Royal Enfield Hunter 350 vs Triumph Speed T4: India's Best Neo-Retro Duel Gets More Interesting After GST 2.0
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| image credits: autocarindia |
Two neo-retro roadsters. One with 74 years of Indian manufacturing heritage. The other with a British badge, a liquid-cooled engine, and a price that just got a lot more competitive. After GST 2.0 reforms reshaped India's motorcycle tax structure in October 2025, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 dropped by ₹12,000–15,000 and now sits between ₹1.38–1.67 lakh. The Triumph Speed T4 — unaffected by the sub-350cc GST benefit due to its 398cc engine, which now falls in the higher 40% bracket — starts at ₹1.93–1.99 lakh.
The top-spec Hunter 350 Dapper is now ₹26,000 cheaper than the Speed T4. But the gap widens to ₹55,000 at the base level.
That updated price equation has made this the most relevant and debated motorcycle comparison in India's neo-retro segment right now. With on-road prices of over ₹2 lakh, these bikes are someone's first premium motorcycle purchase — and both deserve a thorough, honest evaluation before that money is committed.
After back-to-back riding of both, here is the complete verdict.
Design: Remarkably Similar, Subtly Different
Both motorcycles wear clean, classic lines and when parked side by side, they do look quite similar — especially since both test bikes share similar colour schemes. This visual similarity is not accidental. Both are pursuing the same neo-retro brief: round LED headlamps, slim teardrop-shaped 13-litre fuel tanks, clean tail sections, and a minimal, unfussy aesthetic that owes more to 1970s café racer DNA than to modern sportsbikes.
The differences, however, are meaningful on close inspection. The Speed T4 arrives with a brushed stainless steel exhaust finish — a classier-looking presentation than the Hunter's black-finished pipe. Both feature semi-digital instrument consoles. The Hunter's top variants add the Tripper navigation pod — a small circular TFT display that shows arrow-based turn-by-turn navigation via the RE app, doubling as a clock when not in use. The Speed T4 has no equivalent navigation integration.
The Hunter is the slightly smaller motorcycle of the two — evident in its lower seat height (790 mm vs 806 mm on the Speed T4) and marginally more compact proportions overall. The Speed T4 is a subtly bigger motorcycle, and that extra size translates into perceptions of both presence and stability on the move.
Fit and finish on both bikes are commendable and both will leave you with a happy feeling about the quality you get for the money paid. At their respective price points, both significantly outperform expectations for build quality — the Hunter for its authentic RE craftsmanship at an accessible price, the Speed T4 for the premium Triumph identity and European design sensibility it delivers.
Colour options: Hunter 350 offers 7 colours across 3 variants. Speed T4 comes in 5 colours in 2 variants.
Key specifications:
| Specification | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (Dapper) | Triumph Speed T4 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 349cc air/oil-cooled SOHC | 398.15cc liquid-cooled DOHC |
| Power | 20.2 bhp @ 6,100 rpm | 31 bhp @ 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | 36 Nm @ 5,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork | Telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shocks, 6-step preload adj. | Monoshock |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 806 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 13 litres | 13 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 181 kg | ~182 kg (1 kg difference on paper) |
| Dual-channel ABS | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Slipper Clutch | ✅ Yes (2025 update) | ✅ Yes |
| Tripper Navigation | ✅ Yes (Dapper/Metro variants) | ❌ No |
| Bluetooth (Call/SMS) | ✅ Yes (Dapper/Metro) | ❌ No |
| ARAI Efficiency | 36.2 km/l | ~30 km/l |
| Price (post GST 2.0) | ₹1.38–1.67 lakh | ₹1.93–1.99 lakh |
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| image credits: autocarindia |
The Engine Gap: The Central Honest Truth of This Comparison
The common theme throughout this comparison is that these two bikes are really quite close to each other in most aspects. However, there is one area of great difference — and that is the engine.
The Triumph's single-cylinder liquid-cooled unit makes 31 bhp and 36 Nm, which are both leaps ahead of the RE's 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm, and it shows in the performance tests. That's a gap of 10.8 bhp and 9 Nm — not a marginal difference in absolute terms, and one that is felt clearly in real-world riding rather than only on a spec sheet.
The Hunter 350's J-Series air/oil-cooled engine is tuned for relaxed, torquey city riding. Maximum torque of 27 Nm arrives at just 4,000 rpm — making the Hunter effortless and friendly in stop-go urban traffic. In third gear at 40 km/h, it pulls cleanly without protest. Gearshifts are rare requirements in the city. For a first premium motorcycle buyer in an Indian city, this character is deeply approachable and completely appropriate.
