In the world of motorcycles, size is not the ultimate measure of enjoyment, and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 exemplifies this truth. It's the company's most affordable motorcycle in numerous countries, having already made a significant impact with over two hundred thousand sales and continually growing in popularity.

The Indian giant has even joined forces with custom motorcycle builders to create thrilling variations of the Hunter, and the standout among them is the Hunter 350 cafe racer crafted by France-based Hedgehog Motorcycles. This unique creation is poised to leave you utterly astounded.

A Dazzling Transformation

The stock Hunter 350 boasts a simple yet captivating neo-retro design. However, Hedgehog Motorcycles has undergone a comprehensive transformation. Beginning at the rear, they've shortened the long subframe, akin to cafe racers, and eliminated the stock fender to make way for a minimalist LED lighting setup. This lighting is so discreet that you might overlook it at first glance. Furthermore, they've replaced the conventional number plate mount with a swingarm-mounted version for an impeccably clean appearance.

At the front end, the Hunter now features a bespoke fairing designed in-house by Hedgehog using CAD technology. Drawing inspiration from classic cafe racers, this fairing houses a new LED headlight with a distinctive yellow tint. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice diminutive fairing-mounted turn signals and MotoGP-inspired aerodynamic wings that add an extra dose of flair. To complement the beefier front end, a sporty belly pan has been added. The front fender has been virtually eliminated to keep your focus firmly on the new bodywork.

Hedgehog's attention to detail extends to chunky brake ducts at the top and a disc wheel at the rear, along with a retro cut-down tinted windscreen. All of these elements are harmoniously brought together by a captivating livery, featuring a white base coat embellished with a torn effect in pink and magenta, accentuated by vibrant neon green inserts. The neon green theme extends to the ducts, belly pan, disc wheel, and side panels, while a striking yellow 'Royal Enfield' logo graces the stock tank.

Aggressive Ergonomics

To match the new bodywork's sporty demeanor, the custom Hunter 350 now sports a completely redesigned ergonomic setup. The stock single-piece handlebar has been replaced with clip-ons, situated beneath a custom triple clamp (crafted in-house) and adorned with chrome micro switches instead of Royal Enfield's typical rotary controls. Knurled grips and adjustable levers, all CNC machined by Hedgehog, further enhance the riding experience.

The stock seat has made way for a custom saddle, featuring the classic scooped and ribbed design commonly found on cafe racers, with a two-tone finish that complements the neon green disc wheel. The footpegs and semi-digital instrument cluster remain unchanged, maintaining the retro appeal, although a race bike-inspired LCD display would have elevated the cockpit's aesthetics.

Promising Enhanced Performance

Beneath its distinctive exterior, the custom Hunter conceals Royal Enfield's J-series 349cc single-cylinder engine. While the stock configuration delivers 20 horsepower and 20 pound-feet of torque, this custom variant is expected to offer slightly more power. This boost is courtesy of a specially crafted free-flow exhaust, likely made from titanium, and a custom air filter, promising not only increased performance but also a more captivating exhaust note.

The enhancements extend to the bike's underpinnings, where most components, such as the telescopic forks, dual shocks, and 17-inch wheels, remain largely unchanged. However, the addition of slick tires promises an even more exhilarating riding experience. As a result, the single disc brakes are expected to perform better than ever, ensuring the custom Hunter 350 delivers on its promise of heightened performance and excitement.

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