Yamaha XSR 155 vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350: The Retro Motorcycle Decision You Need to Make Carefully
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| image credits: autocarindia |
This is one of the most genuinely interesting comparisons in Indian motorcycling right now — and one of the most misunderstood.
When the Yamaha XSR 155 launched in India in late 2025 at ₹1.50 lakh, the comparison to the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 was immediate and inevitable. Similar price. Retro design language. Entry-level accessibility. Roughly matched power outputs on paper. The internet collectively declared these to be direct rivals and asked the obvious question: which one should you buy?
Here's the thing. The framing is correct — at similar prices, with similar retro aesthetics and similar power figures, these two motorcycles absolutely should be on each other's shortlist. But the character, priorities, and personalities of these two motorcycles are so fundamentally different that choosing between them without riding both would be a mistake. These engines are very different as chalk and cheese.
After back-to-back riding of both, across city commutes, a highway stretch, and winding A-roads, here is the complete, instrumented, and honest comparison.
Design: Same Idea, Very Different Interpretations
Both the XSR 155 and the Hunter 350 wear retro clothing. But they've drawn their retro inspirations from different places — and the distinction matters.
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is authentically retro. Every design element reinforces the old-school brief: round LED headlamp, round mirrors, round indicators, tear-drop fuel tank, ribbed single-piece seat, and a general simplicity of form that makes the motorcycle look like it could have been built in 1975 and would have been equally at home. The Hunter 350 looks like the more authentic retro bike of the two — it is, as BikeDekho puts it, the motorcycle for someone who wants a bike that rides like a retro as well as looks like one.
The Yamaha XSR 155 is neo-retro — a modern motorcycle dressed in vintage-inspired clothes. The round headlamp and ribbed seat pay homage to retro design, but the USD fork, aluminium swingarm, the compact minimalist body panels, and the overall stance all reveal its R15/MT-15 DNA. The Yamaha XSR 155, on the other hand, looks like the more neo-retro of the two. It looks like 2025 pretending to be 1975, rather than the Hunter's more convincing time-travel act.
Both design approaches are valid and genuinely well-executed. Which resonates more is a personal decision. What's relevant is what the design communicates about the riding experience inside — and in this comparison, the design is a reliable predictor of character.
Build quality on both is strong for their price brackets. The Hunter's deep paint, quality chrome accents, and solid steel construction reinforce its traditional premium feel. The XSR's Deltabox frame, aluminium swingarm, and USD fork project a more technically sophisticated image. Each is appropriate for the motorcycle's character.
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| image credits: autocarindia |
Specifications: The Numbers That Mislead
Before the riding character assessment, the specification comparison needs honest context — because the numbers on paper are genuinely misleading about which motorcycle is "more powerful."
| Specification | Yamaha XSR 155 | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 155cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC | 349cc, air/oil-cooled, SOHC |
| Power | 18.4 bhp @ 10,000 rpm | 20.2 bhp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 14.2 Nm @ 7,500 rpm | 27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Front Suspension | 41mm USD fork | Telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Twin shock absorbers (6-step preload adj.) |
| Frame | Deltabox aluminium | Steel double-cradle |
| Kerb Weight | 137 kg | 181 kg |
| Seat Height | 810 mm | 790 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 10 litres | 13 litres |
| Wheelbase | 1,335 mm | 1,370 mm |
| ABS | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |
| Traction Control | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Smartphone Connectivity | ✅ Yes (Bluetooth) | ❌ No (Tripper nav on higher variants) |
| VVA Technology | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Price (ex-showroom) | ₹1.50 lakh (single variant) | ₹1.38–1.67 lakh (3 variants) |
The torque gap — 27 Nm at 4,000 rpm versus 14.2 Nm at 7,500 rpm — tells you almost everything about how these motorcycles behave in daily Indian riding conditions.
Performance: The Instrumented Reality
Despite the Hunter's engine being more than twice the size, the XSR 155's performance is a lot more potent. In our tests, the XSR got to 100 km/h in just 11.66 seconds, while the Hunter took 15.15 seconds.
That 3.5-second gap to 100 km/h is significant in absolute terms — the XSR is meaningfully quicker in a straight line. The explanation lies in engine character rather than displacement. The XSR 155, with its Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology, likes to be revved out and has a lovely exhaust note as it crosses the 7,000 rpm mark. The engine is free-revving, high-compression, and designed to reward riders who chase the redline — fundamentally different in nature from the Hunter's long-stroke, torque-biased air-cooled unit.
Braking: Both motorcycles are evenly matched where it matters most. In our tests, both bikes were able to come to a complete stop from 60–0 km/h in approximately 19 metres. Braking confidence and dual-channel ABS performance are equivalent across both — a genuine tie in a critical safety metric.
