The 350cc segment in India is a battlefield, and for the longest time, Royal Enfield has been the undisputed king. But when Honda introduced the H’ness CB350 and the sportier CB350RS, they promised a smoother, smarter, and more reliable alternative. But is it really the perfect bike?
We have dug into the official specs, new customisation options, and—most importantly—real owner reviews to give you the honest truth.
1. Why Everyone Is Talking About the Looks
If you love that retro aesthetic, Honda has played a massive card. To keep things fresh against rivals like the Royal Enfield Hunter and TVS Ronin, Honda has launched custom accessory kits that completely change the bike’s vibe.
- The Cafe Racer Kit: Want a sporty look? For the H’ness, this kit costs roughly Rs 22,600 and includes a seat cowl, flyscreen, and headlight cowl.
- The Touring Pack: Planning a long ride to Ladakh? For Rs 17,600, you get knuckle guards, luggage panniers, and a trail rack.
- The Budget Option: For the CB350RS, kits start as low as Rs 7,500.
The Takeaway: You don’t need to go to a third-party mechanic to make your bike look unique anymore.
2. The Tech That Royal Enfield Missed
This is where the Honda CB350 truly shines. It isn’t just a metal box with wheels; it is loaded with features that make life easier:
- Smart Torque Control: It features the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which helps maintain traction—a first in this segment.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The instrument cluster connects to your smartphone, allowing you to manage navigation, music, and calls right from the handlebar.
- Slipper Clutch: This makes gear shifts incredibly smooth and reduces fatigue in stop-and-go city traffic.
In comparison, the Classic 350 feels a bit “old school,” lacking these fancy modern electronics.
3. The Ride Experience: Butter vs. Thump
If you hate vibrations, the Honda CB350 is likely your winner.
- Refinement: The engine is widely praised for being smooth. Unlike the Classic 350, which vibrates as you climb the revs, the Honda CB350 offers a refined experience, making it excellent for city commuting.
- Handling: It is lighter and has better weight balance than the Classic 350, making it easier to handle in traffic and around corners.
However, if you want that heavy, ground-shaking “thump” and low-end torque that pulls like a tractor, the Classic 350 still holds the crown.
4. The “Secret” Issues No One Tells You
Here is the part where we need to be real. While the engine is refined, recent long-term ownership reports have surfaced on platforms like Reddit, and they are not all positive.
Real users have reported the following concerns:
- Reliability Worries: Some owners have faced issues with tappet noise and cylinder head wear after hitting the 8,000–9,000 km mark.
- Rust & Paint: Despite Honda’s reputation for quality, there have been complaints about paint peeling off the tank and rust developing on shocks.
- Parts Availability: Unlike Royal Enfield, where you can find spares in almost any village mechanic’s shop, Honda BigWing parts can sometimes be harder to source quickly, leaving bikes stuck in service centres.
One owner even noted that while the engine is refined, “refined engine doesn’t mean reliable,” highlighting frustrations with service centres calling abnormal noises “normal”.
5. Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Honda CB350 is a fantastic machine if you prioritise modern technology, a lightweight feel, and a vibration-free ride. It is a “head-turner,” especially with the new cafe racer or touring kits. if you want a bike that feels indestructible, has a massive service network, and retains high resale value, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 remains the safer bet.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes