The Indian motorcycle scene is no stranger to retro-styled machines, but the battle has taken a fresh turn with the face-off between two distinct personalities — the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and the Yamaha XSR155. Both bikes channel vintage aesthetics while catering to modern urban riders.
But their approach, origins, and purpose create an interesting contrast for Indian buyers. Let’s break down this retro-inspired showdown.
Design and Styling – Retro in Different Dialects
When it comes to looks, Royal Enfield’s Hunter 350 wears its heritage with pride. Chunky fuel tank, round headlamp, teardrop indicators, and upright ergonomics — it’s the textbook definition of a neo-retro roadster. The Hunter borrows cues from its older RE siblings but presents itself as a more youthful and urban-friendly offering. Its color schemes and minimalist lines appeal to the new generation without alienating classic enthusiasts.
On the other side, the Yamaha XSR155 takes a more Japanese interpretation of the retro-modern theme. Based on the MT-15 platform, the XSR gets a round LED headlamp, stitched single-piece seat, aluminum accents, and a sleek silhouette. It leans towards a café racer cum scrambler identity — more nimble, lightweight, and aggressive in its stance.
In essence, the Hunter feels bolder and more rooted in Indian motorcycling culture, while the XSR155 is sleeker and leans into a global neo-retro vibe.
Engine and Performance – Torque vs Tech
Under the tank, the Hunter 350 is powered by Royal Enfield’s proven 349cc J-series engine, producing around 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. It’s a laid-back unit focused on smooth, relaxed riding. The 5-speed gearbox complements its low-end grunt and is ideal for daily commutes and weekend city runs.
In contrast, the XSR155 features a 155cc liquid-cooled engine from the R15/MT-15 stable, making 18.4 bhp and 14.1 Nm. Despite the smaller capacity, the Yamaha punches above its weight thanks to its Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) tech and slick 6-speed gearbox. It’s more rev-happy and agile — suited for riders who enjoy quick bursts and nimble handling in traffic.
The RE offers a thumping, bassy ride experience. The Yamaha counters with finesse and responsiveness.
Handling and Ride Comfort
The Hunter’s weight of around 181 kg and its centre-set footpegs make it feel planted but a bit heavy for beginners. The chassis, borrowed from the RE Meteor and Classic, offers good stability but isn’t built for aggressive cornering.
The XSR155, at just around 134 kg, feels featherlight in comparison. With its Deltabox frame, USD forks (in some international variants), and monoshock rear, it’s more agile and flickable, especially for tight urban riding. For shorter or new riders, it may feel easier to manage.
While the Hunter gives a more grounded and relaxed feel, the XSR zips through traffic like a sporty commuter wearing retro clothes.
Features and Instrumentation
In terms of features, the Hunter offers a semi-digital console, optional Tripper navigation (in some variants), and dual-channel ABS. It’s simple, effective, and focused on the essentials.
The Yamaha XSR155 gets a fully digital LCD cluster, LED lighting, and a more modern interface overall. Though it lacks some smart connectivity features, the XSR feels a bit more tech-forward.
Price and Market Position
This is where the biggest difference emerges. The Hunter 350 is made in India and priced competitively starting around ₹1.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It’s aimed squarely at the domestic commuter looking for a stylish upgrade without breaking the bank.
The XSR155, however, is not officially launched in India. If and when Yamaha brings it here, it’s expected to sit around the ₹1.6 – ₹1.8 lakh mark. Being a CBU or CKD import could push that even higher, potentially limiting its mass appeal.
Verdict – Retro Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Both the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Yamaha XSR155 cater to India’s growing love for retro motorcycles, but they do so in contrasting ways.
- The Hunter 350 is relaxed, sturdy, and full of old-school charm with a modern touch. It’s for those who want the Royal Enfield badge, a commanding road presence, and don’t mind sacrificing top-end thrills for low-end comfort.
- The Yamaha XSR155 (if launched in India) would target a different breed — riders who value lightness, tech-savvy engineering, and urban agility wrapped in a vintage-inspired design.
Ultimately, the choice lies in what a rider seeks — a heritage cruiser with thump or a sleek retro machine with precision. Either way, retro just got more exciting for Indian streets.
