Synopsis– The 2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Honda CB350 go head-to-head in India’s retro 350cc segment, each of them offering unique strengths in style, performance, and features. This article goes through and compares all the aspects of these bikes and provides you with a concluding statement on which bike is better for you.
Choosing between the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and the Honda CB350 is a tough decision to make, especially for those looking for a stylish yet practical new gen retro looking motorcycle in India’s highly competitive 350cc segment. In 2025, both these bikes have received updates where each of them bring in a unique blend of features, performance, and value for money. In this article, we will be comparing the two bikes in detail on various parameters, so that by the end of this article you are clear about which one of these is the better choice for you.
Engine and Performance
The very major component of a motorcycle is its engine, and both our contenders have a strong engine:
- Hunter 350: The Hunter’s air-oil cooled, single-cylinder engine is smooth and characterful with a signature engine sound that Royal Enfield has always been known for. The 2025 update introduced a slipper clutch, which has significantly improved the clutch feel, especially in city. The 20.21 PS output feels lively in urban riding.
- CB350: Honda’s long-stroke engine providers it a smoother and more refined torque delivery. Even though its 21.07 PS puts it on the lower side (in theory), the real difference is in low-end torque and throttle response, which makes it an excellent bike for relaxed highway cruising and city commutes.
| Specification | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | Honda CB350 |
| Engine Capacity | 349cc | 348.36cc |
| Power Output | 20.21 PS @ 6,100 rpm | 21.07 PS @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | 29.4 Nm @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed (w/ slipper clutch) | 5-speed (w/ assist clutch) |
Ride Comfort & Handling
- Hunter 350: The model for 2025 has an updated suspension for Indian road conditions, making the ride quality comparatively more cushioned, with more ground clearance at 160mm. The relatively light weight of the Hunter 350 and compact chassis give it an agile and confidence-building feel for new riders and city riders in urban environments. The overall seat height is 790mm, which is suitable for riders of most heights, however when carrying a passenger it can feel a bit cramped up.
- CB350: The Honda’s cradle frame, with telescopic forks, combined with twin hydraulic shocks gives a neutral feel when riding. The quality of ride is on the firmer side at lower speeds but evens out, as things gain speed. The seating position is very spacious, and bike seat height generally tends to favour taller riders.
Features and Tech
| Feature | Hunter 350 | Honda CB350 |
| Headlamp | LED (Metro variant) | Full LED |
| Instrument Cluster | Analogue/Digital, Tripper on Metro | Semi-digital, Bluetooth |
| Navigation | Turn-by-turn (Metro variant) | Bluetooth, turn-by-turn |
| USB Charging | Type-C | Yes |
| Traction Control | Not Available | Honda Selectable Torque Control |
| Slipper Clutch | Yes (2025 update) | Yes (Assist & Slipper) |
The Hunter’s Metro variant narrows the tech gap, now including LED lighting, navigation, and a USB-C charger. On the other hand, CB350 wins it on features like traction control and a more advanced digital cluster. Both bikes support Bluetooth connectivity and navigation, which make it more appealing to young riders.
Mileage and Efficiency
- Hunter 350: Real-world mileage hovers between 32–36 kmpl, with a 13-liter tank which gives it a practical range of around 400km per fill.
- CB350: Honda claims 42.17 kmpl, with a 15-liter tank, which comparatively gives it a for longer intervals between refuelling the bike.
- This tells us that only if long rides are part of your lifestyle, then the CB350’s efficiency edge will make a significant difference to you.
Design, Build and Practicality
- Hunter 350: Is a retro-modern roadster, the Hunter 350 is the most compact and lightweight Royal Enfield available in the market, weighing in at 181kg (kerb). It is has well-finished paintwork and matte/metallic colour varients as well. Comparatively, the Hunter 350 feels more urban and youthful, which makes it perfect for city commuters and first-timers.
- CB350: Honda gives you the feel of a grown-up retro cruiser, which has a solid build quality and attention to detail design as well. The seat is comfortable, the riding position is upright, and it feels stable at speed, making it ideal for city as well as the highway.
Pricing & Value
| Model | Ex-Showroom Price (INR) |
| Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | 1.5 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, Base Variant) |
| Honda CB350 | 2.18 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, Base Variant) |
- The Hunter 350 is comparatively more affordable, making it a better choice for the buyers on budget.
- The CB350’s premium is justified by extra features and Honda’s refined engineering.
Pros and Cons
1. Royal Enfield Hunter 350
- Pros
- Attractive pricing
- Lightweight and beginner-friendly
- With the 2025 update, it has got an improved ride quality and comfort
- Cons
- Firm rear suspension
- Slightly cramped for two
- Fewer electronic features than CB350
2. Honda CB350
- Pros
- Superior refinement and low-end torque
- Better feature set (e.g: traction control, advanced cluster)
- Excellent highway stability and mileage
- Cons
- Pricier, due to the limited dealership reach
- Slightly heavier feel at slow speed
Which suits you the most?
- The Hunter 350 If-
- You want a stylish, easy-to-handle motorcycle for city riding.
- Your budget conscious but desire the Royal Enfield brand experience.
- You prefer spirited, agile performance with a classic thump.
- The Honda CB350 If-
- You value refinement, highway comfort, and a feature-rich package.
- You ride long distances and prioritize mileage.
- You looking for a bike with modern safety, like the standard traction control.
Conclusion
If style, city agility, and value are top priorities, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350’s 2025 model makes it a better choice for new riders and regular city riding. For those looking for a touring comfort, tech, and a big-bike feel, the Honda CB350 is definitely worth the premium it asks for in return of its superior features and refined riding experience.
Written by Adithya Menon
