Royal Enfield Classic 350 remains India's best-known retro cruiser motorcycle but it's no longer the only serious option in this space. Honda, Jawa, and Triumph have all built genuine 350-400cc rivals over the past few years, some with stronger engines and better mileage. These include the likes of the Jawa 350, Honda CB350 and Triumph Speed 400. Interestingly, one of the options comes from Royal Enfield's own stable in the form of the Hunter 350. So before you sign the booking form, here are five bikes worth riding first.
Honda CB350 - Rs 1.97 Lakh, ex-showroom
The Honda CB350 runs a 348.36cc air-cooled engine making around 21 bhp and 30 Nm paired with a 5-speed gearbox and dual-channel ABS as standard. ARAI-claimed mileage sits between 42-46 kmpl depending on the variant, comfortably
ahead of most rivals here. Kerb weight is around 181-187kg with an 800mm seat height that keeps it accessible for most riders.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 - Rs 1.38 Lakh, ex-showroom
If you want the Royal Enfield Classic 350's engine character without the price or weight, the Hunter 350 is built on the same J-series platform. It uses a 349cc engine producing 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm, returns an ARAI-claimed 36.2 kmpl and weighs just 181kg. This makes it the lightest bike on this list. The trade-off is a smaller 13-litre tank and a more compact, less touring-focused riding position.
Jawa 42 FJ - Rs 2.05 Lakh, ex-showroom
The Jawa 42 FJ stands out for its 334cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine which makes a genuinely higher 28.6 hp and 29.6 Nm than most bikes in this segment paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Claimed mileage runs around 30-32 kmpl and kerb weight is 184kg. It's worth a test ride specifically if outright engine refinement and stronger top-end power matter more to you than vintage styling.
Jawa 350 - Rs 2.20 Lakh, ex-showroom
Jawa's more classically styled cruiser uses the same 334cc engine family, but in a milder tune producing around 22.3 bhp and 28.1 Nm, run through a 6-speed gearbox. ARAI-claimed mileage is around 28-30 kmpl with a 184kg kerb weight and 790mm seat height. It leans closer to the Classic 350's retro brief than the sportier 42 FJ does.
Triumph Speed 400 - Rs 2.34 Lakh, ex-showroom
The priciest bike here is the Triumph Speed 400 with a 349cc single-cylinder unit producing 36.4 hp and 32 Nm. It comes with a 6-speed gearbox, dual-channel ABS as well as a 790mm seat height with claimed mileage around 30 kmpl. If you're willing to stretch your budget, this is the one that feels least like a typical retro commuter and most like an actual performance roadster underneath the styling.
