I am using a Honda CB Unicorn 2018 model as my daily commuter, with a daily run of around 50 km. The bike is performing well and delivers mileage of about 53-55 kpl. I am now looking to upgrade to a 350cc bike. I like the Royal Enfield Hunter and the Honda CB350 series. I plan to keep the bike for the next 5 to 7 years, with ride performance and comfort being my priorities. Which would be the better choice?

Autocar India

•5w

Both the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Honda CB350 models offer good ride comfort, so picking between them will boil down to more nuanced factors like which bike you prefer the look of and which brand you are more comfortable with.

The only thing you need to consider is that the Hunter is a physically smaller bike, so if you are a larger rider or ride two-up often, then you'll find space to be at a premium on the Royal Enfield. The Honda CB350 models are spacious machines with comfortable split seats, which are conducive to two-up riding and will fit the bill better if you are a larger person or ride regularly with a pillion.

To be sure, take a test ride of these bikes to decide which is best for you.

Explore bikes mentioned

Royal Enfield

Hunter 350

from ₹1.53 Lakh

Honda Bikes

CB350

from ₹2.17 Lakh

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Related questions you may find helpful

Tamil R

•1w

I’m 22 and planning to buy my first bike, mainly for city commuting, with strong pillion comfort as a top priority. We already have a 15-year-old Honda Shine that is still reliable. My parents encouraged me to buy something better than basic commuter bikes like the TVS Sport or Bajaj Platina, and even offered financial help, which I would prefer to avoid since I’ve just started working. Initially, I shortlisted the TVS Raider, Hero Glamour (with cruise control, which I don’t really need), and Honda SP125 because they are affordable. However, I’m concerned about long-term service with TVS and Hero, and the lack of ABS on the Honda SP125. Then I looked at higher-segment options but ruled out sporty bikes with stepped seats (like the Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V) due to pillion comfort concerns. That left me considering the TVS Ronin, Royal Enfield Hunter 350, and Yamaha XSR155 (which I ruled out due to pillion comfort). Now I’m confused between the comfort and efficiency of the TVS Ronin and the road presence and perceived reliability of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. At the same time, I’m wondering if it would be smarter to save money and stick with a premium 125cc bike, since 90% of my usage will be relaxed city riding and I value cruiser-like comfort over speed.

Autocar India

•4d

Since you've said that most of your riding is relegated to city riding with a pillion, where comfort and fuel efficiency are top priorities, we'd recommend you stick to a premium 125cc commuter. The TVS Raider is a good option as it offers a comfortable ride and a spacious seat for the rider and pillion. In that category, our top picks are the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R. Both are available with variants that have a long, single-piece seat, so pillion comfort as well as fuel efficiency will be taken care of. In case you do want to scratch the itch of getting a larger machine, you will be well served by the TVS Ronin as well as the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Both have smooth, torquey engines, plush suspension and are large enough to carry a pillion. Take a test ride of these bikes and see which one you prefer the most before purchasing.

TVS Raider

Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 125R

TVS Ronin

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Selvakumar

•6d

I’m a long-time Autocar fan and a 5’10” rider planning to replace my 2015 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 with a more practical maxi-scooter for daily commuting and errands. My main priorities are comfort and fuel efficiency. I am currently considering the Yamaha Aerox 155 and the Hero Xoom 160. Which one would you recommend? Also, would it be worth waiting for the Yamaha Nmax 155, or is there a better alternative I should consider?

Autocar India

•3d

In our experience, neither the Yamaha Aerox 155 nor the Hero Xoom 160 have proven to be comfortable, especially over broken roads. Instead of these two, we'd recommend you give a long, hard look at the TVS Ntorq 150. On paper, it might seem like a step down compared to the Yamaha and Hero with its 12-inch wheels and air-cooled engine, but in reality, it is the better product. With plush suspension, a spacious underseat storage and peppy performance, the bigger Ntorq makes for a compelling sporty scooter that doesn't sacrifice practicality. In our routine tests, we also found that - when ridden gently - it can be surprisingly fuel efficient. Do take a test ride of the Ntorq 150 to see if it resonates with you.

Yamaha Aerox 155

Hero MotoCorp Xoom 160

TVS Ntorq 150

B M

•6d

I ride around 30 km daily in the city and also have back problems. I have shortlisted three motorcycles: the Triumph Speed 400, Honda CB350RS, and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. Which of these bikes would you recommend for comfortable daily commuting?

Autocar India

•3d

Between the three bikes you've shortlisted, all three are comfortable for city use, but they all sit at very different price points, and it wouldn't be right to compare the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with the Honda CB350RS and Triumph Speed 400. If you want a straightforward commuter, then sticking to a machine in the 150-160cc space like the aforementioned Apache, Bajaj Pulsar N160, and Honda Unicorn would make sense. These bikes will be lighter and easier to manage within the city (which is where you'll spend most of your life), as well as be fuel-efficient and comfortable. If instead you do want to look at something more premium, the Honda and Triumph you have shortlisted are also good options. You should also look at the Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet 350 in this segment. These bikes will be larger and more spacious than the 150/160cc options mentioned above, with better build quality, road presence and pillion comfort. However, they will demand a little more effort at slow speeds and will also not be as fuel-efficient as the commuters.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

Royal Enfield Classic 350

Royal Enfield Bullet 350

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