The Speed T4's 398cc liquid-cooled engine operates in a different register entirely. It is characteristically smooth, refined, and free of the vibration that characterises the Hunter's air-cooled single above certain speeds. Its counter-rotating balancer shaft is among the best in any single-cylinder motorcycle at this price, and the 36 Nm torque at 5,000 rpm — combined with a 6-speed gearbox — gives the T4 a broader performance envelope across the speed range. At highway speeds, in corners, and on open roads, the T4 consistently feels more sorted, more confident, and simply faster than the Hunter.
Owner reviews corroborate this character division clearly. Hunter owners consistently describe their motorcycle as smooth, friendly, and relaxed at mid-range speeds — with real-world city fuel efficiency of 32–35 km/l. Speed T4 owners describe their motorcycle as punchy, smooth with solid handling and a premium vibe, noting fuel efficiency of 20–24 km/l based on riding style — meaningfully lower than the Hunter's return, reflecting both the larger engine and its more spirited riding character.
Both bikes also have the Hunter 350's five-speed gearbox tuned for relaxed, laid-back riding, while the Speed T4's six-speed gearbox offers better flexibility, especially on open roads. The extra ratio in the T4's gearbox allows more optimal engine speed across a wider velocity range — a practical touring advantage on routes where speeds vary significantly.
City Riding: Hunter's Home Territory
In the city — where most Indian riders spend most of their riding time — the Hunter 350 is a deeply satisfying motorcycle. The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is about keeping things simple. It's easy to ride, easy to live with and feels right at home in the city. The friendly engine, low seat height and manageable weight make it a good everyday motorcycle, especially for newer riders or those who prefer a relaxed pace.
The Hunter's 790 mm seat height is one of its most practically significant specifications for city use — accessible for a wide range of rider builds and statures, and particularly valuable for shorter riders who struggle with the higher seats common in premium motorcycles. The tighter turning radius — a noted advantage over the Speed T4 in Autocar India's comparison — makes filtering through tight urban gaps and navigating parking lots more natural.
The Tripper navigation pod is a feature the Speed T4 simply cannot match for urban practicality — simple arrow-based directions connected to the RE app, visible at a glance. The Hunter Dapper and Metro variants also offer Bluetooth call and SMS alerts. For a city commuter who uses their motorcycle for daily navigation and connectivity, these are meaningful real-world advantages over the Speed T4's relatively minimal feature set.
The slipper clutch — added to the Hunter 350 in 2025 — has made city riding perceptibly more relaxed. The clutch pull is light, consistent, and praised across multiple owner reports as a meaningful improvement over the previous generation.
City riding verdict: Hunter 350 wins on accessibility, ergonomics, feature set, and relaxed city character. The Speed T4 is also manageable in city traffic but doesn't offer the Hunter's effortless, beginner-friendly nature.
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| image credits: autocarindia |
Highway & Open Road: The Speed T4's Natural Home
The Speed T4 takes a more grown-up approach. Its bigger, liquid-cooled engine and more stable chassis make it feel stronger and more confident once the road opens up. It's the better choice if you ride beyond city limits and want a motorcycle that feels more sorted at higher speeds.
There is only a kilo of difference between the two on paper, but the Triumph manages to feel noticeably lighter on the move. This is partly chassis dynamics and partly the confidence the liquid-cooled engine's smoother, more progressive power delivery instils — the T4 feels planted and composed at speeds that begin to reveal the Hunter's vibration and reduced performance reserve.
At 100–110 km/h, the Hunter 350 is capable but working harder than the Speed T4. The air-cooled engine introduces vibrations through bars and footpegs at sustained highway speeds — a characteristic that becomes more noticeable on expressway stints beyond 90 minutes. The Speed T4 at the same speeds is more relaxed, its balancer shaft keeping vibrations well contained.
The Speed T4's monoshock rear suspension also offers a more modern, more composed ride over varied surfaces than the Hunter's twin shock setup. On smooth tarmac, both are good. On imperfect surfaces at speed, the T4's monoshock is more forgiving and consistent.
For pillion carrying — an important real-world consideration for many Indian buyers — the Triumph does a little better in terms of space, seat comfort and grab handles. The Hunter's solo-friendly proportions are a slight limitation for regular two-up riding.