Top speed: The XSR 155's sixth gear and higher-revving character give it a higher top speed than the Hunter. Both can comfortably cruise at 100 km/h, but the XSR has meaningfully more in reserve above that mark.
The important caveat: outright performance figures don't define the daily riding experience for most buyers in this segment. The Hunter's torque at 4,000 rpm means it is effortlessly driveable in city conditions in a way that the XSR's high-rpm character fundamentally isn't.
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| image credits: autocarindia |
City Riding: The Hunter's Natural Territory
In the city — which is where the majority of riders in this segment spend the majority of their time — the Hunter 350 excels with its enjoyable torque — it requires less gear shifts while wading through traffic and can cruise along in third gear at low speeds.
This isn't a marginal difference. On Mumbai's stop-go arterials, the ability to leave the Hunter in second or third gear through slow traffic sections eliminates the constant downshift-upshift cycle that city riding on a high-revving small-displacement engine demands. The Hunter simply requires less of the rider in city conditions — and after months of daily riding, that quality translates to significantly lower mental fatigue.
The XSR 155 is also tractable in the city — it's not difficult to ride in traffic — but you'll have to make regular downshifts if you want any meaningful acceleration. Its 14.2 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm means the engine needs to be revved meaningfully to deliver its performance, which means more frequent gearshifts and more active throttle management in slow traffic.
With a kerb weight of 137 kg, the XSR 155 is 44 kg lighter than the Hunter 350 and that is a huge weight difference. In the city, the XSR feels extremely nimble and I preferred riding it in heavy traffic.
This is the genuine counter-argument for the XSR in city conditions: its 44 kg weight advantage makes it the more agile motorcycle for quick direction changes, lane filtering, and manoeuvring in tight spaces. The XSR also has a higher seat height (810 mm vs Hunter's 790 mm), which riders who have a build shorter than 5'5" will prefer the Hunter as it has the more accessible seat height.
City riding verdict: The Hunter 350 wins for relaxed, effortless city commuting. The XSR 155 wins for nimble, agile city filtering.
Highway Riding: Different Comfort Zones
Both motorcycles cruise comfortably at 100 km/h. The experience of getting there, and maintaining it, is different.
The Hunter 350's 27 Nm torque means highway cruising at 80–100 km/h happens at relaxed rpm — the engine is unhurried and stable, and the longer 1,370 mm wheelbase gives it a planted, stable high-speed character. The 13-litre tank extends range meaningfully. The Hunter 350 comes off as a more touring-friendly machine with good highway cruising capabilities, a larger tank, and a good set of features.
The XSR 155, with its 6-speed gearbox and VVA technology, is also competent at highway speeds — sixth gear keeps the engine in its efficiency-and-comfort sweet spot at 80–100 km/h. However, the 10-litre tank limits range compared to the Hunter, and the smaller engine's revvier character means sustained triple-digit speeds feel more involving.
Highway verdict: The Hunter 350 is the more relaxed, natural highway companion. The XSR 155 is capable but the smaller tank and engine character suit shorter stretches better.
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| image credits: autocarindia |
Handling: Two Philosophies
In terms of handling, the XSR is the more engaging machine through a set of corners. Thanks to it being based on the same platform as the R15, its Deltabox frame and relatively firm suspension make it feel nimble while flicking it into corners or making quick direction changes. The Hunter 350 takes a little more effort to steer, but once in a corner, it feels extremely planted.
The difference in hardware reinforces the difference in character. The XSR's USD fork is a more modern suspension setup that adds both perceived quality and genuine dynamic precision. The Hunter's conventional telescopic forks with 6-step preload adjustable twin rear shocks prioritise comfort and a classic riding feel over outright sportiness.
While riding both bikes together through a corner, we realised that the Hunter 350 keeps up with the XSR 155 for the most part, but it feels like it runs out of steam while powering out of corners — the XSR's top-end rush helps it power out of corners more convincingly.
The Hunter's suspension update in 2025 has made a meaningful real-world difference. The revised setup is more settled and composed than the pre-update Hunter, and the ride quality improvement has been one of the most consistent findings across owner reports since the refresh.
Handling verdict: XSR 155 for dynamic engagement and corner-to-corner pace. Hunter 350 for planted stability and all-day comfort.
Fuel Efficiency: The Most Surprising Finding.
Taking an average of the city and highway fuel economy, we got an impressive average mileage of 51 km/l for the XSR, making the XSR the winner of this fuel economy test.
That's a decisive margin. If we take an average of the city and highway efficiency for the Hunter 350, it gives us an average of 35.2 km/l, which is good for a bike in this segment.
