Introduction: The Retro Revival

In recent years, the motorcycle market in India and globally has witnessed a strong comeback of retro-styled bikes. Riders no longer want just speed—they crave character, style, and that nostalgic vibe of old-school motorcycling. Two names that dominate this niche are the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350. These bikes blend modern engineering with vintage design to offer a truly enjoyable riding experience.

But which one is better for you? If you’re confused between the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350, this detailed comparison will help you make a smart decision. From engine specs to maintenance tips, from long-term value to expert opinions—this article has everything you need.

Why Compare Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350?

Both bikes are aimed at the same audience—those who want a stylish, reliable, and enjoyable ride that turns heads without breaking the bank. The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 brings with it a legacy of rugged builds and raw riding experience, while the Honda CB350 focuses on refinement, tech, and smoothness. With similar pricing, similar power figures, and overlapping features, this comparison is both fair and necessary.

Overview at a Glance (HTML Table)

Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of both bikes:

Feature	Royal Enfield Hunter 350	Honda CB350
Engine	349cc, Single-Cylinder, Air-Oil Cooled	348.36cc, Single-Cylinder, Air-Oil Cooled
Power	20.2 bhp @ 6100 rpm	20.78 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	27 Nm @ 4000 rpm	30 Nm @ 3000 rpm
Price (Ex-showroom)	₹1.50 – ₹1.75 lakh	₹1.99 – ₹2.10 lakh
Kerb Weight	181 kg	181 kg

Legacy & Brand Heritage

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Royal Enfield is a brand that doesn’t need much introduction. With over a century of heritage, it symbolizes the spirit of old-school motorcycling. The Hunter 350 is one of their newest and most urban-friendly models. It keeps the core DNA of Royal Enfield bikes but adds a more agile, street-style appeal.

Honda CB350

Honda entered the retro segment in India much later, but the CB series globally has been a part of motorcycling history since the 1960s. The Honda CB350, also called the H’ness CB350 in some markets, combines Japanese reliability with British-style retro aesthetics.

Design & Style Comparison

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350 both bring in retro looks, but their execution differs.

• Hunter 350 feels more rugged and raw. It has a short wheelbase, rounded tank, and chunky tires that give it a scrambler-meets-roadster feel.
• CB350 leans more toward classic cruiser styling with its large tank, chrome details, and smooth lines.

Design Feature	Hunter 350	Honda CB350
Tank Shape	Round & compact	Broad with chrome detailing
Handlebar	Upright, slightly wide	Upright with cruiser ergonomics
Instrument Console	Semi-digital	Fully digital with Bluetooth
Lighting	Halogen Headlamp (Classic Look)	LED Lighting (Modern-retro mix)

Engine and Performance Comparison

When choosing between the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350, the engine and riding performance are top priorities for any biker. Let’s look at how these two bikes compete in terms of heart and soul—the engine.

Engine Specifications

Both bikes use a 350cc-class single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine designed for easy cruising and urban rides. However, their tuning and feel are quite different.

Spec	Royal Enfield Hunter 350	Honda CB350
Engine Type	349cc, Single-cylinder, Air-Oil Cooled	348.36cc, Single-cylinder, Air-Oil Cooled
Max Power	20.2 bhp @ 6100 rpm	20.78 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Max Torque	27 Nm @ 4000 rpm	30 Nm @ 3000 rpm
Gearbox	5-speed manual	5-speed manual

Real-World Performance

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 offers a slightly more raw and thumpy ride, which feels very “Royal Enfield” in character. It’s great for city riding and short highway bursts.

Honda CB350 feels much smoother and refined. Thanks to Honda’s engineering, the CB350 offers better torque lower in the rev range, making it easier to ride in city traffic.

Feature Comparison

Technology and features may not be the top priority for retro bike lovers, but they still matter for daily usage. Let’s explore how the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350 stack up:

Feature	Royal Enfield Hunter 350	Honda CB350
ABS	Dual Channel ABS	Dual Channel ABS
Bluetooth Connectivity	Optional (Tripper Pod)	Standard (on higher variants)
Gear Position Indicator	Not Available	Yes
Navigation	Available via Tripper Pod	Yes (via Bluetooth)
Instrument Cluster	Semi-Digital	Fully Digital
Side Stand Engine Cut-off	Yes	Yes
LED Lights	No	Yes

While the Hunter 350 focuses more on the retro feel with minimal electronics, the Honda CB350 includes more modern features like Bluetooth and a fully digital console—ideal for tech-friendly riders.

