Hunter 350 vs XSR 155
The retro-modern motorcycle segment has exploded in popularity in India, with riders seeking machines that blend classic aesthetics with contemporary performance and reliability. Two compelling contenders fighting for supremacy in this space are the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and the Yamaha XSR 155. While they share similar retro-inspired styling philosophies, these motorcycles represent fundamentally different approaches—one embodies the torquey, old-school charm of a larger single-cylinder engine, while the other delivers high-revving, liquid-cooled performance in a nimble package. Whether you’re a cruising enthusiast who values low-end torque and highway stability, or a spirited rider seeking agile handling and fuel efficiency, this detailed comparison will help you determine which retro roadster deserves your attention and investment.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Retro-Modern Philosophy
Before diving into specifications, it’s important to understand what defines these motorcycles. The retro-modern segment isn’t about creating exact replicas of vintage bikes—it’s about capturing the soul and aesthetics of classic motorcycles while delivering the reliability, performance, and technology that modern riders expect. Both the Hunter 350 and XSR 155 excel at this balance, though they interpret the philosophy differently based on their respective brand DNA.
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 represents the British marque’s most accessible entry into modern retro styling, stripping away some of the heritage weight for a lighter, more contemporary riding experience. The Yamaha XSR 155 brings Japanese precision and performance to the retro roadster concept, drawing from Yamaha’s “Faster Sons” philosophy that celebrates both heritage and speed.
Pricing: The Budget Reality
Let’s start with what matters most to many buyers—the price tag. The ex-showroom price of Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is Rs. 1,37,648 and Yamaha XSR 155 is Rs. 1,49,990. Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is cheaper than Yamaha XSR 155 by Rs. 12,342.
However, this comparison tells only part of the story. While the Hunter 350 offers you the old-school charm of a Royal Enfield bike in a modern avatar, the Yamaha XSR155 is a proper modern offering in retro clothing. The Royal Enfield Hunter is available in three trim levels (Retro, Metro, and top-spec variants), while the Yamaha XSR155 is available in a single variant.
Interestingly, the base Retro variant of Hunter is more affordable than the XSR155, however the base variant isn’t very popular as it loses out on a rear disc brake and the spoke wheels aren’t tubeless. The mid-variant of the Hunter is more expensive by Rs 12,302 than the XSR155, making the Yamaha excellent value when compared to the Hunter’s popular variants.
When you factor in on-road costs including insurance, registration, and other charges, expect to pay approximately Rs. 1.50-1.55 lakh for the Hunter 350 (mid-spec) and Rs. 1.70-1.75 lakh for the XSR 155 in most metro cities.
Engine Performance: Displacement vs Technology
This is where these two motorcycles diverge most dramatically, representing completely different engineering philosophies.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Engine:
The Hunter 350 is powered by a 349cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 20.2 PS 6100 rpm of power and 27 Nm 4000 rpm of torque. This long-stroke engine makes its peak torque relatively early in the rev range, translating into a more engaging city riding experience.
The air-cooled unit is Royal Enfield’s modern J-series engine featuring a SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) setup with better refinement than older RE engines. While it lacks the sophistication of liquid cooling, the simplicity means easier maintenance and the characteristic thump that Royal Enfield enthusiasts love. The engine pairs with a 5-speed gearbox that’s well-suited to the Hunter’s character.
The Hunter’s larger displacement translates to effortless cruising ability. Highway speeds of 80-90 km/h come without stress to the engine, and the substantial torque figure means you can ride lazily in higher gears even at moderate speeds. This relaxed, unstressed nature is perfect for touring and long-distance riding.
Yamaha XSR 155 Engine:
The Yamaha XSR155 is powered by a 155cc liquid-cooled engine which produces 18.4 PS 10,000 rpm of power and 14.2 Nm 7,500 rpm of torque. The engine features Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology, ensuring smooth performance across all RPM ranges.
The displacement on the XSR is significantly smaller than the Hunter but the former makes up for it with its liquid-cooling and VVA setup. The XSR155’s engine is a high-revving motor which produces most of its power at the top-end of the rev range, making for an exciting and sportier riding experience that would be really fun in the twisties.
The liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine shares its DNA with the Yamaha R15 and MT-15, meaning proven reliability and performance. The 6-speed gearbox (versus the Hunter’s 5-speed) provides better gear spacing for both city commuting and highway cruising. The assist and slipper clutch ensures smoother gear shifts and prevents rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts.
