Hero Mavrick 440 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Newbie Is Up Against Veteran

Hero enters the entry-level cruiser segment with its debut offering - the Mavrick 440. It challenges the long-standing popularity of Royal Enfield's quintessential Classic 350. Can the Mavrick shake up this space?

• The muscular Mavrick impresses with its power advantage but the Classic banks on its timeless appeal and refinement.
• The 449cc single-cylinder engine of Mavrick makes 44hp and 43Nm torque while Classic's 346cc motor churns out 20hp, 27Nm.
• At 179kg, the Mavrick is substantially lighter than the 195kg Classic 350 enabling better handling.
• The Mavrick promises more features but the Classic wins on fit-finish and brand appeal.
• Pricing starts at Rs. 2.7 lakhs for Mavrick 440 while Classic 350 retails from Rs. 2.1 lakhs.

Marking its foray into the lucrative sub-500cc category, Hero unveils the power-packed Mavrick 440 targeting Royal Enfield's stronghold in the entry-level cruiser space with the Classic 350.

The homegrown bikemaker aims to disrupt Royal Enfield's dominance with aggressive pricing and stronger performance on the rookie Mavrick 440.

Hero Mavrick 440 vs RE Classic 350: Design and Styling

Showcasing a quintessential cruiser silhouette, the Hero Mavrick 440 gets a teardrop-shaped LED headlamp flanked by wide handlebars and muscular fuel tank extensions. The stubby exhaust muffler adds to the bike's street presence.

Sporting 16-inch front and 15-inch rear alloy wheels paired with fat rubber, chopped rear fender, knuckle guards on the handlebar and striking paint options; the design leans towards a masculine power cruiser ethos.

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 carries forward its characteristic retro-classic styling highlighted by the round headlamp, tear-drop tank and sprung-saddle seat. The overall aesthetics ooze vintage appeal and nostalgia.

Signature styling elements like the brightwork trims, chrome exhaust and circular rear-view mirrors define the timeless design which continues to win hearts globally. The Classic 350 remains ahead on sheer character and road presence.

Hero Mavrick 440 vs RE Classic 350: Ergonomics and Features

The Hero Mavrick 440 aims for an accessible and comfortable riding position. The front-set footpegs and medium-width handlebars result in an upright stance. Large single-piece seat offers adequate room for rider and pillion.

An all-LED lighting system, digital-analog speedometer and switchgear controlling hazard lights, USB charger portray its modern appeal. 17-liter fuel tank promises a riding range of over 500km. The fit-finish is par for the segment.

The spacious saddle seat and mid-set footpegs on the Classic 350 translate into an upright and relaxed riding position. The seating suits shorter and taller riders both.

It is equipped with tripper navigation pod and USB charging port. The switchgear and instrument cluster get subtle updates but fit-finish levels are excellent conveying a premium feel. The 13-liter tank offers a range of over 400km.

Hero Mavrick 440 vs RE Classic 350: Engine and Performance

Hero has equipped the rookie Mavrick 440 with a bigger 449cc single-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed transmission. This advanced motor produces 44hp power and 43Nm torque.

Optimized for stronger low and mid-range grunt, the engine delivers punchy performance. The 0-100kmph sprint takes just 5 seconds highlighting its advantage over the Classic 350. Vibrations are also well contained.

Royal Enfield continues using the proven 346cc single-cylinder motor now updated to BS6 compliance. It makes 20hp power and 27Nm torque paired to a 5-speed gearbox. This unit focuses more on tractable power and refinement.

While the Classic 350 feels relaxed at low and mid revs, it understandably lacks the acceleration and top-end punch of the bigger and more powerful Mavrick. Vibrations are lower but performance is modest.

Hero Mavrick 440 vs RE Classic 350: Underpinnings and Braking

Riding on conventional telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers, the Mavrick 440 leans towards ride comfort over sharp handling. The 280mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes work well but lack bite. Dual-channel ABS is standard.

With similar suspension components, the heavier Classic 350 manages a more balanced ride quality and respectable handling for a cruiser. The bigger 300mm front and 270mm rear discs offer strong stopping power aided by dual-channel ABS.

Hero Mavrick 440 vs RE Classic 350: Dimensions, Weight and Capacity

The Hero Mavrick 440 measures 2160mm long, 825mm wide and stands 1115mm tall on a 1450mm wheelbase. It weighs just 179kg and holds 17-liters of fuel.

With a length of 2145mm, width of 785mm, height of 1105mm and 1370mm wheelbase; the Classic 350 is the smaller bike here. It tips the scale at 195kg and gets a 13-liter fuel tank.

The Mavrick 440's lower kerb weight compared to the portly Classic 350 translates into better acceleration, handling and maneuverability. The 17-liter fuel tank also returns a higher cruising range.

Hero Mavrick 440 vs RE Classic 350: Pricing and Colors

• The Hero Mavrick 440 price starts at Rs. 2.1 lakhs ex-showroom. It is offered in colors like Red, Blue, Gray and Green.
• Royal Enfield Classic 350 is priced from Rs. 2 lakhs ex-showroom. It comes in options like Dark Stealth Black, Mercury Silver, Signals Marsh Grey and many more dual-tone paint schemes.

The newest entrant - Hero Mavrick 440 enjoys a pricing advantage of around Rs. 60,000 over the Royal Enfield Classic 350. This adds to its appeal in terms of value and cost of ownership against the Chennai-based bikemaker's revered offering.

Verdict

The arrival of Hero's first cruiser - the Mavrick 440 promises to disrupt Royal Enfield's enduring popularity in the sub-500cc space. And on paper, the Mavrick impresses with its power advantage, energetic performance and pricing that undercuts the Classic 350 considerably.

But the Chennai brand's quintessential retro-classic still enjoys unparalleled appeal blending nostalgia and modern reliability. For most buyers, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 remains the default choice with its timeless design, refinement, riding comfort and brand cachet. Though the Mavrick expands the playing field excitingly!