Royal Enfield launched the Hunter 350 last year and it has bagged commendable sales since then. Moreover, it's the most affordable offering from the brand. Now, the Honda CB350RS has also received a notable number of buyers lately. In this story, we compare the two on paper.
Design
Both bikes feature a similar old-school design, thereby sporting a round headlight, tear drop-shaped fuel tank, single-piece seat, a wide handlebar, and a slightly upswept side-mounted exhaust. However, the Hunter is more of a retro-roadster whereas Honda says that the CB350RS is inclined towards the scrambler category. That said, the styling of both bikes is likeable and can appeal to their respective buyers.
Features
Royal Enfield offers the Hunter 350 with a halogen headlight, semi-digital instrument console, and Tripper Navigation system. You can also buy it with an LED taillight that’s available only on the most premium variant — Metro Rebel. On the other hand, the Honda CB350RS features an LED headlight, a semi-digital instrument console, and Honda Selectable Torque Control for all variants. Then, there’s the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system that is available only with the DLX Pro and DLX Pro Dual-Tone variants.
Engine
The Hunter 350 draws power from the same J-series motor as the Classic 350 and the Meteor 350. It’s a 349cc single-cylinder engine that produces 20.2bhp and 27Nm. It’s mated to a five-speed gearbox. The Hunter’s engine churns out a decent performance and is quite tractable. The CB, meanwhile, gets a 348.36cc mill linked to a five-speed gearbox and benefits from a slipper clutch. It makes 20.7bhp and 30Nm.
Hardware
The Hunter 350 rides on gaitered telescopic front forks and dual rear shocks. Its braking hardware comprises a 300mm front disc and 270mm rear disc for the Metro Rebel and Metro Dapper models. But the Retro factory gets a rear drum unit. The Metro variants also get 17-inch alloy wheels whereas the Retro trim comes with spoked wheels.
Honda has equipped the CB350RS with telescopic front forks and dual rear shocks. It gets a 310mm front and a 240mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. Unlike the Hunter, the CB rides on a 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear wheel. The larger front wheel adds to the stability of the bike.
Price
Royal Enfield offers the Hunter 350 in three variants: Retro Factory, Metro Dapper, and Metro Rebel. The asking prices for these are set at Rs. 1,49,900, Rs. 1,66,901, and Rs 1,70,744, respectively (all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi). The Honda CB350RS retails at a much higher price tag of Rs. 2,14,856 for the DLX model and Rs. 2,17,857 for DLX Pro Dual Tone (both prices are ex-showroom, Delhi).
