Royal Enfield has been a dominant name in the motorcycle world, especially when it comes to delivering powerful, robust, and timeless machines. With their unmatched legacy, Royal Enfield motorcycles are revered for their old-school charm and mechanical prowess. Two of the most celebrated models in their lineup are the Hunter 350 and the Classic 350. Both bikes fall under the 350cc category, but each brings a unique personality to the table. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between the Hunter 350 and the Classic 350, analyzing their performance, features, and design to help you understand which one might be the right choice for your riding preferences.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350: A Modern Classic with Urban Appeal
The Hunter 350 is a relatively new addition to the Royal Enfield family, but it has already started to carve its own niche in the market. As the name suggests, the Hunter 350 was designed with urban riders in mind, offering a more modern approach to the classic Royal Enfield style while maintaining the brand’s rugged essence. The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a part of Royal Enfield’s 350cc platform, which is renowned for its reliability, simplicity, and versatility.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Hunter 350 is a 349.34 cc single-cylinder engine that produces 20.2 bhp of power and 27 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, offering smooth shifts and a relaxed riding experience, making it well-suited for both city commuting and long-distance cruising. The bike’s engine is tuned to deliver a linear powerband, ensuring a stress-free ride, especially in the city, where riders often need a responsive motor to handle frequent stops and starts.
With an ARAI mileage rating of 36 kmpl, the Hunter 350 offers a respectable fuel economy, making it a cost-effective choice for everyday use. Its fuel tank capacity of 13 liters ensures that riders can cover long distances without the need for frequent refueling stops. The Hunter 350 is also light in comparison to some of its siblings, with a kerb weight of 177 kg. This lower weight, combined with a seat height of 800 mm, contributes to its agility and ease of handling, particularly in urban environments where maneuverability is crucial.
Design and Comfort
The Hunter 350 stands out for its contemporary design, which blends the classic Royal Enfield aesthetics with modern elements. Unlike the more retro-focused Classic 350, the Hunter 350 adopts a more stripped-back, minimalist look. It has a sleeker profile, with a more compact frame and modern detailing. The bike comes with alloy wheels, which not only give it a more modern appearance but also make it lighter than traditional spoke wheels.
The seat height of 800 mm ensures that the Hunter 350 is accessible to riders of all sizes, providing a comfortable and commanding riding position. The ergonomics of the bike are designed to enhance comfort, with a slightly more upright stance compared to the Classic 350, which makes it ideal for city commuting and casual touring. The Hunter 350 also comes with updated suspension settings that provide a smoother ride, especially on uneven city roads.
Technology and Features
Despite its retro design, the Hunter 350 is equipped with modern technological features. It comes with a semi-digital instrument cluster that provides essential information like speed, trip data, and fuel levels. This modern touch adds to the bike’s practicality, as it combines Royal Enfield’s classic appeal with useful features for everyday riding. The Hunter 350 also boasts dual-channel ABS, which enhances safety by reducing the risk of skidding during hard braking, especially in adverse conditions.
Royal Enfield Classic 350: The Timeless Icon
On the other hand, the Classic 350 is an enduring symbol of the Royal Enfield brand. Known for its vintage styling, the Classic 350 appeals to riders who appreciate traditional aesthetics combined with modern reliability. This motorcycle has been a bestseller for years and has seen several updates over time, making it a versatile choice for both new and experienced riders.
Engine and Performance
Much like the Hunter 350, the Classic 350 is powered by a 349 cc engine that delivers 20.2 bhp of power and 27 Nm of torque. This engine is also paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, offering a similar performance profile to the Hunter 350. The bike’s engine is known for its smooth, thumping power delivery, which has become synonymous with the Royal Enfield brand. Whether you’re cruising on highways or riding through the city, the engine provides a satisfying riding experience.
The Classic 350 is also rated for a mileage of 35 kmpl by ARAI, which is slightly lower than the Hunter 350 but still respectable in the 350cc category. With a 13-liter fuel tank, the Classic 350 offers a similar range as the Hunter 350, ensuring that you can cover long distances without frequent fuel stops.
At 195 kg, the Classic 350 is noticeably heavier than the Hunter 350, which gives it a more planted and stable feel on highways. However, the added weight can make it slightly less maneuverable in tight city spaces. The seat height of 805 mm makes the Classic 350 suitable for a wide range of riders, although it might be slightly less accessible for shorter riders compared to the Hunter 350.
Design and Comfort
The Classic 350 is known for its iconic retro styling, which includes chrome accents, a round headlamp, and traditional spoke wheels. This design harks back to the 1940s and 50s, giving the bike an unmistakable vintage appeal. The Classic 350 has a more substantial presence on the road, with its wide fenders, large fuel tank, and bold lines. For riders who appreciate timeless aesthetics and the charm of yesteryear, the Classic 350 is a motorcycle that captures the essence of Royal Enfield’s heritage.
The ergonomics of the Classic 350 provide a relaxed, cruiser-like posture, making it ideal for long-distance touring. While the bike’s suspension is tuned to offer comfort over long rides, it’s also designed to provide a solid ride on city roads. The addition of a dual-cradle frame in the newer iteration of the Classic 350 has improved its handling and stability, making it more capable on various types of terrain.
Technology and Features
Though it retains a vintage look, the Classic 350 is equipped with modern features like a digital-analog instrument cluster, making it easier for riders to track essential information. The Classic 350 also features dual-channel ABS for added safety. This ensures that the bike maintains its composure during sudden braking and provides enhanced control, particularly in slippery conditions.
Hunter 350 vs Classic 350: Which One to Choose?
Both the Hunter 350 and the Classic 350 are exceptional motorcycles that offer a unique set of features, but the choice ultimately depends on your riding style and preferences.
- Design & Aesthetics: If you are someone who appreciates modern minimalist designs with a focus on city commuting, the Hunter 350 will suit your style. It offers a more contemporary look while maintaining the essence of Royal Enfield’s rugged charm. On the other hand, if you are a fan of vintage motorcycles and love the retro styling of chrome finishes and traditional design, the Classic 350 will undoubtedly appeal to you.
- Performance & Handling: In terms of performance, both bikes share the same engine and offer similar power outputs. However, the Hunter 350 is slightly lighter, which makes it more agile and easier to handle in urban settings. The Classic 350, with its heavier weight, offers a more stable and planted feel on highways, making it ideal for long-distance rides.
- Comfort: The Hunter 350 offers a more upright, city-friendly riding position, while the Classic 350 offers a relaxed cruiser posture that is better suited for long trips.
- Technology: Both bikes come with modern technological features, including ABS and semi-digital instrument clusters. However, the Hunter 350 has a more modern interface with some advanced tech, making it more appealing to tech-savvy riders.
Conclusion
Whether you go for the Hunter 350 or the Classic 350 depends on your personal riding needs. The Hunter 350 excels in urban commuting and offers a more contemporary design, while the Classic 350 is perfect for those who enjoy timeless aesthetics and long-distance riding. Both bikes are exceptional in their own right, continuing the Royal Enfield legacy of producing reliable, powerful, and visually stunning motorcycles.
