While this might seem like an odd comparison considering the different engine capacities and nature of both motorcycles, if you are considering one of these bikes, the other should also be on your radar. They are both accessible motorcycles with similar power figures and carry a similar price tag. Yamaha calls the XSR a sport retro as it shares its chassis and engine with the R15 and MT-15, while the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has a more old-school vibe to it.
Yamaha XSR 155 vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Performance, Refinement, and Mileage
Rev Happy vs Torque Rich
The XSR 155 gets a 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine putting out 18.4hp at 10,000rpm and a peak torque of 14.2Nm at 7,500rpm, and comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The Hunter 350, on the other hand, uses a 349cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 20hp at 6,100rpm and a peak torque of 27Nm at 4,000rpm. In this comparison, numbers do not really tell the full story, because these engines have very different characteristics. 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 100kph in just 11.66 seconds, while the Hunter took 15.15 seconds. The XSR 155, with its Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) tech, likes to be revved out and has a lovely exhaust note as it crosses the 7,000rpm mark. In comparison, the Hunter 350 produces its peak power at just 6,100rpm and feels in its element when kept in the mid-range rpms. Both bikes can comfortably cruise on the highway at 100kph, but the XSR 155 does have a higher top speed and the advantage of a sixth gear. In the city, 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. The XSR is also tractable, but you’ll have to make regular downshifts if you want any meaningful acceleration. Both motorcycles have a slip-and-assist clutch, where the action is light, and both gearboxes are also slick.
| Acceleration | XSR 155 | Hunter 350 |
| 0-60kph | 4.29 seconds | 4.95 seconds |
| 0-80kph | 7.02 seconds | 8.75 seconds |
| 0-100kph | 11.66 seconds | 15.15 seconds |
Thanks to the XSR having a smaller engine and being so much lighter, it also delivered impressive results in our mileage test. We achieved 51.7kpl on the highway and 50.3kpl in the city on the XSR 155, which is superb considering the performance this engine offers. The Hunter 350, on the other hand, gave us 30.6kpl in the city and 39.8kpl out on the highway, which is decent for a bike in its class.
| Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 155 cc | 349 cc |
| Max Engine Power | 18.1bhp@10000rpm | 20.2hp at 6100rpm |
| Max Engine Torque | 14.2Nm@7500rpm | 27Nm at 4000rpm |
| Number of Gears | 6 | 5 |
| Fuel Tank Size | 10 L | 13 litres |
Yamaha XSR 155 vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Ride Comfort and Handling
Nimble City Slicker vs Composed Roadster
With a kerb weight of 137kg, the XSR 155 is 44kg lighter than the Hunter 350, and that is a huge difference. In the city, the XSR feels extremely nimble, and I preferred riding it in heavy traffic. Riders who have a build shorter than 5ft 5in will prefer the Hunter, as it has the more accessible seat height – 790mm – compared to the XSR 155’s 810mm. The handlebar of the XSR is wider with a slight reach forward, and the footpegs are also set towards the rear, keeping the rider in a slightly aggressive position. The seat and handlebar of the Hunter 350 keeps the rider more upright and relaxed, and its footpegs, though still a bit rear-set, are placed more comfortably than the Yamaha. 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. 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. That said, anyone who opts for the Hunter is going to be riding it in a more relaxed manner, which is what it does really well.
| Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 137 kg | 181 kg |
Royal Enfield updated the suspension of the Hunter 350 last year, and it has surely made a world of a difference. What used to be a harshly uncomfortable setup now glides through potholes, speed breakers and unpredictable road conditions with ease, making for a really comfortable ride. There were even moments when I did hit some bad potholes at higher speeds, and the bike took them on without losing stability. The XSR has a stiffer suspension setup (especially at the rear shock), and I needed to be cautious while hitting speed breakers and undulations. This stiff nature will take a toll on your lower back after extended periods on poor roads. The braking on both bikes feels equally confidence inspiring, and they were almost on par in our tests as well.
Yamaha XSR 155 vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Features and Safety
Modern Tech vs Thoughtful Simplicity
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. While it does get dual-channel ABS and a slipper clutch, it misses out on rider aids like traction control, although that’s hardly necessary on a 20hp motorcycle. The suspension setup on the Hunter is more conventional too, with telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, prioritising comfort and a classic riding feel over outright sportiness.
Yamaha XSR 155 vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Design and Quality
Similar Retro Vibe, Different Personalities
Both bikes have good fit-and-finish levels for this price and feel premium. Styling is subjective but worth talking about in this comparison. The neo-retro looks of the XSR 155 are what I personally prefer compared to the fully retro Hunter 350, but riders looking for practicality will find the Hunter 350 better. That is thanks to its lower seat height, more comfortable ergonomics and pillion grab rails. And despite the Hunter being the heavier motorcycle, it looks like the more compact one of the two.
Yamaha XSR 155 vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Price and Verdict
The XSR 155 is the winner of this comparison, but the Hunter 350 will still appeal to many riders.
Priced at an introductory Rs 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the XSR 155 is more affordable than the MT-15 and the R15. The top-spec Hunter 350 is currently priced at Rs 1.67 lakh (ex-showroom), making it Rs 17,000 more expensive than the XSR 155. The XSR proves to be the more value-for-money product and the winner of this comparison as it’s faster, lighter and more fuel efficient. That said, the Hunter 350 has some qualities that make it quite compelling, especially now that its suspension and previously heavy clutch have both been upgraded. It’s a comfortable bike, has a charmingly characterful engine and doesn’t carry the ‘old’ vibe of its 350cc siblings. To sum it up, younger riders are sure to prefer the performance, looks and tech of the XSR, while the Hunter 350 will appeal to those who value a more relaxed and comfortable ride.
