The mid-segment cruiser market in India is booming, and Royal Enfield’s Hunter 350 is making waves with its retro-modern style, manageable size, and road-friendly dynamics. But the question is: how does it stack up against its rivals?
In this post, we pit the Hunter 350 against some of its fiercest competitors — Honda CB350 RS, Jawa 42, and Yezdi Roadster. Let’s see how these bikes fare in terms of design, performance, features, and value. Buckle up!
Design & Styling: A Blend of Retro and Funk
- Hunter 350: The Hunter 350 screams modern-retro with its minimalist bodywork, round headlamp, and teardrop-shaped tank. It’s compact and urban-friendly, ideal for younger riders who want an old-school vibe without the bulk.
- Honda CB350 RS: With its neo-café racer style, the CB350 RS offers a sportier design. Its alloy wheels and angular lines stand out, giving it a more aggressive appearance.
- Jawa 42: The 42 leans heavily into vintage styling with its round mirrors, spoked wheels, and classic badge, though it lacks the Hunter’s youthful edge.
- Yezdi Roadster: The Roadster carries a muscular stance with broad tires and a chunkier silhouette. It’s an excellent choice if you prefer a more rugged cruiser vibe.
Verdict: The Hunter 350 takes the crown for balancing retro charm with modern appeal. It feels lively without looking dated.
Performance & Ride Quality: Thump vs Roar
- Hunter 350: Powered by a 349cc J-series engine producing 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, the Hunter offers a refined, punchy low-end performance. It’s tuned for urban agility with smooth gear shifts and minimal vibrations, even at higher speeds.
- Honda CB350 RS: The Honda’s 348cc engine produces slightly more power at 21 bhp, and the 30 Nm torque makes it great for highway cruising. The engine is buttery smooth but lacks the iconic Royal Enfield thump.
- Jawa 42: With a 294cc engine delivering 27.3 bhp and 26.8 Nm, the 42 feels more performance-oriented but also comes with noticeable vibrations at higher speeds.
- Yezdi Roadster: The Roadster’s 334cc engine churns out 29.7 bhp and 29 Nm, making it the most powerful of the lot. However, it feels a bit heavy in the city, and engine heat can be an issue.
Verdict: If city riding with occasional highway sprints is your game, the Hunter 350 offers the perfect balance of torque and control.
Comfort & Ride Handling: Who’s Got the Smoothest Ride?
- Hunter 350: The Hunter offers a lower seat height (800mm) and a compact frame, making it perfect for urban rides and shorter riders. The riding triangle is upright, with slightly rear-set footpegs that add a sporty feel.
- Honda CB350 RS: The CB350 RS has a more aggressive riding posture. While it’s comfortable for short rides, longer trips may leave you with sore wrists.
- Jawa 42: The 42 offers a more traditional cruiser stance, but the seat comfort isn’t top-notch, and the pillion seat is an afterthought.
- Yezdi Roadster: With its larger build and wider handlebar, the Roadster feels planted on the highway but can be cumbersome in the city. Its suspension is firm, making it less forgiving on rough roads.
Verdict: The Hunter 350 shines in city commutes with its lightweight and upright ergonomics. The Yezdi Roadster, on the other hand, excels on highways.
Tech & Features: Where Classics Meet Modern Convenience
- Hunter 350: Comes with dual-channel ABS, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and the optional Tripper Navigation pod for turn-by-turn directions. However, LED lights are missing, which is a bummer.
- Honda CB350 RS: Offers a more advanced package with an all-LED lighting setup, Bluetooth connectivity, and a fully digital instrument cluster.
- Jawa 42: It keeps things old-school, with minimal electronics and basic features. If you love raw machines, you’ll appreciate this, but it lacks modern tech.
- Yezdi Roadster: Comes with an all-digital display, offering basic data but not as feature-rich as the CB350 RS. ABS is standard, but the switchgear feels basic.
Verdict: If you crave tech, the Honda CB350 RS wins hands down. However, the Hunter 350’s optional navigation is a practical touch without overwhelming you with gadgets.
Pricing & Value: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck
- Hunter 350: Priced around ₹1.50 – 1.75 lakhs (ex-showroom), the Hunter is one of the most affordable Royal Enfields, offering great value for money.
- Honda CB350 RS: It’s priced slightly higher at around ₹2.10 lakhs, but the extra cost gives you premium features and refinement.
- Jawa 42: With a starting price of ₹1.68 lakhs, the 42 is positioned competitively but struggles with build quality issues.
- Yezdi Roadster: Priced at ₹2 – 2.15 lakhs, the Roadster offers the most power but at a cost.
Verdict: The Hunter 350 provides excellent value if you’re looking for a fun, stylish ride without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Pick?
- Hunter 350: Perfect for urban riders who want a compact, stylish bike that’s easy to ride in traffic and offers the right amount of fun on weekend rides.
- Honda CB350 RS: A refined machine ideal for those who prefer high-end features and a smooth engine but can compromise on that classic cruiser feel.
- Jawa 42: A good option if you love raw, vintage aesthetics and don’t mind dealing with occasional maintenance hiccups.
- Yezdi Roadster: Best suited for those looking for performance and road presence, though it’s heavier and less city-friendly than the others.
Final Verdict 🏆
In the battle of mid-segment cruisers, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 offers a well-rounded package with the right blend of performance, style, and comfort. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and practicality, making it a compelling choice for young riders and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
At the end of the day, picking the right bike boils down to your personal preferences. But if you’re after a no-nonsense cruiser that’s equally happy in the city and on weekend adventures, the Hunter 350 is hard to beat.
