By Admin 
The demand for retro roadster motorcycles is continuously increasing in the Indian market. Yamaha has given a light and modern option to retro-style lovers by launching its new Yamaha XSR155 in this segment. Even though it is a bike with 155cc engine, it is directly competing with Royal Enfield Hunter 350, because the category and target customer of both are almost similar. The retro look and aggressive style of both the bikes attract the riders, but there is a big difference in their character, engine and riding experience. Let us know which of the two bikes will prove to be better for the rider.
How is the engine?
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350 gets a big 349cc engine, which gives better torque even at low RPM. Due to this, normal riding in the city feels very smooth and the bike keeps moving smoothly without much effort. On the other hand, Yamaha XSR155 has a high-revving 155cc liquid-cooled engine, which gives fast acceleration and sporty feel. Despite being small in capacity, the engine is quite refined and peppy, overall the Hunter 350 offers a smooth, torquey and relaxed ride at low RPM both in the city and on the highway. Whereas, XSR155 is better for those who want fast speed and sporty.
Modern Setup vs Comfort Tuning
- Yamaha XSR155 has inverted front forks and linked monoshock, which is a modern and performance-oriented setup. This gives it better control in sporty riding. The Hunter 350 gets twin shock absorbers, which have 6-step preload adjustment. This allows the rider to tune the suspension as per his choice and weight. The difference in weight between the two is quite big. The XSR155 is approximately 44 kg light, making it very easy to drive in a crowded city. The Hunter 350’s larger 13-litre tank and longer wheelbase make it more stable on the highway and on long rides. The 10-litre tank of the XSR155 is enough for the city but on long journeys it may have to be refilled frequently.
Who is ahead in features?
- The XSR155 has an LED instrument console, which provides call, SMS and email alerts along with smartphone connectivity. The Hunter 350 gets a retro analog speedometer with a digital insert, both are feature-packed, but the technology package of the XSR155 feels more modern.
Which is more economical?
- Yamaha XSR155 is available in only one variant, while Hunter 350 comes in three variants – Retro, Dapper and Rebel. The base variant of the Hunter 350 is Rs 12,350 cheaper than the XSR155, while the XSR155 is Rs 16,893 cheaper than the top model of the Hunter.
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