Highway verdict: Speed T4 wins comprehensively on performance, refinement, composure, and pillion comfort at highway speeds.
Handling: Close, But the T4 Has the Edge
In terms of weight and handling, there's only a kilo of difference between the two on paper, but the Triumph manages to feel noticeably lighter on the move. Where the RE claws back some advantage is that it has a tighter turning radius.
In corners, both bikes are reasonably capable neo-retro roadsters — neither is pretending to be a sportsbike. The Hunter's lighter-feeling steering and lower seat height make direction changes in the city feel instinctive. The Speed T4's more stable chassis and better-managed weight inspire more confidence on longer, faster corners.
Both are reasonably spacious even for larger riders, but tall riders will find the knee-bend on the Triumph a little more comfortable thanks to the taller seat height of 806 mm.
The front brakes, ABS assistance, alloy wheels and tyre sizes are almost similar on both motorcycles. However, the overall braking performance could be better on the Hunter 350, as it has a significantly larger rear disc brake than the Speed T4. In instrumented braking tests, both perform competently at this price point.
Handling verdict: The Speed T4 is the better handler on open roads. The Hunter is more agile in tight city conditions.
Fuel Efficiency: A Significant Practical Gap
ARAI claimed mileage: Hunter 350 — 36.2 km/l. Speed T4 — approximately 30 km/l.
Real-world owner reports:
- Hunter 350: 32–36 km/l across city and mixed conditions
- Speed T4: 20–24 km/l depending on riding style, dropping toward 22 km/l in city conditions
This is a substantial real-world gap — 10+ km/l in typical Indian city riding conditions. At Indian fuel prices and average urban commuting distances, the Hunter's efficiency advantage translates to a meaningful annual saving.
Both motorcycles have a 13-litre tank. At real-world efficiency:
- Hunter 350 range: approximately 420–450 km per fill
- Speed T4 range: approximately 260–300 km per fill
The Speed T4's significantly lower range per fill means more frequent fuel stops — a practical daily-use consideration for city commuters riding the motorcycle as their primary vehicle.
Fuel efficiency verdict: Hunter 350 wins decisively — by approximately 10–14 km/l in real-world conditions.
Features & Technology: Hunter Leads on Connectivity
| Feature | Hunter 350 (Dapper/Metro) | Triumph Speed T4 |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument Cluster | Semi-digital (analogue speedo + digital) | Semi-digital (analogue speedo + digital) |
| Tripper Navigation (TFT) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Bluetooth Call/SMS Alerts | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| LED Headlamp | ✅ Yes (2025 update) | ✅ Yes |
| USB Type-C Port | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Slipper Clutch | ✅ Yes (2025 update) | ✅ Yes |
| Dual-channel ABS | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Rear Disc Brake Size | Significantly larger | Smaller |
| Monoshock Rear | ❌ (twin shocks) | ✅ Yes |
| Variant Range | 3 variants (₹1.38–1.67L) | 2 variants (₹1.93–1.99L) |
The Hunter's 2025 update — LED headlamp (replacing the previous halogen), revised rear suspension, and slipper clutch — has meaningfully improved the motorcycle's competitive position. All-LED lighting, a digital-analogue instrument cluster and a USB Type-C charging port are common features on both motorcycles. However, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 stands out with its Tripper Navigation Pod and smartphone connectivity, offering turn-by-turn navigation and call alerts on the go.
For city riders who navigate daily and want connectivity, the Hunter Dapper and Metro variants offer a feature set the Speed T4 simply cannot match at any variant level.
Price After GST 2.0: The Revised Reality
The GST 2.0 implementation significantly reshaped this comparison's financial landscape. Bikes up to 350cc now attract 18% GST (down from 28%), while bikes above 350cc attract 40% (up from 28%). This directly impacts these two competitors:
| Variant | Pre-GST 2.0 | Post-GST 2.0 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter 350 Retro | ₹1.50 lakh | ₹1.38 lakh | −₹12,000 |
| Hunter 350 Dapper | ₹1.70 lakh | ₹1.57 lakh | −₹13,000 |
| Hunter 350 Metro | ₹1.82 lakh | ₹1.67 lakh | −₹15,000 |
| Speed T4 STD | ₹1.93 lakh | ₹1.93–1.99 lakh | Minimal change |
Even after GST 2.0, the Triumph Speed T4 is more expensive than the Hunter 350, but it offers better performance. The base variant of the Hunter 350 is ₹55,000 cheaper than the Speed T4, while the top variant is available for approximately ₹26,000 less. The Speed T4 justifies its premium price with its powerful liquid-cooled engine and sporty riding experience.
