Beyond the Hunter 350: Explore Your Options With These Used Bikes

Looking for a new motorcycle, but hesitant to pay top dollar for the latest model? That’s quite all right. You can find some incredible options for a fraction of the cost in the used bike market. 

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350, for example, currently costs a whopping Rs 1,96,870 (on-road) brand new. While it certainly has its merits, such as its classic design and comfortable ride, it's not the only option out there. We’ve listed down five of the best used bike options to consider if the Hunter 350 is out of your budget.

Yamaha R15 V3 - Rs 1,35,000

Model year: 2019

Km ridden: 4,800km

The Yamaha R15 V3 pr R15S is known for its powerful and tractable VVA engine, razor-sharp handling dynamics, and stylish design. It comes with a slipper clutch, LED headlamps and tail lamps, and a feature-packed LCD instrument console. 

All-in-all, It’s a competent bike that you can use to hone your riding skills, that is if you don't mind the committed riding position and feel that KTMs are too aggressive for you. That said, it’s still more practical than the previous two models. However, the more aggressive seating position is a price the rider will have to pay. It’s a genuine supersport you could afford and learn to live with. And for Rs 1.35 lakh, we’d call that a bargain. 

KTM 200 Duke - Rs 1,60,000

Model year: 2022

Km ridden: 2,100km

Speaking of KTMs, the 200 Duke set the foundation for the Austrian brand in India. It sold like hotcakes and still is one of the best 200cc bikes money can buy. It’s powerful, handles like a dream, and with its most recent design update, looks sharp as hell. 

While it still packs the same rev-happy motor, the transition from BS4 to BS6 emissions norms means it has gained some weight and lost some ground clearance in the process. The recent updates also command a great deal of money. A brand new 200 Duke, for instance, can set you back Rs 1,91,693 (ex-showroom Delhi). But in the used bike market, you could get a sparingly used one for almost Rs 30,000 cheaper. 

Hero Xpulse 200 - Rs 1,40,000

Model year: 2022

Km ridden: 5,800km

For just Rs 1.40 lakh, you can get your hands on the Hero XPulse 200 – a potent entry-level ADV that we’ve come to adore over the years. Yes, it had its fair share of issues, but Hero had worked tirelessly to iron most of them out. And the end result is a bike that anyone would love to have in their garage. 

It’s known for its rugged design, comfortable ride, and off-road capability. But more importantly, the kit has to offer all this at a price. You get a long-travel suspension, ample ground clearance, and spoked wheels with a 21-17 wheel setup. Hero also throws in an LED headlight, taillight, a digital instrument console, and a windscreen as standard. And if you’re keen to step it up a notch, you could opt for the rally kit which costs just Rs 34,000. This gets you adjustable suspension (front and back), an extended gear pedal, a rally seat, an extra long stand, handlebar risers, and knobby tyres. 

All this, and you’d still end up saving money compared to the Hunter 350.

• Check out Yamaha R15 V4 price

• Upcoming Hero bikes

• Harley-Davidson X350 vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Specification Comparison

Classic Jawa - Rs 1,50,000

Model year: 2021

Km ridden: 2,100km

Talk about nostalgia and the Classic Jawa is one of few motorcycles that come to mind apart from the Classic 350. It’s pure in every sense of the word but does get some modern elements to keep up with the competition. If you can look past the gruff engine which takes away its personality, the Jawa has a lot to offer. It has one of the best suspension setups in the segment, a design that’s bound to make heads turn and a chassis that adds to its riding dynamics. It works superbly as a classically styled alternative to a conventional 200cc bike.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 - Rs 1,60,000

Model year: 2021

Km ridden: 2,100km

Admittedly, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 is an oddball here, and not one we’d usually recommend because it isn’t practical. But the bike isn’t about being practical or logical, it’s about emotion. The Vitpilen is a motorcycle that really knows how to make an impression. Its sleek design forces a second glance from passersby. And it isn't all bark - the Vitpilen is actually pretty practical for everyday use, more so than the KTM RC 200. 

As for the 248.8cc motor accused of not being frantic enough for a KTM, well, it fits right into the play-it-cool Husky mould. The engine can tackle slow speeds without grumbling; but show it an open road and it will keep you grinning from ear to ear. It’s fast in a fun way, not manic. So if you want to steal the show, the Vitpilen 250 isn’t a bad option, especially at Rs 1.6 lakh.