Hunter 350 vs Speed 400: which roadster suits you better

The modern roadster segment of the Indian bike market is currently seeing a fierce contest between the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and the Triumph Speed 400. The Hunter 350 has strengthened its position as an entry-level roadster with an assist-and-slip clutch and better suspension, while the Triumph Speed 400 continues to dominate a segment above it.

There is a difference of about Rs 96,500 between the prices of the two bikes. This gap is not limited to brand or name alone, but reflects real differences in the engine, performance, chassis and technology of the two motorcycles. There is also a big difference between the two bikes in braking and suspension systems. Neither is a cruiser or tourer, both are true roadster motorcycles, so it is important to understand the difference between them before buying.

On engine and performance, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 gets a 349cc air-oil-cooled single-cylinder engine that generates 20.2hp of power and 27Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The Triumph Speed 400, on the other hand, has a 398.15cc high-revving liquid-cooled engine that produces 39.5hp of power and 37.5Nm of torque, with a 6-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch.

In engine technology, the Hunter 350 runs an air-oil-cooled, SOHC, 2-valve setup, while the Speed 400 comes with a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve engine. The Hunter 350's engine delivers 20.2bhp of power at 6,100rpm and 27Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, while the Speed 400's engine produces 39.5bhp of power at 8,000rpm and 37.5Nm of torque at 6,500rpm.

Despite this difference in power, there is not much difference in the weight of the two bikes. The Hunter 350 weighs 181kg while the Triumph Speed 400 weighs 179kg. Because of this, the Speed 400 gets the benefit of a better power-to-weight ratio and picks up speed faster. In terms of mileage, the Hunter 350 is ahead, giving 36.2kmpl, while the Speed 400 gives around 27kmpl.

On chassis and braking, the Triumph Speed 400 gets a 300mm front disc brake with a 4-piston radial caliper, offering a sportier braking experience. The Hunter 350 has a 300mm front disc brake with a simple twin-piston floating caliper. On suspension, the Speed 400 has a rear monoshock with an external reservoir and preload adjustment, giving a better riding experience at high speeds or on bad roads. The Hunter 350 has twin shock absorbers with 6-step preload adjustment, which are much easier to maintain and service. Seat height also differs, with the Hunter 350's seat at 790mm and the Speed 400's seat at 803mm, though both bikes are easy to ride and handle.

For everyday city riding and good performance at low cost, the Hunter 350 is an economical option. For those who want more performance, strong speed and modern features, the Triumph Speed 400 is the better choice. Whether to spend more for more power or keep the monthly EMI lower will decide your buying decision.