In India’s ever-expanding entry-level retro motorcycle segment, two names now stand head-to-head – the Kawasaki W175 2025 model and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Both bikes aim to deliver a blend of old-school charm and modern usability, but they take very different routes to reach the same destination. With the W175 getting updated for 2025 and the Hunter continuing to attract young urban riders, the retro war is heating up.
Let’s break down how these two motorcycles compare in real-world appeal, performance, pricing, and value.
Design & Styling – Two Shades of Retro
At first glance, the Kawasaki W175 screams classic British-era motorcycle design. Its round headlamp, spoked wheels, long flat seat, and teardrop tank keep things minimalistic. The 2025 model doesn’t deviate much but introduces new paint schemes and minor detailing tweaks to keep things fresh.
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350, on the other hand, blends neo-retro with urban aggression. Its stubby stance, alloy wheels, and slightly sportier design make it feel more modern than classic. It’s targeted at younger riders who want heritage without the baggage of too much nostalgia.
In terms of pure retro design, the W175 stays truer to the vintage roots, while the Hunter redefines what retro means for today’s cities.
Engine & Performance – Air-cooled vs Refined Thumper
The Kawasaki W175 is powered by a 177cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing around 13 PS and 13.2 Nm of torque. It’s tuned for calm cruising and offers a lightweight riding experience at just 135 kg.
In comparison, the Hunter 350 features Royal Enfield’s J-series 349cc engine, which delivers 20.4 PS and 27 Nm. It’s heavier at 181 kg, but also significantly more powerful. The engine is refined, smooth, and offers better highway confidence.
While the W175 is easy to handle and excellent for short urban runs, the Hunter feels more versatile and mature, especially for longer commutes or weekend rides.
Features & Tech – Simplicity vs Practicality
Kawasaki has kept things extremely basic on the W175. No digital console, no Bluetooth, no fancy electronics. You get a basic analog speedometer and that’s about it. While purists may love the simplicity, it might feel outdated in today’s smartphone-connected world.
The Royal Enfield Hunter brings more practicality. It includes a digital-analog instrument cluster, optional Tripper navigation, better switchgear, and USB charging in some variants. While still retro in spirit, it caters better to modern-day needs.
Ride & Handling – Light vs Composed
The W175’s biggest strength lies in its lightweight chassis. At just 135 kg, it’s one of the lightest in its class and feels extremely nimble in traffic. Its soft suspension is tuned for comfort but can feel a bit bouncy at high speeds.
The Hunter 350 feels more planted and stable thanks to its weight and chassis tuning. The ride is balanced, and the suspension setup is ideal for mixed use – city streets and the occasional highway sprint.
For beginners and those looking for a lightweight bike, the W175 is easy to live with. But if comfort, stability, and confidence are the priority, the Hunter pulls ahead.
Price & Value – What You Pay For
The Kawasaki W175 2025 is priced at around ₹1.47 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the most affordable Kawasakis in India. But the lack of features and relatively modest performance could limit its mass appeal.
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 starts at around ₹1.49 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Retro variant and goes up to ₹1.74 lakh for the Metro variant. Despite being slightly costlier, the Hunter offers a more powerful engine, added tech, and better resale value.
Also Read: Honda CB200X 2025 vs Hero XPulse 200 4V – Entry-Level ADV Comparison
Final Verdict – Two Different Retro Roads
The Kawasaki W175 2025 stays true to vintage roots with simplicity, lightweight dynamics, and timeless styling. It’s ideal for riders who want a hassle-free classic motorcycle experience without too many frills.
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350, on the other hand, blends retro appeal with urban practicality. It’s better equipped, more powerful, and feels like a complete package for city riders with occasional long-distance ambitions.
In the end, it’s a battle of pure nostalgia vs practical retro. Whichever side you choose, India’s entry-level retro bike scene just got more exciting.
