The mid-weight motorcycle market in India is heating up like never before. Two popular names — the Harley-Davidson X440 and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 — are now at the heart of this urban cruiser battle.
Both bikes promise style, performance, and affordability, but which one makes more sense for today’s riders? Let’s take a closer look.
Design and Road Presence
The Harley-Davidson X440 brings a fresh American flavor with a strong and muscular stance. It feels larger and more commanding on the road, reflecting the brand’s typical cruiser DNA. In contrast, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is designed to be youthful and compact, ideal for zipping through tight city streets.
The X440 features a classic round LED headlamp, beefy tyres, and a premium finish. Meanwhile, the Hunter 350 leans more toward a minimalist, retro-modern design, offering a nimble and fun aesthetic that appeals to younger riders.
Both bikes succeed in grabbing attention but cater to slightly different tastes — one more macho, the other more playful.
Engine and Performance
The Harley-Davidson X440 is powered by a 440cc air-oil cooled engine producing around 27 bhp and 38 Nm of torque. It delivers strong low-end grunt, making it ideal for city rides as well as occasional highway cruising.
On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 comes with a 349cc J-series engine, churning out about 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. While the Hunter isn’t as powerful on paper, it feels extremely refined and is tuned for smooth city performance.
In real-world conditions, the X440 edges out in terms of raw power and torque, especially during highway overtakes. The Hunter 350 focuses more on effortless, easy-going urban riding.
Ride and Handling
One of the biggest surprises about the Harley-Davidson X440 is its handling. Despite being a bigger bike, it feels composed around corners and stable at higher speeds. The chassis is well-balanced, and the suspension setup is tuned nicely for Indian roads.
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350, being lighter and shorter, is more flickable and easier to maneuver in city traffic. It feels playful, encouraging quick lane changes and darting through narrow gaps with ease.
For pure urban fun, the Hunter shines. For a mix of city riding with a taste of highway touring, the X440 feels more mature.
Features and Technology
Both bikes come well-equipped for their segments. The X440 offers a TFT console with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and call alerts. It feels a little more tech-savvy and modern in this regard.
The Hunter 350 comes with a semi-digital instrument cluster. Royal Enfield offers Tripper navigation as an optional accessory, but it doesn’t come as standard.
In terms of features, Harley-Davidson seems to have packed more value into the X440, which might appeal to tech-friendly buyers.
Pricing and Value
Pricing plays a critical role in this match-up. The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 starts from around ₹1.69 lakh (ex-showroom), making it significantly more affordable. The Harley-Davidson X440 is priced starting around ₹2.39 lakh (ex-showroom).
While the Hunter 350 clearly wins on price, the X440 offers more power, presence, and features for the extra money. Buyers will have to decide if the premium is justified for their needs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Harley-Davidson X440 and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 boils down to what you prioritize.
- If you are looking for an affordable, fun, lightweight urban motorcycle that’s easy to ride and easy to live with, the Hunter 350 makes a lot of sense.
- If you want a bigger, bolder cruiser with more torque, better tech, and an aspirational badge, the Harley-Davidson X440 offers great value at its price point.
Both bikes are strong contenders in India’s evolving mid-weight segment. The real winner here is the Indian rider, who now has more exciting options than ever before.
