Choosing between two of Royal Enfield’s most popular bikes — the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and the Hunter 350 — can be a tough decision, especially if you’re comparing them based on price and value. Both bikes cater to different riding preferences and budgets. While the Continental GT 650 is built for speed, performance, and retro styling, the Hunter 350 focuses on agility, urban practicality, and affordability. In this detailed comparison, we’ll help you decide which one suits your needs better in 2025, especially when price is your primary concern.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650: A Retro Performance Machine

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is inspired by the classic café racer design of the 1960s and continues to carry that retro charm with modern engineering. With a 648cc parallel-twin engine, it’s among the most powerful motorcycles in Royal Enfield’s lineup. This bike is for those who crave a blend of vintage aesthetics with a performance-oriented ride.

In 2025, the price of the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 starts at approximately ₹3.19 lakh and goes up to around ₹3.45 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and colour you choose. The price reflects its premium engineering, high-performance engine, and solid build quality.

What truly sets this bike apart is the performance. The 648cc engine delivers 47 bhp of power and 52 Nm of torque, which is perfect for long highway rides and high-speed cruising. The 6-speed gearbox, slipper clutch, and dual-channel ABS further enhance the riding experience. While the fuel efficiency lies in the range of 25-28 km/l, it’s important to note that this motorcycle isn’t about saving fuel — it’s about enjoying every twist of the throttle.

Hunter 350: The Urban Warrior

If you’re looking for a more compact, agile, and city-friendly bike, the Hunter 350 is designed exactly for that. It’s stylish, modern, and light, making it perfect for everyday commutes and weekend getaways. Despite being the most affordable Royal Enfield bike in 2025, it doesn’t compromise on quality or performance.

Speaking of the Hunter 350 price, in 2025, it starts at approximately ₹1.49 lakh and goes up to ₹1.74 lakh (ex-showroom). That’s almost half the price of the Continental GT 650, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers or first-time riders.

The Hunter 350 is powered by a 349cc air-oil cooled engine that produces 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. While it’s not as powerful as the GT 650, the bike is responsive, smooth, and comfortable in city traffic. Its 5-speed gearbox and agile handling make it a joy to ride on urban roads. Moreover, it delivers a mileage of around 35-40 km/l, which is a major advantage for daily riders.

Price Comparison and Practicality

When it comes to pricing alone, the Hunter 350 is the clear winner. It offers a modern riding experience, fuel efficiency, and affordability in one attractive package. It’s especially ideal for new riders, young professionals, or anyone looking for a stylish yet budget-friendly motorcycle. The lower insurance and maintenance costs also add to its appeal.

On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is almost double the price of the Hunter 350. But with that price, you’re paying for a different class of motorcycling. It brings in twin-cylinder performance, better stability at higher speeds, and an overall premium riding experience. If budget isn’t your primary concern and you’re looking for performance and heritage in one package, the GT 650 is a solid investment.

Who Should Buy the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650?

You should go for the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 if you’re someone who loves long-distance rides, speed, and classic retro styling. It’s a bike that commands attention and offers unmatched road presence. This motorcycle is best suited for experienced riders or enthusiasts who appreciate engine refinement, power delivery, and sophisticated handling.

If you ride mostly on highways, want a machine that can handle long tours, and don’t mind spending above ₹3 lakh for a premium experience, the GT 650 is made for you. It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s a lifestyle statement.

Who Should Buy the Hunter 350?

If you’re someone who prioritises value for money, fuel efficiency, ease of handling, and affordability, the Hunter 350 is the ideal bike for you. It’s a fantastic choice for city dwellers, college students, young professionals, and daily commuters. Even though it comes with a smaller engine, the performance is adequate for both short weekend rides and regular office commutes.

The Hunter 350 price makes it one of the most practical Royal Enfield bikes in India today. It offers the brand’s signature thump, strong road grip, and impressive fuel economy — all without burning a hole in your pocket.

Riding Experience: City vs Highway

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is built for open roads. It feels more at home on highways and long stretches, thanks to its powerful engine and weight distribution. However, its heavier body and wider turning radius make it slightly challenging in tight city lanes and stop-and-go traffic.

The Hunter 350, by contrast, is nimble, easy to manoeuvre, and compact, making it an excellent city bike. Its lightweight build helps with quick direction changes, narrow turns, and parking in tight spaces — things the GT 650 can struggle with.

Mileage and Maintenance

If fuel efficiency matters to you, the Hunter 350 again scores higher. With a real-world mileage of 35-40 km/l, it’s much more economical to ride daily. The Continental GT 650, with a mileage of around 25-28 km/l, is more thirsty, as expected from a twin-cylinder motorcycle.

Maintenance costs for the GT 650 are also slightly higher due to its complex engine configuration and premium components. Meanwhile, the Hunter 350 is cheaper to maintain and has a simpler engine that’s easier on the wallet during regular servicing.

Final Thoughts: Which One is Worth Your Money?

If you’re buying a motorcycle based solely on price, then the Hunter 350 is the clear winner. It is one of the most affordable Royal Enfield models and offers a great balance of style, performance, and efficiency. For daily commutes and short rides, it’s more than enough.

However, if your budget allows and you’re looking for a motorcycle that offers more thrill, heritage, and highway performance, then the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is worth every rupee. It’s a refined machine that offers a premium riding experience, stunning retro design, and the prestige of owning a twin-cylinder Royal Enfield.

In conclusion, both motorcycles serve different purposes. Your choice should be based on how and where you plan to ride, and how much you’re willing to spend. Whether you choose the bold power of the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 or the nimble charm of the Hunter 350, you’re getting a bike that proudly carries Royal Enfield’s legacy forward.

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