Divyank Kushagra Bansal 
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is perhaps one of the most sought-after offerings in the retro-classic segment in India. A few years ago, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) also ventured into the segment by launching the CB350 H’ness, which was soon followed by a sportier version, the CB350 RS. And now, Honda has added a third model to its 350cc line-up, simply called the CB350. The CB350 has been launched in India in two variants (DLX & DLX Pro), priced at ₹199,990 and ₹217,800, respectively. Like the other two models, the new CB350 will also be sold via HMSI’s premium BigWing dealerships and HMSI is also offering a 10-year warranty package (three-year standard + seven-year optional coverage) for it. Buyers have the option to choose from a collection of five new colours: Precious Red Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Crust Metallic, Matte Marshal Green Metallic, and Matte Dune Brown.
Unfortunately, the CB350 looks like a badge-engineered version of the Classic 350. From the extended front and rear metal fenders and metallic covers on the telescopic front fork to the split-seat layout and peashooter-style exhaust (with a claimed ‘low-pitch’ sound), the CB350’s resemblance to the Classic 350 is simply uncanny! Not to mention the similarities in the colour options and pricing (the RE Classic 350 range in India starts from around ₹1.9 lakh) as well. Going after a competitor is one thing, but Honda’s latest effort comes across as a bit too blatant.
The new CB350 is powered by the same drivetrain and underpinned by the same chassis as the H’ness and CB350RS. This means the CB350 is propelled by Honda’s BS6 OBD-II-compliant 348.36cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor that develops 21PS @ 5,500rpm and 29.4Nm of torque @ 3,000rpm. It is paired with a five-speed gearbox.
The list of features also remains more or less the same as that on the H’ness and CB350RS. The CB350 comes with all-LED lighting, an assist & slipper clutch, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS), dual-channel ABS, and 18-inch 14-spoke alloy wheels. There’s also a heritage-inspired digital-analogue instrument cluster on offer to strengthen the CB350’s retro appeal.
