Roadster Vs Cruiser, find out which one suits you better
Confused between the Hunter and Meteor 350? Here's how these two Royal Enfield bikes differ and which one could be the right pick for you:
Design & Styling
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a compact, city friendly roadster with a short tail. It looks modern and sporty, especially in bright colours.
The Meteor 350 by contrast, is a classic cruiser with a long wheelbase and a laidback stance.
Riding Posture & Comfort
The Hunter 350's upright riding position and accessible 790mm seat height make it easy to handle in traffic. However, the compact seat can make long rides uncomfortable, particularly with a pillion.
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 prioritises comfort with well-cushioned seats, a lower 765mm seat height, forward-set footpegs, wider and closer to the rider handlebar, a pillion backrest on top variants - making it more suitable for longer rides.
Handling & Agility
Thanks to its lighter 181kg kerb weight and short wheelbase, the Royal Enfield Hunter is nimbler and easier to flick through city traffic. It responds well to quick direction changes and feels engaging to ride.
The Meteor 350, being longer and heavier at 191kg kerb, feels stable rather than sporty. It's predictable and planted, especially on highways, but not as quick to manoeuvre in tight city situations.
Engine & Performance
Both bikes use the 349cc engine that's also seen in the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Bullet 350, & Goan Classic 350. It makes 20.2PS and 27Nm across all the 350s, but it feels peppier in the Hunter - especially in the city due to its lower weight.
While the Meteor delivers the same power in a smoother, more relaxed manner. The Meteor shines on longer rides and cruising at 80-90kmph, while the Hunter is better for short bursts in urban riding.
Underpinnings
Both have a 41mm fork, 6-step adjustable dual shocks, same tubular double cradle chassis, 17-inch rear wheel with a 140-section tyre, 300mm front and 270mm rear disc brake with dual-channel ABS (except the base-spec Hunter).
But the Meteor has a 19-inch front wheel, 170mm ground clearance, and 15-litre fuel tank. The Hunter has a 17-inch front wheel, 160mm ground clearance, and a 13-litre fuel tank capacity.
Price & Verdict
The Hunter 350 is priced from Rs 1,37,640 to Rs 1,66,883; while the Meteor is between Rs 1,95,762 and 2,18,882 (all prices ex-showroom) - depending on the colours, features, and accessories offered as standard.
The Hunter ideal for city riders or younger buyers purchasing their first bike - who want a compact, easy-to-handle bike. The Meteor 350 suits those who value comfort and are looking for something that can do long-distance touring.