On paper, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 makes more power but the specs don’t paint the whole picture. The Hunter delivers its performance through low-end torque and relaxed cruising, while the XSR provides an engaging, rev-happy character that rewards enthusiastic riding.
Fuel Efficiency: Daily Economics
Fuel economy significantly impacts ownership costs, especially for daily commuters. The claimed mileage of Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is 36.2 kmpl whereas the mileage of Yamaha XSR 155 is 45.5 kmpl according to ARAI ratings.
In real-world conditions, users report the Hunter delivering approximately 32-38 kmpl in mixed riding, while the XSR 155 consistently returns 42-48 kmpl. According to user reported data, Yamaha XSR 155 gives an average mileage of 45 kmpl, making it significantly more fuel-efficient than the Hunter’s typical 30-35 kmpl in city conditions.
For someone riding 50 kilometers daily, the XSR 155 would consume approximately 1.1 liters per day compared to the Hunter’s 1.5 liters. Over a month, this translates to fuel savings of approximately Rs. 400-600 for the Yamaha. Over a year, that’s Rs. 4,800-7,200 saved—enough to cover a service or two.
The XSR’s superior fuel efficiency stems from its smaller displacement, liquid cooling (which runs more efficiently), fuel injection optimization, and VVA technology that adjusts valve timing for maximum combustion efficiency.
Weight and Handling: The Agility Factor
Weight dramatically impacts handling, maneuverability, and the overall riding experience. Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is heavier at 181 kg compared to Yamaha XSR 155 at 137 kg. At 137 kg (kerb), the XSR155 is a massive 44 kg lighter than the entry-level Enfield bike and if you wanted a lightweight bike, the Yamaha has the advantage.
This 44-kilogram difference is substantial and immediately apparent when riding. The weight difference between the two bikes comes to 44kg, which is massive. This will be felt when riding and even while moving the bike in the parking lot.
The Yamaha XSR155 will feel quite agile and nimble and will be perfect for cutting through city traffic. The lighter weight contributes to quicker direction changes, easier U-turns, and less physical effort when maneuvering in tight spaces. For shorter riders or those with smaller builds, the XSR’s lighter weight is a significant advantage.
The Hunter 350, with its longer wheelbase, will feel more stable on the highway. The extra weight contributes to better stability at higher speeds and a more planted feel that inspires confidence during highway cruising. However, in dense city traffic with frequent stops, the additional weight becomes more noticeable and tiring.
Design Language: Classic British vs Neo-Retro Japanese
Both motorcycles are stunning examples of retro-modern design, yet they express this aesthetic through distinctly different cultural lenses.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Design:
The Hunter embraces classic British roadster styling with its teardrop fuel tank, round headlamp, minimal bodywork, and clean lines. Its muscular fuel tank, round headlamp, and sleek tail section give it a sporty yet classic look. The design is deliberately understated and timeless—a bike that won’t look dated even decades from now.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is available in 7 colours including various options that range from classic to contemporary schemes. The bike features tubeless alloy wheels (on most variants), split seats with decent padding, and a generally clean, uncluttered appearance that emphasizes the motorcycle’s mechanical elements.
The Hunter’s aesthetic appeals to riders who appreciate restraint and timelessness. It’s not trying to be overtly sporty or aggressive—it’s simply a well-proportioned, honest motorcycle that happens to be beautiful in its simplicity.
Yamaha XSR 155 Design:
Yamaha’s designers absolutely nailed the retro-modern brief with the XSR 155. The bike features a circular LED headlamp, classic round mirrors, and a single-piece seat that enhances its vintage feel. The tank design is muscular yet simple, giving the bike a clean and premium appearance.
The XSR 155 is available in 4 colours: Metallic Grey, Vivid Red, Greyish Green Metallic, and Metallic Blue. Its metal components, brushed aluminum accents, and retro fonts on the side panels add to the premium look. The rear features a short fender and a sleek taillight design that keeps the overall look minimal yet stylish.
The XSR 155 has a more modern suspension setup, with the inverted fork and linked monoshock providing both visual drama and functional superiority. The USD (upside-down) forks are a significant visual differentiator that signals the bike’s performance credentials.
While both bikes are beautiful, the Hunter exudes classic simplicity, while the XSR adds modern performance cues like USD forks and a more aggressive stance that hints at its R15-derived sporting DNA.
Features and Technology: Modern Conveniences
This is where the Japanese manufacturer’s approach to technology creates a meaningful advantage.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Features:
The Hunter 350 features a retro console with an analogue speedometer and digital inset displaying essential information. This semi-digital instrument cluster maintains the classic aesthetic while providing necessary modern readability. The bike includes LED lighting, side-stand engine cut-off, and engine kill switch as standard safety features.
