Yamaha’s XSR 155 Just Attacked the Hunter 350’s Throne!

Stunning Yamaha XSR 155 vs Hunter 350 – The Ultimate Retro Battle!

The most awaited bike of the year, the Yamaha XSR 155, has launched in the Indian market, and it has immediately put the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 in danger.

Why? Because both are masters of the retro-styling category. While the TVS Ronin is also an option, its design isn’t as striking. The Yamaha XSR 155, however, is a beautiful machine with a neo-retro design. Despite its smaller engine, it is poised to give the Hunter 350 a tough fight.

If you are planning to buy either of these bikes, this comparison is for you. We’re breaking down all the details to see which is better and which is the true value-for-money king.

Also Read –2026 Hero Xtreme 125R Price: 2026 Hero Xtreme 125R Launched at Rs 1.04 Lakh with Dual-Channel ABS & Cruise Control

Looks and Design: Modern Retro vs. Pure Classic

When it comes to looks, both bikes are winners, but they have different philosophies.

The Yamaha XSR 155 features a stunning modern-retro style. It has a muscular teardrop-shaped tank, a comfortable flat seat, and a signature round LED headlight.

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 leans into a pure classic look with a comfortable seating posture. Its fuel tank is a bit wider than the XSR’s, giving it a strong road presence.

Honestly, both look fantastic. The choice here comes down to your personal preference: do you want modern-retro or classic-retro?

Engine and Performance: Pickup vs. Power

This is where the bikes are most different. The Yamaha XSR 155 gets the legendary liquid-cooled 155cc engine from the R15 V4. This motor produces 18.4 PS and 14.1 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a high-performance 6-speed gearbox and an assist & slipper clutch.

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 brings a much larger 349cc air-oil cooled J-series engine. This engine produces 20.2 PS and a massive 27 Nm of torque. However, it is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

While the Hunter has more power and torque, the XSR 155 will have a much higher “pickup level” and faster acceleration. If you want a low-cc rocket, the XSR 155 is the choice. If you want a high-cc engine for long-distance touring, the Hunter 350 is the clear winner.

Features: The Hunter 350’s Big Advantage

The Yamaha XSR 155 comes with an LED headlight, a digital LCD console, dual-channel ABS, and even traction control. However, it does not get connectivity features or navigation.

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has many more features. It offers a navigation system (tripper) option, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB charging port, and dual-channel ABS. For touring, the navigation and USB port are a huge advantage, giving the Hunter the win in this category.

Also Read –2025 Royal Enfield Bullet 650 – The Iconic Bike Returns with More Power and Classic Charm!

Suspension and Hardware: The XSR 155 Wins

Yamaha has given the XSR 155 a very advanced setup. It wins on suspension with its premium USD (Upside-Down) front forks and a rear monoshock.

The Hunter 350 uses older-style telescopic front forks and twin-shock absorbers at the rear.

For brakes, the Hunter 350 has bigger discs (300mm front / 270mm rear) compared to the XSR 155 (282mm front / 220mm rear), but both bikes come with dual-channel ABS. Both also ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tires.

Specification Comparison: XSR 155 vs Hunter 350

Price and Colors

• Yamaha XSR 155: Launched in a single variant with 4 color options, priced at ₹1,50,000 (ex-showroom).

• Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Comes in three variants with 8 color options. The price starts from ₹1,38,000 and goes up to ₹1,67,000 (ex-showroom).

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

This comes down to your requirement. Both bikes are excellent in their own right.

• You want a lightweight, modern-retro bike (it’s 40kg lighter!).
• You want high “pickup levels” (acceleration) and a sporty engine.
• You want advanced suspension (USD forks) and better ground clearance.

• You want a high-cc bike for long-distance riding.
• You need practical features like navigation and a USB port.
• You prefer classic looks, more torque, and a higher level of comfort for touring.

For city riding and touring, the Hunter 350 is one of the best. But for a lightweight, stylish, and sporty machine, the XSR 155 is a fantastic new choice.

Which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments!