Having teased a new bike recently, Honda has now added a third model to its 350cc line-up to take on the Royal Enfield Classic 350. Simply called the CB350, it bears an uncanny resemblance to the RE, but is powered by the same engine and underpinned by the same chassis as the H’ness CB350 and CB350RS.
This means that you get a 21hp, 29Nm, 348cc, air-cooled single-cylinder engine, and this power output is the same as other Honda CB350 models. On the features front too, you get the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS) like you do on the H’ness, all-LED lighting, an assist & slipper clutch and traction control.
In terms of appearance, though, it has far more in common with the Classic 350 than it does with anything Honda has ever produced. Right from the shrouded telescopic fork to the peashooter-style exhaust and the design of the fenders, the similarities are plain to see. It’s a little disappointing to see the extent to which Honda has imitated its rival, and the end result is a motorcycle that, visually at least, comes across as rather unoriginal.
As far as price is concerned, the CB350 is being offered in a base DLX variant (Rs 2 lakh) and a DLX Pro version (Rs 2.18 lakh). The latter is the only one to receive the HSVCS and traction control.
All prices ex-showroom, Delhi
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