The Hunter gets dual-channel ABS as standard across all variants (except the base Retro variant which has single-channel ABS), disc brakes at both ends on higher variants, and basic functionality that works well without unnecessary complications. The instrumentation is clear and easy to read, though it lacks smartphone connectivity.
Yamaha XSR 155 Features:
The Yamaha XSR155 gets a LCD console with smartphone connectivity for call, SMS and email alerts. This connectivity allows riders to stay connected while keeping eyes on the road—a significant safety and convenience advantage for modern riders.
The XSR 155 features full LED lighting throughout, a comprehensive digital instrument cluster that’s easy to read in all lighting conditions, and dual-channel ABS as standard. The XSR155 gets the additional safety net of traction control—a rare feature in this segment that provides an extra layer of security, especially in wet conditions or on poor road surfaces.
The Yamaha also benefits from the assist and slipper clutch making gear shifts smoother and preventing rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts. This feature, borrowed from higher-spec performance bikes, enhances both safety and riding pleasure.
Suspension and Ride Quality: Comfort Considerations
Suspension setup significantly impacts ride quality, especially on India’s varied road conditions.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Suspension:
The Hunter 350 features conventional telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers at the rear. However, the Hunter 350 does not lag behind and the twin shock absorber setup offers 6-step preload adjustability, making it possible to tune the suspension depending on the rider’s needs.
The suspension tuning is slightly firm but compliant enough for Indian roads. It absorbs most road imperfections reasonably well while maintaining good body control during cornering. The longer wheelbase (1370mm) contributes to stability, particularly at highway speeds.
Yamaha XSR 155 Suspension:
The Yamaha XSR155 has a more modern suspension setup, with the inverted fork and linked monoshock. The USD forks provide superior rigidity and feedback compared to conventional telescopic forks, translating to more precise handling and better road feel.
The linked monoshock at the rear (versus the Hunter’s twin-shock setup) provides excellent damping and allows the suspension to work more efficiently over varied terrain. The ride quality is sporty yet compliant—firm enough for enthusiastic cornering but comfortable enough for daily commuting.
The XSR’s more sophisticated suspension contributes to its sharper handling characteristics and more connected riding feel, though some riders might find it slightly firm for purely comfort-oriented riding.
Braking Performance: Stopping Power
Both motorcycles feature disc brakes and ABS, though their specifications differ.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Braking:
The Hunter 350 gets larger disc brakes at front and rear (300mm front, 270mm rear on higher variants) with dual-channel ABS. While the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has larger brake discs, it’s mostly because of its weight. The braking performance is adequate, providing confident stopping power though the initial bite could be stronger.
Yamaha XSR 155 Braking:
The XSR 155 features a 282mm front disc and 220mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. Despite smaller disc sizes, the lighter overall weight means the XSR’s brakes feel more responsive and provide excellent stopping power. The addition of traction control on the XSR provides an extra safety margin, intervening when wheel slip is detected.
Seat Height and Ergonomics: Rider Comfort
Ergonomics determine long-term comfort and accessibility for different rider sizes.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Ergonomics:
The Hunter features a sufficiently accessible seat height of 780mm, making it easy for most riders to plant both feet firmly on the ground. Another advantage the Hunter 350 has is the lower seat height which makes it more accessible for shorter riders.
The riding position is upright and relaxed with a slight forward lean that’s comfortable for extended periods. The handlebar position is natural, and the footpeg placement allows for a neutral riding triangle. The split seat design provides decent comfort for both rider and pillion, though the pillion seat is relatively firm.
Yamaha XSR 155 Ergonomics:
The XSR 155 has a seat height of approximately 810mm—30mm higher than the Hunter. This slightly taller seat might challenge shorter riders, though the narrow seat profile helps riders reach the ground. The riding position is more aggressive than the Hunter’s, with slightly rear-set footpegs and a handlebar position that creates a sportier riding triangle.
For taller riders, the XSR’s ergonomics might feel cramped during very long rides, while shorter riders might struggle with the seat height. The Hunter’s more relaxed, accessible ergonomics give it an advantage for a broader range of rider sizes and comfort-focused riding.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Range
Range between fill-ups matters, especially for touring or riders without easy fuel station access.
