Are you among those young people dreaming of buying their first bike this year? If yes, and you’re drawn to retro-style bikes, you’ll definitely be eyeing the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Jawa 42. The good news is that with the GST reduction on bikes with engines under 350cc, these dreams are now more achievable than ever before. The prices of both bikes have dropped by ₹13,000 to ₹16,000, making them even more affordable. But the question remains: which one will be the right choice for you? Let’s clear up this confusion today and tell you which of these two bikes is perfect for you with the new prices.

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Price

First and foremost – price. After the GST reduction, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 now starts at just ₹1.37 lakh (ex-showroom). This price makes it a very attractive option for first-time bike buyers. On the other hand, the Jawa 42 starts at ₹1.59 lakh. Thus, the Hunter 350 is about ₹22,000 cheaper than the Jawa 42. If your budget is tight and you want maximum value for money, the Hunter 350 appears to be ahead in this round.

Engine and Performance

Now let’s talk about the heart of the matter, the engine. It’s important to understand that these two bikes offer different experiences.
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 features a 349cc single-cylinder, air-oil-cooled engine that produces 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. Its focus is on a smooth and comfortable ride. It feels very comfortable and controlled on crowded city roads. Its 5-speed gearbox comes with a slip-and-assist clutch, making gear changes easier in traffic. The Jawa 42 is a unique offering. It’s powered by a 294.72cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine that produces a whopping 27.32 PS. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, the bike feels more agile and sporty on the highway. If you’re a speed junkie and enjoy long road trips, the Jawa 42’s performance may appeal to you.

Mileage

In India, where petrol prices are constantly skyrocketing, mileage is a key factor for any bike buyer. Here, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 once again wins the race. Its ARAI-certified mileage is 36.2 kmpl, which easily translates to 32-34 kmpl on real-world roads. Meanwhile, the Jawa 42’s ARAI-claimed mileage is 33 kmpl, but in real-world conditions, it hovers around 28-30 kmpl. If you commute to work or college daily and have a long daily commute, the Hunter 350 will deliver better mileage and keep your monthly expenses under control.

Style and Convenience

The Hunter 350 has an urban-retro look, which is very appealing to urban youth. It features a digital-analog instrument cluster with features like trip navigation. Modern features like USB-C fast charging and an LED headlight make it even more attractive. Its seat height is 790mm, which is perfect for most riders. The Jawa 42 has a more classic and bold look, reminiscent of old-school bikes. It features an analog-digital speedometer and LED taillight. Its seat height is 765mm, which may be a bit more suitable for shorter riders. In terms of safety, both bikes are equipped with dual-channel ABS and disc brakes on both sides.

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If your priority is low price, good mileage, and a great and comfortable bike for everyday riding, then the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is the perfect choice for you. It won’t put much strain on your pocket and will provide full performance for everyday riding. However, if you’re a fan of power and sporty performance, have a slightly higher budget, and are looking for a bold and classic look, then the Jawa 42 is the bike for you. This bike will give you the adrenaline rush you’re looking for.