Hunter 350 Becomes HNTR 350: Royal Enfield’s UK Renaming Dilemma Explained
Royal Enfield, the Indian motorcycle manufacturer, has recently launched its newest offering in India, the Hunter 350. However, in the United Kingdom, the same motorcycle will be marketed as the HNTR 350 and not Hunter 350 as it is everywhere else. There is a good reason for that. Read more to know!
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350, available in India at a starting price of Rs 1.91 lakh, boasts a neo-retro roadster design and is powered by a 349cc BS6 engine that produces 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. With a fuel tank capacity of 13 liters and a kerb weight of 181 kg, the Hunter 350 is expected to compete with bikes such as the Yamaha FZ25, Pulsar 250, and the Suzuki Gixxer.
Royal Enfield, known for its vintage-style motorcycles, is looking to expand its footprint in the United Kingdom and other international markets. The HNTR 350 will be the most affordable model in Royal Enfield’s portfolio, positioning it below the updated Bullet 350. With its classic design and affordable price tag, the HNTR 350 is expected to appeal to a wide range of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Why is Hunter 350 called HNTR 350 in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, the name “Hunter” is already registered to the 1933 Ariel Hunter motorcycle, which still holds the copyright. This means that Royal Enfield had to come up with a new name for its cruiser bike in the UK market. The HNTR 350 name retains the same initials as the Hunter 350, while also giving a nod to the British heritage of the brand.
Royal Enfield is not the first motorcycle manufacturer to face this issue. Several other brands have had to change the names of their models in different markets due to existing copyrights. This highlights the importance of conducting thorough research and due diligence before launching a new product, especially in international markets.
In conclusion, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is now available in India, while the UK market will see the launch of the HNTR 350. Both models offer a classic roadster design, with a powerful engine and an affordable price tag, making them an attractive option for motorcycle enthusiasts.