The Hunter 350 can hold more fuel with a larger tank capacity of 13-litres, while the XSR 155 features a 10-liter fuel tank. Despite the smaller tank, the XSR’s superior fuel efficiency means its practical range is comparable to the Hunter’s.
Hunter 350 range: 13 liters × 35 kmpl (realistic average) = approximately 455 kilometers
XSR 155 range: 10 liters × 45 kmpl (realistic average) = approximately 450 kilometers
Both motorcycles offer similar real-world range, meaning fuel stops will be equally infrequent for typical riding.
User Reviews and Real-World Feedback
Real owner experiences provide valuable insights beyond specifications.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 User Feedback:
As per average user rating, Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has a score of 4.4/5. Users consistently praise the Hunter’s comfortable long-ride capability, reliability, and the classic Royal Enfield experience in a modern package. Common feedback highlights include good looks, decent pick-up, reasonable mileage for a 350cc bike, and family-friendly nature.
However, some users note vibrations at high rpm can be uncomfortable during long rides, and the lack of modern features compared to competitors. Service availability through Royal Enfield’s extensive network is frequently mentioned as a major positive.
Yamaha XSR 155 User Feedback:
Yamaha XSR 155 has a rate of 4.5/5 according to user ratings. Owners praise the XSR’s sporty riding experience, amazing handling, decent mileage, and the feel of riding a sports bike at an affordable price point. Users love the neo-retro styling and build quality.
Common criticisms include the slightly uncomfortable riding position in heavy traffic, though highway riding posture receives praise. The smartphone connectivity and overall feature set are frequently mentioned highlights that justify the price premium over competitors.
Ownership Costs: Beyond Purchase Price
Total cost of ownership includes maintenance, insurance, and spare parts availability.
Maintenance and Service:
Royal Enfield has India’s most extensive service network, ensuring easy access to service centers even in smaller towns. Service costs are reasonable, and spare parts availability is excellent. The simpler air-cooled engine requires basic maintenance that most mechanics can handle.
Yamaha’s service network is also well-established, though slightly less extensive than Royal Enfield’s. The liquid-cooled engine with VVA technology requires more specialized service, though Yamaha’s build quality means service intervals are well-spaced and reliability is excellent.
Insurance Costs:
Insurance premiums will be marginally higher for the XSR 155 due to its higher on-road price, though the difference is minimal—approximately Rs. 500-800 annually.
The Verdict: Choose Your Character
Declaring a definitive winner misses the point entirely—these motorcycles serve different rider profiles despite superficial similarities.
Choose the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 if:
- You prioritize low-end torque and effortless cruising ability
- Highway stability and touring capability are important
- You want the classic Royal Enfield character and sound
- Lower seat height and accessibility matter for your size
- Extensive service network access is crucial
- You prefer simpler, air-cooled technology
- The authentic retro roadster experience appeals to you
- You frequently carry pillions or luggage
- Budget is tight and you want maximum displacement per rupee
Choose the Yamaha XSR 155 if:
- You value fuel efficiency and lower operating costs
- Lightweight agility and nimble handling are priorities
- Modern technology like smartphone connectivity matters
- You appreciate high-revving, sporty engine character
- Traction control and advanced safety features appeal to you
- Urban commuting with spirited weekend rides is your use case
- You prefer liquid-cooled reliability and refinement
- Modern suspension with USD forks is important
- You want maximum features and technology at this price point
Final Thoughts: Two Paths to Retro Excellence
Both the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Yamaha XSR 155 are exceptional motorcycles that excel at blending retro aesthetics with modern performance. The Hunter delivers authentic Royal Enfield character—torquey, accessible, and perfect for relaxed riding with occasional touring. Its larger engine, lower seat, and extensive service network make it ideal for riders seeking the classic motorcycle experience.
The XSR 155 represents modern performance in retro clothing—lightweight, efficient, and genuinely sporty while maintaining everyday usability. Its superior fuel economy, advanced features, and nimble handling make it perfect for urban riders who occasionally want to attack twisty roads.
Test ride both motorcycles if possible to experience their different characters. Pay attention to which engine personality resonates with you, which ergonomics feel more comfortable, and which styling speaks to your soul. Consider your typical riding patterns, parking situations, and what aspects of motorcycling bring you the most joy.
There’s no wrong choice here—only different expressions of the retro-modern philosophy. Whether you choose Royal Enfield’s torquey accessibility or Yamaha’s high-tech nimbleness, you’re getting a genuinely excellent motorcycle that will make every ride special. The retro revolution has truly arrived, and riders are the winners with such compelling choices available in 2025.
