After a long wait and considerable suspense, Honda has finally revealed its rival to Royal Enfield in India
The name is Honda H’ness CB350, launched at a starting price of approximately Rs 1.9 lakh (ex-showroom). The Honda CB350 roadster will be sold through the company’s premium ‘Honda Big Wing’ dealers.
H’ness is inspired by the Honda CB motorcycles of the 1960s that were distinguished by their round headlight, round rear view mirrors, chrome fenders and details, and a comfortable riding position. To understand how you will fare against your rivals, here is a quick comparison of Honda CB350 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Royal Enfield Meteor 350 vs Jawa 300. Please note that the Meteor 350 has yet to be released so the following Meteor 350 specs are via leaked material and are not official.
Design and styling
All four motorcycles have retro style and are offered with attractive color options. It is difficult to say which one has the best design and style, as it is a subjective matter and depends on individual tastes and preferences. All four bikes share some features in common, such as round headlights, teardrop gauges, and liberal use of chrome bits. These bikes have a comfortable riding posture and are designed for long-distance travel.
Dimensions
There are no significant differences in the length, width, and height of the CB350, Meteor, Classic 350, and Jawa. Speaking of ground clearance, which might determine off-road capabilities, the Meteor and CB350 are best placed at 170mm and 166mm, respectively. In comparison, the Classic 350 has a ground clearance of 135mm.
In terms of wheelbase that can influence stability, Honda CB350 leads the group with 1,441mm. On the downside, a longer wheelbase can negatively affect the handling of a motorcycle. In terms of curb weight, Jawa is the lightest at 172kg. CB350 ranks second at 181kg, while Classic 350 is the heaviest at 195kg.
Motor
While CB350 works with a 348 cc engine, Meteor and Classic 350 have 349cc and 346cc engines. Jawa has a 293cc engine, but its 26hp output is the highest in this group. CB350 is in second place with a power of 21 hp. Meteor and Classic 350 have an equivalent power output of 20.2 bhp and 19.1 bhp, respectively.
In terms of torque, CB350 takes the lead with 30 Nm at 3000 rpm. They are followed by Classic 350, Jawa and Meteor at 28 Nm, 27.05 Nm and 27 Nm, respectively. Speaking of transmission, all except Jawa have a 5 speed transmission. Jawa is equipped with a 6-speed gearbox.
Chassis and suspension
While CB350 uses a half-duplex cradle frame, Classic 350 and Jawa are equipped with a single downtube and a double-cradle frame, respectively. All four bikes have telescopic front forks. The rear suspension on the CB350 and Jawa are twin hydraulic units, while the Meteor and Classic 350 have adjustable twin springs and gas-charged twin shocks, respectively. All four bikes have disc brakes at both ends and are equipped with dual channel ABS.
Honda CB350 and RE Meteor 350 get alloy wheels, while two others get spoke wheels. Front tire in 100 / 90-19 inches on CB350 and Meteor 350 while on Classic 350 it is 120/80 – 18 inches. Jawa gets a 17-inch front tire with a 120/80 section. The CB350 rear tire measures 130 / 70-18 inches, while the Meteor 350 gets 140 / 70-17 inches, which is the fatter rear tire in the segment. Classic and Jawa have 120/80 rear section tires, but the former gets 18 inches while the latter gets 17 inches.
Features and warranty
To dispel any doubts in the minds of customers, Honda has equipped the CB350 with a range of pioneering features in its segment. These give the CB350 a definite edge over its rivals. They are available across the entire range, including design and style, performance, technology, comfort and safety. Starting with the visuals, CB350 comes with the first in its segment LED headlight and LED taillight with ring-type flashing lights. This adds a majestic look to the bike and improves its style quotient.
In terms of performance, CB350 has selectable torque control It prevents rear wheel slippage caused by sudden acceleration. This feature also improves ride quality in variable terrain and environments. Another key feature of the segment is the assist and the slipper clutch, which ensures a smoother deceleration and less fatigue for the rider.
In the technology department, CB350 is equipped with the segment’s first Bluetooth-based connectivity system. It allows users to seamlessly access phone calls, music, messages, and turn-by-turn navigation. The color options offered are 6, of which 3 are two-tone.
Honda CB350 uses an advanced instrument console that displays various segment-first information such as average mileage, real-time mileage, battery voltage, gear position, and distance to empty. In terms of safety, the motorcycle is equipped with the first in its segment engine start / stop switch, emergency switch and side stand indicator with engine stop.
The warranty on board the Honda CB350 is standard 3 years. You have the option of purchasing a 3-year extended warranty, making it a 6-year full warranty. No other motorcycle in the segment offers a 6-year warranty. Royal Enfield Classic 350 BS6 comes with a 2-year warranty, which can be extended for 3 years, making a total of 5 years. Jawa offers the lowest warranty. The Meteor 350 warranty according to the leaked information is 3 years / 30k kms. RE could offer a 3-year extended warranty when it launches.
Price
Meteor and Classic 350 are the most affordable motorcycles in this group, available at a starting price of Rs 1.68 lakh (expected) and Rs 1.69 lakh, respectively. Next up is Jawa, which is available at Rs 1.83 lakh. Honda CB350 is the most expensive at Rs 1.9 lakh (expected).
Royal Enfield – Undisputed King of the 350cc segment
Royal Enfield is the best-selling brand in the 350cc segment: it sells more than 45,000 units every month (Classic 350, Bullet 350, Electra 350). With the Meteor 350 soon released, RE can expect sales to increase even more. Will the Honda CB350 succeed in ending RE’s monopoly in the segment?
Based on initial impressions of the Honda CB350, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Royal Enfield finally has a formidable challenger. Jawa had evoked similar feelings at the time of its release, but things did not progress as expected due to considerable delays in deliveries and quality problems. These issues are unlikely to occur with Honda.
However, things will not be easy for Honda either as customer perceptions are difficult to change. Royal Enfield motorcycles enjoy cult status, something that would be a challenge to conquer. CB350 is the most expensive motorcycle in this segment, which is another factor that can influence the purchasing decisions of customers. Another reason that could prevent the CB350 from becoming a bestseller is that it will only be sold through the Big Wing dealer network, which has barely a nationwide presence.
On the positive side, things that could work in favor of Honda CB350 They include its understated elegance, a host of top-of-the-line features, and the confidence and dependability that comes with the Honda brand. CB350 can create its own fans, including folks looking for an upgrade and some of your existing Royal Enfield fans wanting to try something new. It would be interesting to see how this battle plays out in the coming months.