Competitors in the Market

Other than the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350, a few more models compete in the retro-midrange segment:

Key Competitors:

1. Jawa 42
   • Sportier take on retro bikes
   • Higher revving engine
   • Less refined than CB350
2. Yezdi Roadster
   • Offers dual exhausts and adventure look
   • Slightly heavier and less agile
3. TVS Ronin
   • Retro-modern mix with unique styling
   • Not as authentic retro as CB or Hunter
4. Classic 350 (RE)
   • Shares same engine as Hunter 350
   • More traditional cruiser styling

Bike	Engine	Power	Price Range
Jawa 42	294.7cc	27.3 bhp	₹1.90 – ₹2.00 lakh
Yezdi Roadster	334cc	29 bhp	₹2.00 – ₹2.10 lakh
TVS Ronin	225.9cc	20.4 bhp	₹1.49 – ₹1.70 lakh
Classic 350	349cc	20.2 bhp	₹1.93 – ₹2.25 lakh

Performance Upgrades from Older Versions

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 vs Classic 350 (Older Gen)

• Lighter and more agile frame
• Better suspension setup
• Slightly more city-focused gearing

Honda CB350 vs CB Unicorn 160 (Older Gen)

• Complete design overhaul
• Massive jump in power and refinement
• Better build quality and electronic features

Pricing Details

Let’s break down the on-road pricing for major cities:

City	Hunter 350 (On-road)	CB350 (On-road)
Delhi	₹1.88 lakh	₹2.20 lakh
Mumbai	₹1.92 lakh	₹2.25 lakh
Bangalore	₹1.97 lakh	₹2.30 lakh

Pros and Cons

When choosing between the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350, it’s crucial to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each bike.

Aspect	Royal Enfield Hunter 350	Honda CB350
Pros	• Affordable and value for money • Lighter, better for urban rides • Classic Royal Enfield sound and feel • Easy to customize • Wide service network	• Superior build quality • Smoother engine and gearbox • Feature-rich with Bluetooth and LED lighting • Quiet and refined performance • Comfortable for long rides
Cons	• Slight vibrations at higher speeds • Basic instrumentation • No LED headlamp • Missing gear position indicator	• Slightly expensive • Limited availability of BigWing service centers • Lacks that classic “thump” feel • Less mod-friendly compared to Royal Enfield

Basic Maintenance Checklist

Task	Frequency	Tips
Engine Oil Change	Every 3000–5000 km	Use company-recommended grade only
Chain Lubrication	Every 500–600 km	Clean before lubing
Air Filter Cleaning	Every 2500 km	Replace if extremely dirty
Brake Pad Check	Every 3000–5000 km	Check for uneven wear
Coolant & Battery Check	Every 3 months	Especially before long trips

Model-Specific Notes:

• Hunter 350: Keep an eye on the clutch cable tension—it tends to loosen slightly.
• CB350: ECU updates are sometimes released via service centers—get them checked.

Riding Techniques for Maximum Enjoyment

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350 are not race bikes—they’re built for enjoyment. Here are some riding techniques to get the most out of them:

1. Use the Midrange Power

Both bikes produce strong torque early. Avoid revving hard; instead, use mid-range RPMs for smooth cruising.

2. Engine Braking

Both bikes respond well to engine braking, especially in city traffic. This reduces brake wear and gives better control.

3. Corner Smoothly

Hunter 350, being lighter, is slightly better at sharp corners. Lean gently and maintain throttle.

4. Avoid Frequent Gear Changes

The engines are tuned for low-end and mid-range torque. Hold gears longer instead of shifting quickly.

Maintenance Tips for Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350

Proper bike maintenance is essential to ensure safety, performance, and long-term value. Whether you own the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350, these tips will help you maintain your bike like a pro.

1. Engine Oil & Filter

• What to do: Change the engine oil every 3,000–5,000 km depending on usage.
• Why it matters: Fresh oil keeps the engine running cooler and smoother.
• Tip: Always replace the oil filter when changing oil.

2. Chain Cleaning and Lubrication

• How often: Every 500–700 km or after every wash/ride in the rain.
• Products to use: Use motorcycle-specific chain lube and a cleaning brush.
• Hunter 350 Note: The chain slack should be checked more frequently due to its exposed setup.