The XSR 155's fuel efficiency advantage is the direct result of its lighter weight (137 kg vs 181 kg), smaller displacement engine, and VVA technology optimising combustion efficiency at different rpm ranges. The Hunter 350's 349cc air-cooled engine with its heavier traditional steel construction returns respectable efficiency for its size — 35.2 km/l is competitive for a 349cc engine — but the XSR's 51 km/l average is in a different category entirely.
Real-world range implication: The XSR's 10-litre tank at 51 km/l delivers approximately 500 km per fill. The Hunter's 13-litre tank at 35.2 km/l delivers approximately 457 km per fill. Despite the Hunter's larger tank, the XSR's superior efficiency delivers comparable or better range.
Features & Technology: The XSR Leads on Paper
| Feature | Yamaha XSR 155 | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (Dapper/Metro) |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument Cluster | Fully digital LCD | Semi-digital analogue + digital |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | ✅ Yes (calls, SMS, nav) | ❌ No |
| Traction Control | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| VVA Technology | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| USD Front Fork | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (telescopic) |
| Tripper Navigation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Dapper and Metro variants) |
| Full LED Lighting | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (not on base Retro variant) |
| USB Charging Port | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Dual-Channel ABS | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Slipper Clutch | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Radial Rear Tyre | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Features-wise, the XSR 155 gets a fully digital instrument cluster, smartphone connectivity for call and message alerts, traction control, and Yamaha's Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system. It also gets premium hardware like a USD front fork, a monoshock, full-LED lighting, and an assist-and-slipper clutch.
The Hunter 350 keeps things simpler and more traditional. It has a semi-digital instrument cluster that misses out on a tachometer, but on higher variants, the bike gets Royal Enfield's Tripper navigation pod for turn-by-turn directions, which the XSR lacks.
The Tripper navigation pod is a practical feature the XSR cannot match — particularly for riders who use their motorcycle for city navigation and don't want a phone mount. The XSR's Bluetooth connectivity for call and SMS alerts is, however, a more integrated daily-use convenience.
Features verdict: XSR 155 wins on technology and rider aids. Hunter 350 Dapper/Metro wins on practical navigation integration.
3 Real-World Case Studies
Case Study 1: The Performance Retro Seeker — Akash, Mumbai
Akash was torn between the two motorcycles for three months. He eventually chose the XSR 155 after a back-to-back test ride. His deciding factor: the XSR's rev-happy character, which reminded him of the sports bikes he'd ridden on track. In five months of ownership, his verdict is consistently enthusiastic about the engine and the handling — he describes corner-to-corner pace on Mumbai's Marine Drive as significantly more involving on the XSR than any Hunter he'd ridden. His fuel efficiency of 48–50 km/l in mixed conditions has been a pleasant daily surprise. His one consistent concern: the 810 mm seat height requires tip-toeing at traffic lights, which took two months to fully internalise.
Case Study 2: The Effortless Daily Commuter — Priya, Pune
Priya commutes 40 km daily between residential Baner and her Hinjewadi office. She chose the Hunter 350 Metro variant after the Autocar India comparison review tipped her decision. After four months of daily riding, her verdict is built on three specific qualities: the torque that allows third-gear cruising through slow traffic without any gearshift anxiety, the accessible 790 mm seat height that gives her complete flat-footing confidence at 5'3", and the Tripper navigation pod that eliminated her phone-mount entirely. Her city fuel efficiency of 33–35 km/l is slightly lower than she expected from a Royal Enfield, but she considers it acceptable. Her one frustration: no Bluetooth connectivity for music or call notifications, which the XSR's rider at the same traffic light consistently enjoys.
Case Study 3: The Weekend Enthusiast — Rahul, Bengaluru
Rahul owns a commuter motorcycle for daily use and bought the XSR 155 as a weekend-only machine. His 48-weekend ownership review focuses on winding road performance — Karnataka's Nandi Hills, Chikmagalur, and Coorg access roads. His consistent finding: the XSR's Deltabox frame, USD forks, and high-revving VVA engine transform these roads into a genuinely engaging experience that the Hunter 350 he's ridden as a comparison doesn't replicate. He notes the XSR feels closest in character to a small sports bike in vintage clothes — and at ₹1.50 lakh, he considers that a genuinely remarkable proposition. His highway efficiency on the Bengaluru–Mysuru expressway consistently returns 52–54 km/l at his measured riding pace of 80–90 km/h.
