Royal Enfield Hunter 350 & Classic 350 With A Modern Classic Showdown

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 & Classic 350 With A Modern Classic Showdown

Royal Enfield motorcycles have long been known for their unique blend of timeless design and modern engineering, and two of their standout models — the Hunter 350 and Classic 350 — exemplify this heritage beautifully. Whether you’re drawn to the laid-back, retro vibe of the Classic 350 or the more modern and urban appeal of the Hunter 350, both bikes carry the iconic Royal Enfield DNA and offer excellent riding experiences. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences and similarities between these two models, helping you decide which one is the better fit for your riding needs and lifestyle.

Hunter 350: Urban Charm with a Retro Twist

The Hunter 350 is Royal Enfield’s latest addition to its lineup, designed specifically for riders who seek a modern and agile motorcycle with a hint of vintage charm. Positioned as a more urban-focused bike, the Hunter 350 combines modern styling with the classic Royal Enfield ruggedness, making it an ideal choice for city commuting, weekend getaways, and everything in between.

Engine and Performance: A Smooth Ride

The Hunter 350 features a 349.34 cc single-cylinder engine that produces a power output of around 20.2 bhp. This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, providing smooth power delivery and an engaging riding experience. With a fuel tank capacity of 13 litres and an ARAI-rated mileage of 36 kmpl, the Hunter 350 offers a solid combination of performance and efficiency. Its 177 kg kerb weight makes it light enough for maneuverability while still offering a planted, stable feel on the road.

This bike is equipped with modern features, including disc brakes with Single Channel ABS in the base variant and Dual Channel ABS in the higher trims. The spoke wheels in the base variant give it a classic touch, while the alloy wheels in the higher variants provide a more modern, refined aesthetic. The Hunter 350’s seat height of 800 mm makes it accessible to a wide range of riders, offering a comfortable and confident riding posture.

Design: Retro Meets Contemporary

The Hunter 350 stands out for its sleek, minimalistic design that exudes both retro and modern vibes. The Retro Factory variant offers a nod to vintage styles with its spoke wheels and more traditional touches, while the Metro Dapper and Metro Rebel variants incorporate modern elements like alloy wheels and contemporary color schemes, including bold, urban-centric tones like Rebel Black and Dapper Grey. The modern design gives the Hunter 350 a more youthful and dynamic appeal compared to the more traditional Classic 350, making it an ideal choice for younger riders or those looking for a more vibrant city bike.

Classic 350: Timeless Elegance with a Robust Ride

The Classic 350 has long been one of Royal Enfield’s best-loved models, thanks to its iconic design and rock-solid reliability. It appeals to those who appreciate the nostalgic, vintage feel of a motorcycle that’s been around for decades, yet still crave the modern amenities and performance needed for today’s roads.

Engine and Performance: Powerful and Reliable

Similar to the Hunter 350, the Classic 350 also features a 349 cc engine that churns out 20.2 bhp of power, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Classic 350 delivers a slightly lower mileage, with an ARAI rating of 35 kmpl, but it makes up for it with its refined engine performance and a 195 kg kerb weight, offering a robust, heavy-duty feel on the road.

Like the Hunter 350, the Classic 350 also comes equipped with disc brakes and ABS as standard. However, the Classic 350 uses spoke wheels in most variants, with the exception of the Classic 350 Dark, which comes with alloy wheels. The Classic 350’s seat height of 805 mm offers a slightly higher ride, which might appeal to taller riders or those looking for a more commanding riding position.

Design: Timeless and Refined

The Classic 350 is all about heritage and style. Its vintage design is timeless, with round headlamps, chrome accents, and a beautifully sculpted fuel tank. The bike retains its retro charm, offering a nod to classic motorcycles from the past, while the addition of modern touches ensures a comfortable and smooth ride for today’s motorcyclists.

The Classic 350 is available in a range of striking variants such as the Heritage, Signals, Dark, and Chrome editions. Each of these offers distinct design elements, with the Heritage and Signals models showcasing Royal Enfield's classic army-inspired styling, while the Chrome and Dark variants bring out the modern, premium side of the bike. Whether you choose the polished look of the Classic 350 Chrome or the stealthy, matte finish of the Classic 350 Dark, the bike is sure to turn heads on the road.

Hunter 350 vs Classic 350: Key Differences

While both the Hunter 350 and Classic 350 share similar engine specifications, they differ in terms of their design, target audience, and overall feel on the road.

Design and Styling: The Hunter 350 has a more youthful, modern aesthetic with its sleek lines, bold colors, and modern features like alloy wheels in the higher variants. In contrast, the Classic 350 embraces a more traditional look, with its round headlamp, chrome detailing, and vintage appeal.

Weight and Handling: The Hunter 350 is lighter at 177 kg, making it more nimble and agile for city riding. The Classic 350, at 195 kg, offers a more substantial feel, ideal for those who prefer a more solid, planted ride, especially on highways.

Braking System: The Hunter 350 comes with Single Channel ABS on the base variant and Dual Channel ABS on higher variants, offering a more modern braking system that is often preferred for urban commuting. The Classic 350 uses Dual Channel ABS across its range, providing enhanced braking performance, especially at higher speeds or in more demanding riding conditions.

The Hunter 350 is designed for a younger audience or urban commuters who want a dynamic, modern bike with a retro twist. It’s the perfect bike for city roads and short rides. The Classic 350, on the other hand, is ideal for those who appreciate vintage design and the ability to take longer, more leisurely rides with a bit more comfort and stability.

Conclusion: Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between the Hunter 350 and the Classic 350 comes down to personal preference and intended use. If you’re looking for a lightweight, modern bike with urban appeal, the Hunter 350 is an excellent choice. Its design is more contemporary, and it offers a nimble, agile ride perfect for city streets.

If you prefer a classic, timeless design with a heavier, more stable ride for longer commutes or road trips, the Classic 350 is likely the better fit. With its rich heritage and refined build, the Classic 350 offers a sense of nostalgia along with reliable performance.

Both bikes represent Royal Enfield’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and a superior riding experience. Whether you go for the Hunter 350 or the Classic 350, you’re sure to enjoy the blend of vintage styling and modern engineering that these motorcycles offer.