Honda has teased a new model on its CB350 air-cooled single-cylinder platform. Only a few glimpses of the motorcycle are available at the moment, but even these little peeks reveal a number of very strong similarities to the Royal Enfield Classic 350, giving us a clear idea of who Honda is targeting.
Perhaps the biggest clues suggesting a Classic 350 rivalry are at the front end of the upcoming Honda. It sports a conventional telescopic fork, like the existing CB350 models, but the upper section of the fork legs feature a shroud that makes it look almost like an upside-down fork, exactly like you see on the Classic 350. There are also supports running from near the axle to each end of the front fender, which is once again very similar to what you’ll find on the Classic.
The fuel tank also appears different to the existing CB350 models, with more of a teardrop shape, and knee recesses featuring tank pads. Handlebar grips and the silver bar-end weights are also areas of similarity to the RE, and they also reveal that the bike will stick with a cable-operated throttle and not use ride-by-wire. Honda has stopped short of copying the rotary-style switches, and this new bike will continue with the conventional switches seen on the H’ness and CB350RS.
It will also almost certainly sport the same 348cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, and the output figures of 21hp and 30Nm should also remain unchanged. The news of a new 350cc model from Honda first arrived when the Japanese manufacturer revealed its EV roadmap for India back in March this year. With teasers now online, expect an official unveil and price announcement before the end of the year.
The H’ness is currently priced between Rs 2.10 lakh and 2.16 lakh, while the Classic 350 sells for Rs 1.93 lakh-2.25 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi). You can expect the new 350cc model to sit in this ballpark, likely just above the Rs 2 lakh mark.