The Indian motorcycle market has always had a special place for retro-styled bikes. From the timeless Royal Enfield to the growing competition from Jawa, Yezdi, and others, riders in India appreciate the old-school design blended with modern technology. Honda, one of the most trusted two-wheeler manufacturers in India, entered this segment with the Honda H’ness CB 350, and later followed it up with the CB 350 RS and updated models. The CB 350 quickly made its mark by combining classic styling, advanced features, smooth performance, and Honda’s reliability.
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the Honda CB 350, covering its design, features, performance, comfort, pricing, and why it is becoming a popular choice among riders looking for the perfect retro-modern motorcycle.
1. Design and Styling – Retro Done Right
The first thing that strikes you about the Honda CB 350 is its vintage-inspired design. At first glance, it looks like a motorcycle that pays tribute to Honda’s iconic CB series from the 1970s. The large round LED headlamp, chrome elements, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and the long, comfortable seat give it an unmistakable old-school appeal.
Honda has managed to strike the right balance between retro charm and modern practicality. For example, the CB 350 comes with all-LED lighting (headlamp, indicators, and tail lamp), which gives it modern functionality while retaining the classic look. The chrome fenders, exhaust pipe, and tank accents further enhance its premium retro feel.
For riders who prefer a slightly sportier stance, Honda also offers the Honda CB 350 RS, which has more aggressive styling with a shorter rear fender, blacked-out parts, and sportier colors. This makes the CB 350 lineup suitable for both purists who want a classic machine and younger riders who want something stylish and modern.
2. Engine and Performance – Smooth Yet Powerful
At the heart of the Honda CB 350 is a 348.36cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine. This motor produces 20.78 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 30 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. While these numbers may not sound overwhelming, the CB 350 is tuned to deliver linear, smooth, and usable performance, especially at low and mid-range RPMs.
The standout feature is the strong low-end torque. The bike pulls effortlessly from lower revs, making it perfect for city riding and relaxed highway cruising. You don’t need to constantly shift gears, which is a blessing in traffic conditions.
The 5-speed gearbox is refined and works seamlessly with Honda’s assist and slipper clutch, which reduces lever effort and prevents wheel hop during aggressive downshifts. This enhances both comfort and safety.
Another key advantage of the CB 350 is its refined and vibration-free nature. Unlike some rivals that produce noticeable vibrations at higher speeds, Honda has ensured that the CB 350 remains smooth even when cruising at 90–100 km/h on highways.
3. Ride and Handling – Comfort Above All
The Honda CB 350 is built on a half-duplex cradle frame, which offers good stability and rigidity. The suspension setup consists of telescopic front forks and twin hydraulic rear shock absorbers. This setup has been tuned for Indian roads, providing a comfortable ride over potholes, uneven surfaces, and long-distance touring.
The seat is wide and well-cushioned, ensuring that both the rider and pillion are comfortable even on long rides. The upright handlebar and mid-set foot pegs give the rider a relaxed and commanding riding posture, perfect for long touring as well as city commutes.
The bike runs on 19-inch front and 18-inch rear alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, ensuring better stability and road grip. Braking duties are handled by a 310mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, supported by dual-channel ABS. The brakes inspire confidence, whether you’re riding in the city or braking hard on highways.
Overall, the CB 350 offers a well-balanced ride, excelling in both comfort and handling. It is not meant for aggressive cornering but handles bends and curves with confidence.
4. Technology and Features – Retro Meets Modern
Even though the CB 350 looks retro, it comes packed with modern features that make it stand out in its segment. Some key highlights include:
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC): This is Honda’s traction control system, a rare feature in this segment. It prevents wheel spin on slippery surfaces, adding an extra layer of safety.
- All-LED Lighting: From the headlamp to the tail lamp, everything is LED for better visibility and efficiency.
- Digital-Analog Instrument Cluster: The speedometer retains a classic analog look, but the digital inset displays gear position, fuel level, distance-to-empty, average mileage, and battery voltage.
- Bluetooth Connectivity (on DLX Pro variant): Riders can connect their smartphones via Honda’s Smartphone Voice Control System (HSVCS) for features like music, calls, and navigation prompts.
- Assist and Slipper Clutch: Makes gear shifts smoother and reduces clutch effort.
- Dual-channel ABS: Enhances braking confidence.
These features show how Honda has combined the old-school design language with modern-day practicality and technology.
5. Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
One of the biggest factors for Indian buyers is fuel efficiency, and the Honda CB 350 delivers well in this department. On average, the CB 350 offers 30–35 km/l, depending on riding conditions and style. With a 15-litre fuel tank, the bike can comfortably cover over 400–450 km on a full tank, making it an excellent choice for long-distance riders and tourers.
6. Variants and Pricing
Honda offers the CB 350 in different variants, ensuring that customers can choose based on their budget and requirements:
- Honda H’ness CB 350 DLX – The standard variant with all essential features.
- Honda H’ness CB 350 DLX Pro – Adds dual-tone colors, Bluetooth connectivity, and more premium touches.
- Honda CB 350 RS – A sportier, modern version with blacked-out styling and shorter fenders.
- Honda CB 350 Legacy Edition (new) – A tribute to Honda’s heritage with special color schemes.
The prices (ex-showroom) typically range between ₹2 lakh – ₹2.15 lakh, making the CB 350 a competitive offering against rivals like Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa 42, and Yezdi Roadster.
7. Honda CB 350 vs. Rivals
The biggest rival to the CB 350 is undoubtedly the Royal Enfield Classic 350, which dominates the retro motorcycle segment in India. While the Classic 350 has a larger fan base and heritage, the CB 350 offers a smoother engine, more advanced features like traction control, and Honda’s bulletproof reliability.
Compared to Jawa and Yezdi, the CB 350 feels more refined and reliable, though Jawa motorcycles have a sportier character. Honda’s nationwide service network and long-term trust factor also work strongly in its favor.
8. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Smooth and refined engine
- Comfortable riding posture for long rides
- Advanced features like traction control and Bluetooth
- Retro styling with premium finish
- Reliable and fuel-efficient
Cons:
- Slightly higher price than some rivals
- Limited sales and service outlets (sold mainly via Honda BigWing dealerships)
- Not as powerful as some modern 350cc bikes
9. Who Should Buy the Honda CB 350?
The Honda CB 350 is best suited for riders who:
- Want a reliable retro motorcycle with modern features.
- Prefer smooth performance and comfort over raw power.
- Are looking for a touring-friendly bike with good mileage and low vibrations.
- Value Honda’s after-sales service and reliability.
Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend rider, or someone planning long road trips, the CB 350 fits the bill perfectly.
Conclusion
The Honda CB 350 is not just another retro motorcycle; it is Honda’s bold statement in a segment dominated by heritage-heavy brands. By offering a motorcycle that combines classic looks, smooth performance, advanced features, and Honda’s trusted reliability, the CB 350 has carved a niche for itself.
For riders who want the charm of the past with the convenience of the present, the Honda CB 350 is undoubtedly one of the best choices in India today. With its comfort, refinement, and long-distance capability, it’s a motorcycle that delivers an experience beyond just commuting—it offers a lifestyle.