The Indian motorcycle market is buzzing with excitement as Yamaha launches the XSR 155, a neo-retro contender ready to challenge the dominance of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Both motorcycles offer accessible entry points into the retro motorcycle segment, boasting distinct styling and competitive pricing. While a real-world comparison awaits, let’s delve into a detailed paper comparison.
Design and Aesthetics:
Both bikes embrace a modern-retro design philosophy, but with different approaches. The Hunter 350 embodies a classic, industrial aesthetic with its round headlamp, instrument console, and fuel tank, characteristic of Royal Enfield’s heritage. The XSR 155 presents a more contemporary and minimalist appearance with compact body panels and a ribbed seat, hinting at scrambler styling. The Hunter offers a broader range of seven color options, while the XSR 155 is available in four distinct paint schemes.
Features and Technology:
The Yamaha XSR 155 boasts a slight edge in features, incorporating a fully digital console with Bluetooth connectivity for SMS and call notifications, and navigation. It also includes full-LED lighting, a USB charging port, dual-channel ABS, and traction control. The Hunter 350, while lacking traction control and smartphone notifications, offers a semi-digital instrument setup. The base ‘Retro’ variant of the Hunter has a bulb-type headlamp, spoke wheels, and a simpler console than the mid and top variants.
Engine and Performance:
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is powered by a 349.34cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, long-stroke engine, delivering 20.2bhp and 27Nm of torque via a five-speed gearbox. The XSR 155 utilizes a smaller 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, producing 18.1bhp and 14.2Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox. While the Hunter offers more torque, the XSR 155’s significant weight advantage, tipping the scales at just 137kg compared to the Hunter’s 181kg, enhances its agility.
Pricing and Variants:
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 starts at Rs. 1.37 lakh for the Standard variant and goes up to Rs. 1.67 lakh for the top-end model. The Yamaha XSR 155 is available in a single variant, priced at Rs. 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Image Credit: Bikewale
