I had a subtle feeling it would be, but I couldn’t be certain without trying.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. If you constantly encounter the same things every day, you might eventually stop truly noticing them. To some extent, you’ve likely experienced this. It can certainly be the case if you have a daily commute that becomes routine.
However, if you require a modification to your routine, a simple method to achieve this is to take a different route during your commute.
For many years, I would travel to work and school in Chicago using various methods: public transportation, public transit combined with a folding bike (seriously), a regular bike, a scooter (the type that needs an M endorsement), a motorcycle, and a car. However, it’s been a while since I’ve done any of these.does not require any face-to-face interaction. I do not have a commute.
What about the older model? Would a first-generation Royal Enfield Hunter 350 allow me to view the city I grew up in with a fresh perspective?
Although Chicago was my playground, Milwaukee was my initial stop, as I boarded an Amtrak train to pick up the Hunter 350 and ride it back home from Royal Enfield’s North American headquarters. There, the team went over the very simple controls and I mentioned thatI had the opportunity to spend quality time with the Hunter 350 during its global launch in Bangkok..
It’s certainly not a challenging bike to become familiar with. However, in this instance, it felt more like reuniting with an old friend rather than meeting the Hunter for the first time. While riding the Hunter 350 in Bangkok, I experienced the city of my family in a completely different manner compared to when I had only ever seen it through a car window.
What attractions would the Hunter reveal to me once we returned home?
If you’re from Chicago or the surrounding region, it’s likely you’ve made the trip across the Cheddar Curtain to Wisconsin at least once. You’ve almost certainly encountered the Mars Cheese Castle (or maybe even stopped there to enjoy some incredible dairy treats), and experienced the rising tension in a very noticeable way if you or anyone you’re with is a Chicago Bears fan, roaming around Green Bay Packers territory. You’ve probably also heard numerous and varied opinions on important subjects, such as how to determine if your cheese curds are fresh, or just how delicious a New Glarus Spotted Cow on tap can be on a sweltering summer day.
This is a bicycle that thrives navigating narrow city streets or leisurely traveling along country roads, but not one that’s designed for countless highway miles. And that’s perfectly fine.
This implies that you might discover various routes to reach your destination. You prefer the longer path, don’t you? That’s why many of us choose motorcycles. We appreciate our bikes, of course, but we also love scenic views, delicious food, and exciting experiences. The Hunter 350 is designed to assist you in exploring all three, along with handling your daily tasks and commutes effortlessly.
I’m a rider who typically steers clear of interstates whenever possible, regardless of the bike I’m on. As I mounted the Hunter 350 and navigated through downtown Milwaukee to head south, I couldn’t have wished for better weather. The sun was out, the sky was clear, I was wearing my most breathable riding gear, and I was eager to have a pleasant ride back home. I made a quick stop to pick up some New Glarus for a friend’s barbecue, of course; when in the Badger State, right? Right.
Possess bungees, capable of conveying everything.
Although some bicycles are designed for major journeys, the Hunter 350 is specifically intended for daily use, staying close to home. These are the kinds of rides you might not typically consider adventures, yet they can certainly become so if viewed from a different perspective. What better way to experience this than my familiar morning commute along Lake Shore Drive at dawn?
If there’s one aspect I long for from that daily journey, it’s observing the city coming to life and watching the sun cast its initial hesitant rays over Lake Michigan. I’m certain there’s no other experience quite like it, and you won’t convince me otherwise.
Now, the Hunter 350 is a very smooth little single-cylinder engine as you could ask for (even smoother than some inline twins I can think of), thanks to its balanced crankshaft. The clutch is operated by cables, but both the levers and the light pull make it very easy and pleasant to use, even if you end up stuck in traffic.
If you’re out early enough in the morning while under the influence of LSD, traffic typically isn’t an issue. However, similar to rush hour traffic in most places, leaving just five minutes later than usual can result in a completely different, more challenging traffic scenario. You’ll have to endure it if you want to reach your destination, all the while grumbling into your helmet throughout the journey.
Whether you (correctly) refer to it as Comiskey, or you call it Rate Field, it’s a great experience.
Alternatively, you could head north and watch the Cubs without needing to take your dad’s 1961 Ferrari 250 GT!
This is where I mention that in Bangkok, lane filtering is permitted. The Hunter 350 is excellent for lane filtering, so if you reside in an area where it’s legally allowed, you’ll enjoy this motorcycle even more than others I’ve tested. It is highly maneuverable and responsive, even at low speeds; it seems to have been designed for skillfully navigating between lines of vehicles.
Unfortunately for me (and this article), you can’t do that in Chicago, or Illinois. So even though I know from previous experience that the Hunter is excellent at performing exactly that, I had to settle for sitting in traffic and slowly moving through at times, just like any other motorcycle. It’s a delightful bike with its own unique character, but being in a location where filtering isn’t allowed does feel like you’re holding one of its arms back.
What about enjoying city life? Chicago offers plenty of options for that, no matter what your preferred activity is. If you like baseball, you can go to Comiskey Park (sorry, Rate Field, I suppose) to watch the White Sox, or head up to Wrigley Field to see the Cubs.
If you’re a film enthusiast, visiting the various Shermer Highs in the North Shore region is easy (make sure to stop at any)Pita Innlocation for the most delicious pitas and baba gannouj you’ve ever had if you do. Incidentally, theHome AloneThe mansion is also in that direction if you’re considering a day trip, but you’ll need to plan the route yourself.
Curious if the Old Joliet Prison as shown inthe Blues BrothersIs the movie truly spooky? Why not discover for yourself by visiting, or at the very least, taking a drive-by?
Looking to search for new music and discover fresh sounds? We offer numerous spots for that, including several conveniently situated locations that have been my go-to places since high school.Reckless Records. If you enjoy discovering great new food, regardless of your taste, you can also find it here. I assure you, we offer more than just hot dogs and pizza, although you’re always welcome to get a bite atthe Wiener’s Circleif you truly cannot restrain yourself
And the positive news is that street parking for a bicycle has never been simpler. Keep in mind to pay for your parking if you’re in Chicago, as it has been this way sinceIn 2008, Mayor Daley controversially transferred the income rights from the city’s parking meters., every resident and visitor has been continuously paying since then.
What’s that, you mention being a fellow female rider and desire to obtain motorcycle gear and accessories that match your style? Chicago is also home to a fantastic small independent store managed by female riders, specifically for female riders. It’s calledTarnish, and you should definitely give it a try if you have the opportunity.
Chicago is a city characterized by its unique neighborhoods, and the Hunter 350 was specifically designed to connect them all. It possesses a distinct atmosphere and aesthetic.
Certainly, the Hunter 350 stands out in its ability to navigate confined areas, such as parking almost anywhere you need. It’s extremely easy to position precisely where you want, and due to its compact size, it occupies minimal space. Curbside parking, even in highly crowded areas, is effortless. You hardly need to think about it; you just do it.
In an unusual manner, it feels as if it’s guiding you from one location to another. Certain motorcycles are quite demanding, requiring you to issue strict commands instead of effortlessly coordinating with them. The Hunter 350, on the other hand, is eager to venture out and follow your desires. Its handling of its relatively small weight is straightforward, allowing you to focus more on your surroundings.
That’s truly the charm of a gentle, compact engine like this. It’s simple to handle and quickly becomes familiar, so you naturally focus more on your surroundings rather than constantly planning your next move on the bike. You end up spending more time simply being present and appreciating your current location.
I noticed I was spending a bit more time focusing on the specifics of my usual commute, my hometown, and the city than I used to. It’s much simpler to do so with a reliable machine like the Hunter 350.
