The XSR 155 shares its engine and chassis with the popular R15 and MT-15 and Yamaha calls it a retro sport motorcycle. Meanwhile, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has a more relaxed nature and an old school vibe to it. They are both accessible motorcycles, with similar power figures and carry a similar price tag. Here is how the bikes fared in our performance tests.
Yamaha XSR 155 vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Acceleration
The XSR 155 is around 3.5 seconds quicker than the Hunter 350 in the 0-100kph sprint.
Despite the Hunter’s engine being more than twice the size, the XSR 155’s performance is a lot more potent. In our tests, The XSR got to 100kph in just 11.66 seconds while the Hunter took 15.15 seconds. The XSR 155 with its Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) tech, likes to be revved out and has a lovely exhaust note as it crosses the 7,000rpm mark. In comparison, the Hunter 350 produces its peak power at just 6,100rpm and feels in its element when kept in the mid-range rpms. Both bikes can comfortably cruise on the highway at 100kph, but the XSR 155 does have a higher top speed and the advantage of a sixth gear.
Yamaha XSR 155 vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Roll-on acceleration
The Yamaha XSR 155 is 44 kg lighter than the Hunter 350.
In the city, the Hunter 350 excels with its enjoyable torque, it requires less gear shifts while wading through traffic and can cruise along in third gear at low speeds. The XSR is also tractable but you’ll have to make regular downshifts if you want any meaningful acceleration. Both motorcycles have a slip-and-assist clutch where the action is light and both gearboxes are also slick. With a kerb weight of 137 kg, the XSR 155 is 44kg lighter than the Hunter 350 and that is a huge weight difference. In the city, the XSR feels extremely nimble and I preferred riding it in heavy traffic. Riders who have a build shorter than 5 '5 will prefer the Hunter as it has the more accessible seat height (790mm), compared to the XSR 155 which stands at 810mm.
Yamaha XSR 155 vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Braking
The braking performance of both bikes is similar.
In our tests, both bikes were able to come to a complete stop from 60-0kph in approximately 19 metres. Braking on both bikes feels confidence inspiring and the bikes halt in a stable manner.
Yamaha XSR 155 vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Specifications and price
The XSR is only available in one variant, while the Hunter 350 is offered in three.
Priced at an introductory Rs 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the XSR 155 is more affordable than the MT-15 and the R15. The top-spec Hunter 350 on the other hand is currently priced at Rs 1.67 lakh (ex-showroom), making it Rs 17,000 more expensive than the XSR 155.
Feature wise, The XSR 155 gets a fully digital instrument cluster, smartphone connectivity for call and message alerts, traction control, and Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system. It also gets premium hardware like a USD front fork, a monoshock, full LED lighting, and an assist-and-slipper clutch. The Hunter 350, on the other hand, keeps things simpler and more traditional. It has a semi-digital instrument cluster which misses out on a tachometer, but on higher variants, the bike gets Royal Enfield’s Tripper navigation pod for turn-by-turn directions, which the XSR lacks. Additionally, the XSR 155 also gets a traction control system, which the Hunter 350 misses out on.
Overall, the XSR155 will appeal to the youth who want outright performance, while the Hunter 350 will appeal to mature riders who value a more relaxed and comfortable ride experience.
