Honda has expanded its CB range with the all-new H’Ness CB350, which has been revealed today. And yes, that is an abbreviation for the word ‘highness.’ First things first, it comes with a 348cc, single-cylinder motor which produces 20.7 bhp at 5500 rpm and 3.05 kgm at 3000 rpm. This long-stroke engine comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The CB350 also makes use of a half-duplex cradle frame in steel pipe, which helps provide a lower centre of gravity. The CB350 will come in two variants – DLX and DLX Pro. From the styling though, it’s clear that this is a retro-themed motorcycle which borrows heavily from the CBs of yore.
Honda has hinted at a price of around Rs 1.9 lakh (ex-showroom). Given all that we know, the CB350 will compete against the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Jawa. We’ll have more on that around the festive period though, which is when Honda will announce the pricing. Although it may look like a classic, the CB350 comes with modern features like Bluetooth-connectivity, full-LED lights all around, Honda Smartphone Voice Control system, Honda Selectable Torque Control, spoked alloy wheels, a slipper clutch and more. The CB350 is shod in 19-inch tyres at the front and 18-inch tyres at the rear.
The CB350 is also equipped with a part-digital instrument cluster in a single pod structure. It shows a variety of information like HSTC, ABS, side stand indicator with engine inhibitor, ECO indicator, mileage features, HSVCS, gear position indicator and battery voltage meter. There’s even three modes to the fuel efficiency reading – real-time mileage, average mileage and distance to empty. One other important piece of information you want to know is the fact that H’Ness CB350 will be sold at Honda’s Big Wing dealerships.
In the safety department, the H’Ness CB350 gets dual-channel ABS along with dual disc brakes, which is certainly nice to see. Honda is providing a 3-year standard warranty, which can be extended for another 3 years. It tips the scale at 181 kilograms and has a 15-litre fuel tank. The DLX variant comes in three colour options – Precious Red Metallic, Pearl Night Star Black and Mat Marshal Green Metallic, while the DLX Pro comes in dual-tone colours like – Athletic Blue Metallic & Virtuous White, Pearl Night Star Black & Spear Silver Metallic and Mat Steel Black Metallic & Mat Massive Grey Metallic.
