Royal Enfield Bullet 350: Same Price, Different Choices

Not really a fan of the Bullet? Well, there’s an incredible variety of bikes you can choose from, for a similar price

The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is not just a bike, but an icon that evokes nostalgia and heritage. Its solid metal body and classic thump have resonated with Indians for generations. Perhaps that’s what keeps its timeless styling, relaxed ergonomics, and most importantly, its personality unchanged for decades. But this can be a double-edged sword as some may not like the unchanged looks. 

If you’re one of them, you’d be glad to know the market is crowded with exciting options, from modern-classic roadsters to performance-oriented sports bikes in the Rs 1.63-2.04 lakh price bracket.

Honda CB350

Price: Rs 1.97 - 2.00 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Honda CB350 also takes design inspiration from its ancestors, but filters its retro charm through modern engineering and refinement. Its long-stroke, 348cc air-cooled engine makes  21PS and 29.5Nm. Mated to a five-speed gearbox, this motor has been tuned for smooth power delivery rather than outright performance.

Along with a high-grade fit and finish, the CB350 offers a host of features like all-LED lighting, dual-channel ABS, and traction control. Its comfortable, upright riding posture, wide seat, and large 15.2-litre fuel tank make long-distance riding feel effortless. And all that makes it a more refined alternative to the Bullet’s old-school appeal, while also looking somewhat similar.

Jawa 42 Bobber

Price: Rs 1.93 - 2.17 lakh (ex-showroom)

For those enchanted by old-world design but craving a little extra zest, the Jawa 42 Bobber is a compelling option. With a low-slung, single-seat, dual straight-pipe-like exhausts, and an authentic hardtail bobber look, this motorcycle appears like a piece of art on wheels.

The riding posture has been kept a bit on the sportier side, but what provides it with an actual sporty edge is its 334cc liquid-cooled engine that churns out 30PS and 30Nm. It comes paired with a six-speed gearbox. Its monoshock and  wide rear tyre keeps it dynamically sporty too. Moreover, all-LED lighting, a digital console, and dual-channel ABS give a modern touch to its classic appeal.

Bajaj Dominar 250 

Price: Rs 1.78 lakh (ex-showroom)

Stepping away from the retro nostalgia, the Bajaj Dominar 250 aims squarely at those who value performance and versatility. It is powered by a 249cc liquid-cooled engine that produces  27PS and 23.5Nm. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch.

Based on a rigid perimeter beam frame with an inverted fork, the Dominar 250 offers good handling for a cruiser. The instrument cluster, along with Bluetooth connectivity, also gets features like dual-channel ABS, switchable traction control, and four ABS modes. Its aggressive styling blended with comfort and performance is what makes it a true pocket-friendly performance cruiser.

TVS Apache RTX 300

Price: Rs 1.99 - 2.34 lakh (ex-showroom)

While the higher variants of the TVS Apache RTX 300 are a bit more expensive, even its base variant is better specced than any other bike on this list. This do-it-all ADV pushes performance in this price segment to a whole new level with its 299cc, liquid-cooled motor making 36PS and 28.5Nm. Its six-speed gearbox doesn’t just get a slipper clutch, but also the option of a bidirectional quickshifter.

A rally-inspired styling, dynamic LED headlamp, and long-travel suspension setup make the Apache RTX 300 a go-anywhere touring machine. What inspires riders to travel further are its large wheels shod with wide dual-purpose tyres and its class-above electronics package including switchable ABS, multi-level traction control, and four riding modes. Cruise control and a full suite of smartphone connectivity, including Google Maps phone mirroring on the dash, are also offered for added convenience. That said, the feature list may vary depending on the variant.

Yamaha R15 V4 M

Price: Rs 1.81 - 1.91 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Yamaha R15 V4M is a sportier option of the already sporty R15 V4. It adds an R1-inspired paint scheme and even a MotoGP theme option on the sharp, aerodynamic fairing. It also gets a connected TFT colour display, along with a standard quickshifter, which is an optional extra on the standard version.

The R15 V4 M looks sporty, and offers a committed riding posture, so you’ll have to be wary of it if you’re commuting often. But on the flip side, it offers superb handling. This along with the peppy 18.4PS, 14.2Nm engine makes it a fun-to-ride motorcycle - a great choice if you were to learn and improve your riding skills (in a safe environment, of course).