 minutes of opening online and offline bookings. Since then, it has introduced the Classic 350, Bullet 350, Meteor 350, and Hunter 350.

The Hunter 350, first launched globally in 2022, attracted criticism over its harsh suspension and clutch, low lighting, low ground clearance, and other issues. The updated global version, launched this April, addressed these concerns by adding upgraded rear suspension, a slip-and-assist clutch, an LED headlamp, a Type-C USB port, and improved seating, along with new colour options.

Many Bangladeshi fans had expected the refreshed model to arrive shortly after. Social media groups were abuzz for months with speculation that the bike would land within a couple of months. But IFAD has yet to announce anything regarding the launch, and the model remains available only in three colours – Rebel Red, Black, and Blue.

“When we introduced the Hunter in Bangladesh, the available colour options were carefully chosen to meet both local regulations and market preferences. A few earlier colour variants had to be held back due to specific government implications,” said Ahmed.

According to IFAD, of the total Royal Enfield motorcycles sold in Bangladesh so far, around half were Classic 350 units, while Meteor 350 and Bullet 350 each accounted for about 15 percent of sales. Most units were sold from showrooms in Dhaka, Chattogram, Narsingdi, Jashore, Khulna, Gazipur, and Mymensingh.

“We are delighted by the tremendous response Royal Enfield has received in Bangladesh since our entry into the market in 2024,” Ahmed added. “The demand for premium mid-size motorcycles is rising steadily, and we believe Royal Enfield, with its legacy and pure motorcycling ethos, is well-placed to lead this evolution.”

Regarding the issue of higher fuel consumption compared to others available in the local market, he said that as Royal Enfield operates in the mid-size motorcycle segment, it naturally offers a different riding experience.

“We continue to focus on delivering the perfect balance of performance, reliability, and real-world riding economy,” he added.