The retro bike trend in India is growing stronger, and two very different machines are taking center stage in this space: the Yamaha FZ-X and the Harley-Davidson X350. These bikes come from opposite ends of the motorcycle world—one is a budget-friendly urban commuter, while the other is a premium cruiser from a legendary global brand.

Both have retro styling and aim to attract riders who want something classic-looking but still fit for modern roads. But which one is better for Indian roads, riders, and pockets in 2025? Let’s compare them in detail.

Design: Retro Charm in Two Flavors

The Yamaha FZ-X brings in “neo-retro” styling, meaning it combines classic looks with modern touches. It has a round LED headlamp, metal tank shrouds, a simple tuck-and-roll seat, and a very upright riding position. Inspired by Yamaha’s global XSR series, this bike is designed for city riders who want style with practicality.

On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson X350 carries bold, cruiser-inspired looks. It has a muscular fuel tank, large exhaust, and a short tail section that gives it a big-bike feel. Though it’s co-developed with QJMotor in China, the X350 stays true to Harley’s brand identity. It definitely looks more powerful and premium than most 350cc bikes in the Indian market.

Engine and Performance: Smooth City Rider vs Highway Cruiser

When it comes to performance, these two bikes couldn’t be more different.

The Yamaha FZ-X is powered by a 149cc single-cylinder engine, which produces 12.4 PS of power and 13.3 Nm of torque. It’s tuned for smooth, relaxed riding and is perfect for daily commuting. Its 5-speed gearbox offers a comfortable and easy experience, especially for beginners and urban riders.

In contrast, the Harley-Davidson X350 comes with a 353cc parallel-twin engine, delivering a much more exciting 36.2 PS of power and 31 Nm of torque. It uses a 6-speed gearbox and is clearly designed for riders who want more performance, especially on highways and longer rides.

If you’re looking for simple, efficient riding, the FZ-X will do the job. But if you want speed, thrill, and highway comfort, the X350 is the clear winner.

Comfort and Ride: Daily Use vs Enthusiast Ride

The Yamaha FZ-X offers excellent riding comfort. With a wide handlebar, soft seat, and upright posture, it’s perfect for city traffic and daily commutes. The telescopic front forks and monoshock rear suspension provide decent cushioning on rough city roads.

The Harley-Davidson X350 has a slightly aggressive posture. While it’s not as extreme as traditional cruisers, it leans forward a bit more. Its suspension is firmer, which is better for high-speed control, but might not feel as comfortable in everyday city traffic or on pothole-ridden roads.

Features: Practical Tech vs Classic Minimalism

The FZ-X comes equipped with features that appeal to today’s tech-savvy riders. It has:

• LED headlamp and taillamp
• Bluetooth connectivity via the Yamaha Y-Connect app
• USB charging port
• Digital instrument cluster

These features make it modern without making it complicated.

The X350, however, takes a simpler route. It offers LED lighting and basic analog-digital instrumentation. There are no advanced electronics, but the brand focuses more on giving riders a pure riding experience rather than gadget-filled dashboards.

Pricing: Budget Commuter vs Premium Entry-Cruiser

Price is where these bikes show a big gap.

• The Yamaha FZ-X is priced around ₹1.39 lakh (ex-showroom). This makes it a great choice for students, office-goers, and anyone looking for a daily-use motorcycle that doesn’t burn a hole in the wallet.
• The Harley-Davidson X350, on the other hand, is expected to be priced at around ₹3.5 lakh or more (ex-showroom). This makes it a premium offering, even though it’s Harley’s entry-level model.

Final Verdict: Two Bikes, Two Different Roads

These two retro-styled bikes are built for very different kinds of riders:

• The Yamaha FZ-X is ideal for those who want a reliable, stylish, and affordable city bike. It’s low on maintenance, light on the pocket, and easy to ride—especially for beginners or everyday commuters.
• The Harley-Davidson X350 is better suited for enthusiasts who want a cruiser feel and global brand value. It delivers more power, more road presence, and an authentic Harley experience—without having to spend over ₹10 lakh.

So, if you’re looking for value and practicality, go with the FZ-X. But if you want power, brand prestige, and highway thrills, the X350 will be worth the extra cost.