The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and the Honda CB350 are both popular modern-classic motorcycles in the Indian market, offering a retro aesthetic with contemporary features. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose between them:
1. Price:
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Starts at a lower price, ranging from ₹1.50 Lakh to ₹1.82 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) depending on the variant.
- Honda CB350: Is priced higher, starting from ₹1.99 Lakh to ₹2.18 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
2. Engine and Performance:
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350:
- Engine: 349cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-oil cooled, J-series engine.
- Maximum Power: 20.21 PS @ 6100 rpm.
- Maximum Torque: 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
- Gearbox: 5-speed constant mesh with assist & slipper clutch.
- Top Speed: Around 114 kmph.
- Mileage (Overall): Approximately 36.2 kmpl.
- Refinement: Generally refined at city speeds, with vibrations creeping in at higher speeds (around 100 kmph).
- Honda CB350:
- Engine: 348.36cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SI (Spark Ignition), air-cooled.
- Maximum Power: 21.07 PS @ 5500 rpm.
- Maximum Torque: 29.4 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual with assist & slipper clutch.
- Top Speed: Around 121-125 kmph.
- Mileage (Overall): Approximately 42.17 – 45.8 kmpl.
- Refinement: Engine is known to be very smooth with minimal vibrations even at higher speeds.
3. Dimensions and Weight:
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350:
- Kerb Weight: 181 kg.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13 liters.
- Seat Height: 790-800 mm.
- Wheelbase: 1370 mm.
- Ground Clearance: 160 mm.
- Honda CB350:
- Kerb Weight: 181-187 kg (depending on the variant).
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15 – 15.2 liters (depending on the variant).
- Seat Height: 800 mm.
- Wheelbase: 1441 mm.
- Ground Clearance: 165-166 mm (depending on the variant).
4. Features:
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350:
- Instrument Cluster: Digi-analogue with digital inset for fuel gauge, clock, gear position indicator, odometer, and trip meters. Tripper Navigation pod is available as an option.
- Lighting: LED tail light, halogen headlight (LED headlight in the 2025 model).
- Brakes: Disc brakes on both front and rear (depending on the variant, some base models have a rear drum brake). Dual-channel ABS is available on higher variants, while some have single-channel ABS.
- Other Features: USB charging port, service due indicator, low fuel indicator, clock.
- Honda CB350:
- Instrument Cluster: Semi-digital with analogue speedometer and digital display for odometer, tripmeter, fuel gauge, clock, distance to empty.
- Lighting: Full LED headlamp and tail lamp with LED winkers.
- Brakes: Disc brakes on both front and rear with dual-channel ABS as standard.
- Other Features: Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), assist & slipper clutch, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), side stand with engine inhibitor, hazard switch, Bluetooth connectivity for calls/SMS alerts and music control, USB charging port, voice control.
5. Design and Styling:
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Has a retro-metro roadster design with a sculpted fuel tank, round headlamp and mirrors, and youthful color schemes. It has a more compact and agile feel.
- Honda CB350: Features a classic cruiser design with a robust tank, long chrome muffler, and a generally more substantial and retro appearance.
6. Ride and Handling:
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Known for its agile handling due to its shorter wheelbase and 17-inch wheels. It’s well-suited for city commuting. The rear suspension can feel stiff on bad roads.
- Honda CB350: Offers a more stable and planted ride, comfortable for both city and highway use. The suspension is generally softer and absorbs bumps better.
Pros and Cons:
Royal Enfield Hunter 350:
- Pros: More affordable, agile handling, lighter clutch action (with assist & slipper clutch), youthful styling.
- Cons: Engine can feel strained at high speeds with noticeable vibrations, basic halogen headlight (in older models), rear suspension can be stiff, some variants have single-channel ABS and rear drum brake.
Honda CB350:
- Pros: Refined and smooth engine, comfortable ride quality, loaded with features like HSTC and Bluetooth connectivity, all-LED lighting, dual-channel ABS standard.
- Cons: More expensive, might feel slightly less agile than the Hunter in very tight traffic, taller gearing might require more frequent gear changes in city traffic.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 if you prioritize affordability, agile handling for city commuting, and a stylish retro-metro look. It’s a good option for new riders or those looking for a nimble urban bike.
- Choose the Honda CB350 if you value engine refinement, comfortable ride quality for both city and highway, a classic cruiser design, and a more comprehensive list of modern features, even if it comes at a higher price.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences, riding style, and budget. Taking a test ride of both motorcycles is highly recommended to get a better feel for their performance and handling characteristics.