3. Air Filter Check

• Dust can clog your filter, especially in Indian riding conditions.
• Check every 2500–3000 km. Clean or replace as needed.
• The CB350’s filter is slightly easier to access during servicing.

4. Tyre Maintenance

• Check tyre pressure weekly. Under-inflated tyres can reduce mileage and safety.
• Inspect for cracks or bulges, especially if you ride on rough roads.

5. Battery and Electricals

• Honda CB350 uses more electronics, so regular battery health checks are essential.
• Clean terminals, and ensure the wiring harness is free from moisture.

6. Brake Pads and Fluid

• Replace brake pads every 10,000–12,000 km or when performance drops.
• Use DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid depending on the model.

🏍️ Riding Techniques for Better Performance & Safety

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350 are both great for everyday use and occasional long rides. Here’s how to ride them more efficiently and safely:

1. Throttle Control

• These bikes are torque-rich in low revs—gentle throttle use delivers better mileage.
• Avoid aggressive throttle inputs, especially during gear shifts.

2. Proper Braking Technique

• Use 70% front brake and 30% rear brake when stopping.
• Gradual braking improves stability, especially with dual-channel ABS.

3. Cornering Tips

• Hunter 350 feels sportier in corners due to its shorter wheelbase.
• CB350 handles sweeping curves with a more planted feel—ideal for highway rides.
• Always lean with your bike and look through the turn.

4. Downshifting

• Use engine braking whenever possible.
• Rev-match during downshifts for smoother gear changes.

5. Posture & Ergonomics

• Keep elbows slightly bent, back straight.
• Avoid slouching, especially on long rides—it causes back pain.

💰 Long-Term Value of Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350

Investing in a motorcycle isn’t just about today—it’s also about how well it holds up years from now.

🔸 Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Advantages:

• High resale due to RE brand loyalty
• Spare parts are cheaper and widely available
• Service costs are affordable

Considerations:

• Fit and finish may show wear earlier than CB350
• Slightly higher vibration levels over time

🔸 Honda CB350

Advantages:

• Excellent build quality ensures minimal wear
• High-quality paint, wiring, and bolts
• Low mechanical issues even after 25,000+ km

Considerations:

• Spares can be costlier
• Limited BigWing service centers in Tier 2/3 cities

Feature	Hunter 350	CB350
Resale Value	High	Moderate to High
Build Quality	Good	Excellent
Cost of Spares	Affordable	Slightly Expensive
Reliability (5+ yrs)	Good	Excellent

👨‍🔧 Expert Opinions: What Reviewers and Mechanics Say

Let’s hear what real-world experts think about the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350.

🔹 Automotive Journalists

Autocar India:

“The Hunter 350 is an urban delight—lightweight, affordable, and punchy. Meanwhile, the CB350 is a polished cruiser with better highway credentials.”

ZigWheels:

“The Honda CB350 scores high on refinement and tech. The Hunter, on the other hand, captures the raw charm that old-school riders love.”

BikeDekho:

“If you want to modify, go Hunter. If you want a quiet, no-maintenance ride—CB350 all the way.”

🔹 Mechanics’ Views

• Hunter 350: “Easy to repair, very forgiving engine. Aftermarket parts are cheap.”
• CB350: “Fantastic engine tuning. Less frequent repairs, but electronics need gentle handling.”

🔹 Rider Community Feedback

• Hunter Owners: “Love the thump, great for daily use. Modifications are fun.”
• CB350 Riders: “Super smooth. Long rides feel effortless. Just wish it had more service centers.”

Final Verdict: Which Classic Bike Should You Buy?

So, should you go for the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350?

Choose the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 if:

• You want that signature thump and rugged feel
• You’re mostly riding in the city
• You prefer a more affordable option
• You want easier access to service centers

Choose the Honda CB350 if:

• You value smoothness and modern tech
• You prefer a refined, long-lasting cruiser
• You ride longer distances
• You’re okay spending a bit more for extra features

Conclusion

The retro segment has truly come alive with the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or Honda CB350. Both bikes offer immense value, distinct personalities, and solid road presence. Your choice ultimately depends on your riding style, budget, and brand preference.

Whether it’s the raw and rugged Hunter or the refined and feature-packed CB350, you can’t go wrong. Test ride both and see which one makes your heart race!