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The battle for supremacy in the middle-weight retro-classic segment of the Indian two-wheeler market has now reached its most interesting turn. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has launched its extremely popular 350cc motorcycle lineup with a brand new avatar and advanced upgrades. To directly challenge Royal Enfield, which has been ruling this segment for a long time, the Japanese two-wheeler giant has completely changed its strategy. Honda’s H’ness CB350, CB350RS and the classic profile CB350 have not only been equipped with new technical standards but have also added many modern features keeping in mind the everyday needs and safety of the riders. Automobile sector experts believe that after this update, the competition in the market for Royal Enfield’s Classic 350, Bullet 350 and Hunter 350 is going to be tougher than ever.
The biggest change Honda has made in its 350cc series is at the level of engine tuning and compliance. The new models have been upgraded to meet stringent on-board diagnostics i.e. OBD-2B standards, which provide real-time emissions monitoring. With this, this entire range is now fully compatible to run on 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol i.e. E20 fuel. This will reduce the damage to the environment and the fuel efficiency of the engine will also remain better. The company has made the Honda Smartphone Voice Control System even more user-friendly in the premium variants of these bikes. Riders can now connect their smartphone to the instrument console via Bluetooth to control navigation, incoming calls, message alerts and music playback without taking their hands off the handle.
Apart from this, on the design front too, Honda has tried to capture the pulse of young buyers. To further deepen the retro look, new color schemes have been introduced, which include matte finishes as well as glossy metallic and dual-tone options. The 3D Honda wing logo and chrome finishing on the tank have been given an even more premium touch, making it stand out as soon as you hit the road.
Mechanically, Honda has retained confidence in its reliable powertrain, but its throttle response has been made smoother than before. These bikes have a 348.36cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine. This powertrain generates maximum power of approximately 20.78 bhp at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 30 Newton meters at just 3,000 rpm. This 30 Nm of torque delivered at low RPM eliminates the hassle of frequent gear changes in heavy city traffic, while also helping the bike maintain top speed seamlessly while cruising on the highway.
A 5-speed gearbox is paired with this engine, which is equipped with assist and slipper clutch technology. This feature not only makes gear shifting smooth as butter, but also prevents the rear wheel from locking or slipping when suddenly downshifting at high speed. The clutch lever feels extremely light, which does not put any pressure on the rider’s wrist during bumper-to-bumper traffic in the cities.
Honda’s 350cc range has always been known for its advanced technology compared to the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Hunter 350. Honda has provided selectable torque control i.e. traction control system in its bikes, which is not seen in most of the bikes in this segment. This system protects the rider from falls by instantly controlling the power delivery in case of rear wheel slip in rain, wet roads or sandy surfaces. Additionally, disc brakes on both wheels and dual-channel anti-lock braking system are available as standard, ensuring precise and safe braking in emergency situations.
For suspension duty, 41 mm telescopic forks have been provided at the front and twin hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. The chassis balance and weight distribution is such that despite weighing over 180 kg, the bike feels extremely light while taking turns and cutting through traffic. LED headlamps, LED taillights and LED winkers fully justify its modern-retro character.
The biggest reasons for Royal Enfield’s dominance in the Indian market have been its traditional status, signature exhaust sound and service network present in every corner of the country. Honda is rapidly expanding its premium ‘Bigwing’ dealership network to bridge this gap. Now Bigwing outlets are also being opened in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities so that customers in rural and semi-urban areas can also get uninterrupted access to servicing and spare parts.
Honda’s 350cc bikes are most attracting those riders who want the classic retro look but want to avoid heavy vibrations coming from the engine. Honda’s engine is known for its silent character and vibration-free cruising, due to which the rider does not feel tired during long distance journeys. Now with new upgrades and customization kits, Honda has made it clear that it does not want to remain just an option in the retro segment, but wants to be at the forefront in the race for leadership.