In 2025, Royal Enfield continues to dominate India’s mid-capacity motorcycle market, offering a mix of modern engineering and classic charm. Among its most talked-about bikes this year are the Hunter 350 and the Meteor 350. Both models share the same 349cc J-series engine but cater to completely different riders — one sporty and street-focused, the other laid-back and touring-friendly.
This head-to-head comparison of the Hunter 350 vs Meteor 350 breaks down everything you need to know — from design, performance, comfort, price, and features — to help you decide which Royal Enfield is right for you in 2025.
Design and Styling: Street Fighter vs Cruiser Charm
Hunter 350: Compact and Urban
The Hunter 350 is the most youthful Royal Enfield on the road today. Its design blends modern street-bike aesthetics with classic Royal Enfield DNA. The round headlamp, stubby exhaust, short fenders, and wide handlebar give it a compact, aggressive stance. It’s a perfect match for city riders who prefer nimble handling and minimalistic style.
Its dual-tone color schemes, blacked-out engine, and retro instrument console with a modern twist make it visually appealing for the younger generation.
Meteor 350: Classic Cruiser
The Meteor 350, in contrast, screams cruiser luxury. With its large fuel tank, chrome finishes, split seat, and windshield (on higher variants), it carries a more mature and relaxed vibe. The bike’s flowing lines and low-slung design offer a commanding road presence, perfect for those who enjoy long weekend rides.
Verdict: If you prefer a compact, city-friendly design, the Hunter 350 wins. But if highway touring comfort and cruiser style matter more, the Meteor 350 takes the crown.
Engine and Performance
While both motorcycles are powered by Royal Enfield’s refined 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil-cooled J-series engine, their tuning and ergonomics deliver very different riding experiences.
| Specification | Hunter 350 | Meteor 350 |
| Engine | 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil-cooled | 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil-cooled |
| Max Power | 20.2 bhp @ 6100 rpm | 20.2 bhp @ 6100 rpm |
| Max Torque | 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm | 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Frame | Twin downtube spine frame | Twin downtube spine frame |
Both share the same engine, but the Hunter 350 feels livelier and quicker off the mark due to its lighter weight. It accelerates faster, making it perfect for city rides and short bursts. On the other hand, the Meteor 350 offers smoother power delivery, ideal for long-distance highway cruising.
Verdict: The Hunter 350 offers agility and punch for urban riders, while the Meteor 350 provides refined comfort and stability for tourers.
Hunter 350: Agile and Sporty
Weighing around 181 kg, the Hunter 350 is the lightest bike in Royal Enfield’s lineup. Its short wheelbase and low seat height make it effortless to maneuver through city traffic. The stiff suspension setup enhances stability in corners, providing confidence at higher speeds.
However, the stiff suspension may feel firm over uneven roads, making it better suited for smooth tarmac than rough terrains.
Meteor 350: Smooth and Relaxed
The Meteor 350, at 191 kg, is heavier but offers exceptional ride comfort. Its longer wheelbase and relaxed rake angle ensure straight-line stability on highways. The softer suspension setup glides over potholes and bumps, making long rides a breeze.
The low seat height and forward-set footpegs ensure a cruiser-like posture that reduces fatigue during long trips.
Verdict: For city agility and cornering fun, go with the Hunter 350. For long rides and touring comfort, the Meteor 350 is unbeatable.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort is where these bikes truly part ways.
- Hunter 350: Upright yet slightly leaned-forward seating position; mid-set footpegs; suitable for quick city commutes. The seat is compact but comfortable for short to medium rides.
- Meteor 350: Relaxed cruiser ergonomics with forward-set footpegs and a wide, cushioned seat. It’s designed for relaxed cruising and long-distance rides.
Verdict: The Meteor 350 offers better long-distance comfort, while the Hunter 350 suits daily commuters who value control and agility.
Features and Technology
Both motorcycles share several features but differ in terms of their audience.
| Feature | Hunter 350 | Meteor 350 |
| Instrument Console | Digi-analog unit with tripper-ready design | Digi-analog with Tripper Navigation (on higher variants) |
| ABS | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |
| Lighting | Halogen headlamp, LED tail lamp | Halogen headlamp, LED tail lamp |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Available (on higher variants) | Standard on Stellar and Supernova variants |
| USB Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
The Meteor 350 takes a slight edge with its Tripper Navigation System, standard on higher variants, while the Hunter 350 offers it as an optional add-on.
Verdict: The Meteor 350 wins on tech and touring features, though the Hunter 350 provides everything essential for daily rides.
Brakes, Suspension, and Tyres
| Component | Hunter 350 | Meteor 350 |
| Front Suspension | 41mm Telescopic Forks | 41mm Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock Absorbers (stiffer setup) | Twin Shock Absorbers (softer setup) |
| Front Brake | 300mm Disc | 300mm Disc |
| Rear Brake | 270mm Disc | 270mm Disc |
| Tyres | 17-inch alloys | 19-inch (front) & 17-inch (rear) alloys |
The Hunter 350’s smaller 17-inch wheels give it a sportier character and nimble handling, while the Meteor 350’s larger front wheel offers more stability at high speeds.
Verdict: The Hunter 350 wins in city handling; the Meteor 350 rules on open highways.
Price Comparison (Ex-showroom, India 2025)
| Model | Variant | Price Range |
| Hunter 350 | Retro | ₹1.50 lakh |
| Metro | ₹1.65 lakh | |
| Metro Rebel | ₹1.75 lakh | |
| Meteor 350 | Fireball | ₹2.06 lakh |
| Stellar | ₹2.12 lakh | |
| Supernova | ₹2.30 lakh |
The Hunter 350 clearly wins in affordability, undercutting the Meteor by a significant margin. It’s ideal for budget-conscious riders looking for Royal Enfield performance without breaking the bank.
Fuel Efficiency
Despite sharing the same engine, mileage differs slightly due to weight and aerodynamics.
- Hunter 350: Around 36–38 km/l
- Meteor 350: Around 34–36 km/l
Both are decently fuel-efficient for 350cc bikes, but the Hunter 350 has a slight edge for urban use.
Maintenance and Reliability
Both bikes benefit from Royal Enfield’s robust J-series platform, known for reliability and smoothness. Service intervals are similar, and spare parts are widely available.
- The Hunter 350 is easier to maintain due to fewer chrome parts and simpler design.
- The Meteor 350 requires slightly more care due to its touring accessories and chrome details.
Verdict: Both offer strong reliability, but the Hunter 350 edges out for lower ownership costs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Hunter 350 if you:
- Want a stylish, city-friendly motorcycle
- Prefer quick acceleration and agile handling
- Have a tighter budget
- Enjoy daily commuting with occasional weekend rides
Buy the Meteor 350 if you:
- Love long-distance rides and highway cruising
- Prefer relaxed, upright riding posture
- Want premium looks and advanced features
- Don’t mind paying extra for comfort and luxury
Final Verdict: Hunter 350 vs Meteor 350
In this 2025 showdown, Royal Enfield has created two unique motorcycles that cater to entirely different lifestyles.
- The Hunter 350 is your perfect urban warrior — agile, affordable, and fun to ride. It’s the modern Royal Enfield for the new generation of riders.
- The Meteor 350, on the other hand, is a true cruiser — smooth, comfortable, and built for open highways and relaxed rides.
Ultimately, both bikes reflect Royal Enfield’s mastery at blending tradition with innovation. If your heart says adventure, pick the Meteor 350. But if your soul craves agility and excitement, the Hunter 350 is your ride.