Honda H’ness CB350: Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has made a significant entry into the mid-size motorcycle segment with the launch of the H’ness CB350. Unveiled globally on September 30, 2020, this new offering from Honda aims to compete with established players in the market. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting new motorcycle.
Launch and Pricing
The Honda H’ness CB350 was introduced with an attractive introductory price of Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram). This competitive pricing strategy clearly indicates Honda’s intention to make a strong impact in the mid-size motorcycle segment.
The motorcycle is available in two variants:
1. DLX: Priced at Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram)
2. DLX Pro: Priced at Rs 1.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram)
Bookings for the H’ness CB350 began on the day of its unveiling, with deliveries scheduled to start from October 17, 2020. The motorcycle will be sold exclusively through Honda’s premium BigWing dealerships.
Design and Features
The H’ness CB350 boasts a blend of classic styling with modern features, making it an attractive option for both traditional and contemporary motorcycle enthusiasts. Some of the key features include:
1. Full-LED headlamp and taillamp with winkers
2. Chrome-plated exhaust and mirrors, adding a premium touch
3. Digital-analogue instrument panel, combining classic looks with modern functionality
4. Honda selectable torque control for improved riding dynamics
5. Assist and slipper clutch for smoother gear shifts
6. Engine start/stop switch and hazard switch for convenience and safety
The DLX Pro variant offers additional features such as:
- Honda Smartphone voice control system
- Dual-horn for enhanced safety
These features position the H’ness CB350 as a well-equipped contender in its segment, offering a mix of style, technology, and practicality.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Honda H’ness CB350 is a robust engine designed for both power and efficiency:
- Engine Type: 348.36cc, 4-stroke, OHC, air-cooled, single-cylinder, Fi engine
- Power Output: 20.8bhp
- Torque: 30Nm
- Transmission: Five-speed gearbox
This powertrain configuration suggests that the H’ness CB350 is tuned for a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for both city riding and highway cruising.
Chassis and Suspension
The H’ness CB350 is built on a solid foundation, ensuring stability and comfort:
- Frame: Half-duplex cradle frame
- Front Suspension: Telescopic
- Rear Suspension: Twin hydraulic shocks
This setup indicates that Honda has focused on providing a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics.
Wheels and Brakes
The motorcycle features a combination of wheel sizes and robust braking systems:
- Front Wheel: 19-inch alloy with a 310mm disc brake
- Rear Wheel: 18-inch alloy with a 240mm disc brake
- Safety Feature: Dual-channel ABS on both variants
This configuration suggests good stability and strong braking performance, essential for a motorcycle in this segment.
Color Options
Honda offers a range of color choices to suit different tastes:
DLX Variant (Monotone colors):
- Pearl Night Star Black
- Matte Marshal Green Metallic
- Precious Red Metallic
DLX Pro Variant (Dual-tone colors):
- Pearl Night Star Black with Spear Silver Metallic
- Athletic Blue Metallic with Virtuous White
- Matte Steel Black Metallic with Matte Massive Grey Metallic
These color options allow buyers to choose a style that best reflects their personality.
Warranty and After-Sales Support
Honda provides a standard three-year warranty with the H’ness CB350, which can be extended for an additional three years. This warranty offer demonstrates Honda’s confidence in the product and provides peace of mind to buyers.
Market Position and Competition
The Honda H’ness CB350 enters a competitive segment, challenging established models such as:
- Royal Enfield Classic 350
- Jawa
- Benelli Imperiale 400
With its combination of features, performance, and competitive pricing, the H’ness CB350 is positioned to make a significant impact in this market.
Conclusion
The Honda H’ness CB350 represents a strong entry by Honda into the mid-size motorcycle segment in India. By blending classic styling with modern features and technology, Honda has created a motorcycle that appeals to a wide range of riders. The competitive pricing, coupled with Honda’s reputation for quality and reliability, makes the H’ness CB350 a compelling option for buyers in this segment.
As the motorcycle hits the roads and more riders get their hands on it, it will be interesting to see how it performs in real-world conditions and how it stacks up against its established competitors. With its attractive feature set, robust engine, and the backing of Honda’s extensive service network, the H’ness CB350 has the potential to shake up the mid-size motorcycle market in India.
For prospective buyers looking for a blend of classic style, modern features, and reliable performance in the 350cc segment, the Honda H’ness CB350 certainly warrants serious consideration. As deliveries begin and more units hit the road, the true success of this new entrant in the market will become clearer.