Honda Hness CB350: In the ever-evolving landscape of India’s motorcycle market, the Honda Hness CB350 has emerged as a formidable contender, challenging the long-standing dominance of Royal Enfield in the 350cc segment. Since its debut in 2020, this modern classic has carved out a niche for itself, blending retro aesthetics with cutting-edge technology.
Design and Aesthetics
The Hness CB350 is a visual treat for enthusiasts of classic motorcycles. Its design pays homage to Honda’s legendary CB series while incorporating modern elements. The bike features a muscular fuel tank adorned with the iconic Honda wing logo, a round headlamp with LED lighting, and a sleek, chrome-tipped exhaust. The overall silhouette exudes a perfect balance of vintage charm and contemporary flair.
Available in a range of colors, including Precious Red Metallic, Pearl Nightstar Black, and Mat Marshall Green Metallic, the Hness CB350 offers riders the opportunity to express their personal style. The addition of the Legacy Edition in Pearl Siren Blue further expands the aesthetic choices for discerning buyers.
Power and Performance
At the heart of the Hness CB350 lies a 348.36cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This powerplant delivers a respectable 21PS of power at 5500rpm and 30Nm of torque at 3000rpm. While these figures might seem modest on paper, they translate to a riding experience that’s both engaging and relaxed – perfect for both city commutes and leisurely highway cruises.
The engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission featuring a slipper clutch, ensuring smooth gear shifts and reducing wheel hop during aggressive downshifts. Honda’s engineering prowess shines through in the bike’s refined performance, with minimal vibrations and a satisfying exhaust note that pays tribute to its classic roots.
Fuel efficiency, a crucial factor for Indian consumers, is impressive. The Hness CB350 boasts a claimed mileage of 45.8 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-efficient motorcycles in its class. This combination of performance and economy positions the Hness CB350 as a practical choice for daily riders and weekend tourers alike.
Technology and Features
Despite its retro appearance, the Hness CB350 is packed with modern technology. The bike features a semi-digital instrument cluster that provides a wealth of information, including a digital speedometer, fuel gauge, clock, and even a distance-to-empty indicator. Higher variants offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to access turn-by-turn navigation, receive call and message notifications, and control music playback – features typically found in more premium segments.
Safety hasn’t been overlooked, with the Hness CB350 equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard. The inclusion of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) – essentially a traction control system – is a segment-first feature, underlining Honda’s commitment to rider safety.
Other notable features include all-LED lighting, a hazard switch, and an engine start/stop switch. The higher-end variants also come with a USB charging port, adding to the bike’s practicality for modern riders.
Ride and Handling
Built on a half-duplex cradle frame, the Hness CB350 offers a comfortable and stable ride. The suspension setup, consisting of telescopic forks at the front and twin hydraulic shocks at the rear, is tuned to provide a plush ride over various road conditions. With a kerb weight of 181kg, the bike strikes a good balance between stability at high speeds and maneuverability in urban traffic.
The riding position is upright and comfortable, with the handlebars positioned to reduce strain on long rides. The 800mm seat height makes the bike accessible to riders of various statures, while the 166mm ground clearance ensures it can tackle most road imperfections with ease.
Braking duties are handled by a 310mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, providing confident stopping power. The inclusion of dual-channel ABS adds an extra layer of safety, especially in challenging road conditions.
Market Positioning and Competition
Priced between ₹2,09,857 and ₹2,16,356 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Honda Hness CB350 positions itself as a premium offering in the 350cc segment. This pricing strategy puts it in direct competition with established players like the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa 42, and the newly launched Hero Mavrick 440.
While it commands a slight premium over some of its rivals, the Hness CB350 justifies its price tag with superior build quality, advanced features, and the reliability associated with the Honda brand. The bike is available in four variants: DLX, DLX Pro, DLX Pro Chrome, and the top-end Legacy Edition, catering to different customer preferences and budgets.
Honda’s extensive dealership network and after-sales service reputation further strengthen the Hness CB350’s market position. The bike is sold through Honda’s premium BigWing dealerships, providing customers with a high-end buying experience.
Customer Reception and Future Outlook
Since its launch, the Honda Hness CB350 has received positive reviews from both critics and customers. Riders appreciate its blend of classic styling and modern features, smooth performance, and comfortable ride quality. The bike has found favor among urban riders looking for a stylish commuter with the ability to handle weekend getaways.
However, the motorcycle market is highly competitive, and Honda faces challenges in a segment dominated by established players with strong brand loyalty. The company has been proactive in addressing this, offering attractive schemes such as a ₹10,000 discount for riders aged 18-25, valid until September 30, 2024, for the first 5000 customers.
Looking ahead, Honda seems committed to expanding its presence in the premium motorcycle segment. The success of the Hness CB350 has paved the way for variants like the CB350RS, catering to different styling preferences. There are also rumors of Honda developing more models on this platform to further challenge the dominance of its competitors.
Conclusion
The Honda Hness CB350 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the 350cc segment in India. By successfully blending retro charm with modern technology and Honda’s renowned engineering, the bike offers a compelling alternative to traditional choices in this category.
As the Indian motorcycle market continues to mature, with riders increasingly looking for products that offer more than just basic transportation, the Hness CB350 stands out as a well-rounded package. It caters to those who appreciate classic aesthetics but aren’t willing to compromise on modern features and reliability.
While it may not have the decades-long legacy of some of its competitors, the Hness CB350 is quickly establishing itself as a modern classic in its own right. As Honda continues to refine and expand this platform, it’s clear that the battle for supremacy in the 350cc segment is far from over. For riders, this competition translates to better products, more choices, and ultimately, a richer motorcycling experience.
The Honda Hness CB350 isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a statement – one that declares Honda’s intention to redefine what riders can expect from a 350cc bike. As it continues to win hearts on Indian roads, the Hness CB350 is not just participating in the segment; it’s actively shaping its future.