All-new Honda CB350 launched in India at Rs 2 lakh: Price, specifications, changes
Although it is likely to have the same engine and underpinnings as the existing CB350 model, the new bike borrows several styling cues from its Royal Enfield rival.
Honda has launched a new model on its CB350 air-cooled single-cylinder platform. There are only a few glimpses of the motorcycle available at the moment, but even these brief glimpses reveal many strong similarities with the Royal Enfield Classic 350, giving us a clear idea of who Honda is aiming at.
Perhaps the biggest clues suggesting Classic 350 rivalry lie ahead of the upcoming Honda. It sports a traditional telescopic fork like the current CB350 model, but the upper portion of the fork legs has a shroud that makes it look almost like an upside-down fork, exactly like what you see on a Classic 350. There are also supports running from near the axle to each end of the front fender, which is again similar to what you’ll find on the Classic.
The fuel tank also appears different from the existing CB350 model, with a more teardrop shape and knee recesses featuring the tank pad. The handlebar grips and silver bar-end weights are also areas of similarity to the RE, and they also reveal that the bike will stick with cable-operated throttle and not use ride-by-wire. Honda has stopped copying the rotary-style switches, and this new bike will continue with the traditional switches seen on the H’ness and CB350RS.
It will almost certainly sport the same 348cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, and the output figures of 21hp and 30Nm should also remain unchanged. News of Honda’s new 350cc model first came when the Japanese manufacturer revealed its EV roadmap for India in March this year. With teasers online now, the official unveiling and price announcement is expected before the end of the year.
The H’ness is currently priced between Rs 2.10 lakh-Rs 2.16 lakh, while the Classic 350 sells for Rs 1.93 lakh-Rs 2.25 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi). You can expect the new 350cc model to sit in this ballpark, possibly a little above Rs 2 lakh.