The practical note: the base Hunter 350 Retro at ₹1.38 lakh lacks alloy wheels and tubeless tyres — making the Dapper (₹1.57 lakh) the meaningful entry point for a comparable feature set to the Speed T4.
3 Real-World Case Studies
Case Study 1: The First Premium Motorcycle — Aarav, Pune
Aarav test-rode both motorcycles on the same day and chose the Hunter 350 Dapper. His deciding factors: the ₹42,000 lower price over the Speed T4 that allowed him to invest in proper riding gear, the 790 mm seat height that gave him complete confidence at traffic lights at 5'5", and the Tripper navigation pod that eliminated the need for a phone mount during his daily 35 km Pune commute. After five months of ownership, his city fuel efficiency averages 33–34 km/l — meeting his budgeting expectations. His standing observation: on the rare weekend highway runs to Lonavla at 90–100 km/h, he notices the Hunter's vibration in the handlebars above 80 km/h, which has made him consciously moderate his highway pace. He considers this an acceptable trade for the motorcycle's daily city excellence.
Case Study 2: The Performance-First Buyer — Meera, Bengaluru
Meera chose the Speed T4 after initially considering the Hunter Metro. Her decision: the liquid-cooled engine's performance advantage and the sense that the Speed T4 would grow with her as a rider in a way the Hunter couldn't. After four months — including weekly weekend rides on Bengaluru's surrounding A-roads — her verdict is strongly positive on both counts. The 31 bhp engine has rewarded her as her confidence has grown; the speeds she's now comfortable at on winding roads exceed what she could manage on the Hunter during back-to-back test rides. Her practical concession: fuel efficiency of 22–23 km/l in city conditions means more frequent petrol stops than anticipated. She considers it a worthwhile trade for the motorcycle she genuinely enjoys riding.
Case Study 3: The Rational Mid-Ground — Suresh, Delhi NCR
Suresh evaluated both bikes purely on his specific use case: 80% city commuting, 20% weekend trips on smooth Delhi–Agra stretches. His conclusion mirrored Autocar India's eventual verdict. For his combined use profile, the Speed T4's superior highway performance, stability, and refined liquid-cooled engine justified its ₹26,000 premium over the Hunter Metro. His city fuel efficiency of 21–23 km/l is lower than the Hunter, but his commute is only 15 km each way — making the per-month fuel cost difference manageable rather than prohibitive. He specifically cites the Speed T4's superior pillion comfort as a weekly-use advantage for his partner.
Head-to-Head Verdict Table
| Category | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Performance | Speed T4 ✅ | 31 bhp / 36 Nm vs 20.2 bhp / 27 Nm — a decisive gap in every riding scenario |
| City Commuting | Hunter 350 ✅ | Relaxed torque, lower seat, tighter turning radius, better for beginners |
| Highway Performance | Speed T4 ✅ | More power, refined liquid-cooling, composed chassis at higher speeds |
| Fuel Efficiency | Hunter 350 ✅ | 32–36 km/l vs 20–24 km/l — 10–14 km/l advantage in real-world use |
| Handling (open road) | Speed T4 ✅ | More stable chassis, feels lighter on the move, inspires more confidence |
| Handling (city) | Hunter 350 ✅ | Tighter turning radius; more agile in tight urban conditions |
| Feature Set | Hunter 350 ✅ | Tripper navigation, Bluetooth call/SMS alerts — Speed T4 has neither |
| Seat Height Accessibility | Hunter 350 ✅ | 790 mm vs 806 mm — significant for shorter riders |
| Pillion Comfort | Speed T4 ✅ | Better space, seat comfort, and grab handles |
| Rear Suspension Quality | Speed T4 ✅ | Monoshock vs Hunter's twin shocks — more consistent over varied surfaces |
| Vibration Control | Speed T4 ✅ | Liquid-cooled + balancer shaft; Hunter is vibration-prone above 90 km/h |
| Value for Money | Hunter 350 ✅ | ₹26,000–55,000 cheaper with more features; strongest financial case |
| Service Network | Hunter 350 ✅ | Royal Enfield's dealer density across India is unmatched |
| Long-ride Comfort | Speed T4 ✅ | Engine refinement, pillion comfort, and highway composure all superior |
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (Dapper/Metro) if:
- This is your first premium motorcycle and you want something approachable and confidence-building from day one
- City commuting is your dominant use — the relaxed torque and low seat height are genuine daily-use advantages
- Fuel efficiency matters to your budgeting — 32–36 km/l vs 20–24 km/l is a material annual difference
- Tripper navigation and Bluetooth connectivity are features you'll use regularly
- The ₹26,000–55,000 saving over the Speed T4 enables you to invest in better riding gear or accessories
- Royal Enfield's dealer network density across India gives you service peace of mind in your city or region
- Your riding is 80%+ urban and occasional short highway runs at moderate speeds
Buy the Triumph Speed T4 if:
