The motorcycle market in India is abuzz with excitement as Honda introduces its retro-styled H’ness CB350, a bike designed to take on the iconic Royal Enfield Bullet. Combining classic aesthetics with modern technology, the H’ness CB350 is Honda’s attempt to capture the mid-size cruiser segment long dominated by Royal Enfield. With its unique blend of features, premium build quality, and competitive pricing, the CB350 is emerging as a strong contender for riders seeking performance, comfort, and heritage-inspired design.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the specifications, features, pricing, and how the Honda H’ness CB350 stacks up against the Royal Enfield Bullet.
Design and Styling: Retro Meets Modern
The Honda H’ness CB350 draws inspiration from Honda’s legacy models, boasting a retro design with contemporary touches. Its round LED headlamp, chrome-finished mirrors, and a muscular fuel tank give it a timeless appeal. On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Bullet retains its classic, old-school design that has been a hallmark for decades, featuring a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, retro-style fenders, and metal bodywork.
| Feature | Honda H’ness CB350 | Royal Enfield Bullet |
|---|---|---|
| Headlamp | LED | Halogen |
| Instrument Cluster | Semi-digital | Analog |
| Exhaust Styling | Chrome-finished | Matte/Chrome Options |
| Seat Type | Single-piece flat seat | Classic flat seat |
While the Bullet leans heavily on nostalgia, the CB350 blends retro charm with modern functionality, appealing to younger riders and tech-savvy enthusiasts.
Performance and Engine
The Honda H’ness CB350 is powered by a 348.36cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 20.8 bhp and 30 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch for smoother gear shifts. Meanwhile, the Royal Enfield Bullet comes equipped with a 346cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, delivering 19.1 bhp and 28 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
| Specification | Honda H’ness CB350 | Royal Enfield Bullet |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Capacity | 348.36cc | 346cc |
| Power Output | 20.8 bhp | 19.1 bhp |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed with slipper clutch | 5-speed |
| Top Speed | 125 km/h | 110 km/h |
The H’ness CB350 has a slight edge in terms of power and torque, offering a more refined riding experience, while the Bullet maintains its signature thumping feel.
Ride and Handling
One of the key selling points of the Honda H’ness CB350 is its smooth and vibration-free performance, thanks to Honda’s engineering expertise. The bike comes equipped with telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, ensuring a balanced and comfortable ride. The addition of traction control (Honda Selectable Torque Control) is a game-changer in this segment, enhancing rider safety on slippery roads.
The Royal Enfield Bullet, on the other hand, offers a raw and rugged riding experience. While its suspension setup (telescopic forks and twin rear shocks) is similar to the CB350, the Bullet’s heavier build and old-school engineering result in more pronounced vibrations, which some riders appreciate for their nostalgic charm.
| Feature | Honda H’ness CB350 | Royal Enfield Bullet |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension (Front) | Telescopic Forks | Telescopic Forks |
| Suspension (Rear) | Twin Shock Absorbers | Twin Shock Absorbers |
| Weight | 181 kg | 191 kg |
| Traction Control | Yes | No |
Technology and Features
Honda has outfitted the H’ness CB350 with several modern features that set it apart from the competition. It includes a semi-digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and call/message alerts. The bike also features an assist and slipper clutch, ensuring smoother rides during urban commutes and highway cruising.
The Royal Enfield Bullet, while staying true to its retro roots, lacks such advanced features. Its analog instrument cluster, though charming, doesn’t cater to the needs of tech-savvy riders.
| Feature | Honda H’ness CB350 | Royal Enfield Bullet |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument Cluster | Semi-digital with Bluetooth | Analog |
| Navigation | Turn-by-turn | No |
| Call Alerts | Yes | No |
| Slipper Clutch | Yes | No |
Safety Features
The H’ness CB350 takes safety seriously with features like dual-channel ABS, a traction control system, and disc brakes on both ends. In comparison, the Royal Enfield Bullet offers single-channel ABS as standard, with a rear drum brake on certain variants.
| Safety Feature | Honda H’ness CB350 | Royal Enfield Bullet |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Dual-channel | Single-channel |
| Front Brake | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brake | Disc | Drum/Disc (variant-based) |
Pricing and Variants
The Honda H’ness CB350 is available in two variants: DLX and DLX Pro, with prices starting at ₹2.10 lakhs (ex-showroom). The Royal Enfield Bullet, on the other hand, starts at a more affordable ₹1.73 lakhs (ex-showroom), making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
| Variant | Honda H’ness CB350 | Royal Enfield Bullet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | ₹2.10 Lakhs | ₹1.73 Lakhs |
| Top-End Price | ₹2.15 Lakhs | ₹1.90 Lakhs |
While the Bullet is more affordable, the CB350 justifies its higher price with advanced features and superior refinement.
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Conclusion
The Honda H’ness CB350 is a bold step by Honda to challenge the Royal Enfield Bullet’s dominance in the retro-cruiser segment. With its refined engine, modern features, and comfortable ride quality, the CB350 appeals to riders who want a classic-looking bike with modern-day practicality. However, the Bullet remains a strong contender, offering a timeless design, nostalgic charm, and affordability.
For riders seeking a tech-rich, smoother riding experience, the H’ness CB350 is a clear winner. On the other hand, those who value tradition and rugged simplicity might still gravitate towards the Royal Enfield Bullet. Ultimately, both bikes cater to different audiences, and the choice boils down to individual preferences.