To be sincere, on every occasion I sit down to evaluate the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Hunter 350, one question keeps spinning in my head Both bikes percentage the identical engine, so why all the fuss? I’ve study tons of evaluations full of numbers, but none captured the actual-lifestyles vibe you get on the street.
Related News
Back in 2019, while the Meteor 350 changed into released, I visited a dealership in Chennai. The dealer straight up advised me Sir this motorbike will give every body a cruiser sense, but the actual cruiser vibe comes whilst you hit the highway at a constant tempo. And one extra aspect after my first check journey, I noticed the Meteor’s suspension is a chunk tender it makes rough roads a bit intricate. When I first heard about the Hunter 350, I concept this is only a smaller Meteor. But as I spent extra time using it, my confusion grew.
| Spec | Meteor 350 | Hunter 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 349cc, single-cyl | 349cc, single-cyl |
| Power | 20.2 PS | 20.2 PS |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Kerb Weight | ~191 kg | ~181 kg |
| Seat Height | 765 mm | 800 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 15 L | 13 L |
| Real Mileage | 32–36 kmpl | 32–34 kmpl |
| Riding Nature | Calm, cruiser | Quick, city-friendly |
| Best For | Highway & long rides | City & short rides |
Design and Stance Different Personalities
The Meteor 350 immediately gives you a conventional cruiser vibe long seat, strong at low speeds, and relaxed ergonomics. I rode the Meteor 350 on Goa’s winding hills, and its seating particularly stored my lower lower back snug. On sharp turns, the long-and-low appearance occasionally feels awkward, but on highways, the seating offers a completely unique experience of calm.
The Hunter 350, however, feels extra at domestic in metropolis visitors and brief stops for chai. Shorter seat, upright handlebars, and a greater nimble chassis make it a practical, amusing motorcycle for ordinary city rides. But when you move 90 km/h, the motorbike feels a piece shaky. Maybe it’s my bias from older Triumph rides, however the Hunter feels less planted at better speeds.
Also read : Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Review – Stylish, Powerful, and Easy Ride for Everyday Roads
Engine and Performance Same Old Thump, Different Nuances
Both bikes have the equal 349cc engine with that signature thump that Royal Enfield riders love. But in reality, the real-global experience differs from what the promo videos promise. The Meteor’s engine is clean, giving true low-end torque, but the mid-variety throttle feels slightly hesitant. I don't forget a Jaipur-to-Pushkar trip the Meteor treated the highway nicely, however I had to shift gears often when looking to overtake.
The Hunter 350’s torque feels sharper. In metropolis traffic, just a mild twist, and the motorbike reacts instantly. But once the RPM climbs on the toll road, vibrations grow to be more substantial. The agency claims mileage round 35–40 kmpl; my personal revel in on avenue trips become towards 32–34 kmpl. And sure, a customer renewing his Hunter 350 registration in Delhi mentioned that dual carriageway mileage is usually a delusion pace and mileage rarely end up exceptional buddies in fact.
Comfort and Usability Daily Ride vs Weekend Ride
The Meteor 350 has an side for lengthy rides. The seat and foot peg positioning make 300 km rides quite snug. The Hunter 350 has a more upright, compact sense best for metropolis rides and quick weekend journeys. I once rode the Hunter from Jaipur to Ajmer, and after 2 hours, my thighs began complaining a piece. On the Meteor, that soreness was much less substantive.
Maintenance costs? Not a good deal difference. Royal Enfield’s community is throughout India, however service wait times can be disturbing. On a Bangalore trip, the service middle stated Sir components are pending, it'd take a week. Fancy motorbike or easy, renovation realities stay the equal.
Verdict My Personal Take
Honestly, each bikes are appropriate in their own ways, however your rationale as a buyer comes to a decision which suits better. If you want a comfortable cruiser sense, a combination of dual carriageway and long rides, the Meteor 350 seems the better desire to me. I’ve heard a few riders find the Meteor’s rear seat less snug for long rides, but my two pals who do weekend journeys often stated the seat consolation is honest.
Also read : Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or TVS Ronin? The Truth No One Tells You
The Hunter 350 is perfect for metropolis hustle and short weekend rides. Its nimble coping with and peppy experience supply self belief in site visitors. But motorway balance is barely compromised. On a Kolkata journey, my cousin said, “Hunter is a laugh, but it gets a chunk apprehensive at the toll road.” Straight to the point.
In the cease, if you want a soulful, cruiser-type revel in with a cushty toll road trip, the Meteor 350 will relax and smile at you. If you want a short, cheeky city commuter that makes your coronary heart race in site visitors, the Hunter 350 will grin proper again. Simple, real-international picks, without any fancy guarantees.