- Performance is a genuine priority — 31 bhp and 36 Nm will grow with you as a rider in a way the Hunter cannot
- You regularly ride beyond city limits and want a motorcycle that is composed and confident at highway speeds
- Vibration-free riding experience above 90 km/h matters to your comfort
- You ride with a pillion regularly and need better two-up comfort
- The ₹26,000 premium over the Hunter Metro is justifiable for meaningfully better performance
- Weekend riding on open roads is as important to your ownership experience as daily commuting
Final Scorecard
| Category | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | Triumph Speed T4 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Performance | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| City Commuting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Highway Performance | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fuel Efficiency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ride Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Features & Connectivity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Refinement (vibration) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Accessibility (seat/weight) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pillion Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Service Network | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | 4.1 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
The narrow overall margin in favour of the Hunter reflects the broader buyer reality: most Indian riders in this segment are city-first buyers for whom the Hunter's accessibility, features, fuel efficiency, and value represent the stronger everyday proposition. The Speed T4 scores 4/5 overall in an all-round framework — but for the rider who pushes beyond the city on weekends and wants a motorcycle that grows with them, it scores a full 5/5 on its own terms.
It's impossible to ignore just how much more performance the Triumph is giving you while still retaining the engaging and easy-going nature a bike like this should have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is more powerful — Hunter 350 or Triumph Speed T4? The Triumph Speed T4 is significantly more powerful: 31 bhp and 36 Nm versus the Hunter's 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm. The gap is approximately 53% more power and 33% more torque — clearly felt in real-world riding, particularly on highways and winding roads.
Q: What is the fuel efficiency difference in real-world riding? A significant and practical gap. Hunter 350 returns 32–36 km/l in city and mixed conditions. Speed T4 owners report 20–24 km/l depending on riding style. The Hunter's 10–14 km/l advantage translates to meaningfully lower per-kilometre running costs over a year of daily commuting.
Q: How did GST 2.0 affect the Hunter 350 price? Royal Enfield passed the entire GST 2.0 benefit to customers. The Hunter 350 dropped by ₹12,000 (base Retro) to ₹15,000 (top Metro) — now priced ₹1.38–1.67 lakh. The Triumph Speed T4's 398cc engine falls above the 350cc threshold and was not similarly benefited, maintaining its ₹1.93–1.99 lakh pricing. The Hunter is now ₹26,000–55,000 cheaper depending on the variant comparison.
Q: Is the Speed T4 worth ₹26,000 more than the Hunter 350 Metro? For riders who prioritise performance, highway composure, vibration-free riding above 90 km/h, and pillion comfort — yes. For riders who prioritise city accessibility, fuel efficiency, navigation features, and the widest service network in India — the Hunter Metro represents stronger value. The right answer depends entirely on your riding profile.
Q: Which is better for a first-time motorcycle buyer? For most first-time buyers with primarily urban use: the Hunter 350 Dapper or Metro. The lower seat height, relaxed engine character, Tripper navigation, and lower price enabling gear investment all support an easier, more confident early ownership experience. Sporty or performance-oriented first-time buyers who plan open-road riding from day one will find the Speed T4's engine investment worthwhile.
💬 Hunter or Speed T4 — Tell Us Your Story
The Hunter 350 vs Speed T4 debate is one of India's most active neo-retro motorcycle conversations — and GST 2.0 has only intensified it. Do you already own either of these motorcycles? What made the decision for you? Has city fuel efficiency been a bigger factor than you expected — or has the T4's performance made every km/l worth it?
Drop your riding story, mileage figures, and honest verdict in the comments below. Every one is read and responded to.
Found this comparison useful? Share it with a rider choosing between these two bikes — especially someone who's a first-time premium motorcycle buyer weighing up their options. And subscribe to our newsletter for more head-to-head comparisons, long-term owner reports, and India motorcycle coverage delivered weekly.
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