Head-to-Head Verdict
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | XSR 155 ✅ | 11.66 sec vs 15.15 sec (VBOX tested) |
| City Commuting — Relaxed | Hunter 350 ✅ | 27 Nm from 4,000 rpm; fewer gearshifts |
| City Commuting — Agile | XSR 155 ✅ | 44 kg lighter; more nimble at low speeds |
| Highway Cruising | Hunter 350 ✅ | More relaxed at 100 km/h; larger tank |
| Corner Handling | XSR 155 ✅ | Deltabox frame; USD fork; better corner exit |
| Ride Comfort | Hunter 350 ✅ | Softer suspension; traditional long-stroke character |
| Fuel Efficiency | XSR 155 ✅ | 51 km/l vs 35.2 km/l (Autocar India tested) |
| Features & Technology | XSR 155 ✅ | Bluetooth, traction control, VVA, digital display |
| Navigation | Hunter 350 ✅ | Tripper pod on Dapper/Metro variants |
| Accessible Seat Height | Hunter 350 ✅ | 790 mm vs 810 mm |
| Retro Authenticity | Hunter 350 ✅ | Old-school character through and through |
| Sporty Character | XSR 155 ✅ | R15/MT-15 DNA; rev-happy, engaging |
| Long-term Reliability | Hunter 350 ✅ | Proven J-Series platform; deep RE service network |
| Service Accessibility | Hunter 350 ✅ | RE dealer density is unmatched across India |
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Yamaha XSR 155 if:
- You want a motorcycle that genuinely excites you above 7,000 rpm
- You ride primarily on smooth urban roads and enjoy quick, nimble city filtering
- Fuel efficiency is a priority — 51 km/l is exceptional in this segment
- You value modern technology: Bluetooth connectivity, traction control, VVA, digital display, USD fork
- Weekend winding road riding is a regular part of your motorcycle life
- You're comfortable with a 810 mm seat height and active gear management in the city
- You want the lowest weight in the segment (137 kg) and maximum agility at any speed
Buy the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 if:
- You want a motorcycle that feels effortless and relaxed every single day
- City commuting at 40–80 km/h is your primary use case and fewer gearshifts matter to you
- You prefer authentic retro character — both in appearance and in the riding experience
- Seat height accessibility (790 mm) is a factor in your buying decision
- You plan occasional highway touring and value the 13-litre tank's range
- Tripper navigation is important for your daily urban navigation needs
- Long-term reliability and the widest service network in India are priority considerations
- You want the option to choose between three variant price points (₹1.38–1.67 lakh)
Final Scorecard
| Category | Yamaha XSR 155 | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| City Commuting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Highway Ability | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Handling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ride Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fuel Efficiency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Service Accessibility | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
The scores are tied — and that is entirely deliberate. This is not a comparison with a clear winner. It is a comparison between two motorcycles that are equally good at being fundamentally different things. Picking the wrong one for your use case means owning the wrong motorcycle. Picking the right one means owning something you'll look forward to every morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is faster — Yamaha XSR 155 or Royal Enfield Hunter 350? The XSR 155 is significantly faster in outright terms. Autocar India's VBOX test recorded 11.66 seconds to 100 km/h for the XSR versus 15.15 seconds for the Hunter. The XSR also has a higher top speed and the advantage of a sixth gear for sustained high-speed cruising.
Q: Which has better fuel efficiency? The XSR 155 decisively. Autocar India's real-world test returned an average of 51 km/l for the XSR versus 35.2 km/l for the Hunter — a gap that reflects the XSR's lighter weight, smaller engine, and VVA technology advantage.
Q: Is the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 better for daily city commuting? For most Indian city riders, yes. The 27 Nm of torque available from 4,000 rpm means fewer gearshifts in stop-go traffic, effortless low-speed drivability, and a more relaxed commuting experience. The XSR is also capable in the city but demands more active gear management.
Q: Which is better for a first-time motorcycle buyer? The Hunter 350 is more approachable for most first-time buyers — lower seat height (790 mm vs 810 mm), a relaxed torquey character that doesn't punish inexperienced riders, and Royal Enfield's unmatched service network for peace of mind. Experienced or sporty first-time buyers who prioritise performance will find the XSR's character more engaging.
Q: Is the Yamaha XSR 155 worth paying ₹12,000 more than the Hunter 350 Metro variant? The XSR comes in a single variant at ₹1.50 lakh. The Hunter Dapper (comparable mid-spec) is priced around ₹1.48–1.58 lakh depending on the city. The XSR's traction control, USD fork, digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth, VVA technology, and 51 km/l efficiency are meaningful advantages. The Hunter Dapper's Tripper navigation and relaxed character are equally meaningful advantages. The decision depends on which feature set and riding character aligns with your priorities.
💬 XSR 155 or Hunter 350 — Which One's In Your Garage?
This is the comparison that Indian motorcycling forums and communities have been debating since the XSR 155 launched, and the conversations have been genuinely interesting — performance-oriented riders who never considered a Royal Enfield are giving the XSR serious thought, and tech-savvy city commuters who assumed they'd buy a Hunter are finding the XSR's feature set compelling.
Which camp do you fall into? Do you already own one of these motorcycles? What made the decision for you, and has it lived up to expectations?
Drop your experience, mileage figures, and honest verdict in the comments below — we read and respond to every one.
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